Chapter 34
thirty-four
Tripp figured out my plan as soon as he put the destination into his GPS, and to say he wasn’t thrilled would be a massive understatement. His jaw clenched as tight as his fists on the steering wheel. But to his credit, he didn’t say anything or try to talk me out of it. Ava, on the other hand, was indignant. She’s tried no less than five times to talk me out of the rock climb. When I refused, she called Seth and berated him for being stupid enough to go along with this plan. My brother informed her that I was more than ready and capable of doing the climb. Even though I missed Tripp during our practice, I was glad I’d had the time with Seth.
When we reached the campsite, the sun was already inching its way down. We were the last to arrive. Seth and Liam built a fire while Brett and Mel worked on their tent. I’d be sharing a tent with them and Ava, while the boys shared the tent Tripp and I had camped in last time.
“Do we have anything other than hotdogs and baked beans?” Liam asked, digging through the cooler. “I swear we talked about burgers or something.”
“The burgers are under the condiments,” Tripp said. He stood to go help him and Seth get our dinner started. As he walked away from me, he turned back and offered a conciliatory smile. He knew I was nervous about inviting my dad and stepmom along, but I think he was also still upset with me for choosing this particular adventure. He hadn’t said anything, but he kept looking at my wrist as if he expected it to shatter at any moment.
I settled onto a log, choosing a spot next to Brett. “How was your flight in?”
“Good,” he said, smiling. “On time for a change.”
“Thank you again for inviting us,” Mel said. She leaned into Brett and rested her head on his shoulder. “We haven’t been camping in years.”
An awkward silence fell between us. I didn’t really know what to say to either of them. I’d couldn’t remember ever having a normal conversation with them. Every time I was around either of them, I was combative.
Ava was still ignoring me, so I forced myself to make small talk with Brett and Mel. It made for a long night of camping, but Ava and Tripp were in better spirits by Saturday morning. Tripp even agreed to belay for me on the climb, which meant he’d have the responsibility of keeping my rope secure if I fell.
“Thank you,” I said, squeezing Tripp’s hand, “I know you’re not too keen on the idea, but I appreciate you being here.”
“I’m learning you’re impossible to say no to.” He glanced over his shoulder before planting a kiss on my cheek. “Your dad keeps looking at me like he wants to punch me.”
“Weird, right? He never got to play the if-you’re-going-to-date-my-daughter dad role, so I think he’s a little too excited to make up those lost memories.”
“What about you?”
I reached down and swiped a bug off of my pants. We’d been hiking for almost an hour and had another mile or so until we reached the climb. “I don’t know. It’s weird having him here, and I can’t remember the last time I spent my birthday with him. He flies down every year to have dinner with us, but I fake an illness or hide out in a random hotel room for the 2 days he’s here.”
The truth was my stomach had been in knots ever since we’d met them at the campsite last night. Brett and Mel gave me awkward hugs and wished us a happy birthday, but I’d yet to find the courage to talk or walk with them. I let Seth take the lead like he always did. As we’d packed up the campsite this morning, I’d begun to second-guess my decision to invite them along. But it had been Brett who finally convinced Tripp to belay for me on the climb. Over campfire bacon and eggs, my dad had casually mentioned that he’d be happy to mind the rope for me. As soon as he started asking for a tutorial, Tripp jumped in and volunteered. I think Brett had played up his ignorance a bit, and I was thankful he had.
“How long have you been planning this?” Ava asked, falling into step beside me. “And how did you manage to keep it a secret.”
“It wasn’t easy! I wanted to tell you so many times, but I knew you’d try to talk me out of it. Both of you.” I passed an accusatory glance between the two of them. “But last weekend, the idea came to me. I knew I wanted to do rock climbing for the last challenge, but the original plan was to keep it indoors. Then, I saw some photos and videos of Foster Falls. It was too gorgeous to pass up. Plus, I actually had fun camping.”
“I don’t think that had anything to do with the camping,” Ava said, teasing me. I looked up at Tripp and smiled as his cheeks turned crimson right along with mine. “Because you sure complained about everything last night.”
“Sorry,” I said, shrugging, “Tripp is a better tentmate.”
“I’m sure he is.” She laughed as she left us to catch up with Liam. With the trip and plan being a surprise, they hadn’t had much time to work out the plan for filming. I’d made sure to give him enough information on what to pack, but that was the extent. He’d been less than thrilled about being excluded from the planning, but he’d at least been on board with the idea once I shared it with everyone last night.
Tripp slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer to him. I rested my head against his shoulder. “I missed you last week.”
“I missed you, too,” I admitted.
