“Okay, it’s time to pick the game,” Cady said. “I pick Robin Hood.”

“G.I. Joe,” Andy said.

“Cops and robbers,” Boomer said.

In the end they settled for Robin Hood.

Hours and hours later, when they were finally exhausted, Pete announced it was time to do the zip line. They lined up and skimmed down the line as if they’d been doing it every day of their lives.

When Boomer, who was the last to go down, hit the bottom, they all held out their hands, smacking one another and laughing until they fell to the ground.

“Time to eat. Remember how peanut butter and crackers and Kool-Aid were our treats back then?” Pete said. They all nodded. “Well, take a look at this!”

“Annie packed everything in those thermal containers, so it’s all still warm. We even have a tablecloth. Dig in, gang.”

When the fried chicken, the spare ribs, and the salads were nothing but crumbs, Pete broke open two bottles of wine. He poured generously. “We need to make two toasts today. If it’s okay with all of you, I’d like to do it.” The others nodded.

“The first one is to Amy and for all the good times.” They clinked their glasses together and drank, their eyes misty.

“The second one is to…” The others waited, holding their breath, wondering what the toast would be.

“The second one is to”—he looked at each one of them deliberately—“to good friends.”

“Hear, hear,” they said in unison as they polished off the remaining wine in their glasses.

When both bottles were empty, their trash picked up, it was dusk. Andy called a halt. “I want to thank all of you. I couldn’t have gotten through today without each and every one of you.” He choked up when he looked upward. “Bye, Amy.”

They all waved, and shouted, “Bye, Amy,” as they wheeled their bikes to the top of the embankment.

Cady wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her blouse. She reached for Boomer’s hand and squeezed it. “This was wonderful, but I think the best is yet to come. What’s your feeling?”

“Exactly the same as yours. What do you say to some lick-off chocolate paint?”

“Best offer I’ve had all day, Chief.”

“Stick with me, kid, I’ve got a million more.”

“I hope that’s a promise.”

“It is, Cady, it is.”

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