Briony pressed her lips together and sighed. "I'll take your pictures first, and then your dad can take a few of us together. That way, we'll all be in the photos."

The two kids stared at her, puzzled by this arrangement.

Stewart understood immediately-Briony had no intention of taking a family portrait with all four of them together. He didn't want to force her, either.

"Your mom's got a good idea," Stewart said, scooping both kids into his arms. "Someone has to take the pictures, right?"

Was that really true? The kids seemed doubtful, but when grown-ups decide to bend the rules, kids never really stand a chance.

So Briony took a few snapshots of Stewart and the kids. Afterward, the kids ran over to her side, and Stewart snapped some pictures of Briony with them.

When the last photo was taken, Briony patted their heads. "Pictures are done. Now, let's enjoy the view, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Okay!"

Whatever tension lingered between the adults, the kids didn't notice. Their happiness was undimmed.

The Ferris wheel climbed higher, finally reaching the very top.

Little Nina squealed, "We have to make a wish!"

Stewart looked down at her, amused. "Who told you that?"

heard people say that when the Ferris wheel gets to the highest point, if

pressed his palms together, closed his eyes, and made a

Little Nina hurried to do the same, squeezing her eyes shut and whispering in her heart: I wish I could always be with Mom, Dad,

wishes

world, even the tiniest rumor could

joy.

when the kids insisted

and Briony exchanged a glance and, for once

and pressed their

together, playing along.

Ferris wheel began its gentle

ticked away.

looked at

longing and regret.

fleeting time as

of

was

he shouldn't hope for anything

slowed to a

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