From the Ranch... to the Island

By Sally Campbell Repass

Delta flight #6684 made a crash landing on the runway in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and immediately caught on fire. Dr. Miranda Sterling was among the injured passengers. Screams pierced the air. Miranda was praying as she lost consciousness.

'FROM THE RANCH...TO THE ISLAND' is the third book in this Inspirational Series with the continuing saga.

Join the Parker/Sterling families on their journey of love, adventure, mystery, unexpected surprises and tragedy.

Through all this they never lost their faith in God.

"The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21 KJV

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 24, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468551204

Sally Campbell Repass

Sally Campbell Repass is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She has been married to her loving husband, Paul, for 10 years. They are going through a very difficult time now, as he battles Stage IV Colon cancer. Their faith in God, the love of family and dear friends, have helped ease the pain. Sally wrote and published a Children's Fairytale Book, 'PRINCESS KARI & THE GOLDEN HAIRED BOY' in early 2010. This book was inspired by her granddaughters, Katie and Campbell. Later that year, she published her first Inspirational Romance Book, 'FOR THE LOVE OF RACHEL'. In 2011 she followed with a sequel, 'RACHEL'S DAUGHTER'. Not being able to let go of the family she had created, she decided to write a third book. In 2012, 'FROM THE RANCH...TO THE ISLAND' was born. Now her fourth book in the series has been published. 'BACK HOME TO MONTANA' is the continuing saga of the Parker/Sterling families. Look for a turn of events as the story continues in book #5. Book #6 will be the final one in this series. As the book ends, so will the saga of this family she has grown to love. She has spanned 4 generations of the Parker/Sterling families and hopes you have enjoyed the journey as much as she has. Website: www.fortheloveofrachel.com Email: [e-mail] [e-mail]

Book preview

Chapter 1

Grayson Sterling had just heard the stunning news... Delta flight #6684 had made a crash landing and immediately caught on fire on the airport runway in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. He was shocked beyond disbelief. His beautiful daughter, Miranda, was on that flight. He had called her cell phone and left a message, but she never returned his call. Even though he had a firm belief in God, he feared that something bad had happened to her. There was only one thing left for him to do... He called the airline and booked a flight to Charlottetown. He had to find out what had happened to his lovely daughter.

When Miranda started her flight to Charlottetown, she was so excited. She could hardly believe that her dream was coming true. She had known since she was young that she wanted to become a veterinarian. She had always had such love and passion for animals. Now here she was heading for Prince Edward Island to become a partner with Dr. Laura Fisher at Pets Paradise Clinic. She was so excited!

The flight had been a smooth one...and they were getting close to the airport. She was anxious to get on the ground. She had always been a little nervous every time she had to fly. It was almost over... for this time, she thought. Little did she know what was ahead...

Just as they were circling and about to land, something went wrong with the plane... The pilot and co-pilot knew they would have to make an emergency crash landing. They made an announcement and tried to prepare the passengers for the worst. The passengers began to panic. They were told to remain in their seats with their seatbelts fastened and brace themselves for a rough landing.

Miranda was almost in a state of shock. She started praying... and she could hear others around her praying. She also heard some people cursing. This is bad, she thought... they should be praying instead of cursing.

The plane hit the runway with a deep impact. There were screams all around her. She felt pain too, but she never screamed. She looked out the window and saw flames shooting from the plane. This frightened her. Please Dear God, let us be able to get out, she prayed.

There were more screams now... the flames were getting higher. Several fire trucks were already there and started spraying the fire. The medic teams arrived and started getting people off the plane. Many people were injured and several were dead, she thought. She was thankful to be alive! She didn’t realize how badly she was hurt. She looked down and saw lots of blood and passed out. She never knew when they got her off the plane. She was still unconscious. She was taken to the nearest hospital along with some others.

She was taken into surgery and the wounds in her arms and legs, which were large and deep, were stitched up. She would be very sore and have trouble walking for awhile, but at least they had saved her life. She was bleeding profusely when she was brought into the emergency room. She was not aware of any of this as she was still unconscious.

She slept for the next several hours. When she roused up, she asked the nurse where she was and what had happened. The nurse explained the crash landing and fire. You are lucky to be alive, my friend!

Thank you for taking such good care of me, stated Miranda.

You’re welcome, replied the nurse. I’m just doing my job.

What’s your name? asked Miranda.

I’m Nurse Rae, she replied.

How long will I be here? asked Miranda.

For several days, I’m afraid. You are going to be very sore and have problems walking for awhile, said the nurse.

I am supposed to start a new job on Monday, replied Miranda. I need to contact them.

