I can see Tillie and Cass cheering me on from the back of the boat as I attempt to rise up from my knees to stand. I wobble, and just when I think I’m going to fall, I manage to steady the board and...and I nail it! Gliding across the water, I feel free and happy. I can almost picture Abbott’s beautiful face smiling down at me. He’s practiced with me for years, and I’ve never been able to do it. That was for you, baby... Closing my eyes and turning my face up to the sky, an incredible sense of peace washes over me. I feel him near. I can just picture him here shouting his praise, and I imagine the way it would feel when he would lift me into his arms and spin me around, celebrating my victory. He was always my biggest cheerleader and my greatest teacher. I take over driving the boat and allow Reid a chance to show off. Much like Abbott, he’s a natural. Tillie and Sierra are hypnotized by his spins and tricks. For a moment, it’s like having him back. My guy...my handsome, sexy, sandy-haired boy playing on the water...the warmth of the sun beating down on my damp skin...the smells of sunscreen and beer.
