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homes or telling Jeff it’s what his doctor recommends?”
    â€œNeither,” she said with a sigh.
    â€œI’m surprised you even agreed to come up for the week, you’re so busy protecting your father.”
    â€œPlease, Max, let’s not argue. I just got here.”
    â€œWe have some things to discuss this week, Karinne. Either we settle them, or…”
    â€œOr what?” Karinne asked. “You’re giving me an ultimatum?”
    â€œAt least I’m willing to give something new a try for the sake of our relationship. Which is more than you’ll do. You’re going to argue, aren’t you?”
    Karinne sighed again and turned her head away. He could rarely say no to her. Maybe that was his problem. Max relented.
    â€œYou and Anita have breakfast? Did you bring boots? Hats?”
    Karinne nodded. “We ate. And we have everything ready for the hike down.”
    â€œHow about a mule ride?”
    â€œBut…I thought they were booked.”
    â€œThe park service had two cancellations. They said we could have the slots if we’d piggyback their mule-pack gear down with our regular chopper load supplies,” Max said, referring to the chopper delivery service the concessionsoften used. “One couple can ride, the other can fly. Your choice.”
    Karinne nodded. “Anita would love the flight. I’d rather savor the quiet. And you.”
    â€œWe might lose the sun again,” Max warned, smiling at her response.
    â€œThat’s not a very romantic answer,” Karinne replied.
    â€œI’m saving the romance for after tonight, since we’ll be in a dorm. Sorry, but all we’re allowed is a good-night kiss.”
    â€œI can drag that out for quite a while,” she said merrily.
    â€œMs. Cavanaugh, you’re a woman after my own heart.”

Chapter Four
    Bright Angel Trailhead,
South Rim, Grand Canyon
    The sun finally broke through the clouds as the four regrouped in the parking area outside the small airport that served the Grand Canyon.
    â€œAre you positive you don’t want to take the helicopter?” Anita tried to hide her eagerness.
    â€œI’ve been. You go,” Karinne replied. “This will be your first time, won’t it?” she asked, already knowing the answer.
    â€œYes. Thanks, I can’t wait.” Anita grinned.
    â€œGuess Anita and I will meet you down below,” Cory said.
    â€œYou want my help loading the supplies?” Max asked.
    â€œI can handle it. You two get your mules,” Cory said.
    â€œEnjoy your flight,” Karinne told them.
    â€œWe’ll see you this evening,” Max added.
    Karinne tilted back her head, shading her eyes as the prop wash of the helicopter blew over their heads. Anita and Cory’s journey would be far faster than hers, but she didn’t mind. She and Max stood apart from the crowd of tourists waiting for the trip down.
    â€œYou nonriders don’t need to worry,” the park’s headmule wrangler explained to the group standing outside the corral. “These mules could make the trip blindfolded. Just sit back for the ride and let them do their job. The drop-off side of the trail might seem close, but don’t let that scare you. We’ve never lost a mule or rider yet. Listen up as I call out your name and assign you a mount.”
    Karinne listened, one hand holding the upper pipe bar of the corral, the other still shading her eyes as she stared across the majesty of the Grand Canyon. Nowhere else did reds, pinks, oranges, browns and royal purples blend into such a rich tapestry of bands. Within the canyon, towering spires of layered colors descended one mile down into the Colorado River. Even though she’d seen it before, memory couldn’t do justice to the reality of its grandeur. The huge size of the canyon, two hundred and seventeen miles long and from four to eighteen miles wide, provided a huge canvas for