After breakfast was taken care of, everyone got changed and dressed appropriately for the hike. I was already wearing something fitting for our walk, and Jimbo was already dressed like that so I didn't have to worry about him either. Nicholas didn't have the right attire, so Jimbo loaned him a pair of track pants to help him out, which were graciously accepted. Mr. Parsons also had a spare pair of boots for him to wear, which were thankfully a good fit. If I didn't know better, I would have bet that Mr. Parsons had a pair of boots that fit each person who forgot to bring something to cover their feet up for the hike, so it couldn't be used as an excuse to chicken out. I packed very small bag and only tossed in the essentials such as a small water, small snack, and some small tools just in case. I didn't need to take too much cause I knew Jimbo would cover every possibility with his pack. He was the literal boy scout, so with him around I wouldn't have to worry about it. It was one of the things I liked about being with him.

I was surprised that Josh wasn't hiking with us, but it appears the writer was up all night working on his craft. From what I heard from Angie when she talked about it in the office, Josh usually did most of his work at night, as there were less distractions and the peace made it easier to concentrate and get shit done. I bet the previous night's activities inspired some dedicated writing and caused him to work deep into the morning. He was one of those people who was only going to bed as others were waking up. It appeared to work for him as Angie never hesitated to brag about how successful a writer he was. Rather than take her word for it, I actually hit a bookstore and purchased one of Josh's novels, and it was really good. I wanted to find out for myself and the book I had read was brilliant. I had even brought it with me for the weekend, hoping that Josh would sign it for me. I had every intent to ask him later when things settled down a bit.

"Rachel," someone called out, who turned out to be Mrs. Parsons. "You seem like you're in another world."

"I'm alright," I replied, "Just thinking about a few things. Nothing important. It's easier to think about the small stuff when you're out here and in nature."

"That's a good observation," Mrs. Parson concurred, "But I would also suggest you be careful and watch out for yourself. Last thing we need on this hike is an accident."

"Fair enough, ma'am." I agreed, "I'll make an effort to be more careful."

"I'm alright with people using nature to think about things," Jimbo added, "Just as long as you don't slow us down."

"Amen to that, cousin." Nicholas said.

"Now, now," Mr. Parsons said as he finally interjected, "Let's not quibble. Everyone has a good point. While I agree we should concentrate, at the same time it's good to use the time outside to reflect and ponder when necessary. But we should pace ourselves too as it's barely been a half hour since we left the lodge. There are checkpoints where we can take breaks and fraternize, but we should keep a good pace like Jimbo suggested."

"Agreed, Sir." Jimbo called out, eager to give his seal of approval. "Less talking and more marching would be in order. The better time we make, the longer you can rest at the first checkpoint."

"Took the words right out of my mouth," Mr. Parsons said with a grin.

It didn't take a rocket scientist to see the military background in both men and how that link was creating a bond that their prior experiences could do. Prior to this weekend, I had no idea that Mr. Parsons used to be in the corps, but I started to see it in his mannerisms now that I was paying attention and they were quite similar to how Jimbo also composed himself during certain situations as well. There was a quality in their leadership that showed how strong both men could be when they had to be. They were clearly both alpha males as well, and while that would often lead to conflict it was their military upbringing that quelled their egos and allowed them to work as a team rather than try to up one another. This hike had become their mission, to drag everyone else up there in good time and not accept any excuses. While there were times that I would get annoyed by Jimbo's machismo attitude, it was working for me this time rather than against as his rapport with the boss as no doubt scoring some serious brownie points and maybe giving me an inside track for the promotion. The key was not to let Jimbo get too carried away, but so far both men were keeping each other in check so I didn't feel the need to say anything this time out, which was actually refreshing as I didn't like to be the we blanket.

"They're getting along rather well," Mrs. Parsons said to me, as if she could read my mind and what I was thinking about. Chances are she was thinking it too.

"I noticed that," I said, trying not to sound too serious about it.

"How long have you two been together?"

"A while now," I answered, "But I didn't know Jim until after he returned from service. He's always been the retired marine to me. Sometimes when I see videos from high school or even before his deployment, he seems like a different person."

"I understand," Mrs. Parsons said, "I knew David longer and before he deployed, and that kind of work does change a person. Some things were better, while others were worse. Some boys who went out there had to grow up rather quickly or they didn't at all. "

"War seems to have that effect on everyone," I agreed, "That sink or swim mentality. Some step up and become stronger, while others break and never recover."

"There usually isn't any middle ground either," Mrs. Parsons added, "You're forced to live with one extreme or the other."

"Let's go ladies!" Mr. Parsons called out, "We need to pick up the pace!"

"Yes, dear." Mr. Parsons said, waving back to her husband.

I smiled as her response had the same whatever tone that I usually give Jimbo when he gets pushy. It made me think if that's the kind of couple that Jimbo and I would become when we eventually got married. Didn't seem to bad from this perspective, but I picked up the pace just to make sure the boys didn't get on our asses any more than they were already. This was one reason why I hate hiking. There was always someone who just wanted to keep moving and not stop to appreciate what's around you. Stop and smell the flowers, asshole...