Page 15 of PenPal Hero

“I know you do.” There was no hesitation on Alice’s part. “I’ve watched you in action for the past couple of years. Your customer service skills are a gift from above. I thank God for you every day I step into the office.”

“Oh, wow!” Bonnie’s eyes misted over again, this time out of gratitude. Alice’s confidence in her was downright humbling. And motivating. They reached the fourth tree in record time.

They stood on the platform facing each other and grinning in exultation.

“I’ll do it,” Bonnie said suddenly.

Alice’s eyes widened.

“The partnership thing,” Bonnie added.

Her friend’s lips parted, but no sound came out.

“I’ll start studying for my broker’s license as soon as we get back to the office,” she promised. “I’m not sure why I waited so long to come to this decision.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Alice’s entire face lit with happiness. “Maybe the timing wasn’t right before now.”

“Maybe.” Bonnie wasn’t sure. All she knew was that she’d never before felt more like a team than she did this very second. Alice had seen her at her best and at her worst. She’d trained her from nothing when she was fresh out of high school, and taught her everything she knew about real estate. “I do have a question, though.”

“Ask me anything.” Alice’s smile was a mile wide.

“Why did you choose me?” As long as Bonnie lived, she’d probably never understand it, but she wanted to hear what Alice had to say about it, anyway.

“Because my business started to grow. I prayed for help, and not just any help,” Alice clarified solemnly. “The right help. And the Lord sent me you.”

Bonnie couldn’t have been more floored. “That’s, um, incredible. If I hadn’t already agreed to study for my broker’s license, that might’ve pushed me over the edge.”

“Honestly? I think it was inevitable,” Alice announced loftily, turning to face the final rope bridge. “You and I are meant to be partners, just like you and Holt are meant?—”

“Don’t say it!” Bonnie would’ve plugged her ears if her hands were free. What she and Holt had going on between them was still blossoming into whatever it was going to blossom into. She wasn’t ready to put a label on it.

Alice tossed a laughing look over her shoulder. “Try to stop me.” She stepped onto the rope bridge.

The wind picked up as they plowed forward, making the ropes swing harder. Bonnie grew motion sick. She inwardly vowed that once her feet were back on the ground, she was never going to do anything this crazy again. Ever!

A streak of lightning flashed across the sky. A clap of thunder followed.

Bonnie and Alice stopped talking. They hustled as quickly as they could to safety on the final platform. By the time they reached the fifth tree, rain was spattering down on them through the branches.

A pair of group leaders from the retreat zipped their way on a pair of four wheelers, skidding to a halt beneath the base of the tree.

“The rest of the exercise is cancelled, due to inclement weather. I’m so sorry,” one of the women called up to them.

“Breaking my heart,” Bonnie grumbled as she started her descent down the ladder.

“Liar, liar, pants on fire,” Alice called after her.

That was when Bonnie realized she was on the bottom this time. “Guess I get to have your back this time around, partner.” It was the first time she’d ever called her that in return, and it felt good.

“Appreciate it. I’m exhausted,” Alice breezed. “You’re welcome to carry me if you want.”

“Don’t press your luck,” Bonnie warned. The ladder rungs were growing more slippery by the second as the rain pounded down harder on them. She was half tempted to fall onto the safety net just because. However, she was too anxious to prove to herself that she could finish the obstacle course.

Which she did in spite of the rain. So did Alice.

They high-fived each other at the bottom, grinning like idiots. There were no words to describe the euphoria rolling through Bonnie.

The group leaders ushered them onto the backs of the four wheelers and sped with them toward the B&B.

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