Page 31

She slaps me on the arm while we walk into the castle garden. “No, I didn’t bring you a candy bar. I’m hiding something under my dress. It’s something small. Something fairly new.”

I run a hand through my hair. This is starting to sound like an episode of that old TV show Pyramid.

“Things that give you stomachache?” I try.

Sarah laughs out loud while shaking her head in disbelief. I clearly didn’t give her the correct answer. “Why are men so dense sometimes?”

I shrug. “Why do women talk in riddles all the time?”

“Riddles? You really don’t have a clue, do you?”

We take our positions to start our first meet and greet session of the day. We’ve only got a couple of minutes before guests will start queuing.

“Level with me, Sarah. What’s going on?”

She beams again, unable to contain her excitement about whatever she’s going to tell me. “Okay, so you know how I’m tired all the time? And last week when I felt a bit under the weather, I thought it was because of that burrito I had for lunch, but it wasn’t.”

“That’s good, right?”

She nods. “Absolutely.”

“Then what’s causing these things?”

She leans in closer, darts her gaze across the garden for a moment, then whispers, “I’m pregnant! I have a real baby growing inside of me.”

“Oh, so that’s what you’re hiding under your shirt. I mean, who.” I give her a hug. “Congratulations! There was no way I would’ve guessed with all your subtle hints.”

“Thanks,” she says. “We’re elated.”

I suddenly feel kind of protective of her. I don’t know why this instinct kicks in, but now I worry this job is a bit much for her. She’s got to wear a tight dress every day, walk a lot, interact with people… I’m sure it’s taxing on her and her baby.

“How are you feeling?” I ask, studying her expression. She might be smiling, but maybe she’s secretly longing for a break already. “Can I do anything for you? Should we ask Frank if you can sit down during meet and greets?”

She waves my worries away with a laugh. “I’m pregnant, Colton, not injured. I feel fine. Exhausted and nauseous, but fine. Frank might have to look for another Head Princess soon, though. I don’t think a pregnant princess fits the park’s image.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “Why? Did he say anything to you? Because he can’t discriminate against you, especially not based on your pregnancy. I’ll go up there and talk to him right away if you need me to.”

She puts a hand on my arm. “Relax, Colton. No one is discriminating against me. I haven’t even told him yet. I will after our shift, and I’m positive he’ll be happy for me.”

“If he isn’t, I’ll teach him a lesson,” I say, only half joking. I’m sure Sarah’s right about Frank being supportive because that’s the kind of guy he is. He values all employees and I’ve never known him to treat someone in a bad way. But what if he reacts differently this time? I need to know she’s going to be okay.

We can’t talk anymore, as the meet and greet is about to start, so I jump straight into my role as Prince Charming. I do my utmost to focus on the guests and not steal glances at Elle over at the hot dog stand.

One time, she catches my eye, and sends me a big, goofy smile that instantly catapults me to cloud nine. Her red hat has slipped to the side a bit, and she looks kind of uncomfortable in that beige hot dog costume, but to me, she looks nothing short of amazing. So pure and joyful. There’s nothing fake about Elle, and I love that.

After our shift, Sarah rushes off to find Frank and tell him about her pregnancy. I take advantage of the lull in my work schedule to go over to Elle’s part of the park. I hope I come across as casual and grounded even though I’m a ball of nerves. We haven’t talked much since our kiss yet. Sure, we rode into work together, but there’s not a lot of conversation going on when you’re cruising on a loud motorcycle.

“Hey,” I say. “Can I get a hot dog?”

Elle smiles at me, and her face gets all red. “Sure, that’ll be two bucks, please.”

“Hi, Colton,” Layla says. Then she turns to Elle. “If a Magic Wonderland employee orders a hot dog, we don’t have to charge them.”

“Oh, that’s good to know,” Elle replies while she squirts ketchup on my hot dog. She doesn’t catch my eye. Maybe she’s as nervous as I am?

“Do you guys mind if I take my break now?” Layla asks.

“Of course, go ahead. I’ll manage,” Elle says.