Canyon Heat

By Sharon Johnson

In the setting of the beautiful, unspoiled Grand Canyon National Park, young and lovely Autumn Sky, a physician's assistant begins her second career as a national park ranger. Her adventures of serving the public will find Autumn caught in a web of three different men, whose paths will cross with hers: the debonair, yet dangerous Park Ranger, Blake Hampton, who works side by side with Autumn; the handsome kindhearted Human Resource Director of the park, Matt Higgins and the dark, alluring Native American, Joshua Foxfire, the law enforcement officer in Havasu Canyon. All three men are infatuated with Autumn, but she will only choose one for her beloved, lifelong partner. Who will capture Autumn's heart in the heat of the canyon?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Sep 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098314576

Sharon Johnson

Sharon Johnson is a career teacher who writes books for children to enjoy and teachers to employ.

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©2020 Sharon Johnson. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN: 978-1-09831-456-9 (print)

ISBN: 978-1-09831-457-6 (ebook)

My book is dedicated to many: First, to my awesome husband, Ron, whose love, patience and support kept me writing. Second, to my dear mother, Dorothy, for her steadfast love. She’s been my rock for my entire life and encouraged me to write. Third to my three amazing children Troy, Tracie, Tadd and five beautiful granddaughters: Rebecca, Ashley, Rachel, Raeann and Abby, who are the joy of my life. And fourth to my dear friend, Dian, who patiently edited my book. Your friendship means the world to me. With thanks and love to all of you for everything!

Contents

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

EPILOGUE

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Although most of the places described in Grand Canyon National Park are accurate, I have taken writer’s liberty to change the location of a few places to work with my story. All characters and other named places in the book come from my imagination, any co-incidences to real people or real places were purely accidental..

Chapter 1

Her beauty lures people to the edge; the mysteries unsolved beg for answers, but secrets are only revealed to those who enter the abyss.

Autumn Sky’s approach was cautious until the view stopped her dead in her tracks. She felt her chest tighten and salty tears well up in her eyes. She was not prepared for what lay before her. She’d seen pictures hundreds of times and watched numerous travelogues professing its beauty, but Autumn was still moved beyond words. She recalled reading that the first moment you experience the splendor, your life will forever change.

She turned her head slowly from side to side attempting to drink in the depth and expanse of the mighty Grand Canyon. Magnificent could not even begin to describe the drama unfolding right before her eyes. Rock outcroppings, sheer cliffs, ledges and plateaus were an amazing display of Nature’s handiwork, which took five to six million years to create. The rushing Colorado River cut like a knife through sheer rock walls to produce this wonder of the world. Totally ignoring the beads of perspiration trickling down between her breasts and the blistering heat of the September sun, Autumn couldn’t tear herself away from this spot. Heat waves were playing tricks with her eyes, but even through the haze, the colors in the layers could not be masked. It was as though someone painted a rainbow of colors from an artist’s palette on each jagged rock wall. From her vantage point on the rim, Autumn could barely see the wire-thin river snaking through the canyon far below.

Autumn’s grandmother, Whispers in the Night, spoke of this Canyon many times. She remembered those occasions when her grandmother ventured away from the Havasupai Reservation and arrived by train to visit her family in the East. She would tell of her life growing up as a member of the Tribe living far below the rim of the Grand Canyon. Conditions were poor for the Havasupai. They lived in small homes and had only the necessities to get by in their day to day lives. They farmed small gardens, hunted for the occasional animal that wandered below the canyon rim, and foraged for berries and plants from the land. Additional supplies were brought in by mule trains. The Havasupai fought hard to keep their customs alive, but with the increase in tourist traffic, things changed over time.

Through the years, Autumn and her grandmother built a relationship with the letters they wrote and her grandmother’s annual visit. When Autumn was young, her mother assisted her with letter writing. Moves Like the Wind (called Windy) would read grandmother’s letters to her. Each time a letter arrived in the mail box, Autumn could barely contain her excitement. Autumn visited Havasu Canyon once as a toddler, but too young to remember much of anything about it. After that, living in the Philadelphia area made travel back to Arizona difficult. Both her father, Ronald, and her mother, Windy, held important positions at a university. It was more convenient to send Whispers in the Night a train ticket and have her come to Quakertown, PA.

