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I shrug. “Okay. I guess so. I’m sure Jessie would have a great time.”

“Great!” Cam looks over his shoulder to confirm Jessie’s whereabouts, then leans over and gives me a quick kiss. “It’s going to be so much fun.”

“I’ll buy our tickets,” I tell them. I have the idea that it’s an expensive place, and they definitely don’t need to pay for my daughter’s admission.

“Absolutely not,” Wyatt says. “Wear your most comfortable shoes, and we’ll pick you up early.”

They both seem extra excited about the whole idea, and though I’m confused about why they’re so enthusiastic about an amusement park, their mood rubs off on me.

When Jessie comes inside, and I tell her about the plans, she jumps up and down. Apparently, she’s heard about the park from friends, and I’m sure she’s seen advertisements.

“I’ve wanted to go to Disneyland my entire life,” she cries, making it sound like that’s been a long, long time.

CHAPTER44

STELLA

When we pass through the gates at Disneyland the next morning, I’m still dubious about how much I’m personally going to enjoy the park. I’ll definitely enjoy watching Jessie have fun though, and she’s so happy, she’s skipping instead of walking.

From the moment we enter, we’re surrounded by music, colorful decorations, and tempting food smells. Little by little, as we twirl on teacups, circle around on the carousel, and tour the houses where Mickey and Minnie live, the place starts to have an effect on me.

It seems like it would be impossible to worry about everyday concerns while you’re here.

Wyatt takes us on his favorite ride, which is filled with pirates, and Cam shows us his favorite roller coaster, a runaway train.

“Would you like to ride it?” I ask Jessie, as the ride vehicle goes whizzing by our viewing spot. “You’re tall enough.”

She toes the concrete under her feet, looking uneasy. “I’m not sure.”

“How about if we work our way up to it?” Cam suggests. “We can ride the regular train that goes around the park first, then a smaller roller coaster by Mickey’s house, and if you love both of those, you know you’ll be ready for this one.”

When she nods her head, he holds his knuckles out to her for a fist bump. “It’s a plan. Let’s go!”

Jessie’s still a little nervous, but also excited when we finally make our way back to the big coaster. Cam and Wyatt are encouraging without being at all pushy. As we wait in line, they tell her exactly what to expect, while also cracking jokes to keep the mood light.

When it’s almost our turn to ride, she asks if she can sit next to one of the guys.

“Which one?” I ask.

She looks back and forth between the men, who are engaged in a discussion about what they want to eat after we get off the ride. “I can’t decide.”

“Maybe we can ride twice, so you can sit once with each of them.”

She lifts her hand up, and I have to laugh when I finally figure out she’s looking for another fist bump.

She rides the coaster with Wyatt first, and Cam and I sit behind them. Cam takes the opportunity to squeeze my knee, and keeps his hand on me during the entire ride, in a very PG family-friendly way.

Jessie and Wyatt are both laughing as we exit the ride, and my little girl is exhilarated as she recaps her favorite parts.

When we ride again, Wyatt pulls me close to him on the bench seat. “Are you having a good time?”

“I’m having a great time,” I say, nodding.

“Good. I think Jessie’s having a good time, too,” he says.

“I’m pretty sure she’s having the best day ever.”

Wyatt’s grin warms my heart as he takes my hand in his. “Good.”