Page 55 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

“Here we are.” Tim grinned, bouncing on the balls of his feet like a kid at a toy store. “Kevin is on the other side. Everyone wave to him. He’ll be the one to catch you. Are you ready?”

“Yes,” collective voices said with enthusiasm.

No, I screamed in my mind.

Tim demonstrated how to sit and where to hold. “Now, who’s going first?”

Tyler raised his hand.

“Let’s have an adult go first, and then Tyler can go next. Sound good?” Tim gave a thumbs up to my son.

Kate took pictures while Lee strapped himself in and soared across effortlessly. Afterward, Tyler went, then Bridget. Kate clicked away on her camera again. Tyler didn’t show an ounce of fear, but Bridget screamed.

Kevin was there to bring her in when she got to the other side. Bridget and Tyler jumped up and down while they waved.

“See you on the other side, sis.” Kate gave me a salute and sailed smoothly across a short distance, her camera bag snugged tightly in front of her sling.

“Abby, do you want to go next?” Ian asked, his voice tender. “I would go with you, but it's only one person at a time.”

I blew out a slow breath and nodded. “You go first. I need a little more time.”

He gave me a pat on my back. “You can do this.”

I shook my hands and rubbed my legs. Ian cupped my face, forcing me to look at those gorgeous dark eyes that appeared lighter in the sunlight.

“Abby, I promise you’re going to love it. Keep your eyes focused on one spot ahead of you. Maybe on Tyler, if you want. Just don’t look down. After it’s done, you can check it off your bucket list. Then we can celebrate.”

“Okay,” I said, trying to sound positive, giving him my best smile.

I watched Ian lock the straps around himself. He waved at me and sailed effortlessly. In fact, this course was a joke for the grownups. But I appreciated Lee, Kate, and Ian for being good sports and accommodating.

You’ve got this. Your family is waiting for you on the other side.

“Ready, Abby?” Tim asked. The sun highlighted the tips of his dirty-blond hair.

I walked toward Tim’s extended hand, and when my feet met the wooden planks, I slowed.

“Your first time?” Tim asked.

“Yes.” My palms felt clammy, and my knees wobbled.

“First time is the hardest. I’ve had countless customers, so you’re in good hands, okay?” His calming voice reassured me, but when I looked out, my heart pounded.

I swallowed and sat on the harness, allowing Tim to lock me in place.

“Hold on to these bars and either keep your knees bent or your legs straight out. I’m going to give you a little push. Just fly with the wind.”

Focus on Tyler. Don’t look down. It’s going to be fine.

From the other side, Kate took pictures of me while everyone clapped and shouted words of encouragement.

“Here we go. Get ready.” Tim brought me closer to the point of no return, and my heart somersaulted down to my stomach. All my nerve endings froze, locking my fingers around the bar holding me in place. No way would that harness hold me up. I wanted to vomit.

Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God. Whose crazy idea was this? Why had I opened up to Ian and let him talk me into going zip-lining? For goodness’ sake, I didn’t even have a bucket list. It only counts if you write it down, right?

“On the count of three, Abby. One … Two …”

I thought about backing out. My breaths grew shallow and fast. No, I couldn’t. I didn’t want Tyler to think less of his mother, and I certainly didn’t want to disappoint Ian, who was shouting my name.