Sitting at her side, Autumn listened intently while her grandmother spoke. Autumn, my child, one day you must go to Grand Canyon and learn of your heritage. It was not my wish for you to grow up in the white man’s world. It was my hope that my children and their children would always be a part of our proud Native American Tribe and continue to live on our land. But one day a tall, white man, your father, came to Havasu Canyon while researching material for a book. His good looks and charm won my daughter’s heart. He professed his love to my precious Moves Like the Wind and took her away from the only home she’d ever known. Your parents were married in a small ceremony in Supai before moving east to Quakertown. Please remember, my Autumn Sky, you still have the blood of the Havasupai running through your body. Promise me that one day, after I’ve have passed away and you are a grown woman, you’ll go back to our home in the canyon and come to know the proud People we are. I was born there and will die there as all my People did before me. The Great One in the sky will make sure our spirits live in the canyon forever. There is no other place like the Grand Canyon, Autumn, my child. The Great One created this place for all people to love.

I promise, Grandmother, I promise, replied Autumn as she looked up at this fragile woman. Her tanned, leathery face and single, gray braid hanging down her back accentuated the wisdom seen in her eyes. Whispers in the Night smiled and squeezed her granddaughter’s hand in an act of trust and love.

Less than a year later, when Autumn was fifteen years old, Whispers in the Night died a peaceful death in her beloved Havasu canyon at the age of seventy-three. Autumn remembered their last conversation and her promise to her grandmother like it was yesterday. She recalled it again while standing on the rim of the canyon today.

Grandmother, if you can hear me, I’m here…I’m finally here. And I promise you, that one day soon, I will make the hike into Havasu Canyon. Autumn spoke the words softly and took once last glance before setting out for Park Headquarters.

Chapter 2

Autumn made her way through crowds of tourists, dodging camera enthusiasts, and after a short walk, found the building housing Park Headquarters. Entering, she walked up to the information desk and introduced herself.

Hi, I’m Autumn Sky reporting for work.

Where are you assigned to work? asked the friendly woman behind the desk.

I’m not sure…I’ve been hired as a new park ranger.

Then you need to meet with our Human Resource Director through this door, the clerk replied, pointing behind her, second door on your right. I’ll let Matt know you’re here.

Autumn thanked her as she made her way through the door and started down the hall. Matthew L. Higgins, HR Director was the name on the brass plate of the door. This must be the place, Autumn thought as she tapped lightly.

Come in, a masculine voice called.

Matt rose as she walked through the opening. He reached over his desk, took her small, smooth hand in his and with a big smile said, Welcome to Grand Canyon.

Thanks, she replied. Nice to meet you, Mr. Higgins, I’m happy to be here. Autumn immediately felt at ease with the friendly, handsome man behind the desk. His smile was warm, and with a sweeping glance she noticed his fit body, bright blue eyes, and sandy, cropped hair. She estimated him to be 5’10" or so in height...average for his well-proportioned body.

Please sit down, he said pointing to the chair in front of his desk. Well, Ms. Sky, I see, by your resume and application, this is your first assignment as a park ranger.

Yes, it is, and please call me Autumn.

I’m curious, Autumn, what prompted you to become a ranger?

Well, there were a couple of reasons for my decision. I earned a degree as a Physician’s Assistant from a college back East. After four years of school and two years working in a physician’s office, I wasn’t happy in my position. Don’t get me wrong, I loved working with the people and the staff, but being cooped up inside all day long just wasn’t enough for me.

I know the feeling, Matt replied, smiling warmly at the lovely woman in front of him.

Growing up, my parents took me hiking, camping and fishing, so I longed to be outdoors communing with nature, Autumn said thoughtfully. That’s an old cliché I know, something my parents would say, but that’s how I explain it. Taking a breath, she continued. So, I went back to school and majored in forestry with a minor in geology. After completing four more years of college, I sit here before you today. This is my first position since receiving my forestry degree.

Matt grinned and said, And we’re glad you’re here. He admired the petite woman across his desk. Elbows resting on the arms of his chair, fingers touching lightly together, he studied her dusky skin, clear brown eyes, and her lovely mane of black hair caught up in a loose ponytail. He noticed she wore little makeup…a woman endowed with natural beauty. He smiled slightly at his new employee.

Well, Matt said, pulling away from his thoughts, have you found a place to live Autumn?

Yes, I’ve rented a small cabin a few miles outside the park entrance. It’s not much, but all I need for now.

Does your husband work for the park service also? he asked with interest.

Autumn smiled shyly and replied softly, There is no husband.

Oh, I apologize, Matt was quick to speak, that’s really none of my business. Matt could feel his face flush. He was the professional here and let his curiosity get in the way of his job - but there was something about the woman sitting face to face with him that was intriguing. He instantly wanted to know more about her.

No need to apologize, Mr. Higgins, I’m asked that all the time. My family thinks it’s terrible I’m not married at my advanced age of thirty. They both laughed.

Call me Matt please, he responded. Well, Autumn, it appears as though your paperwork is in order. Your resume and medical release form, stating you’re healthy enough to work as a park ranger, are in your file. I assume you are ready to go to work for us.

