Gideon hadn’t used his medical training in years but now faced with an emergency, all his knowledge came rushing back to him. Quickly taking off his waistcoat he laid it over Ava to maintain her body heat. Right now the damp air and wet ground held the kind of dampness that gripped the body and lowered it’s body temperature fast!

Ava muttered a few words when the coarse fabric touched her skin startling Gideon. Her words escaped into the night before he could make sense of them.

Carefully Gideon felt along her legs and arm bones checking for breaks. Nothing. That’s good, he thought.

Ava again uttered something as her head moved from side to side. This time he made out the name “Chris”.

Gideon wondered what a woman like this was doing out in the middle of the countryside this time of night? Had her car broken down forcing her to walk for help? He had a pretty good idea how she ended up in this ditch. Damn fool kids probably didn’t see her just like they didn’t see me back at Five Corners, thought Gideon

His mind raced trying to figure out the best course of action. His biggest concern was a concussion. He shouldn’t move her but the nearest phone was a good two miles away. It would take too long to drive Mae there, make a call and then drive all the way back. No, he wasn’t going to leave her here alone that long. With the pond being so close by there’s no telling what kind of wild animals foraged around this area at night. Raccoons, opossums - maybe even fox. Gideon had made up his mind, he’d have to chance moving her.

His instincts told him she wasn’t critically hurt. His own house was close by. He’d take her there, then go for help.

Gideon stepped carefully over Ava‘s body. Taking pains to make sure his footing was solid on the steep sloped ditch he then bent his body over Ava’s and carefully lifted her up. The feel of a woman in his arms caught Gideon off guard. He’d grown used to living a life of celibacy since beginning his Proving.  Holding a woman in his arms after nearly a year stirred up long dormant feelings.

Ava mumbled again as Gideon scaled the ditch. Elvis, sensing the precariousness of Gideon’s climb, stood motionless and silent. “Good boy,” said Gideon reaching the road without slipping. Elvis wagged his tail. Nobody appreciated a compliment like a dog!

Gideon carried Ava’s limp body towards Mae and the waiting buggy. Mae’s nostrils flared in and out as though driven by a bellows. “Whoa-a-a, it’s ok girl. It’s fine,” crooned Gideon. He knew it would settle Mae down.

Setting Ava onto the buggy seat Gideon carefully climbed in next to her and put a protective arm around her. He drew Ava close against his own body. His would act as a shock absorber to protect her from the jostling of the buggy. Ava instinctively folded her body against Gideon’s resting her forehead in the crook of his neck. For just an instant there was a hitch in Gideon’s breathing. Gideon quickly released the reigns and clicked his tongue. “Home Mae.”

Ava was gone. Gone faraway inside herself, somewhere deep. For the first time in months she was happy. Was it the warmth of Chris’ body against her own? She moved closer wanting to mix her own body heat with his. Yes, she was happy. Chris had come back. She vowed she would never run away from him again.