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When we get to the platform, Mick stops and takes a selfie of us. But he has no idea that someone has been here the whole time taking pictures of us and the kids, to add to their memories of this week. For his birthday, I’m going to use a picture of the six of us in a very special way.
We get on the roller coaster and buckle in, and Mick leans over to kiss me.
“You said you love roller coasters because they tear you apart and then put you back together,” I remind him. He nods. “That’s what you do for me,” I say quietly. “You tear me apart, and then you put me back together, every single time.”
He doesn’t take his eyes from mine until the slow clack-clack-clack of the trestle turns into a whistling noise. We whoosh through twists and turns, we slam sideways, and we fall forward, and he yells and whoops through it all. His enthusiasm is contagious.
Finally, when it’s over, we stop at the platform. “Can we do it again?” he asks.
I grin. “It’s your birthday. We can do it as many times as you want.”
So we do. We ride it until my neck is sore and my hands feel like they’ll never unclench from around the rails. Then we go and ride with Anna and Devon again. We eat ice cream dots and funnel cakes, and Mick devours a turkey leg. I’m still trying to figure out where he got that.
At the end of the two hours, right before the park opens to the public, Mick pulls me to him and kisses me soundly. “This has been the best birthday ever.”
Hand in hand, we walk out of the most magical place on earth, but I can’t help but think that we’re taking the magic with us. Or maybe we brought the magic. I’m not sure which.
Back in the bus, the kids, exhausted, fall asleep immediately. Mick sinks down beside me, then pulls me over close to him. I pull a gift box out of my pocket.
“You got me a present,” he says. “You didn’t even know it was my birthday until yesterday. And then you planned for us to use the park and you got me a gift?”
“It’s nothing.” I nudge him. “Open it.”
He opens the little box and pulls out a small handheld scope. It has a viewing hole on one end and a picture on the other. He lifts it to his eye and looks inside. It’s a picture of us, the six of us, from today at the park. The kids are smiling and Mick looks happier than I have ever seen him look. “Wow… Look at that,” he says quietly.
He takes his keys out of his pocket and immediately threads the scope onto it.
“You don’t have to put it on your keys,” I say.
“Where else would I put it? It’s wonderful, and I’m going to keep it forever.” He takes my face in his hands and stares into my eyes. “You never cease to amaze me. Thank you for today.”
Out of embarrassment, I dip my face and press it against his chest. He lies back and holds me for the next hundred miles, right up until we arrive at Patsy’s mother’s house.
I feel like my guts are filled with lead when we stop in the street in front of the house. On the porch is a regal older woman, standing with the help of a walker and an aide. She shades her eyes with her hands.
“We’re here, kids,” Mick says. Anna and Devon jump up onto their knees so they can look out the window.
We let them out of the door, and they rush to their grandma. They obviously know and love her, and the feeling is mutual. I stand back and watch, holding Chase close to my heart, and my eyes fill with tears.
“You okay?” Mick asks, palming the back of my head.
I nod. “I’m fine. Just really happy.” I sniff the emotions back and walk up the steps of the porch. The woman wastes no time hugging me tightly and thanking me for helping Mick to bring the children to her.
She invites us inside, and Mel and Alex help to unload their belongings, including the souvenirs they got today.
After the children are settled and we’ve had lunch, she looks at me and says, “How long have you been in love with Mick?”
We’re washing dishes in the kitchen, so Mick’s in the other room. “I’m not sure. It just kind of crept up on me.”
“My daughter, she was never good at picking men. She is a loser magnet if there ever was one.”
I laugh. “Well, I don’t have a great track record myself.”
“Mick’s a good boy. You’d be lucky to have him.”
I smile at her. “I know.”
We finish the dishes, and I bring out the big cheesecake I bought for Mick’s birthday, since it’s his favorite dessert. He blows out the candles, we eat our fill, and then it’s time for us to go.
