Page 21 of Family Bonds: Carson & Laine

“It’s second nature to me,” he said. “But life is worth living, so let’s give it a try. We can dump it if it’s that bad.”

He got up and followed her into the kitchen, opened the bottle and poured them both a glass.

They each took a sip. “Tastes like sparkly apple juice. Not bad at all.”

“Could be worse,” he said.

She grabbed the chicken that she’d had marinating out of the fridge.

“Everything could be worse in life from someone’s point of view.”

“Good point. So back to your list.”

They returned to the deck, Carson carrying the wine glasses.

“Let’s see. I’ve got it on my computer and add to it as I think of more. Sometimes I take something off and realize that I don’t care that much. Paintball, a ride in a helicopter. Rollercoasters. I love them. I like to visit different parks. When I travel if there is one close by, I go just to ride the rollercoaster and then leave. Hershey Park. I mean all that chocolate.”

“I haven’t done paintball, but that sounds like fun. Been on a lot of choppers.”

“You have?” she asked. “Oh, Bond Charter.”

“I’m on it mostly for medical reasons,” he said.

“I guess I didn’t think of that.”

“I enjoy a good theme park like the next person. Hershey Park sounds like a lot of fun too.”

“What are you saying, Carson?”

“Why haven’t you done some of those other things or many more on your list?” he asked.

“Some is time. The other is it’s not always fun alone. Even the rollercoaster, but there are other people there even if they are strangers and I can join in their enthusiasm.”

He grinned at her. “Then what I’m saying is now you’ve got someone to do those things with and many more.”

6

ABOUT EMOTION

Carson had made that suggestion without thought and didn’t even care.

He’d always been told he’d rushed in life and tried to stop doing that in the past several years, but with Laine, he couldn’t help himself.

“Do you have anything you want to add to the list?” she asked.

“I don’t know your full list, but I could,” he said.

She nodded. “The bigger issue is going to be time. You work a lot and odd hours. I probably work as much as you but can pick my hours most of the time.”

“We can figure it out,” he said. “It doesn’t have to get done all at once.”

“Nope,” she said. “I’ve got a lifetime to do them. At least I hope. I’m kind of hindered right now.” She held her broken finger up. “At least for some things. Not everything can be done on the island by any means. Though one could. Not sure I can do it though with my busted little pinky.”

“What’s that?” he asked.

“Bodysurf,” she said.

“I wouldn’t recommend it for a few weeks,” he said. “You’ve got to grip the board and you don’t want the water dragging on the finger sticking out.”

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