Page 24 of Paying Daddy's Debt Collector

“I like that but let’s go with artificial. I hate to think some poor tree lost its life just so I can decorate it.”

“You’re very sweet, little girl.”

“Oh, look at that!” I shout, pointing ahead.

“What?”

“Roller coaster…”

“No.”

“Please.” I bat my eyes at him.

He shakes his head and grins. “Fine. Let’s get in line.”

Chris double-checks my straps before the ride begins and puts his arm around me, holding me tight as the car creeps to the top of the giant hill.

“Look how high we are.”

“Just hold on tight, baby girl. You’re so tiny you might fall out.”

He continues his hold on me as the car drops and descends the hill at full speed. I close my eyes and feel the wind whip against my face while he keeps me safe from harm.

We exit the ride and Chris says, “How about the haunted house?”

“I’ll keep my eyes closed the whole time.”

“Alright, then. That one…” He points and I laugh. It’s the tunnel of love.

Our swan-shaped gondola floats on a lighted stream of water through the plastic-fronted curtain and into the tunnel. We pass by lighted hearts and painted cherubs as the violin music plays. Chris pulls me close and kisses me passionately. “This is a pretty pathetic tunnel of love, but it’s bad luck not to kiss while you’re inside.”

“Is that true?”

“Probably not. I just wanted to kiss you.” He looks at me and we both laugh.

We spend the next hour or so playing games and Chris wins me an armful of stuffed toys. In the arcade, I win myself a glow stick necklace and pop it over my head. Chris buys me an ice cream cone and takes a bite before giving the rest to me.

“I have a secret, baby girl.”

“What’s that?”

“There’s a blanket and a full picnic basket in the back of the car.”

“You want to go to the beach now?”

“If you’re ready.”

I nod and we return to the car to retrieve the basket. When we reach the beach, I kick off my shoes and feel the warm sand between my toes. The misty breeze from the ocean feels nice on my face and chest, and I breathe it in.

We find a flat place to lay out the blanket, and Chris kneels, taking my hands. I sit down beside him and watch as he pulls a candle lantern from the basket and lights it. He brings out a bottle of wine and pours a glass for each of us.

With a smile, I lean against his chest and listen to the sound of the waves crashing against the rocky breakers. I can’t think of a more romantic way to spend the evening.

“I have fruit, cheese, and bread.”

“That sounds great. Thank you for this. I’ve had such a great time.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

---