It's Me, Again

Ch. 39 (Kate)

I was giddier than a kid on Christmas morning when Mosi told us we could carefully step onto the basket of our hot air balloon. The balloon had a checkered pattern of blue, green, pink, and white. When I got on to the wicker looking basket, I looked up at the flame that was shooting up to inflate the balloon. Incredible. This was by far the most exciting thing to happen to me in a long time. I can't believe Dylan pulled off this surprise.

We were up, up, and away after a few minutes. I never thought about it, but being in a hot air balloon is really hot. It should've been a no brainer since the flames are what inflate the balloon and causes the whole thing to rise. I wiped a bead of sweat from my brow, trying to look cute. The last thing I wanted was for this romantic hot air balloon ride was for Dylan to see me sweating like a pig.

As we got higher and higher in the sky, I could see the Serengeti below and the lodge was getting smaller. I didn't think anything could top the safari experience on this trip, but this view was possibly the coolest thing I've ever seen with my own eyes. We moved slowly over the grasslands and could make out the giraffes, lions, zebras, gazelles, and more running around. The air was quite still up there and I never thought about it, but it was so quiet and serene. No one spoke for the longest time after we first oohed and aahed as we went up. It felt like no one wanted to disturb the peace up there. I lowered my camera and made sure the strap was secure around my neck so it wouldn't fall 2,000 feet to its death and then be further trampled by a black rhino or something.

I looked up at Dylan who had one hand on the edge of the basket and one gripped around one of the ropes. "How amazing is this?" I said in a soft, almost whisper-like voice. It was so quiet up there that it felt like if I talked at a regular volume it would sound like shouting. I couldn't stop smiling as I looked at Dylan waiting for his response. "It is 100% the coolest thing I've ever experienced or seen," he leaned over to look at the view below.

"Don't lean over!" I grabbed the back of his shirt. "You're going to give me a heart attack."

Dylan started laughing and wrapped an arm around me as my heart rate slowed back to a normal rhythm.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to fall out," he gave my arm a squeeze.

I breathed out in exasperation, "The last thing I need is for us to get back together only to have you fall out of a hot air balloon and die."

"Uh, are we back together?" He took his arm away and started to act all nervous.

"So help me God, Dylan, if you try to mess with me right now I will throw you off here myself."

"Sorry! That one was just too easy, babe." He put his hands up in surrender until I cracked a smile and he brought me in for a hug. "I'm just kidding. You know I've been waiting for 3 years for us to be together again."

With my cheek pressed against his chest, looking out at the expansive land and wild animals below, I sighed. "I know, me too. I guess we both had to grow as people before we could be together again."

"I know we're still young, but I honestly believe you're it for me. We're end game." He leaned back to look down at my face.

I looked up, my arms wrapped around his waist, "I couldn't agree more." We had the most perfect kiss basking in the warm glow of the setting sun, high above the Serengeti.

We spent the rest of the balloon ride marveling at the views, taking photos, and sipping on champagne that Mosi had brought along with the basket supplies.

"So is this like our first date being back together?" I asked Dylan as we started our descent.

"I guess it is," he gave my hand a squeeze that sent a wave of warmth through my body.