Tell me who they are and I will contact them for you, said Nurse Rae.

Oh, that is so nice of you! Thank you very much! exclaimed Miranda. The name of the place is... Pets Paradise Clinic. I am a veterinarian and will be partners with Dr. Laura Fisher.

Welcome to Charlottetown; we need another vet. Dr. Fisher stays very busy. People here on the island love their animals.

I am a big animal lover myself. I knew when I was a little girl that I would one day become a vet.

So Nurse Rae called Dr. Fisher and explained about Miranda. Dr. Fisher was very nice and told her to tell Miranda to take as much time as she needed. Her job would be waiting when she recovered. That was such a relief for Miranda to hear. She was afraid she might lose her job before she even got started. This Dr. Laura Fisher must be a nice lady. She was really looking forward to working with her, but for now she had to concentrate on getting well.

Will you call my dad, who lives in Montana? she asked Nurse Rae. I don’t know what happened to my cell phone.

I will be glad to call him, said the nurse.

So Miranda gave her the number and she dialed. There was no answer. She gave the nurse Grayson’s cell phone number... still no answer. That was weird, thought Miranda. Then she asked the nurse to call her sister Jennifer, who was a doctor in Billings, Montana.

Hello, Dr. Parker speaking, said the voice on the other end of the line.

Dr. Parker, this is Nurse Rae at Charlottetown Hospital on Prince Edward Island. Your sister Miranda asked me to call you.

Oh...thank God! Is Miranda okay? asked Jennifer in suspense. We heard about the terrible plane crash.

She is going to be fine. She has several deep cuts, which had to be stitched up. We will keep her in the hospital for a few days observation.

Thank God for that. I have been so worried. Tell Miranda that Dad is on his way there now.

I will do that. I guess that is why we couldn’t reach him by phone.

Yes, that is it... He has been so worried. He booked a flight as soon as he heard the news. He should be arriving in a few hours.

Good, I’m sure Miranda will be happy to see him.

Thank you, Nurse Rae. Please take good care of my sister.

Don’t worry, Dr. Parker... she’s in good hands.

Chapter 2

Several hours later Grayson’s flight landed without a hitch on the same runway. It was a smooth flight, for which Grayson was thankful.

He took a taxi to the nearest hospital. He assumed that was where Miranda would be... that is, if she was still alive and he prayed she was. He paid the taxi driver and walked into the hospital. He went to the information desk and inquired about his daughter. After looking on the computer at the list of patients, the lady told him she was in room 102. Thank you, God! he whispered softly.

Excuse me, I didn’t hear what you said, stated the lady.

I wasn’t talking to you, he replied. She gave him a strange look. He thanked her and headed for room 102.

Miranda was lying there with her eyes closed. This caused anxiety for Grayson. He didn’t know if he was prepared for the worst. He walked up to her bed and took her hand. Her eyes opened... and locked with his. She gave him a smile... Dad... you’re here! she exclaimed.

Yes, I’m here! You didn’t think I would let my baby girl go through this alone, did you?

I’m just surprised you came so far, said Miranda.

Don’t you know I’d go to the end of the earth for you? asked Grayson.

Yeah, I know...

So, how are you my darling? he asked.

Very sore, she replied. I have some very deep cuts on my legs and arms. I was lucky... or I should say blessed... They’re keeping me here for a few days.

Good, he replied. You need to be where someone can take care of you.

What about my apartment? Will you go there and see if everything is okay?

Of course, I will... he stated. That’s where I will be staying for the next few weeks.

What??? she asked in surprise.

You didn’t think I was going off and leave you, did you? asked Grayson with a smile.

Honestly, I hadn’t thought that far ahead, replied Miranda.

You’re going to need help after they release you from here and I will be there to take care of you.

Thanks, Dad! I couldn’t make it without you!

You’re welcome! I’m only doing what any good father would do!

I sure am glad you’re my Dad, stated Miranda.

Me, too! Miranda, I am going by the clinic and talk with Dr. Fisher. I would like to meet her and update her on your condition.

That’s a great idea, dad! exclaimed Miranda. Tell her I will come to work as soon as possible.

I’ll do that, Miranda. Meanwhile, you concentrate on getting better. You’re young so you will heal faster.

I guess that’s in my favor, huh, Dad?

It certainly is, my dear! You try to get some rest and I am going to call a taxi to take me to a car rental place. I need transportation while I’m here.

Great idea, Dad! When will you be back? she asked.

I’ll be back later today, he replied. You need to rest and not talk too much. You need to gain your strength back... you have been through quite an ordeal.

Yes, Daddy, she replied. You know best!

