Tucker is holding Heather’s hand and practically jumping up and down with excitement.
“Has he ever been to an amusement park?” I ask, my fingers laced with hers.
“Just the local carnival that came to town last year, but it was nothing like this.”
The arched sign we walk under reads,The Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Making Memories Since 1907.
“This place has been around a long time, huh?” Heather asks.
“Yeah.” I pay for the three of us and then follow everyone else. We stop and look around. “What do you want to go on first, Tucker?”
There’s a roller coaster, carousel, tilt-a-whirl, Ferris wheel, and a million other rides.
He points at the bumper cars. “That one!”
We stand in line until it's our turn, then I get in one car and Heather and Tucker get in another. She lets him do the steering, and he aims right for me, giggling. My car flies back on impact, and he drives off. I turn my wheel and chase after them at two miles an hour.
“Come back here, you little terror.”
He shrieks with excitement and drives faster, trying to elude me.
“I’ll catch you yet. Just wait.” I ram him, and he laughs.
We ride a half a dozen more rides, and then Green and Sara take him off with their kids to ride the carousel.
I tug Heather toward a food vendor, and we both get fresh-squeezed lemonade.
“He’s having fun, huh?” I ask.
“He’s having the time of his life. He’s not going to want to leave.”
“Well, he’s got the rest of the night. We can stay until close if you want to.”
“Maybe.”
“How’d you like the ride over the mountains?”
“It was exhilarating and beautiful. The wind whipping around me… It was awesome.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Do you feel safe on the bike with me?”
“I do. Completely.”
I grin, liking her answer. “Good.”
“When I woke up this morning, I never thought I’d be staying at a motel on the beach tonight.”
“Get used to it. With this bunch, there are always surprises waiting around the next corner.” I tug her against me. “I’m glad I get to spend the day with you.”
“Me, too.”
“I hope Tucker is a good sleeper tonight,” I tease.
She bites her lip. “Your mother told me she’s going to see if Tucker wants to stay in their room. I guess she wants to give us time alone.”
“How do you feel about that?”
“I mean, I love having Tucker around me all the time, but it would be nice to have some privacy.”
