Page 207 of Better When Shared
When we got there, we checked the bikes we’d need, airing tires and checking brakes. Until the crunch of tires on gravel announced our clients’ arrival—a silver SUV pulling into the parking area beside the barn. I straightened, switching into professional mode as two adults and three kids piled out of the vehicle.
“Ready for this?” I bumped Hamish’s shoulder with mine.
He nodded, squaring his shoulders like he was preparing for battle instead of a family bike ride. “As I’ll ever be.”
The family approached—dad in expensive-looking outdoor gear, mom in practical shorts and a sun hat, followed by two lanky boys and a small girl with blonde pigtails and a determined expression that reminded me weirdly of Imogen.
“Welcome to Salish Sea Adventure Tours.” I stepped forward, extending my hand. “I’m Makai, and this is Hamish, my co-guide for today’s mountain bike excursion.”
The father shook my hand firmly. “Tom Mitchell. This is my wife Renee, and our kids—Jake, Leon, and Aimee.”
“First time mountain biking?” I asked, leading them toward the row of bikes.
“It’s Aimee’s first time. The boys have gone a few times,” Renee answered. “And Tom and I used to ride quite a bit before they came along.”
“We’ve got three skill levels of trails here,” I explained, glancing at Hamish with a hint of pride as he knelt to help Aimee find a helmet that fit her. “We’ll start on the easy loop to get everyone comfortable, then decide if we want to tackle anything more challenging.”
The next fifteen minutes passed in a blur of bike adjustments, safety instructions, and basic skills practice in the flat area beside the barn. I demonstrated the proper body position, braking technique, and how to shift gears efficiently. To my surprise, Hamish jumped in naturally, adding clear, patientexplanations that complemented my more physical teaching style.
“Remember, your bike wants to stay upright when it’s moving,” Hamish told Aimee, who looked apprehensive on the blue bike we’d prepped for her. “Just like a spinning top. The faster you go, the more stable you’ll be.”
“But what if I fall?” she asked, her small hands gripping the handlebars tightly.
Hamish smiled, adjusting her helmet one more time. “Then you’ll get back up, just like with anything worth doing. And I’ll be right behind you the entire time.”
Something warm unfurled in my chest watching them—the way Hamish spoke to the girl without a trace of condescension, how he’d instinctively picked up on her fears and addressed them directly. I forced myself to look away, focusing on checking Jake and Leon’s bikes one last time.
“Everyone ready?” I called, mounting my own bike. “We’ll take it nice and easy to start.”
We set off down the beginner trail, a well-packed dirt path winding through the forest with gentle hills and wide turns. I took the lead with Jake and Leon close behind, their youthful energy immediately apparent as they peppered me with questions about jumps and tricks. Tom and Renee followed at a steady pace, while Hamish brought up the rear with Aimee.
After a few minutes, I glanced back to check on them. Hamish rode alongside the girl, talking animatedly, his hands occasionally leaving the handlebars to gesture. Whatever he was saying had Aimee giggling, her initial fear transformed into cautious enjoyment.
“Can we try that?” Jake pointed to a small dirt ramp branching off the main trail—nothing dangerous, just enough for a beginner to get a taste of air beneath their tires.
“Sure thing.” I guided the boys toward the feature. “Watch me first, then we’ll take it one at a time.”
I demonstrated the approach and lift, getting just enough air to make the boys whoop with excitement. Leon went next, then Jake, both executing wobbly but successful jumps. I high-fived them both, then let them try again, until their parents caught up, but there was no sign of Hamish and Aimee. I gave the family directions to continue the loop, promising to go back to check on Hamish and Aimee.
“I can’t do it,” she insisted, her lower lip quivering slightly. “It’s too steep.”
“It does look steep from here,” Hamish agreed. “But what if we try it together? I’ll ride right beside you the whole way.”
I hung back, watching as he patiently talked her through the approach, showing her where to position her weight, when to brake. After a few minutes of coaching, they remountedtheir bikes and tackled the hill together—Hamish calling out encouragement the entire way up.
When they reached the top, Aimee’s face split into a grin of pure triumph. “I did it!” she shouted, looking back at the hill with wide eyes. “Did you see me, Mr. Hamish? I did it!”
“You absolutely did,” Hamish beamed at her, his face alight with genuine joy at her accomplishment. “And brilliantly, too. Perfect technique.”
In that moment, I could see it so clearly—Hamish and me running tours together, his patient instruction complementing my more adventurous approach. Building something lasting here on the island, with both him and Imogen. The three of us making a life together. The vision hit me with such force I had to look away, pretending to adjust my bike seat while I got my shit together.
Because they weren’t staying.
“Everything alright?” Hamish asked, riding over to me while Aimee proudly pedaled ahead to show her parents what she’d learned.
“Yeah, just making sure my bike’s good.” I straightened, forcing a grin. “You’re a natural with kids, you know that? Might have to steal you from the investment world and make you a full-time adventure guide.”
“I’m not sure guiding would pay for the upkeep on an eight-bedroom estate.” There was something wistful in his eyes.
