Page 95 of My Best Years

It’s the second time we’ve held hands today. The first time I initiated it, I was nervous about how she would feel about walking around hand in hand like a couple.

After what we did in my kitchen, I wouldn't think she’d mind. But in my opinion, holding hands is sometimes more intimate than the physical stuff. People fuck behind closed doors all the time. But stepping out in public and holding hands is a declaration of unity. And we haven't had any serious talks about our relationship beyond friendship…

Of course, I want more. I want so much more. I want a life with Birdie.

I’m just terrified of pushing her away when I just got her back.

“We’d better go get in line then,” Birdie grins.

Aside from a peck on the lips, I haven’t had a chance toreallykiss Birdie today. I haven’t kissed her in the way she deserves to be kissed.

But I have a feeling that I’m about to have the perfect opportunity.

We walk hand in hand, strolling through the crowds of people as we head for the ferris wheel.

“This is breathtaking,”Birdie gasps as we ascend to the top of the ferris wheel. We’re in a small cart, sitting thigh to thigh with my arm wrapped around her shoulders.

We made it just before sunset, giving us an unbelievable view of Gulf Shores from above. To our left, soft waves crash against the distant shoreline. To our right, the fair is bustlingwith tourists, food trucks, and lively attractions. Beyond the rides and guests lies the scenic city of Gulf Shores. Slender palm trees, colorful buildings, and summer streets border the fair.

Everything about this moment is so surreal to me.

The first time I ever came to the fair, I dreamt of what it would be like to have Birdie here with me. It was nothing more than a fantasy to me because I never thought it could be a reality.

I still can’t believe that she’s here, nestled beneath my arm.

“Pretty amazing, huh?” I ask, giving her shoulder an affectionate squeeze.

“Yeah,” she breathes, turning her gaze toward the ocean. “This is my favorite time of day. When the sky is pink and orange, and the ocean looks like waves of gold. Nothing beats it.”

I nod in agreement while lazily trailing my fingers up and down her bare shoulder.

“We couldn't have asked for better weather today. It even cooled off a few degrees.”

“Thank God,” she scoffs.

The heat has been brutal this summer.

“I still can’t believe this view,” she adds, shaking her head. “Gulf Shores really is stunning.”

“It sure is,” I mutter. “It’s easy to fall in love with this place.”

I think it’d be pretty easy to fall in love in this place too.

My spine tingles when Birdie lets out a relaxed sigh and rests her head on my shoulder. I tighten my hold on her, pulling her closer to me. I lose track of time as we ride in blissful silence, taking in the view as the cart gently sways back and forth.

When I spot a row of green squares way off in the distance, I squint my eyes to get abetter look.

“Oh, shit,” I point at the familiar sports complex. “There’s the tennis courts I play at.”

How did I not notice them the last time I was up here?

Birdie’s gaze quickly turns to me. She sits up straight and furrows her brows.

“Wait. You still play?” Her tone is laced with surprise.

“I do,” I nod. “I’d probably go crazy if I didn’t. I’m usually in a rec league during the summer, but I’ve been swamped with work lately. If things start to slow down, I’ll see if they’ll let me join later in the season. But even when I’m not playing in a league, I still go to the court and practice. Tennis and Ollie are the two things that have kept me sane over the years.”

“A rec league? That sounds like fun,” she arches a brow. “I’m happy to hear that you didn’t give up tennis. Did you play in college?”

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