Epilogue Two
Audrey
There are two kinds of people in this world: those who skydive once for the thrill of it and those who agree to celebrate ten straight weeks on the New York Times best-seller list by jumping out of a perfectly functioning plane. Can you guess which one of these I am?
“Wolf,” I yell over the roar of the wind and engine, double-checking the straps on my harness. “Maybe next time, we’ll celebrate with champagne and a spa.”
My husband grins from behind mirrored aviators and a ridiculous sky-blue jumpsuit. “This is the ultimate spa day. You’ll feel ten pounds lighter as soon as we jump.”
I glare at him. “That’s because my soul will immediately depart my body.”
He’s adjusting his pack with military precision. “You know you can always trust me to get you to the ground.” He always has, and I know he always will.
“I guess our vows really meant in good times and bad,” I say with a laugh.
“This is gonna be the best jump of all,” Rico, my guide, says, as excited as Wolf. It doesn’t matter how many times I do this, it’s always going to be a terrifying thrill.
I nod as I take in breaths, hoping one will calm me. We’ve promised to continue our adventures no matter what life throws at us, and nearly two years into our marriage, we’re keeping these vows.
“Each leap will be better than the last,” Wolf says. He leans over and kisses me, and I feel a new calm wash over my body. He has a way of grounding me that no one else can.
“Okay, I’m ready,” I assure him. He smiles as we move closer to the open door.
“You’ve got this, babe.” Wolf’s eyes twinkle as we look out at the clear sky.
The view stretching endlessly below us of Catalina’s rugged coast and the glittering sea is spectacular. Off in the distance is our favorite beach, where Chloe, our daughter’s favorite aunt, is holding her with Drake and Jayden hovering on either side. Our life is a storybook, and I refuse to ever end the story.
“I want nachos so let’s get to land,” I say with a laugh.
“Sounds perfect to me,” Wolf says.
He jumps, then my guide and I quickly follow. It’s like the last time, sheer terror and total freedom. Freefalling feels like forgetting every rule gravity has ever taught you.
The rush, the roar, the adrenaline surge — it’s not just the sensation of falling. It’s flying with nothing but wind and sky and the person you love tumbling with you toward earth while laughing like the lunatics you are.
I look over at Wolf, his grin wild and his hair flaring in all directions. I can hear his laughter over the fierce noise of the rushing wind. Before I’m ready, our parachutes deploy, whipping us upward in a surge... then we float, suspended in a golden sky.
Down below, the island gleams as it keeps its secrets hidden from the world. I turn and look at Wolf drifting down beside me, peaceful in a way that only the sky brings to him.
“I love you!” I shout.
“I love you more!”
I laugh. “I want my spa day when this is over.” He throws his head back and laughs.
“Anything for you, my love.”
Before we know it, we’re landing on the beach, our laughter rolling out to sea. We get unclipped, then tackle each other in the sand. Wolf rolls onto his back, pulling me with him. I gaze into his bright green eyes.
Nearly three years together and I’m still falling for you,” he says.
I lean down and kiss him. “I love our life of adventure.”
“I promise to always give you more.”
I shake my head. “What comes next?”
He thinks for a moment. “Maybe a hot air balloon ride.”
“That’s far too tame.”
His grin grows, and I begin to worry. “Definitely wing suits.” That might be a bit too far for me.
“I don’t think that will happen.”
“Maybe...” He pauses as he caresses my back, our legs entwined, our hearts beating as one, the coast whispering behind us and the sky wide open above. My book is on its tenth week on the NYT’s best-sellers list, our daughter is thriving, and our marriage is stronger than ever.
This man has changed my world in so many ways. We’re always on a thrill ride, but we have moments of safety and bliss. I love him more than I thought possible, and it grows each day. I never know what tomorrow will bring, and I don’t care. I don’t need it all mapped out anymore.
“Maybe the next thrill will simply be finding tomorrow,” he finally finishes.
I laugh. “Or maybe cave diving.”
It’s his turn to laugh. We hold each other a moment longer. We don’t get as many moments alone now that we’re parents, and we cherish them like we need to. We have the rest of our lives to celebrate our adventures and show each other love. I’m sure we’ll find many creative ways of doing just that.
We’re messy, loud, full of sand, stars, jumps, and always adventure... for today, tomorrow, and an eternity.