She smiles and her gaze softens. “Yes, but he’s ours.”
I lean closer, my heart pounding with anticipation. Closer still. I brush her hair out of her face, and her eyes find my lips. I lean in, and—
The cart jolts to a stop, and we bump noses. Ouch. We lean back, wincing.
“Sorry, folks, ride’s over,” the pimply ride attendant says cheerily while opening the door to our compartment. Kathleen collects the cat and steps out.
With a grumpy look for the kid, I check my watch and catch up to Kathleen. “Where to next? We only have about half an hour before the park closes.”
She points to a white wooden coaster in the distance. “The Twister. I’ve been saving the best for last.”
Chapter Six
“Dost thou love me? I know thou wilt say ‘Ay,’
And I will take thy word.”
- Romeo and Juliet (Act 2, Scene 2)
Kathleen
I tuck Junior under one arm, and Joe takes my free hand. Our arms swing easily between us. Effortlessly. Like everything we’ve shared tonight.
I’m trying not to think too much. To focus on enjoying each moment of this spellbinding night.
“Would you like anything to eat or drink on the way?” Joe asks. “I’d be willing to bet there’s a birthday funnel cake with your name on it.”
I look over at a brightly lit booth with frothy pastel pink and blue confections. “Cotton candy?”
“You got it.”
Joe walks over to buy one for me. I take the opportunity to admire his physique from behind. He’s in excellent shape. I didn’t tell him which color I want, but I need to. He brings me pink. I pull off a fluffy chunk and pop it in my mouth, savoring the sugary flavor of childhood.
“Let me take Junior for a while so you can eat that without getting him sticky,” Joe says.
I make an offended noise. “Are you implying I can’t take adequate care of our child?”
“I’m implying a sticky stuffed animal will be no fun to take back to the hotel with you.”
I hand him Junior, but my spirits sag. I don’t want to think about going back to the hotel. I don’t want this night to end. But it’s getting on toward eleven, and everyone knows Cinderella’s gown turns to rags and her cat child reverts to a cheap fair prize at midnight.
I pick at my treat, and Joe nudges my arm. “Everything okay?”
I try to brighten my expression. “Yes, of course.”
“Still want to ride the Twister or have you had enough?” He gestures at the coaster looming ahead.
“No! I mean, yes, I still want to ride it. Just as soon as I finish this. Would you like some?”
He laughs and shakes his head. “No, thanks.”
“Too good for cotton candy?” I tease.
“Not good enough for it, I’d say.”
I don’t see how that could be possible. Joe Davis seems perfect in every way. But I don’t argue. I finish as much of the goodie as I can stand and throw the remains away.
The Twister is lit up, the tracks bright white against the charcoal night sky. We follow a path that winds beneath the coaster. I wince slightly as the cars zoom deafeningly over our heads.
“What is it about roller coasters that you like so much?” Joe asks as we walk.
I watch the cars bolt along the track overhead. “I guess it’s the rush. They’re a little bit dangerous—but without being really unsafe.” And they remind me of Dad. Only, I don’t want to get into that right now when everything has been so wonderful. “Is that strange?”
“Not at all.” He sounds thoughtful.
We watch the coaster slide to a stop over our heads to let its passengers off.
“If we hurry, we might be able to hop on the next one,” I say.
“Then again, if we wait, you can choose which car you want to ride in.”
He’s right, only a handful of people wait in line by the time we get to the entrance. I choose the rear car.
Joe laughs. “I wondered if you’d want the back, front, or middle. Now I know.”
I switch Junior to my other arm. “And what does that say about me?”
He studies me, a small smile on his face. “That you’re a little cautious. Not the first to jump into something. But sitting in the back also gives you the sense of moving faster, more powerfully, into the experience. And I think you like that.”
I nod. He’s not far off. After a moment, I ask, “Where would you choose to sit?”
“Where would you guess?”
I don’t hesitate. “The front.”
“Why?”
“You have to be a kind of a risk taker. Maybe a little impulsive. I mean . . .” I wave between us. Look at how he asked me out.
“Maybe.” He moves a step closer. “But you’re wrong about where I’d sit.”
I tilt my head, surprised. “Really? Where then?”
“Wherever you are,” he says simply.
Tears—actual tears—fill my eyes. He puts an arm around my waist as the cars stop in front of us. We get in, but when I try to squeeze Junior between us, the female attendant walking along the cars stops me.
“That guy’s a little too big to ride safely with you two. I’ll put him over here on the shelves for you to pick up after the ride.” I hand her Junior, which leaves a gap between Joe and me.
Without a word, we slide together so our hips touch, and Joe puts an arm around me. We click the safety bar down on our laps and get ready to ride.
The Twister is an old-fashioned style coaster. It leaves the covered station and chugs up a steep hill of white wooden slats supporting metal rails. The slow clunk of the cars’ wheels moving forward ramps up the anticipation of reaching the top. Knowing you’re about to plunge down the other side in a matter of seconds is a major part of the fun.
Joe turns to me, speaking in my ear to be heard over the clatter of the coaster as it ascends the hill.
“Thank you for spending your birthday with me.”
I lay my hand on his knee. A simple touch, but it sends shivers through my body. He tenses.
“Thank you for everything,” I say to him. “This is the best birthday I’ve had in years.”
Joe smiles, and as we reach the top, he pulls me in and kisses me. His lips are sweet and gentle and his breath warm and dry. It’s like heaven encased in the merest touch.
The front car drops over the top of the hill. The kids sitting in it scream. As our car reaches the apex, I barely notice the clattering drop, much less the lights of downtown Denver around us.
The stars above flare. Fireworks explode. Flowers bloom behind my closed eyes.
Because somehow, someway, in one incredible night with one incredible man, I’m pretty sure I’ve fallen in love.
Chapter Seven
“O blessed, blessed night! I am afeard.
Being in night, all this is but a dream.”
- Romeo and Juliet (Act 2, Scene 2)
Joe
With that kiss, I know:
Kathleen is the only woman for me, now and forever.