“This is going to be so awesome, Jasp!” Oliver, the younger brother, who’s sitting behind Jasper, shouts. I don’t even try to hold back my giggle at the nickname.

“Yeah, you’re going to love it. I went with my summer camp last year and I loved it so much that Ollie got so jealous and made Mom and Dad take us this year,” Sawyer, the older brother, sitting behind me, says. “Except this is going to be better because last summer we only got to do it for one hour and this one is all day. It’s going to be epic!”

I look across the raft at Jasper, his golden skin pulled taut across the bulge of his biceps, and realize that Sawyer is one hundred percent correct.

“You’re so right.” I tap my oar to his. “This is going to be so totally epic.”

The river currents pick up the raft and we start down the river. It’s a smooth ride at first, enough to trick anyone into thinking this will be a relaxing afternoon jaunt on the water. But soon the water picks up, and the choppiness below us splashes water into the raft.

“Four two!” Jason shouts over the sound of the roaring river. We all dig our oars into the water, pulling hard against the current two times. “Great job!”

Our speed picks up and the brothers shriek with delight as the cool water hits them. The raft bounces along, jumping into the air as the water divots and swirls. Jasper’s deep laughter rises above the noise around us and his joy wraps around me, keeping me warmer than the bright sun beating down on us ever could.

“Here comes the first drop,” Jason warns the group. “Everyone prepare!”

I wiggle my feet, making sure they’re secure, and tighten my grip on my oar. When I know I won’t bounce out of my seat, I chance a look at Jasper to make sure he’s okay.

He’s looking right back at me, his smile so big I worry it might break his perfect face. “Best day ever!”

—

“That was amazing,” Jasper calls across the raft as we help pull it ashore at the end of our eighteen-mile journey. “I already want to do it again.”

“Right?” My cheeks hurt from smiling and my throat is sore from laughing and screaming so loud. “I’m so glad you were up for it.”

I’m not ready for it to be over. I groaned like Oliver and Sawyer when Jason told us we were approaching the end. When I booked today, I assumed that after six hours, we’d be wiped out when it was over. I forgot about the way the adrenaline rush hits after a day like today.