Seattle Move

7. The Carnival

The anticipation built as they approached the Seattle Carnival, surrounded by a sea of colorful banners and blinking lights. The air was filled with the sweet scent of cotton candy and the sound of upbeat music, inviting them to leave their worries behind and enter a world of fun and excitement. Carnival-goers of all ages flooded through the gates, eager to indulge in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the annual summer event.

As they made their way inside, they were immediately greeted by a bustling midway lined with vibrant game booths, food trucks, and rides of all shapes and sizes. The laughter of children and the whirring of rides filled the air, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. The bright lights illuminated the sky, casting a magical glow over the entire carnival ground.

They walked through the colorful and lively carnival, and Amelia couldn't help but feel happy and carefree, despite Owen's broody behaviour. It seemed like he hadn't let go of his jealousy over Amelia's flirty patient as yet.

"Are you hungry?" he asked the two of them. Amelia had brought Ryan along with her, which he didn't mind.

"Maybe a little later," she hummed, still distracted by the games and rides. He watched the childlike wonder and excitement in her eyes as she looked at all of the people and lights, and he could feel a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Oh! Let's go try that game." Amelia grabbed his arm and suddenly took a detour, and Owen barely kept up with her, not understanding what had caught the neurosurgeon's attention so suddenly.

"Ring toss?" Owen questioned with a nervous laugh. He gave the operator some cash, and he handed them three rings each.

"Mommy, that," Ryan announced, pointing at a gigantic, purple bear. Amelia looked up at the bear and hummed, trying to figure out her strategy. After a few tosses, she quickly realized that she wasn't as good at the game as she thought she was.

"Hmm, maybe I can buy the bear off him," Amelia joked to Owen, and he chuckled.

"Here, let me try," he said, and she assumed he'd be as bad at the game as she was, but she was wrong. Owen surprised her by revealing his hidden talent for carnival games, much to her delight. With a couple more dollars, and his expert throws, they managed to win the bear for Ryan.

"Here you go," the operator said to Owen, handing him the purple bear.

"Yay!" Ryan squealed as Owen picked him up and he hugged the bear, "Thank you, Mr. Owen."

The trauma surgeon smiled wistfully at the boy as he said, "You're welcome, Ry." Amelia watched as Owen stared at her son with adoration in his eyes; she'd never seen James look at her son like that. She watched as he interacted with Ryan, playfully teasing him and making him laugh. She could see the genuine care and affection he had for her son, and it warmed her heart. But it didn't help to diminish her crush on him, and now she felt it growing even more as she watched him and Ryan play with the stuffed toy, with Owen creating voices for the bear.

The first ride they went on was the Ferris wheel, offering a breathtaking view of the city. Ryan giggled with delight as they went higher and higher, and Amelia couldn't help but laugh at his excitement. Owen, on the other hand, didn't seem too fond of going so high up in the air.

"Are you okay, lieutenant?" Amelia teased, noticing the tense look of worry on his face.

"It's major, and I'm fine," he said, not taking his eyes off the ground.

"Major," she taunted, "Don't look down."

"I don't like this."

"Just look at me," she encouraged him honestly now. He looked up at her, and she nodded at him.