95. The Amusement Park

95. The Amusement Park
Alina's Pov

It was one of those crisp summer mornings where the air smelled faintly of cotton candy and freshly mown grass. Asher had been pestering me for weeks about going to the amusement park, his bright blue eyes sparkling with excitement every time he mentioned the Ferris wheel or the bumper cars. I had resisted for as long as I could, knowing that agreeing meant also spending the day with Theodore. But Asher’s enthusiasm was infectious, and I finally caved in.

Asher bounded ahead, his small hand clasped in Theodore’s, as we walked through the park gates. The sun cast playful shadows on the ground, and the sounds of laughter and cheerful music filled the air. I trailed behind, trying to keep my emotions in check.

“Mom, come on!” Asher’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Let’s go on the roller coaster first!”

I forced a smile and quickened my pace. “Alright, let’s do it.”

The roller coaster was a blur of speed and color, and Asher’s delighted screams made my heart swell with joy. I didn't stay back from screaming whenever the ride dropped from the top. Theodore sat next to me, his presence a comforting warmth despite my best efforts to ignore him. As the ride jerked to a stop, he leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear.

“Reminds me of how you screamed for me yesterday ” he whispered.

I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks and turned away, hoping he wouldn’t notice. “Of course,” I mumbled sarcastically, trying to sound nonchalant.

Asher was already pulling us toward the next attraction, a carousel with beautifully painted horses. Theodore hoisted him onto a particularly grand one, then turned to me with that familiar mischievous grin.

“Care to join us, Alina?” he asked, extending his hand.

I hesitated, then placed my hand in his. It felt as if no time had passed at all. We rode the carousel together, laughing as Asher waved to us from his horse. Theodore’s arm slipped around my waist, and for a moment, I let myself lean into him, savoring the sense of togetherness.

After the carousel, we wandered over to a cotton candy stand. Asher’s eyes widened as he watched the vendor spin the sugary treat into a fluffy pink cloud.

“I want the biggest one!” he exclaimed, bouncing on his toes.

Theodore chuckled and handed the vendor a few bills. “One giant cotton candy, please.”

The vendor handed over a stick with a massive puff of cotton candy that was nearly as big as Asher’s head. Asher’s eyes lit up as he took it, and he immediately tore off a piece, shoving it into his mouth with a delighted giggle.

I couldn’t help but laugh at the sight. “Is it good?”

Asher nodded vigorously, his mouth too full to speak. He tore off another piece and held it out to me. “Here, Mom, you have some too.” I took the offered piece, the sugary sweetness dissolving on my tongue almost instantly.

We stood there, sharing the cotton candy, as Asher alternated between offering us pieces and devouring it himself. Theodore leaned in close again, his voice low and teasing. “It's sweet. But not as sweet as the dessert you had to offer me yesterday.” It took me a moment to register what he was implying, making my cheeks burn with heat. I felt that familiar blush creeping up again and quickly turned my attention back to Asher, who was now a sticky mess of pink sugar.

“Looks like someone needs a napkin,” I said, grabbing a few from a nearby dispenser and wiping Asher’s face.

Theodore took one and helped clean up Asher’s hands, his touch gentle and patient. “There, all better.”

Asher beamed up at us, his happiness radiating. “That was the best cotton candy ever!”

Theodore ruffled his hair. “I’m glad you liked it, buddy. What should we do next?”

Later, we found ourselves at the shooting range. Asher’s eyes lit up at the sight of the colorful prizes hanging above the counter. Theodore handed the attendant a few bills and picked up the rifle, winking at Asher.

“Watch and learn, buddy.”

He took aim and fired, hitting the target dead center. Asher clapped excitedly, his cheers blending with the carnival sounds around us. Theodore’s next few shots were just as accurate, and soon the attendant was handing him a large, fluffy teddy bear.

“For you,” Theodore said, turning to me with a flourish. “A reminder of today.”

I took the bear, feeling my cheeks heat up again. “Thank you,” I said softly, touched by the gesture.

Asher jumped up and down, thrilled by the whole experience. “Daddy, you’re the best!”

Theodore ruffled Asher’s hair and then turned his gaze to me, his expression serious. “I want everyday to be like this. Us being a family.”

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words pressing down on me. It was hard to deny the truth in them, especially with Asher looking so happy and carefree. “It’s complicated,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. “I know. But I promise I can try and make it better Alina. One chance is all I ask.”

I wanted to argue, to remind him of all the reasons why things ended, but the look in Asher’s eyes stopped me. He deserved this, deserved to have both his parents present and happy. I gave Theodore a soft smile. “Ok. A chance. But don't get too exci—” I wasn't able to complete my sentence when Theodore pulled me into a tight heartwarming hug.

“Thank you!” He whispered with a lot of emotions. “Thank you so much. I promise you won't regret it,” he kissed my cheek.

“Aww. Mummy and daddy, you both look so nice together!” Asher winked at his daddy making me frown.

“We do now, don't we buddy?” Theodore slipped his arm to my waist pulling me closer. Did I miss something?

“What's happening here?” I scowled playfully.

“Nothing,” Asher raised his hands in surrender. Of course I knew it was nothing. Theodore you sneaky bitch.

We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering from ride to ride, Asher’s laughter a constant soundtrack. Theodore continued to do silly, romantic things—winning me another stuffed animal at the ring toss, buying my favorite ice cream, and insisting we take a family photo at one of the cheesy booths. Each gesture chipped away at the walls I had built around my heart.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the park, we made our way to the Ferris wheel. Asher sat between us, his head resting against my shoulder as we slowly ascended. Theodore reached over and took my hand, his touch gentle and reassuring.

“Thank you for today,” he said quietly.

I looked at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. Maybe things were complicated, but for now, I could appreciate this moment. “Thank you, too,” I replied, squeezing his hand.

Asher’s soft snores filled the small cabin as the Ferris wheel turned, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of peace. The future was uncertain, but today had been a step forward. Maybe, just maybe, we could find a way to make things work.

For Asher’s sake. And maybe even for ours.