She remembered vividly the lines that had been the inspiration for her Colorado journey: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” These “hills” had not failed her. She had found peace in the solitude, friendships for the making and two young boys who had given her purpose. In a way, tomorrow’s journey to the top of the world would be more one of homage than challenge. Uttering a soft prayer of thanksgiving, she shouldered her knapsack and left the cabin, knowing that regardless of what happened on Longs Peak, she would return a different person than she was today. Beauty followed her to the Harpers’, where she would remain until Sophie’s return. Belle was ready when Sophie arrived, but pointed at the road beyond the barn where Joe was gesturing emphatically to two men, one of whom was Rupert Stowe, the pushy reporter. “They showed up about ten minutes ago, insisting on interviewing us. They’ve gotten wind of the timing of our Longs Peak adventure from some other hiker in our party.”
