I gulped, my eyes still squeezed shut.
"I don't know. Maybe?"
"Yes." Will squeezed my shoulders. "You are. And I'll be right behind you. Promise."
"Now?" Drake asked.
I nodded, gripping the handle on this one real tight. I sucked in a breath, leaned back, lifted my feet and—
"OH, MY FUCKING GAAAAAAWWWWWWWDDDDDDDD!" The shriek echoed through the cave, the giant gaping hole under my feet terrifying as I flew down the line.
"Yeah, Karen!"
"Go, Karrie!"
"You got it!"
The cheers rang in my ears as I forced my eyes open, staring at the walls as I raced down toward the small glow at the bottom.
I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die. I'm gonna—
A clip caught me, slowing my speed as Dane stepped up, catching me with a second loop and stopping me with a gentle jerk.
"You did it!" He held up a hand, and I automatically slapped it, looking back along the line for Will.
Jay and Liam crowded around, giving me high-fives and back slaps as we waited for Will to come down. The man did so quietly, grinning as he slid to a halt.
Will dropped to the ground, beaming at me. "Well done, Karen!"
I beamed, pumped up on endorphins. "Thank you! I couldn't have done it without you."
He wrapped me in a hug, giving me a tight squeeze. "Oh, you would have. It was all you."
Drake arrived, and, triumphant, we began the short trek back to the entry caves and out to the waiting minivan.
"You should join us for pizza," Jay said, dropping an arm around my shoulders. "The kids'll all be there, so it's a circus, but if you don't mind losing a finger or two, then we'd love to have you."
Will reached over, shoving Jay away. "He's joking. I try to break them of the biting habit the first week they arrive."
I grinned, dropping my voice so only Will could hear. "That's a shame. I don't mind a bit of rough."
As we stepped out into the afternoon light, I couldn't help but laugh at the red flush decorating his cheeks.
"So… pizza?"
"Love to."
6
Will
I've made a huge mistake.
Pizza and napkins flew about the table as my kids—young and old—devoured their meal. They were like ravenous animals, hissing and hollering over every bite.
"Dad, can I—"
"I've got time tomorrow to—"
