Page 28 of Red, White, and You

I tried life without her, and though I’ve found success and mostly found happiness, without her, nothing is quite as good as it could be. The world has less shine when we’re apart.

I take a step closer to her, reaching out to gently squeeze her hand. Her fingers intertwine with mine, her touch warm and familiar. “You ready for this?” I ask. I’ve always admired her tenacity and dedication to her work, but seeing her let go, even for a little while, is something else entirely.

Brie bites her bottom lip and nods. “Does it matter if I am?” she replies, her voice laced with a hint of uncertainty.

“Of course it matters.”

She meets my gaze, then gives a curt nod. “I’m fine.”

“It’s completely safe.”

She shoots me a look that says she doubts that.

“Trust me, Breezy.”

She huffs. “You know I do.”

I don’t take that lightly. Trust, coming from a woman as in control as my ex, is something sacred and special. She doesn’t give of it freely. I brush my thumb across the back of her hand, a silent reassurance that I’ll be right there with her every step of the way.

As we climb the wooden steps to the platform, Brie’s nervous energy radiates from her. She hesitates at the top, her grip tightening on the railing. Getting her to relax in the water was one thing; she’s always loved the water. She grew up onwater skis. But this? Forcing her to face her fear of heights? I’m not asking anything small of her, that’s for sure.

I climb up behind her, my body pressed against hers, offering support and a sense of security. “Take a deep breath, Brie,” I whisper, my lips grazing her earlobe. “You’ve got this.”

Her exhale is shaky, but she takes the next brave step up. She reaches the top of the platform and I watch as she’s harnessed up, the instructors explaining the safety precautions with professionalism and a touch of humor. Brie listens intently, her brow furrowed in concentration, determined to conquer her fears. I strap into my own harness, the cool metal buckles pressing against my skin. The instructor gives us one last round of instructions, checks both of our harnesses one final time, then steps back, allowing us to take the plunge into the unknown when we’re good and ready to do so.

Brie’s hand finds mine once again as we step onto the launch pad, her grip tight.

“Hey,” I say, tugging her hand.

She side-eyes me.

“I’ve got you.” I squeeze her hand for reassurance.

Brie breathes deeply, then nods. “I know.”

“I love you.”

The faintest ghost of a smile touches her lips. “I know that, too.”

“We just have to go for it, Breezy. All in.”

She swivels her head toward me, searching my eyes, then whispers, “All in.”

Her words are simple enough; we’re discussing the zipline, nothing more. But the look in her eyes says it’s not just the zipline. It’ssomuch more. It’severything.

It’s us. Our future.

All in.

“Ready?”

She nods.

“One… two…three!”

There’s a rush of wind against our faces, the thrill of adrenaline coursing through our veins as we step off the deck in tandem. Brie’s scream echoes through the forest and the trees become a blur of green as we fly through the air, our laughter mixing with the chorus of birds and rustling leaves..

I steal glances at Brie whenever I can, her smile infectious and radiant. She catches me looking and playfully sticks her tongue out, a gesture that elicits a chuckle from deep within my chest.

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