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“I can’t believe there are places in the world like this that I almost missed out on seeing,” I say. “Why was I content to stay in my little box all that time?”
“Sometimes it’s easier staying in what we know, even if it’s not comfortable,” Wyatt says. He turns to look at me and smiles. “But I’m glad you’re here now.”
“Me too.”
“I thought I was scared to go down that slide, but I’m not. Maybe a little scared,” Dakota says.
“I’m a little scared too, but we’ll be okay,” I tell her.
“There’s a way down other than the slides, if you change your mind,” he says. “But I think you’ll really like it.”
Dakota nods and gulps. “I don’t want to change my mind.”
“It’s totally okay if you do, but don’t miss out on this view,” he says. “Look, there’s a golden eagle. Do you see its nest?”
“We’re flying even higher than her,” Dakota says. “Do you think she wants to catch up to us?”
“I bet she does,” Wyatt says. “Anyone who sees you wants to say hello.”
Dakota smiles and waves happily to the bird as he takes off in the other direction.
“Hello, eagle. Goodbye, eagle,” she sings.
Wyatt waves at the eagle and I watch the two of them with a lump in my throat. I think Wyatt has already spoken to her more than her dad has, and he’s certainly shown her more affection.
When we reach the top, we’re shown how to handle the cart and then we’re buckled in. The next thing I know, we’re cascading down the hill, the breeze in our faces, and Dakota is squealing with joy.
“Faster, Mama, faster. I think we’re gonna win.”
I glance over at Wyatt and she’s right. We’re ahead by a yard at least. I don’t tell her I’m almost positive he’s braking so we will win, and when we reach the bottom first, the way her head falls back and she claps and then throws her hands up in the air make it all worth it.
We get out of the cart and she’s jumping up and down.
“We won! Can we go again?” she says.
He gives her a high five. “How about we check out the games inside?” He points at the arcade beyond the ticket counter. He lifts a shoulder. “You can try to beat me at Ms. Pacman.”
“Oh, Mama will beat you at that,” she says. “She’s better thaneveryoneat that game.”
I laugh and nudge her. “Let’s make sure we’re good sports.”
“What does that mean again?” she asks.
“It means we can be excited when we win, but it’s not nice to brag about it.”
Wyatt pretends to pout. “Can I brag a little bit if I beat you at Ms. Pacman?”
I try to hold back my smile. “I’m sorry to say you won’t get the chance to find out…because I’ll win.”
I’m laughing before the words are all the way out…that I said it and his reaction to it. He leans over me, his face getting close to mine as he laughs and says, “Game. On.”
Dakota plays Skeeball next to us and gets a long line of tickets to choose a prize.
It ends up closer than I’d like with our game—he’s really good—but I beat him soundly.
I don’t think he can quite believe it.
“Best out of three?” he asks. “Loser buys dinner at Sunny Side?”
