The line moves.
We step forward.
And a few minutes later, we’re climbing into the Ferris wheel car together.
It rocks slightly as we settle in, the bar coming down across our laps.
She’s practically glowing.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything more beautiful.
The ride starts slow.
Lifting us higher and higher.
The festival spreads out below—lights, music, laughter drifting up into the night air.
Hadley leans forward, gripping the edge of the seat.
“Oh my Gods, I forgot how much I love this,” she breathes.
I lean back, watching her instead of the view.
Yeah.
This?
Worth it.
We reach the top, and then—we stop.
She blinks.
“Wait—are we?—”
The wheel jerks once.
Then stills.
I glance down, catching the handler’s eye.
He gives me a subtle nod.
Best twenty bucks I ever spent.
Hadley lets out a delighted squeal, grabbing my arm.
“Rob!”
I laugh, steadying her with a hand at her waist.
“You good, Cookie?”
“Yes—oh my God, yes—this is amazing!”
Her face is lit up, cheeks flushed, eyes shining.
It’s a little windy up here. But pretty.
