That seems to remind everyone why they’re here and a chorus of happy birthday’s sound up.
Axel holds me tight as he gets up, pulling me to my feet.
“Our girl,” Dad says, trying to hide the smile that’s threatening to break over his face.
“We share rations and ammo, it’s only right that we share the kids as well,” Axel says.
The other guys nod in agreement, effectively out voting Dad.
On the way to the secret destination, I can’t contain my happiness and excitement.
Dad sneaked Rhett into the apartment while I was still asleep. They woke me singing happy birthday and didn’t even give me time to pull a brush through my hair before I had to open a mountain of presents.
My eyes start to burn with unshed tears when I think of the letters Dad gave me. They were the ones Mom wrote to him while she was pregnant with me.
I placed them under my pillow. I’ll read them tonight when I’m alone.
When we get to the destination, I’m surprised to see Carter, Logan, Jaxson, Marcus, and Ryan here as well.
“Hey guys, where are the women?” I ask once I’m out of the car.
“Once Leigh explained in detail what the chances are of someone falling to their death, they all chickened out,” Jaxson says.
“Fall?” I frown and then Rhett points to a huge sign I somehow missed. “We’re going bungee jumping?” I shriek.
“You know, guys,” Marcus says as he places his hand over his heart, “with my heart and all –”
“Shut it. Leigh cleared you. If I’m jumping, you’re jumping.” Jaxson stops him from backing out.
“Logan, are my affairs in order?” Carter whispers.
“Yep. Don’t even think about backing out now. You dragged me here,” Logan whispers back.
I chuckle as I ask Ryan, “You’re jumping?”
“I had a choice between jumping or staying with the women. You bet your sweet behind I’m jumping.”
Dad laughs, and he quickly introduces the two groups of men.
When we’re all schooled adequately on the jumping rules, Dad and Carter go first.
When they fall forward, their whoops and shouts echo around us.
Axel jumps with Logan, then Mike and Jaxson go, followed by Dave and Marcus. Max and Ryan get ready to go next when Rhett pulls me to the side.
“Please don’t think less of me when I scream like a girl on the way down,” he whispers.
“I won’t, and I’ve heard you scream. You don’t sound like a girl. Trust me,” I whisper back.
“I do,” he says, staring deep into my eyes.
“You do, what?” I ask a little confused.
“I trust you, Evie.”
“Evie, Rhett, you’re up,” Dad calls out before I can respond to the enormous bomb Rhett just dropped on me.
When I start to walk towards the left jumping podium, Dad calls out, “No, Evie. You’re jumping tandem with Rhett.”