Sophie
"Apple Cider Funnel Cake," I take my final bite and sigh in pleasure, the cinnamon sugar dusted on top melting in my mouth like a dream. "I hope whoever invented this sleeps on a cold pillow every night and hits every green light they ever encounter."
We're waiting in line for the Ferris Wheel, finishing off the last bit of our shared funnel cake. Callum chews his piece slowly, eyes crinkling with amusement as he watches me go fullheart eyesover this decadent dessert.
"That would be Tia Washington," he says after he swallows. "She's been making this since I was a kid. Says she's taking the recipe to her grave, so good luck when she's gone."
"I would too if I discovered gold," I brush my hands together, shaking off the remaining cinnamon sugar dust. Callum steps forward, takes the tickets from his pocket, and hands them to the attendant.
Overhead, the lights blink in warm pastels, casting the world in a dreamy, romantic glow. We climb into our wobbly bench seat, and the attendant clicks the front latch into place before stepping back. Narrowing my eyes, I press on the latch to check its sturdiness.
"No duct tape," I observe, satisfied, and Callum chuckles. He stretches his big arm behind me and lets it rest across the back of our seat, making me feel that much safer.
"I promised," he replies, and I find myself leaning into him, seeking the heat of his body.
The ride begins, slow and steady, gently raising us towardthe sky. The world below transforms into a glowing painting of carnival lights and darkened cornfields stretching into the distance. Halfway up, the wheel halts to let more people on. It's quiet up here, save for the muffled laughter and conversations of the other riders above and below us.
His voice cuts through the peaceful stillness without disturbing it.
"How are you feeling?"
"I feel great," I assure him with a smile. His check-ins are quiet but still attentive, making sure I'm okay, asking if I need anything, or if something feels off. It’s appreciated. "Seriously, they upped my anti-nausea meds, so I haven't been feeling as sick."
"And the..." he motions to his own head, and I shrug, adjusting the hat on my head.
"Unfortunately, it looks like I'll be rocking the Dr. Evil look soon," I sigh, trying to make a joke of it.
It works—he smiles, a small huff of laughter through his nose. "You'll be a really hot Dr. Evil, though."
The compliment hits me like an electric current, the echo travelling through my body with a pleasant hum. I'm momentarily speechless as I watch the skin above Callum's beard turn pink.
That's my Callum, his mouth running faster than his brain can keep up.
And God, if I don't adore that about him.
I adore him.
Which is why I won't let him suffer and try to take some of the embarrassment away before it swallows this beautiful moment.
"Callum Rhodes," I gasp, scandalized in the most unserious way. I poke his side gently, and his lips quirk in a small, shy grin. "You think I'mhot?"
"I think you're beautiful," he replies immediately, the wordsweighed heavily with sincerity—no hesitation, his gaze locked on mine. "I think... you're the most beautiful woman I've ever known."
My heart races, a rapidthump-thump-thumpthat's rattling my entire body. I've been called beautiful before and complimented on my looks, but from him, it feels different. I don't think he understands how much Ineedto hear that now, and the thing is, he's not just saying them. He means it.
"You're sweet," I say, my voice low and breathless.
"I'm honest," he shrugs, and I feel his arm brush against my back a little more now. I lean into him more and bite my lip to try to contain the cheesy smile threatening to overtake my face.
"Still sweet," I affirm quietly, losing the battle and smiling widely as the ride groans and creaks around us, the seat beginning its slow lift into the night sky again.
"How's work going?"
"Oh, it's going good. I'm getting more work done since I'm not wasting time commuting to the city,” I grin, still happy about that. “My boss is pleased, so I'm hoping I can parlay this into going full-time remote when all this is done."
"You really do like your job, huh?" Callum asks with a small grin.
"Oh, I love it. I get to work with spreadsheets all day.Spreadsheets, Callum,” I stress delightedly, making him laugh.
