Page 13 of Red, White, and You (Merry Little Midlife #3)

The sun peeks through the dense foliage of the towering trees, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.

The air is filled with the scent of pine and anticipation as Brie and I stand at the base of the zipline platform.

It’s the start of our third full day together, and though Brie seems to have enjoyed herself all weekend, there’s a change in her this morning.

Monday is the start of the work week for most people, yet she’s here in Pennsylvania instead of sitting at her desk in Manhattan.

And though the Fourth of July is a national holiday, and most people would have the day off, my wife is not most people.

If I know Brie—and I do —she’d likely not waste a day sitting poolside or barbequing with friends when she could be getting work done instead.

So she’s on edge—even after the multiple orgasms we shared this morning.

Her desire to get home is almost palpable even though she hasn’t voiced those thoughts.

But I’m determined to take her mind off things, and if fucking her senseless didn’t do the trick, then maybe soaring through the trees nearly a hundred feet above the ground will work.

Her hazel eyes flicker with uncertainty as she gazes up at the towering platform that will launch us into an exhilarating journey through the treetops.

She’s always been the responsible one, the epitome of a Type A personality, and watching her step out of her comfort zone fills me with an overwhelming sense of joy.

Each moment she stays at Camp West makes me fall for her that much harder.

I know she’ll leave me on Friday, but what she doesn’t know, is that I plan to follow her.

I’d follow this woman anywhere.

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 on water 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’s so much more. It’s everything .

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.

She’s something to see in a suit and expensive heels.

Stunning in a simple dress and flats.

Damn near the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen in the morning when her hair is mussed and her eyes are puffy with sleep.

But this Brie, the one with wind in her hair and a wild expression on her face might be my favorite version of her.

We land on the first platform, our bodies swaying slightly as we detach ourselves from the zipline. Brie turns to me, her eyes shining with a newfound light. “That was amazing,” she breathes, her smile wide and eyes bright.

With a soft chuckle, I lean in and capture her mouth in a lingering kiss, savoring the taste of freedom and possibility on her lips. I have no doubt in my mind that selling this place and moving to New York to be with her is the right decision.

She can continue to dominate in every courtroom she enters, and I’ll be waiting for her at home, ready to remind her when it’s time to unwind.

And if she ever forgets how, I’ll be there to remind her of that, too.