“The big one is. There’s a smaller one a few of the staff and campers are running in a few weeks.” The Rim to Rim run was supposed to prove that he still had a bit of that old adventurous Liam left in him, but even that felt hollow now.
Teague perked up, a grin spreading across his face. “A group of us decided to go bungee jumping this weekend. You in? Making the reservation today.”
“You can bungee jump into the Grand Canyon?”
“Nah. But there’s a canyon two hours away with a bridge and quite the reputation for epic jumps.”
Why was he hesitating? The old Liam wouldn’t just have agreed—he’d have led the charge, whooping as he launched off the bridge, adrenaline flooding his veins. What was wrong with him? Maybe this was exactly what he needed to come back to life, to feel like his old self again—even if just for a moment.
“Sure. Why not.” Liam grabbed his clothes and headed for the shower—a closet-sized bathroom down the hall barely big enough for one person. The water ran lukewarm at best, but it washed away the sweat and grime. When he emerged fifteenminutes later, Teague was gone, likely already at breakfast. Liam finger-combed his wet hair, strands sticking to his forehead, and grabbed his day pack just as his phone rang.
Logan.
He didn’t have much time, but he hadn’t talked to his twin in too long.
“Looogan.” Liam forced lightness into his voice—a shield to hide behind. With luck, his brother wouldn’t see through it.
“Youarestill breathing.” In the background, squeaks—maybe a swing set—and kids laughing. Logan was probably at the park with his soon-to-be kids, the ones he’d decided to adopt less than six months ago. The idea that Logan was engaged with three children still blew Liam’s mind. His twin had vaulted into middle age overnight, while Liam was still here, floundering. “How’s the new job?”
“Outstanding.”
A pause stretched between them.
Oh.“You heard about the rescue, didn’t you?”
“Three different people sent me the link. Way to make headlines in your first few months. And here I thought you’d just be handing out maps at the welcome center.”
“I’m a backcountry ranger. I don’t work the welcome center.” Liam stepped out of the staff housing, the heavy door thunking shut behind him. The morning air bit his skin as he adjusted the phone against his ear and started walking across the small village that served as the heart of the North Rim’s ranger operations.
The crisp air carried pine scent and woodsmoke from the Grand Canyon Lodge’s massive stone chimney. The village clustered behind the iconic lodge—a masterpiece of rustic architecture that had welcomed visitors since 1928. Its golden limestone walls and soaring timber-frame roof commanded the landscape, while smaller buildings scattered around it likesatellites—the general store, maintenance sheds, and employee quarters all built in the same stone-and-timber style that made the North Rim village feel like a frontier outpost carved from the wilderness itself.
Gravel crunched under his boots as he passed a group of early-rising trail hikers loading their packs near the lodge’s entrance. He scanned their supplies. At least they were taking a decent amount of water.
“How’s your roommate?” Logan’s voice pulled Liam’s attention back.
“He stays up late, sleeps late, and only thinks about his next thrill.”
“So you’re rooming with yourself. Awesome.”
Logan’s words punched him in the gut. Because that’s how everyone still saw him—the one who’d leap without looking, who’d chase adrenaline regardless of consequences.
Liam’s throat tightened. “Not anymore. It’s time to grow up.”
Logan let out a soft chuckle. “Bro. I’m all for growing up. But just so you know, we all likedthatLiam too.”
“ThatLiam got other people hurt.” The words slipped out, sharp and raw, before Liam could stop them.
“Seriously? Are you talking about my broken leg in sixth grade? Let it go. You had longer legs and made the jump. I didn’t have to follow you.”
That hadn’t been what he was thinking about, but Liam latched onto it because there was no way he’d discuss Switzerland. “Mom was pretty steamed at me.” He forced a laugh with the words as his mom’s words drifted back.Reckless people get other people killed. This time it was just a broken leg, but it could have been worse.
“She was steamed at both of us, more because we had to cut the vacation short. You know how Mom is about her plans.”
He knew. Their mother’s meticulous planning was legendary—a trait Liam had never inherited. “How is everyone?”
“Devin’s settling into her new job at the church. The kids’ summer break just started. And Mom and Dad are basking in their ten grandchildren. When are you coming home again?”
“I don’t get more than a couple days off until the summer rush ends.” He reached the lodge’s wide front steps, the massive wooden planks groaning under his weight as he climbed toward the entrance. The building’s grand timber-frame architecture soared above him, with its peaked roof and exposed beams.