“We’re ready,” I said to Rick, with Lena’s hand in mine.
He gave us the rundown of what to do and what not to do while on the ride.
I stood behind Lena as she braced the side of the basket that held us. She shook like a leaf and squeezed her eyes closed as he started to take off.
“I hated roller coasters as a kid,” she commented. “All the other kids loved them, and I never understood why.”
“They’re fun,” I said.
“Your definition of fun and mine are very different.”
I brought her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. Her shoulders relaxed a bit.
“Now we’re gettin’ somewhere,” Rick said behind us when he began to climb.
Lena inhaled sharply, and her body tensed even more. “Gimme the blindfold back.”
“Not a chance in hell,” I said. “Open your eyes.”
“No way.” She shook her head adamantly. “This was a bad idea.” The basket shook a little. “Oop, what was that?” she demanded, digging her nails into the side of the basket.
“Easy,” I said reassuringly. “That’s normal. Isn’t it, Rick?” I called over my shoulder.
“Tiny bit of wind. Everything’s under control.”
I held onto her waist.
“Open your eyes, Cin. The sun’s coming up.”
She shook her head. “Not doing it. I’ll open my eyes when we’re back on the ground.”
“You’ll miss the entire thing.” I covered her eyes with one hand and placed my other hand on top of one of hers. “Do you want me to describe what I see?”
She hesitated for a beat before nodding.
“The sun is starting to peek over the hills in the distance. An endless parade of magenta, purple, and orange color the sky, lighting the bluebonnets in the distance.”
“What are bluebonnets?” Lena asked.
“Our state flower,” I answered. “Every Texan gets Texas history drilled into them in school. Want to see them?”
She pushed out a heavy breath. “Yes.” It was quiet, but I heard her answer.
Slowly, I moved my hand away from her face.
“Open your eyes, Cin.”
She did so, and after a moment for her eyes to adjust, she let out a soft moan. “It’s just as you described.”
“That’s Harlington, down there.” I pointed in the distance.
“How do you know?”
“See that tall building?” I asked. “The one with the bell on top?”
“I see it.”
“That’s the church where Micah and Jodi got married.”
