Page 72 of Unexpected Adventures

I walk to her and whisper, “It’s time for your rush of excitement.”

She looks at me with wonder, raising her eyebrows.

“It may not be skydiving,” Shaun says. “But maybe it’s the next best thing.”

“Richard, did you know about this?”

“I did. Are you ready?”

Her smile says it all. She hands over her cane to me as Shaun helps her into the side car.Once settled, she secures the goggles and helmet. Shaun hands her a pair of gloves and then wraps a scarf around her.

She giggles. “Oh my.”

I give her a kiss on the cheek and say, “Enjoy.I’ll see you at your new home.”

Shaun fires up the bike, and with each rev of the engine, Sylvia’s delight grows.

I step back, joining Richard on the sidewalk. Shaun signals, eases into traffic, and we immediately hear Sylvia’s laughter as they speed away.

I can’t wait to see them arrive at the home. No doubt with perm-a-grin etched on Sylvia’s face.

“Thank you, Abby,” Richard says. “You’ve been so good for her.”

“You’re most welcome. I love that lady.”

“And she loves you.”

“Thanks, Richard. See you at the home.”

He nods and we each make our way to our own vehicles. After a brief stop, my trip is a short one to Sylvia’s new residence, and I join Richard to visit with Millie in the garden, awaiting Shaun and Sylvia’s arrival.

I estimate about thirty minutes later we hear the roar of the motorcycle, so we make our way to the round-a-bout entry. And sure enough, Sylvia’s face is lit up with the most glorious smile I’ve ever seen her display. Shaun completes a few extra circles around the entry before he brings them to a stop.

“That was wonderful!” Sylvia shouts. She removes the helmet and goggles, laughing as she does while trying to finger-comb her hair back into place.

Richard, Millie, and I approach the bike as Shaun grins and winks at me. “I guess I don’t have to ask if you enjoyed that. Your smile says it all,” I say to Sylvia.

“Oh, it was more than enjoyable—it was thrilling!” She looks to Shaun. “When can we do it again?”

Shaun chuckles and says he’ll have to see what he can arrange with Drake.

“My word, nothing I’ve ever done compares to that.”

“I’m so glad, Sylvia,” I say.

“Thank you, Abby, for arranging this.” Turning back to Shaun, she thanks him too. “And if I ever get the chance to meet Drake, I’ll thank him as well.”

“I think we could make that work,” Shaun says.

“Oh, Millie, you must try it.”

“No, thank you, Sylvia. I’m not inclined to take a ride in that. But I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

Richard and I begin to help Sylvia out of the side car as she continues to talk to herself about her little adventure. Once out, she embraces me, saying, “Thank you, dear.”

All I do is nod as I squeeze her tight.

“Let’s go sit and rest a bit,” Richard says. “I want to be sure you’re settled before I head home.”

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