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“Still. Maybe we need to rethink all of that. I mean, look at the guys at the bike shop. They backed away from a lot of what we do to focus on what they really love,” said Gaspar.
“That’s just it, Uncle Gaspar,” smirked Cam. “This is what we love. All of us. No one is forced to join the family business. We do it because it’s who we are, what we are.
“As for the guys at the bike shop, yes, they’re spending more time doing that, but they’re literally spendingalltheir time there. They still work ten, twelve, sometimes fifteen hours a day to get the bikes done. There’s an unbelievable demand for them. Now more than ever.”
“That’s helpful to know,” frowned Ghost. “I think you boys should just take some time to think about backing away a bit. We’re going to be doing the same on this trip, and hopefully, we’ll reach a decision that’s right for the entire family.”
“Whatever the decision,” said Hex, “you know that we’ll support you and the others. It’s not like you won’t still be right across the bayou.”
“That’s very true,” laughed Ian. “We don’t plan on leaving the bayou any time soon. We’ve found our home, our Garden of Eden, if you will. I think we’re all happy with that decision.”
“I’ve got the weather predictions for the next two weeks,” said Stormy, smiling at the group. “It’s going to be perfect for camping and hiking. Temps should be in the seventies during the day, fifties at night. Ideal for cuddling. You might have a little rain, but the weather charts aren’t showing anything terrible. Then again, I’m a weather girl. I’m usually wrong.” She winked at the men.
The men chuckled at her, shaking their heads.
“Maybe we should do a lot more cuddling,” laughed Ian.
“You definitely should,” said Stormy. “You have some of the most beautiful and talented wives in the world, and yes, I know I’m biased. But they deserve to know how special they are. I don’t predict any snow, but if things change, I’ll let you all know.”
“We’ve found the perfect drop zone for the gear,” said Autumn. She opened the tablet, showing them the map of the area where they would be. “You’ll be very close to Yellowstone and Red Rock Lakes. You’ll be just to the west of Sawtell Peak. Great hiking, great climbing, and just peaceful.”
“It looks perfect,” smiled Ghost.
“There’s a flat area to the southwest of the ridge where we’ll drop the gear. We’ve notified park rangers, as well as local authorities, that we’ll make camp there for two weeks. Don’t be surprised if they pop in and just check on you. You can set up the permanent camp there, but hike wherever you want to and use the smaller tents if you want to spend a night somewhere else.”
“We’ve got it,” smiled Nine. Autumn stared at him, nodding.
“I know you do,” she said quietly. “I just worry about all of you out there alone.”
“We’re not alone, honey,” said Gaspar. “We’re all together. Forty couples. We’ll be just fine. George, Mary, Teddy, Doug, Miguel, Razor, Bella, Skull, Avery, Tango, Taylor, David, and Hawke are all staying back.”
“Yes, sir,” nodded Autumn.
“Autumn, honey, you never have to call us sir, you know that. I just wanted you to know that we’d be okay.”
“I know,” she smiled. “I’ll miss you all while you’re gone, that’s all.”
“We’ll miss you too,” said Nine. She nodded at the group, waving to them as she left to help Evie prep the choppers. They would be taking the Ospreys simply because they would allow them to land in the area, whereas planes would be more difficult.
“Kane? Is your team feeling okay about all of this?” asked Ian. “I mean, I know you’ve had your fill of camping.”
“This is different,” he chuckled. “They’re looking forward to doing this as well. We’re all far more comfortable in an open-air, quiet environment. It’s good for us as well.”
“Then I guess we pack our shit and head to the Ospreys. Time for campfires, s’mores, and fresh air,” grinned Ghost, standing to leave. Gaspar gripped his arm, grinning.
“And no bad guys. Don’t forget that. No bad guys allowed.”
CHAPTER FOUR
With eighty people headed out to the remote camping site, it looked as if they were starting a small town, not camping as a group of friends. The gear had been dropped in the open area they’d chosen, and the men were already beginning the setup of the tents and inside amenities.
The women decided to set up the outdoor kitchen space, also covered by a tent. With three cooktops, as well as a fire to prepare meals on, they would have everything they needed.
Included in the drop were ten massive coolers filled with ice packs, the meat and perishables would be kept cold the entire week. If that somehow failed, the stream nearby was cold enough to keep things at an appropriate temperature.
Camille, Sophia, and Aislinn set up an area for washing and drying clothes, while Ivy, Claudette, and Grace searched the area for local plants, berries, and other things they could use in their cooking during the week.
Once the tents were set up, the beds inflated, and their personal items stored, pop-up dog houses were erected for Beast, Monster, and Zeus. The furballs had insisted on coming, and Sniff felt it would be good for them to get some fresh mountain air.
