Chapter 424
Alexander
“How about something that doesn’t involve potential concussions?” Madison suggested.
“The Ferris wheel!” Ethan pointed at the massive structure dominating the skyline. “It goes SO high!”
We headed toward it, Ethan chattering about how he was definitely tall enough now; he’d grown at least three inches this week.
The line moved quickly. Too quickly. Soon we were being ushered into a car, the three of us squeezed onto one bench.
The wheel started turning, lifting us slowly into the air.
Ethan pressed his face against the window. “Look how small everything is!”
I looked instead at Madison, who was gripping the safety bar with white knuckles.
“You okay?”
“Fine. I’m fine. Just not great with heights.”
“Why didn’t you say something?”
“Because Ethan wanted to ride it, and sometimes you do things that scare you because your kid is excited.”
The simple truth of that statement hit harder than expected. She’d been doing that for years. Being scared, being alone, doing it anyway because Ethan needed her.
The wheel paused at the top, giving riders a chance to appreciate the view.
“Wow,” Ethan breathed. “We’re so high! We’re like birds!”
Madison’s grip on the bar tightened.
Without thinking, I covered her hand with mine.
She tensed but didn’t pull away.
“Breathe,” I said quietly, low enough that Ethan wouldn’t hear. “Just focus on breathing.”
“I’m breathing.”
“You’re holding your breath.”
She exhaled shakily.
My thumb brushed across her knuckles, a gesture so automatic I didn’t realize I’d done it until she looked at me. Her eyes held questions I wasn’t ready to answer.
The wheel started moving again, descending toward Earth.
Madison pulled her hand free the moment we reached the bottom.
“That was AMAZING!” Ethan announced. “Can we go again?”
“Once is enough,” Madison said quickly,
We spent the next hour hitting every ride Ethan deemed essential. The spinning teacups that made me nauseous. The carousel where Ethan insisted on the horse with the broken ear because it looked sad and needed love. Some kind of pirate ship that
swung back and forth while Ethan shrieked with joy.
By two o’clock, Ethan’s energy was finally flagging.
Chapter 414
+25 Bonus
We found a picnic area with overpriced burgers and questionable fries. Ethan devoured his meal with the enthusiasm of someone who’d forgotten breakfast existed
“Slow down,” Madison said. “You’ll choke.”
“I won’t! I’m a professional eater!” He shoved three fries in his mouth at once to demonstrate.
I caught Madison’s eye. She was trying not to laugh.
“Very professional,” I agreed.
Ethan finished his burger, then eyed my fries with predatory interest.
“Want some?” I pushed my basket toward him.
“You don’t have to-“Madison started.
“I know. But he’s looking at them like they contain the secrets of the universe.”
Ethan grabbed a handful of fries, cramming them in his mouth. “These are good fries! Not as good as Mom’s but pretty close!”
“You make fries?” I asked Madison.
“Sometimes. When I have energy.” She picked at her own meal. “Most nights we eat whatever’s quick.”
“Mom makes the BEST mac and cheese,” Ethan announced. “She adds extra cheese and sometimes hot dogs!”
“Sounds gourmet.”
“It is!” Ethan finished my fries without asking. “Can I go on the swings?”
Madison glanced at the playground nearby. “Fifteen minutes.”
“Okay!” Ethan raced off, leaving us alone.
The silence felt different now. Less hostile, more uncertain.
“Thank you,” Madison said quietly. “For today. He’s having fun.”
“I’m having fun too.”
“Are you?” She studied me. “This can’t be your usual activity.”
“No. Usually I’m in my office reviewing contracts or attending some charity event I don’t care about.” I paused. “This is better.”
“Liar.”
“I’m serious. When’s the last time you saw me at an amusement park?”
“Never. Because you’re too busy building your empire.”
“Exactly. So maybe this is exactly what I needed.”
Madison’s expression softened slightly. “He really likes you.”
“The feeling’s mutual.”
“Alexander-”
“I know. I know that I’m still engaged and you have every reason to tell me to fuck off.” The words came faster than intended. ” But I meant what I said earlier. I want to be part of his life. Really part of it.”
“I’m still waiting on proof you’ll end things with Katherine.”
M
to
Chat 04
*25 Banus
Madison’s words hung in the air between us, sharp and unmovable The picnic table telt too small, too public for this conversation Families passed by with their balloons and cotton candy, oblivious to the wreckage happening at this weathered
wooden table
I leaned forward, keeping my voice low “You’ll get it. Soon ”
She studied my face, searching for lies or empty promises Whatever she saw must have been enough because she nodded once, sharp and final. “I’ll wait for it then.”
Before I could respond, Ethan’s voice cut through our tension like a knife through butter.
“Mom! Mom!” He bounded up to the table, his face sticky with remnants of cotton candy, his eyes bright with excitement. “Can we go on the spinning ride? The one that looks like a rocket ship?”
Madison’s expression shifted immediately, that soft maternal look replacing her guarded CEO negotiation face, “Let me see the ride first, baby.”
“But it’s so cool! And King Alexander can come too!” Ethan grabbed my hand without hesitation, tugging with surprising strength for someone so small. “You’ll love it! It goes round and round and round!
I let myself be pulled from the bench, Madison following behind us. Ethan chattered the entire way, explaining in excruciating detail how the rocket ship worked and why it was the best ride in the entire park.
The ride turned out to be a standard spinning attraction, painted to look like space rockets. Nothing too intense, clearly designed for kids Ethan’s age.
“You sure about this?” Madison asked him, her hand on his shoulder.
“I’m super sure! I’m brave now!” He bounced on his toes. “Please?”
“Alright. One ride.”
Ethan cheered, already racing toward the entrance.
We joined the short line, Ethan vibrating with barely contained energy between us. He kept grabbing both our hands, swinging them like he was walking between two people who belonged together.
The irony wasn’t lost on me.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
