We make it to the line, and they continue to reminisce as I listen. I’ve never heard B talk this much about her ex. I wonder if it’s a sign she’s moving forward. We climb into the cart designed like a car, and I enjoy their giggles. It’s a startling difference from what I’m used to with the men. I’m not sure if a relationship makes you soft like Warp insinuated, but it opens your mind up to other possibilities. I can’t help but wonder what a child we made would look like. Would he be like his big sister, adventurous and charming, or quiet and observant, the way I was? Would he have her eyes or mine? As we exit the cart, I’m thinking all kinds of thoughts I never entertained before.
We leave the ride, and I’m more determined than ever to cement our relationship. I wrap my arm around her waist as we continue to follow our fearless leader to Pirates, where apparently they liked the redhead wench best. The water ride was the perfect blend of old and new as they mixed the original ride and the new movies.
Next, we slow things down even more with the Haunted Mansion. The line is a little longer, but the groups are big, and it moves fast.
“Oh man, this used to freak me out when I was little, remember?” Whitney whispers.
“Yes, dear. It was my hand you were trying to break.”
“I was not that bad,” Whitney scoffs.
“I don’t know; my hand begs to differ.” B shakes her hand and winces.
“Mom, you suck.” Whitney rolls her eyes and sticks out her tongue.
It’s a look at what a real family is like. For the first time, I don’t feel like a person on the outside looking in. I feel as if I’m a part of it.
Hours and too much food later, we’re making the trek back to our car.
“So what did you think?” Whitney asks as we ride the tram back to the parking area.
“You know what? It wasn’t as kiddy as I thought it would be. There were some cool rides, good food, and even better company. I had a good time. Thanks for bringing me.”
Her cheeks fill with blood, and she glances away. “You’re welcome.”
B wraps her arms around my waist and leans her head on my shoulder. I toy with one of her curls. I can tell she needed this, a day out with us uninterrupted by work, the club, her in-laws, or well-meaning people who knew her before her life drastically changed. She’s not the woman she once was. How could she be? I’ve watched her grow into a new person over the past six months. She’s stronger, more confident, and if it’s possible, even sexier than when I first met her in the bar. She was an angel with a halo of dark curls that caught the light in a room full of sinners that night, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I move my hand to her neck and massage her with my thumb and pointer finger. Her body relaxes, and she walks sleepily with us to the car. She’s out ten minutes into the drive.
I sense Whitney’s eyes on me and peer in the rearview mirror. I turn down the music.
“You got something you want to say to me, kid?”
“I wasn’t sure what to think about, you. You came around when my mom was vulnerable. It worried me. She’s strong, but no one is indestructible. You’re younger and completely different from anyone she knows. But maybe that’s a good thing. I haven’t seen my mother this happy in years. I’m ashamed of how ignorant I was to her unhappiness. She always hides it so well. But seeing her with you is like going through a time warp.” She nods her head and goes quiet.
“You giving me your approval?” I ask trying to decipher her intent.
“Yeah. I think, maybe I am. With a warning. Don’t hurt her.”
“It’s the furthest thing from my mind, kid.” She’s a fierce little thing with moxie.
“I can tell. And I’m not a kid.”
I snicker. “Yeah, okay… Kid.”
She huffs.
I wink at her in the rearview before I turn the music back up and we settle in for the ride back home.
***
My phone rings in the middle of the night. I groan as I grope the nightstand for it blindly. I find it and bring it to my ear.
“Hullo?”
“Freeze?”
“Ughhh. Shadow?” I push up into a sitting position.
“I need a favor, brother. We got a potential situation, and I need as safe space for my family tonight.”