Oliver falls into step with me as we watch the group scamper off toward the food trucks.
“Is everything okay?” Oliver asks. “I hope you’re not upset that I?—”
“Upset?” I echo, placing my hand on his arm. “Heavens, no. I wanted to thank you.”
“For what?”
“For…well, everything,” I answer. “For starters, I haven’t seen my daughter smile with such happiness in a long time.”
He gives me a bashful grin.
“Did you know we used to come to this festival together as a family every single year before my Henry died?” I ask as we continue slowly toward the smell of funnel cakes and barbecue.
He shakes his head. “No, Lindsey never mentioned that.”
I sigh. “After Henry passed, I couldn’t bring myself to come back. I guess I was scared. I thought it would be too hard, too painful. That I’d only be able to remember the hard stuff.”
“I had no idea,” he says, dropping his gaze. “I’m sorry, MJ.”
“Don’t be. Today’s been a gift. You showed me there was nothing to be afraid of. I got to relive some of my happiest memories today and make some new ones too. And I have you to thank for that.”
He lifts his eyes to meet mine. “I’m glad I could help.”
I smile up at him. “And you know what else?”
“What?”
“You made me laugh like I haven’t laughed in years,” I say. “Andyou helped me realize I don’t want to be sad anymore. Henry wouldn’t want that, either. I think he’d want me to live.”
“I didn’t know Henry, but based on what I’ve heard, I think he would too,” Oliver says, holding out his arm to me. “Now, how about we celebrate our win with funnel cakes? My treat.”
“Not this time, mister. They’re on me. Besides, I kind of owe you for more than just tonight.”
His brow crinkles. “What? Why?”
“Remember the first day we met? When I asked you to dinner?”
“When Rose fell?”
“Yeah,” I say with a chuckle as I loop my arm through his. “About that…”
With everyone’s bellies full,we venture off to play some carnival games before it’s time to head over to the walk-through light show. Lucy, Willow, and Ellie are helping Emily play the Santa’s Cookies Beanbag Toss, while Ben and Noah search for a restroom. Ron and I are watching as Oliver, Lindsey, Rose, and Kayla compete in a water gun game, each trying to move their reindeer to the top of the chimney the fastest.
“C’mon, Blitzen,” Rose shouts, pumping the trigger on her water pistol. “Get yourself together. Santa’s got shit to do.”
“I think my reindeer’s drunk,” Lindsey says through fits of giggles as her little guy starts to lean to the left before turningcompletely upside down. This gets Oliver laughing, and before long, his reindeer’s looking a little tipsy too.
“Yes!” Kayla shrieks as her reindeer hits the top of the chimney.
“Oh hell,” Rose pouts.
“Let’s go again,” Kayla says, rubbing her hands together. “I’m feeling lucky!”
I shake my head. “Never a dull moment with this bunch.”
“I love it.” Ron grins, sending my heart galloping like Santa’s reindeer across a roof. “I’m having a great time.”
“Me too.”
