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“It’s my birthday. So we’re going up, up, and away.”
“No, we’re not! You said you’d never go up in a hot-air ‘death trap.’ You’re afraid!”
“A little, yes. But I’ve spent thirty years listening to you tell me how wonderful it is, and I’m ready to try it.”
“But… but… but.”
“I trust you, and I trust our pilot. Helen, let me introduce you to Mark. I met him when I was in New Mexico. He works with the Albuquerque festival every year.”
Helen gave a little laugh. “I can’t believe this. You’re right. I’ve been trying to talk you into doing this with me forever.” A cloud crossed her face and she asked, “How long will this ride last?”
She’s worried we’ll be late to the surprise party. It took great effort for Genevieve not to giggle with glee. “Not that long. We’re just going around the mountain. Or, over it. I’m not sure which is the correct term. I know we need to get to Raindrop to, um, pick up your purse.”
Helen shot her a sharp look. “You know.”
“I’ve been around the block, Helen. Sixty times.”
“Who let the cat out of the bag?”
Genevieve waved the question off. “Change your shoes, sister, and let’s get this party started.”
She was a little nervous, but when she’d decided to make an entrance—in a manner of speaking—she knew she needed to listen to her guiding word for the year and muffleher fears. The experience turned out to be as glorious as her sister had promised. It took Genevieve about five minutes to relax, and after that, she allowed the giddiness she was feeling to catch hold.
When they rose above the mountain and rounded a curve, and Raindrop Lodge, snuggled up against Mirror Lake, came into view below, Genevieve knew that the time had come to spring the birthday surprise upon her sister.
“So, Helen, I need your assistance. Call one of my kids and tell them the surprise party has moved outdoors. I want them and everyone you invited to the party to congregate in front of the lodge.”
“You’re ruining the surprise, Genevieve,” Helen warned.
“Well, about that. Here’s the deal. I appreciate the effort you and my children put into this party. I will point out that I specifically told you all I didn’t want a big party, and I told you exactly what I did want.”
“Yes, but you had to know we’d want to do more.”
“I did. And I love you for it. Now, call one of my kids.”
Jake answered on the second ring. Helen relayed the instructions and disconnected the call as he began to ask questions. She said to Genevieve, “You can answer to them.”
“Or not.” Genevieve smiled at Mark, the pilot, and said, “We’re ready when you are, Mark.”
He saluted her and said, “Yes, ma’am.”
They descended as they approached Raindrop. Genevieve could see a crowd begin to congregate outside. It was now or never. “So, Helen. A wise man told me recently that it’s not the things you do in life that make it rewarding, but the people you do life with that make it your best life. I figure if you can do rewarding things with the people that count the most, it’s a win all around. That’s why Wednesday night,when the kids all came to my place for pizza, was so special. It’s why yesterday meant so much. It’s why today, on this birthday of all birthdays, I want to spend it with you.”
“Aw, honey. That’s sweet.”
“Actually, not so sweet.”
“Aw, honey, now I’m worried.”
“It’s my birthday, and I’m kidnapping you.”
“I know. You took me on a hot-air balloon ride when I was supposed to be taking you to your surprise party.”
“See, about that. It’smysurprise party.” She beamed a grin at her sister. “I’m taking you to Iceland.”
“What?” Helen screeched like a barn owl.
“We’ve always wanted to see the aurora borealis. Nothing is guaranteed, of course. But Iceland is our best shot.”
