A few servers come out in costumes, carrying trays with teacups and snacks. Cami claps her hands and bounces in her chair while Princess Marianna whispers something in her ear.
Lana shakes her head. “I’m never going to be able to top this birthday.”
I grab her hand and spin her in a circle, making her laugh. “Sounds like a fun challenge to me.”
“What’s next? A trip to Africa to see wild animals?”
“That can be arranged. I helped Iris plan her honeymoon there, so I know all the good spots.”
She wipes the disbelief off her face. “This isn’t real life.”
I tug her against my chest. “It can be if you let me take care of you two.”
She shoots me a smile that rivals all the beauty surrounding us. “Get sober and I’ll let you.”
Ialways knew bringing Cami to Dreamland would be magical, but the reality is so much more than that. Everything about the park excites her. The castle. The food. The characters dressed up in the costumes that used to make me cry as a kid. She soaks up everything, and her happiness is a living, breathing entity that I find extremely contagious.
I couldn’t have imagined a better day. At least I hadn’t until Cal lifts Cami up on to his shoulders so she can get a better look at the evening show happening in front of the castle.
I never stood a chance at surviving this trip without falling in love with Cal. It was a valiant effort on my part to even think otherwise, but I’m no match for thegirl dadenergy he is giving off. A few women around us seem to take notice, although I shoot daggers in their direction until they turn away, flustered and somewhat disturbed.
I’ve been perfecting the look since everyone in my age range started lusting after Cal when we were teens. It’s not pretty, but it gets the job done.
I smile as I snap a photo of Cami and Cal from behind so I can print it out and store it in my memory box.
Cal glances over his shoulder at me. “What are you doing?”
I motion toward him and Cami. “Saving the memory.”
Something flashes in Cal’s eyes before he grabs the person next to him.
“Do you mind taking a photo of my girls and me?”
His girls.
They might have to airlift me out of here, because I’m about ready to go into cardiac arrest. With the way my left arm tingles and my heart pounds, I wouldn’t doubt it.
Cami remains on Cal’s shoulders, her smile bright and ready while I stand, stunned and blinking rapidly. Cal shakes his head with a smile before tugging me against him and wrapping an arm around my front while keeping Cami secured with the other one.
The man holds up the phone and begins his countdown. A firework explodes above us. Cami and I both look up at the same time as the flash goes off, ruining our photo.
The man practically throws Cal’s phone at him before returning to his family.
“More!” Cami claps her hands.
“They’re coming,” Cal says.
Fireworks erupt above us, painting the sky in different colors. Cal keeps his arm wrapped around me during the entire show. At some point during the explosions above, Cami falls asleep.
“How is that even possible?” He removes her from his shoulders before cradling her against his chest.
My legs might give out from how hard I swoon. “I told you she can sleep through anything.”
Another firework explodes above us, proving my point as Cami doesn’t even flinch.
“See?”
“Damn. Do you want to head back?” His eyes slide from Cami to me.