Page 20 of Love is a Roller Coaster

Since I was with Tyler five years ago.

“This is the last turn,” Tyler shouts. “And then there’s a camera at the end.”

“Okay!” I yell back, turning to face him.

His smile, combined with the adrenaline from the ride, fills me with bubbles. I could float. I feel alive and happy and free. Better than I’ve felt in years.

And when we finish the final turn, I prep myself for the camera. Just like I’ve always been taught. Smile, tilt my head slightly to the left, and sit up straight.

But then Tyler’s words from this morning sound in my mind.Don’t worry about how it looks or what other people think. What doyouwant to do?

And at that moment, I know exactly whatIwant to do.

I turn in my seat to Tyler, grab his face, close my eyes, and barely register a flash as I kiss him on the lips.

chapter ten

TYLER

Brooke just kissed me.

It wasn’t the best kiss of my life, seeing as we were speeding on Space Mountain and I didn’t even know what was happening, but itdidhappen.

Right?

It was quick, just a press of our lips, and then Brooke pulled away. She’s still holding my face in her hands, gives me a mischievous smile, then settles back in her seat.

What in the world?!

The rocket has slowed down, so we round the last corner and slow to a stop. The lap bars pop up and we get out of our rocket. I lead Brooke through the walking path of corridors until we emerge at the TV screens that show a preview of our pictures. We haven’t said anything to each other yet. Too many people around. So we pause in front of the screens, waiting for our rocket to show up.

And there it is. My eyes are open wide in surprise, Brooke’s are squeezed shut, and our lips are smashed together. Her hair is flying everywhere, but even so, she’s incredibly stunning.

She laughs and points at it. “Oh, man. That’s an awful picture.”

I nod. “It really is.”

I turn to face her, and she turns her attention from the picture on the screen to me.

“What…” I swallow. “Why did you do that?”

She blinks a few times, her face calm. Then she shrugs. “You told me that today is about doing things that will make me happy.”

My heart is pounding in my chest. “And that’s what made you happy?”

“Yep.” She smiles brightly at me. “Come on, let’s go find another ride!”

I have no idea what to make of this. But she’s right. Today is about making her happy. And I’m here for it.

After Space Mountain,we ride a few more “grown-up” rides—Indiana Jones, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the Matterhorn. I love hearing her surprised screams when the Abominable Snowman puppet reaches out toward her in the bobsled.

“What do you want to do next?” I ask as we exit the ride.

She looks over at me with a bashful grin. “I know I’m twenty-five, but…I really want to go back to all the kids’ rides in Fantasyland.”

“Perfect. It’s right over here.” I pause for a moment. “But since we have the PhotoPass, should we go take a picture in front of the castle? They have a professional photographer stationed there.”

“Yes! I’d love that!”

---