I’ve always done what I can to support Nathan’s goals. I was content with inexpensive dates like the Sweet Pea Festival and family cookouts. I liked being with him. He treated me like the bravest, most interesting person he’d ever met. And I loved his drive and his honesty.
“Lucy … yesterday, a woman I used to see texted me. She wanted to meet up and watch the game at Double Play.” He flashed a look of regret, and instantly I knew they’d done more than watch baseball at a sports bar. “I told her I couldn’t see her anymore. For you. I’m done with that life.”
It was uncomfortable to hear, but he wanted to show how committed he was.
“I’m glad to hear that.”
He tugged me up from my seat and threw our trash away. “Let’s ride the Ferris wheel.”
“Ohhh, let’s not.” I laughed, attempting to sound nonchalant. “I’m not a fan.” No giant circle of death for me, thank you. It’s the combo of motion sickness and height that gets to me. Waterslides? Great. Scrambler rides? Usually fine. But the Ferriswheel is not my friend. “Let’s see if there’s a band playing tonight.”
“Please, Lucy? For me? Just try something out of your comfort zone for once. You can do it.”
So, I tried.
He changed his whole life. The least I could do was suck it up and ride a Ferris wheel.
But the minute that thing moved, I attached myself to him like a starfish.
“Lucy, relax.” He laughed and wrapped an arm around me, making the seat sway with his movement.
I closed my eyes and turned into him, though his laughter shook the swinging bucket of doom even more.
“Please don’t move.Please,” I begged.
“Your makeup will never come out of this shirt.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll get it out,” I promised. “Just don’t let go.”
“Okay, I can do that.” He pulled me close and leaned in to kiss me. I tried so hard to appreciate the moment. He wanted it to be romantic, and had I not been terrified, it would’ve been.
“Hey, angel, look at me.” I bristled slightly.Angelfelt a little patronizing in my current state.
What I needed was that angel in a trench coat to grip me tight and raise me from perdition. But Nathan wouldn’t get aSupernaturaljoke, and I couldn’t get the words out anyway. I just had to block out everything around me and breathe.
“You’re fine,” Nathan cooed patiently. “You know why?”
You’d think staring at him in terror, like he might open the safety bar and shove me out, would kill the mood, but it didn’t deter him. He smiled and held me perfectly still, repeating the question. “Do you know why?”
“Why?” I choked out.
“Because I love you.”
I stared helplessly into his coffee brown eyes. “Oh. I-I love you too.” I focused on his intention, since my discomfort wasn’t his fault.
“I see my whole future with you, Lucy. Kids playing in the backyard, birthday parties, and Sunday dinners with grandparents. No one else ever made me want those things before. And my family already loves you too.”
The butterflies from earlier were dropping like flies under a wave of nausea. I just wanted off the stupid ride.
Once my feet hit the ground, I had jelly legs like I’d been at sea for months. I took slow breaths, still attached to him as we walked around looking at crafts.
Nathan found a booth with homemade soaps and candles made by a friend of his sister, so we stopped near the end where a stage was being assembled. DC caught my attention and dropped a sheet of plywood to come greet us.
He patted the phone in his pocket with a questioning look before Nathan saw him approaching, letting me know he’d texted. I pulled mine out discreetly to see the words “You okay?”
I nodded, wondering when he’d spotted us.
“Hey, Lu. And you must be Nathan.” DC extended a hand like he was in work mode. “Daniel Crawford.”
