I chuckled, squeezing her tiny hand. “Of course, sweetie. We’ll ride everything tonight!” I eyed some of the more extreme rides, then added, “Well, almost everything.”
As we made our way towards the carousel, I scanned the bustling crowd, my heart quickening with each passing face. But there didn’t seem to be that same panic that I’d had all week, that sense of eyes watching me, attacking me.
No, right now, everyone seemed to be focused on enjoying themselves.
Lost in thought, I nearly stumbled when Mia suddenly tugged on my hand. “Mr. Parker! Papi, it’s Mr. Parker!”
My head snapped up, and there he was—Ken, adorably flustered as he managed the ring toss booth. His wavy hair was tousled, and a light sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead as he handed out prizes to eager children.
“Hi Mr. Parker!” Mia launched herself at him as he emerged from behind the booth.
“Hey, kiddo. Good to see you.” He bent down and hugged Mia tightly. Then his head turned toward me, and when our eyes met, it was like the rest of the carnival faded away. A slow, surprised smile spread across his face. “Mr. Mendez, I didn’t expect to see you here,” he said as he let Mia go and stood, hand on her shoulder.
“Papi said we’re gonna ride everything!” Mia announced proudly, bouncing on her toes.
Ken laughed, sending a warm shiver down my spine. “Did he now? That’s an excellent plan.” He turned to me, and my cheeks flushed under his gaze. “I’m really glad you guys came.”
“Me too,” I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck. Christ, I missed him.
We stared at each other for a moment, the air between us crackling. I opened my mouth, searching for the right words, when Mia’s excited voice broke the spell. “Can I try the ring toss, Mr. Parker? Can I, can I?”
Ken laughed, handing her a set of rings. “Absolutely, Mia! Let’s see if you can win a prize. It’s simple—just toss a ring around one of these bottles and you win.”
As I watched my daughter and the man who’d captured my heart laugh and play together, a warmth bloomed in my chest.
This, right here, this is what had been missing for the last two weeks.
This felt like home—like family.
After Mia’s successful round at the ring toss, Ken handed off his duties to another volunteer and walked around the carnival with us. The Ferris wheel loomed large as we strolled through the carnival grounds, laughter and music filling the air. Mia clutched a stuffed lion she’d won at Ken’s booth, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in each new attraction.
“Ooh, can we go on the carousel now?” Mia asked Ken, pointing excitedly at the spinning horses and flashing lights.
“Sure, if it’s okay with your dad,” Ken told her, offering me a warm smile that made my stomach flip.
I nodded. “Of course,mija. Let’s go for a ride,” I said, rewarded by matching bright smiles.
As we walked towards the carousel, Ken’s hand brushed against mine, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. He leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. “Marc, I need to tell you something important. When you’ve got a moment.”
I tensed, bracing myself for bad news. “What is it?” As much as I didn’t want anything to ruin this evening’s fun, I’d be worrying all night wondering what it was if I didn’t find out.
Ken’s eyes darted around, making sure Mia was out of earshot. “I found out who leaked your secret. It was Alex, Nancy’s nephew.”
The world seemed to tilt for a moment. Alex? The same Alex who’d dated Ken before? Like a punch in the gut—anger, betrayal, confusion, all hit me at once.
“I’m so sorry, Marc,” Ken continued, his voice laced with regret. “You were hurt because of this, and I’m responsible. I should have—”
I cut him off, placing a hand on his arm. “It’s okay. I understand.” The words surprised me as they left my mouth, but I realized they were true. The anger I’d expected didn’t come. Instead, there was… relief. The mystery was solved, and somehow, knowing made it less scary. “Thank you for tellingme,” I murmured. “We can talk about it later, okay? Right now…” I nodded towards Mia, who was practically vibrating with excitement as we approached the carousel.
Ken’s eyes softened, and he nodded. “You’re right. Mia’s what matters most right now.”
As if on cue, Mia tugged on my hand. “Come on, Papi! Mr. Parker! I want the pink horse!”
We laughed, the pressure dissipating as we let Mia’s enthusiasm wash over us. I lifted her onto the pink horse she’d chosen, making sure she was secure before climbing onto the one next to her.
“Ready?” I asked, catching Ken’s eye just as the carousel began to move.
“Always,” he replied, sitting atop his own steed, his quiet confidence settling my nerves.