I am, Sir, she answered with enthusiasm.

With your medical background, your first assignment will be a trail trekker. You will have a two-week orientation program on desert safety and survival, then you’ll be ready to hike the trails. I think we’re all finished here unless you have more questions, Autumn. Please stop on your way out and Karen will have all the paperwork ready for you to fill out for medical benefits, life insurance, and 401Ks. We have employee orientation and training beginning tomorrow at 8:00AM. There are three other new employees who will be with you. As I said, classes will run two full weeks and then we’ll be ready to assign you to specific duties.

Sounds good, replied Autumn with a smile. Where will the classes be held?

Here in PH.

Autumn looked puzzled.

Right here in Park Headquarters down this hall, he raised his hand pointing to his right, in the conference room on the left.

As Autumn rose to leave, she stuck out her hand. Matt also stood and promptly walked around his desk and grasped it firmly in both of his. He was reluctant to release her from his grip. Gazing into Matt’s eyes, Autumn felt an instant connection with him. He was friendly and seemed to be a man of intelligence and good character. It also didn’t hurt that he was easy on the eyes.

Thank you again, Matt, she grinned as she turned to leave. Long after the door closed, Matt continued to stare at it as though he could watch her disappear from his view. He sat down and smiled to himself thinking, what a good way to end his day. But a perfect ending would have been if he had invited her out on a date.

As Matt tidied up his desk, he thought about the young woman he had just interviewed. Her musky perfume lingered in his office and he felt his pants tighten. He couldn’t remember the last time a woman had affected him in this way. He’d given up on having a serious relationship, since his break up with Sue, thinking his life was full enough as a bachelor. Matt and Sue had dated seriously for three years. They met early in their college careers, were friends first before entering into a serious, romantic relationship. The adorable, fun loving blonde had other ideas. She wasn’t about to live the rest of her life in the Boonies. She wanted a life in the city with culture, clubs, casinos, and excitement. They parted amicably each going their own way. But who knows, maybe things will be different if I meet the right woman, Matt pondered…and maybe I just did.

After another twenty minutes with Karen, filling out tax withholding and other forms, Autumn went out to explore the canyon. The intense heat of the afternoon sun smacked her in the face as she moved outdoors. She decided to stroll along the rim trail. The trail, which runs in both directions on the South Rim, is a concrete sidewalk with a three-foot stone wall between visitors and the canyon. It meanders through a portion of Grand Canyon Village. The sidewalks were crowded with tourists - young, old and in between. She observed many nationalities of people as she walked. What a wonderful place, she mused. Her grandmother would be pleased to know she was finally here.

She continued toward Kolb Studio. One of the original buildings, erected when the park was started, it rested on the edge of the canyon with a deck hanging slightly over the rim. Built by brothers, Ellsworth and Emery Kolb in 1906, it was used as their studio. The pair were photographers and adventurers. Autumn paused for a minute, on the deck of their studio, to stare into the vastness and watched the shadows dance among jagged rocks. She made a mental note of the gift shop and art gallery within, but opted to visit them at a later date.

Autumn continued to the Bright Angel Trailhead where she stood in silence and watched the backpackers and day hikers coming up from the bottom of the canyon. Sunburned faces, parched lips, and the look of sheer exhaustion on their faces told the tale of their incredible adventure. She was really surprised to observe the assorted ages of those hiking. One older couple, walking with double hiking poles, were taking their time and deliberate steps to make it to the end of the trail safely. Upon closer observation, she noticed their tan, weathered faces. They nodded to her as they paused for a well-deserved rest near the trailhead sign. College students in small groups, and families with older children, were all hiking at their own pace. Wow, she thought, this is most likely an experience they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. Autumn recalled hearing that the trek to the bottom of the canyon was even difficult for people in good shape. And she remembered reading very few make it all the way down and back up again without serious issues or injuries.

She reversed course and walked back toward the El Tovar Hotel. The massive lodge had been providing first-class accommodations and food for many years to Grand Canyon tourists. The wraparound, covered porch, with its wood rocking chairs and porch swings offered unobstructed views of the canyon from sunrise to sunset. The seating was full, and one young couple was playing checkers at a small table while enjoying the view.

She stepped inside briefly and admired the craftsmanship that lay before her. Two small gift shops were located to her left and right, and the main dining room could be seen from the grand lobby. Autumn would explore this building further when returning to visit again. She turned around and went back outdoors into the late-day sun. Looking at her watch and realizing Grand Canyon Village had consumed a good part of the afternoon, Autumn continued along the walkway until the stone walk ended and the gravel path commenced. She decided to return to her cabin and get out