Chapter 64

CHAPTER 64

I ran down the path, trying to find Max in the rapids. I saw them finally, downstream, fighting the current and each other, and I ran after them, trying to think of how to save Max.

And then Betty was there with Fernanda's harness and lead rope. "What the hell is going on?"

I didn't bother to answer, just kept running, and Betty hustled along behind me, Fernanda behind her. And Maggs was there; Betty must have gone to the cottage first and let her out.

Max and Geoffrey slammed against a boulder, which held them in place for a few moments, allowing me to get downstream of them.

Betty threw the harness over Fernanda's head and tied the lead rope around my waist. "You get Max and hold on. We'll get you back to shore," she said and pointed me toward the river.

I didn't even think, I just jumped in and God, it was cold, but I could see Max and Geoffrey upstream from me, getting swept down, closer to me now, fighting furiously in the water. They were free of the boulder and coming toward me as I battled the current to stay in place.

Then they were right there and I grabbed onto Max, the first he knew I was there, and wrapped myself around him, holding onto him, and even as he met my eyes, startled, he put his arms around me, and I felt the rope go taut. Geoffrey screamed, " Rose! " but Betty and Fernanda were slowly but surely pulling us back to shore. We managed to scramble up the bank as Fernanda pulled harder, and then we were safe on dry land.

We sat there shivering for a moment and then I said, for the first time, "I love you."

"Evidently," Max said and kissed me. When we came up for air, he said, "Don't ever do that again."

And then he looked out at the river and frowned, and I followed his eyes.

Geoffrey was gone.