Winning Skylinn

66

First thing Sunday morning I texted Denver to see if he was coming to church with us. He hadn't been in six months-at least not with me-but I figured he could at least go while he was here.

He texted back to say that he would go, and I smiled to myself as I laid there in bed. Today would be just like old times, only better.

I dressed up for the occasion, wearing a sundress and strappy sandals; and did my hair half-up/half-down.

When we went to pick up Denver, he kissed my cheek and told me I looked lovely. "I saw in the newspaper that the Orlando carnival is this weekend through Monday," he said. "I guess we missed the first two days but we could go today after church."

"Sure, I love carnivals!" I hadn't been to one in ages, so I was looking forward to it already.

- - -

After church, we took my parents home and then headed out to the carnival. I didn't change into shorts or anything because I knew we wouldn't stay long. Besides, I liked dresses and it wasn't too fancy of one.

"What do you want to do first?" Denver asked when we arrived.

"Hmm...let's do that dart game," I suggested. "The one where you pop the balloons."

"Okay." He took my hand and led me to the gaming area, where we gave the guy our tickets.

"Ladies first," Denver said, gesturing to me.

"If you insist." I wasn't very good at this game, but I secretly hoped Denver would win me a giant teddy bear. Cliché, I know.

Like I said, I wasn't good, and I only hit one of the balloons.

Denver was up next. He'd had a history in baseball, and I knew he was even stronger because of boot camp. Sure enough, each of his five darts popped a balloon of their own. I was impressed, even if I'd been expecting it.

Just like we were in a 1950's movie about teenage romance, Denver picked out the cutest brown teddy bear with a red bow around its neck. "For you," he said, presenting me with the prize.

"Thanks," I said, hugging the bear to my chest. It was almost as tall as I was!

"We should do the Ferris wheel," Denver suggested.

"Okay," I said, taking his outstretched hand. We got in line for the Ferris wheel and Denver just smiled at me. I had to look away after a minute or two, for fear that I was as red as the teddy bear's bowtie.

Finally, we were able to get on. The ride was a bit old and creaky. I was scared it would break with all the noise it was making, but Denver and the workers assured me that it was perfectly safe.

Still, I wished I could snuggle in close to Denver for protection. But alas, the seats were set up so that we were across from one another. I hugged the bear to my chest again as we neared the top.

"Hey, don't be afraid. You're safe with me," Denver said, placing a comforting hand on my knee.

"I'm not scared. I just don't want this thing to break with me on it."

"It won't. You're as light as a feather."

"Maybe, but that doesn't make a difference with the creaky, old ride."

"Good point."

I raised my eyebrows as if to say, 'Told you.'

"But I still think we're fine."

I didn't want to admit it, but he was right. We made it to the bottom safe and sound.