She was probably right. Besides, dietary restrictions weren’t a bad way to control the gluttony. He had heard that people gain massive poundage on these kinds of jaunts. “Let me talk to Rina.”

“I already have.”

Decker made a face. “Thank you for running my life.”

“I called just to ask her if it was even feasible. Once she said it was feasible, she told me to talk to you.” Cindy lifted her cappuccino. “Hence, my presence.”

“I think Sammy and Jacob will be home that week.”

“Great. You know how much the boys love Koby.”

Decker was already looking at the rates. “This is going to cost a fortune. There are seven adults.”

“Only five. Koby has agreed to work in exchange for our fare.”

“That doesn’t seem very equitable. Our playing while he’s working.”

“It was totally his decision and we’re going whether you go or not. It’s something we both want to do. I’m asking you to come along, not to wangle money out of your pocket, but because we’d really love to do this as a family. Last year, Mom and Alan took us to Mexico for a week. We had so much fun that I thought I’d like to do it with your side. Alaska seems like your kind of place, Daddy. And look at all the excursions we could do when we go to port.”

Decker started reading, and despite his reticence, he became excited. Among the activities listed were canoeing, white-water rafting, hiking, kayaking, salmon fishing, panning for gold, and taking a helicopter ride to a glacier. And then he noticed the fine print. Optional excursions were not included in the price of the cruise.

Well, he didn’t have to do every activity.

“What did Rina say when you broached this with her?”

“I told you. She said she was game, but of course it was up to you.”

Decker thought a moment. They never went anywhere when he had vacation time, other than to visit the boys back east. If the kitchen was willing to make accommodations, it sounded like a good thing to him. Unpack once and enjoy the open seas, even if the average age was probably around seventy.

Seventy didn’t seem that old anymore.

Mostly he felt extremely touched that his daughter wanted to include him in her vacation plans. This was the dream of most parents: relaxing and laughing with adult children. “This seems like something I could get behind.”

Cindy’s smile was radiant. “You’re considering it?”

Decker laughed. “Is that so unusual?”

“Yes. Usually when I suggest something, it just…I don’t know. It never works out. I’m so happy!”