Grayson called a taxi and left after kissing Miranda goodbye. He rented a car and asked directions to Pets Paradise Clinic. It was easy to find...The receptionist was very nice and introduced herself as Sharon.

I’m Grayson Sterling, said Grayson. I am Miranda’s dad. I’m sure you know she was in the plane crash and is now in the hospital. She was supposed to come to work here Monday, but will be unable to. I need to talk to Dr. Laura Fisher. Is she available?

Yes, she is, replied Sharon. Just a minute, and I’ll get her.

Thanks, replied Grayson.

In a few minutes, a beautiful young lady with shoulder length dark hair walked through the door. She was all smiles as she extended her hand to Grayson. Hello, Mr. Sterling. I’m Laura Fisher, she said.

So nice to meet you Dr. Fisher, replied Grayson.

Likewise, said Laura. How’s Miranda?

She is very sore from the bruises and cuts. They’re keeping her in the hospital a few days. I plan on staying with her as long as she needs me.

That’s great, Mr. Sterling! Did you take time off work to come here? she asked.

Well... yes and no. I have retired from my job, but I do own a ranch in Montana. My son-in-law, Gabe, is foreman and he’s doing a great job running the ranch. So that leaves me free to stay here as long as Miranda needs me.

That’s wonderful, stated Dr. Fisher. I guess you already have somewhere to stay. I’m sure Miranda already has an apartment.

Yes, she does. I rented a studio apartment for her which is only two miles from this clinic.

How convenient! exclaimed Dr. Fisher. Tell Miranda I said hello and wish her a speedy recovery. I’m anxious to meet my new partner and to work with her.

I’ll tell her, said Grayson.

I will try to get by to see her before she leaves the hospital. May I have your cell phone number so I can be in touch with you? she asked.

Certainly, replied Grayson. I will be getting a home phone for Miranda in a few days. I will let you know that number also.

Thanks, Mr. Sterling.

Grayson left and headed back to the hospital. Miranda was awake this time and was watching TV. I thought I told you to rest, teased Grayson.

I couldn’t go to sleep, she said. I’m having too much pain.

Well, I’ll take care of that, he stated as he pushed the button to alert the nurse.

Nurse Rae came quickly. What can I do for you, Miranda? she asked.

She needs something for pain, said Grayson.

I will get you a shot, Miranda. You need to let us know when you are having pain. There’s no use of you suffering when there are drugs available to control the pain.

I just hate to take anything unless I have to, she replied.

You need meds to get you through the next several days of this, Miranda.

Thank you, said Miranda.

Nurse Rae left and came back with an injection which she gave Miranda. It wasn’t long before she had drifted off to sleep. Grayson decided he would leave and let her rest.

Chapter 3

He decided to go to the apartment and take a nap himself. It had been a long, tiring trip and he wasn’t as young as he used to be. Plus the stress of not knowing if Miranda was dead or alive had zapped his energy.

Three hours later he woke up feeling refreshed. He didn’t intend to sleep that long, but he must have needed it. He felt much better now. He realized he was starving... as he hadn’t eaten anything all day. He decided to stop at McDonald’s and get a grilled chicken sandwich. He didn’t think he had ever tasted anything so good, but realized it was probably because he was so hungry. With some food in his stomach and a cup of coffee in hand, he headed back to the hospital. He saw a florist on the way and stopped. He bought a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses for Miranda. This was her favorite.

As he walked in her room with the roses, she let out a gasp. How BEAUTIFUL!!! she exclaimed. Thank you so much, Dad!

You’re welcome my dear daughter, he said as he placed the vase on the table beside her bed. Yellow roses for my yellow haired daughter!

She laughed at this, I sure am happy to be your daughter. You’re the best dad any girl could ever have! she exclaimed.

Thanks, Miranda! I love you dearly!

I love you, too!

Grayson went to see her every day and spent most of the day with her. A week went by and the doctor was releasing her since she would have someone to look after her. She was excited about seeing her new home. Grayson tried to prepare her for the small apartment. He told her she would be limited for space.

That’s fine, Dad! she exclaimed. When I start earning money and can afford it I would like to buy a home in the country. That way I can have all the dogs I want.

Grayson had to laugh... Yes, you may have all the dogs you wish. You will be the one taking care of them. Don’t forget that!

I know that Dad. I love animals so much that it won’t be a burden.

Miranda was excited when she saw her apartment. She would be content here. She knew it wasn’t a permanent house so she could make do until she could afford better.

Two weeks after the plane crash, Miranda told Grayson she was ready to go see the clinic. She had already met Dr. Laura Fisher, who paid her a visit while she was in