Erin walked around the area, enjoying the 360-degree view of the state park, the land masses in the distance, and the pristine water leading out to them.
“This area is perfect for paragliding because of its elevation and the influence it has on the flow of air currents. This will help you to enjoy longer flights,” Josh explained as he removed the parachute from the back of the jeep. “We’ll take the first rip together, after which you’ll do it by yourself.”
Erin nodded her agreement. The man helped her into the heinous contraption and strapped himself in as well.“We will have to accelerate toward the edge of the cliff while the parachute unfurls and the wind pushes it up in the air,” Josh explained.
Erin squealed in glee when the parachute lifted behind them, the wind current lifting it up and the weight pulling them back. As they ran for the cliff’s edge, the resistance from the chute kept pulling them backward the further it elevated. Erin’s face lit up when she felt her feet stop touching the grassy surface as they were lifted into the air. Her squeals of pleasure, however, turned into ones of terror when the parachute elevated and brought them higher into the air. When they flew over the cliff’s edge, Erin felt her heart vacate her chest cavity and her stomach cave as she looked down to see that they were over the edge but higher up in the air. From that vantage point, she could see the mountain ranges and the other landforms jutting out of the channel even clearer. She could see all the way back to Seattle’s skyscrapers decorating the skyline.
“How’re you feeling?” Josh called out from beside her.
“Terrific!” Erin smiled. The wind blew against her face, and her skin felt as if it was puckering from the cold wind under the long-sleeved blouse she wore.
“It’s time to take her in now,” Josh called from beside her half an hour later.
“Okay,” Erin said against the wind hammering them. As they slowly descended, she squawked when it felt like they were about to crash, but her guide pulled on the harness controlling their tempo. Her legs extended down as the earth became closer. Her legs buckled under her when they finally touched the ground.
Erin threw the parachute off her head and looked excitedly back at the guide.
“That was awesome! Let’s do that again.”
ChapterTwenty-Two
The sweet aroma of hickory-infused meat that had been marinated in barbecue sauce pervaded the air, as did the laughing and talk of the Hamilton clan as they prepared to celebrate Memorial Day in the manner in which they traditionally did, which was by having a family barbecue.
Uncle Luke and Jamie were standing by the charcoal burner, turning the steaks and sausages that were sizzling on the grill as wood smoke rose into the air to impart the meat with its characteristic aroma. Under the gazebo, Cora, and her sisters, along with Kerry, Tessa, Sharon, Kristen, Marg, and Shelby, spoke and chuckled while Cora's aunts, Stacey and Maria, the current matriarchs of the family, sat on the porch looking out at the activities that were taking place.
Themen were playing touch football in the open grassy area opposite the gazebo.
Erin took in the view from an Adirondack chair as she looked out at the water. In addition to Jules, their cousins Rory, Tracey, Dianne, Sophia, Amy, and Nikki, as well as their cousin-in-law Sarah, sat in seats with a view of the water.
“Derek and I have decided to have our wedding in December. After witnessing your wedding, Rory, I was inspired,” Dianne informed the group.
“That’s great, Dianne. I’m really happy for you both.” Rory beamed. “A winter-themed wedding is definitely the way to go,” she continued, throwing her thumbs up in support.
“Congratulations again, Dianne. I wish you nothing but the best,” Erin added with a grin.
“Thanks, guys,” Dianne said appreciatively.
“So, Rory, how is married life?” Tracey asked.
Rory’s cheeks became rosy, competing with her ginger hair. “It’s great. Wonderful, actually,” she gushed. “It has its fair share of ups and down, but it’s also filled with a lot of surprises.”
Erin watched her cousin’s hand discreetly brush over her tummy. She wondered if there was a story there.
“You guys are an inspiration to us that true love can prevail,” Sophia added. The others, with the exception of Nikki, nodded in agreement.
“What about you, Jules? How are things with Noah?”
Erin turned her attention to her sister. Jules’s lips turned up into a small smile. “It’s been great so far,” she responded softly. “I just wish he didn’t have to redeploy,” she finished, looking down at her hands in her lap.
“I know it can’t be easy, but we’re here for you if you ever need to talk or just blow off some steam,” Sarah chimed in.
Jules smiled gratefully. There was a snicker from Nikki.
“What’s so funny?” Erin asked with a raised brow, frown lines at the corner of her mouth.
“I didn’t say anything, did I?” Nikki challenged.
The group became quiet, perturbed by her behavior.
