Brides of Alaska by Tracie Peterson Read Free Book Online

had my duck down comforter. It’s of little use to anyone back at my cabin.”
    â€œWe’ve got a goose down mattress on Pa’s bed,” August said hopefully. “Could we make use of it?”
    â€œWe might be able to cut it open at one end and slide Julie inside,” Sam replied in an eager tone. “Would your father mind?”
    â€œNot if it’s going to save Julie’s life,” August said, dusting his hands off as he got to his feet. “It belonged to my mother. It was her most beloved possession. She always said it was like sleeping on a cloud. She wouldn’t even use it for everyday. Come on,” he motioned. “Let’s go get it.”
    Sam helped August remove all the bedding, and together they pulled the mattress off the bed.
    â€œI can manage this,” Sam said as he hoisted the mattress on his back. “You get some of those rocks. Get the flattest ones and we’ll put them under Julie. The rest we can put over and around her.”
    â€œThat ought to warm her up,” August said and went to retrieve the rocks from the fire.
    Julie moaned, speaking in her delirium. “Tried to find the way,” she whispered. “Papa!”
    â€œI’m here, darling,” Vern said as he finished buttoning the dry flannel shirt he’d just clothed his daughter in. He patted Julie’s arm and talked loudly to her.
    â€œYou can’t sleep now, my Jewels. It’s time to wake up. Come on, we’re all waiting for you.”
    â€œToo tired,” Julie whispered. “Let me sleep.”
    Just then Sam entered the room, bringing in the feather mattress.
    â€œIf you don’t object, I’d like to cut this open and put Julie inside. I think the goose down will warm her faster than the wool blankets.”
    â€œThat’s brilliant, Sam,” Vern said as he pulled a knife from its sheath on his belt and handed it to him. “Be my guest.”
    Sam sliced the end of the mattress open just as August came in with a tray of warmed rocks.
    â€œThis is going to be a real team effort,” Sam said as goose feathers puffed out of the open end of the mattress. “Vern, if you can hold this, I’ll lift Julie while August arranges the rocks on her bed. After he’s finished, we’ll put the mattress on the rocks and put Julie inside it.”
    The father and son nodded. Sam went to Julie’s bedside. She looked so pale and helpless. Her dark hair spread out around her, making her face seem unnaturally white.
    Sam thought she looked beautiful, more beautiful than any other woman he’d known. He’d lost his heart to her and prayed that she’d live long enough for him to share a place in her heart.
    Cradling Julie as though she were a child, Sam stepped back and let August and Vern work. It was only a matter of seconds before they were ready to put Julie inside the mattress. Together, they eased her down into the goose feathers.
    â€œNow, August, how about some more of those rocks? We can pack them all around the sides and put some on top as well,” Sam said as he pulled the mattress up to meet just under Julie’s chin.
    Julie murmured incoherent words as the men worked around her.
    â€œI’ll get some coffee on the stove and warm some cider. That way we can start getting her insides warmed up as well,” Vern suggested. “Sam, would you mind staying with her?”
    â€œYou know I wouldn’t. Go on. I’ll be here, friend,” Sam replied, and Vern hurried from the room.
    When Vern returned, he took turns with Sam and August forcing warm fluids into Julie’s mouth. The passing hours filled the men with apprehension. Were they doing enough or had they forgotten something?

    As warmth entered Julie’s body, she felt as though the blood were thawing in her veins. Pain roused her to consciousness. When she opened her eyes, Sam’s face stared back at