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?"

to the highest point, if you make a wish in your

this, little Mario immediately pressed his palms together, closed his eyes,

brother, Little Nina hurried to do the same, squeezing her eyes shut and whispering in

believe in making wishes

innocent world, even the tiniest rumor could

joy.

the kids

exchanged a glance and, for

pressed

together, playing along.

wheel began its gentle descent, their precious family

ticked away.

at Briony, his

with longing

this fleeting time as

of

her. She was only doing this for the

shouldn't hope for anything

Ferris wheel slowed to a

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