Chapter 120

Less than an hour later, they had Steve boarded on a National Guard helicopter headed for Sparta. There was a better trauma center north, but the weather in that direction dictated that the hospital in Sparta was to be their destination. As they flew, Brad made the call to Gwen.

“Gwen! Steve’s alive, but he’s in pretty bad shape. We have him in a chopper and we’re headed for the Sparta hospital. I promise you that we’ll do our best for him! I can’t talk now but I’ll see you at the hospital."

Ashley and Charlotte gathered Gwen in their arms as she cried uncontrollably. Both women feared the answer to the question that was on everyone’s mind, so they simply held her and waited. After about minute, Gwen wiped her eyes and turned to her friends.

“My boyfriend’s back!” was all she managed before tears once again raced down her cheeks and sobs wracked her body once again.

Uncertain of her exact meaning, Charlotte and Ashley Summers looked at each other with questio