“I was worried you were mad at me for not being there.”
“I was, at first. Ava helped me understand where you were coming from, though. I’m just glad you’re here now.”
“Me, too.”
When we reached the rock, we’d be climbing, Seth and I put on our sit harnesses, which were far more comfortable than the indoor climbing harnesses. I also made sure to wear the appropriate attire today: no shorts, nothing too loose, climbing shoes, and gloves. I also had my trusty helmet, which had gotten me through the kayak trip. The plan was for Seth to climb beside me and act as a spotter to ensure I found the right spots to grip and step.
“Ready, little sis?” Seth asked. I was a whole two minutes younger than him, but he never missed an opportunity to remind me that he was older. I stepped back and let my gaze travel the full height of the rock.
Tripp hooked the rope to my harness. “You look ready.”
“Definitely not like the last time you were harnessed to a rope,” Liam said, laughing. “Sometimes, when I’m having a crap day, I rewatch the video of you at the trampoline park. Cheers me right up.”
“Glad to be of service,” I said with a grin.
Brett and Mel approached from my right just as I was about to reach for the firsthand ledge. I jumped back, startled, forgetting they were there.
“Happy birthday, Sadie,” he said and pulled me into a side hug. “Your mom would be so proud of you.”
I shook my head. “Don’t make me cry before I start.” I blinked away an errant tear and returned his embrace. “But thank you for being here.” When Brett released me, Mel stepped in for her own hug. She told me she was proud of me, which almost brought on another round of tears.
Tripp and I checked the rope tension one last time. I held his hand and closed my eyes. When I opened them, his smiling face greeted me. “You’ve got this, Sadie.”
And I knew without a single doubt that I did. “And you’ve got me.”
After taking a few deep, slow breaths, I gave Seth a quick nod to indicate that I was ready. Then, we were off. I followed Seth’s lead as he took the first few feet without me. When I caught up to him, we climbed side by side. My fingers were used to the rubber of the holds inside the gym, and it took a bit longer than I’d anticipated to get used to the unforgiving texture of the rock. I’d cut my nails short for this and was glad I did. Otherwise, they’d all be breaking off. I was desperate to turn back and look at Tripp on the ground but knew better. We weren’t nearly as high as the hot air balloon had been, but it wasn’t worth the risk. As long as I kept my eyes focused on the top, I’d be okay.
One hand at a time , I reminded myself over and over again. Don’t rush. According to my research, it should only take us twenty minutes or so to get to the top if we maintain a steady pace. At the halfway point, Seth turned to check on me, but I was already a few paces ahead of him.
“What are you waiting for, slowpoke? Are you going to let your baby sister beat you?”
“Ha! As if that’s even possible.”
Challenge accepted . I reached for the next notch in the rock and pulled myself up. When I moved to set my foot into place, it slipped. I curled my fingers and dug deeper into the rock. My right wrist tingled from the pressure, but I couldn’t ease it until I regained my footing. My rope tensed as Tripp held it in the brake position. My knee slammed into the rock, but I didn’t fall. “Ooof!”
I glanced down to see if I could find a better spot for my foot. In doing so, my gaze drifted to the ground. Tripp stared up at me. He’d tried to mask the fear on his face but failed. I smiled down reassuringly and slid my foot to the left until it found the notch I’d been looking for.
“I’m good,” I shouted down to the group. With my foot securely in place, I let my weight rest on my legs while I stretched my wrist. I kept it in front of me and, I hoped, out of sight, I didn’t need any I told you so’s right now.
Despite my slip, I made it to the top a solid five seconds before Seth, but I think he let me win. I’d take it.
At the top, I hugged my brother and threw my hands in the air in victory. “We did it!”
“Hell yeah, you did!” Liam yelled at me, pumping his fist in the air as if he’d been the one to make the climb.
Tripp’s wide smile beamed up at me. From up here, his lips looked as kissable as ever. An overwhelming desire to do just that took hold of me. I no longer cared about the view or the audience. I just wanted to get down to him.
“Okay, bye,” I said to Seth and moved to the edge of the rock. “I’m coming down!”
The repel down felt like an eternity, even though it would only be a few minutes. I couldn’t get to him fast enough. I still made sure to follow the proper steps to ensure my safety, but I moved quickly. When I neared the bottom, I turned back to ensure that Tripp was still waiting for me. I locked my eyes on him and returned his smile. He eased the rope up and guided me down the last few feet.
I fell into his arms and pressed my lips against his. I didn’t care who was watching or what the cameras caught. He was the only person I needed. When I finally released him, he leaned in and whispered, “I’m sorry I ever doubted you. You were absolutely amazing.”