She bit her lip. “When do they start?”
“Look on your map. The big show of the night is usually the last thing before the park closes—”
“Oh,” she grumbled in disappointment.
Her father was much too sick to cope all day and half the night without her. Thank goodness one of the fellow vets who volunteered at the VA had agreed to visit him this afternoon. Still, she’d worry, so whenever she went to the bathroom, she’d text him to make sure he was all right. No need to dump her woes on Dr. Beckman.
When she’d told Dad about the trip to Disneyland with a friend, he’d insisted she go. “Have fun on your day off. Lord knows, there has been precious little of that these past miserable years.”
She’d tried to reassure him that she was happy and had everything she could ever need in life.
They both knew it wasn’t true.
“We can watch the fireworks earlier. I think the first show is at nine thirty.” Beck sent her a frown filled with concern. “You okay?”
She snapped back to the present and pasted on a smile. “Let’s see how we feel after being on our feet all day. Now where is that rollercoaster?”
“This way.” He gestured to the right and ushered her toward Tomorrowland, where they soon found Space Mountain. “I’ll be right beside you if you get scared. I’m a doctor, so you can trust me.” He winked.
She burst into a fit of giggles. “Ha! If I didn’t trust you, I wouldn’t be getting in a little car that jets around on a track too dark to see.”
“It’s fun. I promise.”
“I’m sure, but…I’ve had so many new experiences today, you know?”
He raised a brow at her. “I’m hoping we experience lots of firsts together.”
With one innuendo-laden sentence, he made her flare hot again. Was she reading too much into his words? After all, he’d mentored her, protected her, befriended her. None of that meant he wanted her. Then again, would he have invited her today if he didn’t feel something for her? There was that buttery voice of his, not to mention his erection, too…
Mentally chewing on the possibilities, Heavenly followed him through the shadowy, blue-lit passages inside the building. A surreal techno voice followed them along the path that seemed to get darker with every step. Before she knew it, they were boarding the gleaming silvery-white cars with yellow stripes.
Apprehension bit at her belly as she began to climb in. “I’m so nervous.”
He stayed her with a touch to her arm. “I understand, but don’t forget to look around and get the full experience. Some firsts are worth savoring.”
“You’re right. Sometimes I get caught up and forget everything else.”
So Heavenly stole a long glance around the loading zone, felt the cool air in her face, and soaked in the excitement hanging in the air.
When Dr. Beckman gave her an approving nod, she stepped toward the waiting car—and would have stumbled if he hadn’t been right behind her. Instantly, his hand wrapped around her elbow. “I’ve got you.”
“Sorry. I can be so clumsy.”
“No, I’ve watched you. You’re graceful,” he assured as he helped her settle into the car.
Only then did he release her.
Heavenly sighed. No wonder half the female staff at the hospital were gaga for him. “You’ve always been so sweet to me.”
“You make it easy.”
She wasn’t sure what to say, but park employees distracted her by instructing riders how to fasten the safety belt. Beside her, the doctor made certain she was secured snugly before the ride operators double-checked. Then with a lurch, they were off.
Nerves gnawing a hole in her stomach, Heavenly grabbed Dr. Beckman’s thigh.
“It’s okay.” He settled his hand over hers, tangling their fingers together. “Breathe. Enjoy it. You’re going to have fun.”
“Uh-huh,” she agreed—but she didn’t let go. As they ascended a flashing red tunnel, she turned to him. “In case I forget to tell you later, I really had a great time.”
By the time they emerged into the sunshine, she was still grinning and her throat felt slightly scratchy from screaming. Dr. Beckman squinted, holding a finger to his ear.
“Oh, my goodness. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. Really. I’ve got another ear.”
Rolling her eyes, she swatted him playfully. “I’ll try to restrain myself next time. There will be a next time, right?”
“If you want one, yes. And don’t you restrain anything on my account—ever. That’s my job.” He sent her an ironic grin she didn’t understand.
“You’re sure?”
“Nearly everyone who walks through the front gates leaves their adult self behind and turns into a kid at heart. I won’t even tell you how embarrassing I was on my first visit.”
Her heart did somersaults at his wide grin. “How old were you?”
“Twenty-eight, I think. I even have a pair of ears from that trip embroidered with my name. I wore them all day. Not kidding.”
She laughed. “Did you eat cotton candy and sing Disney songs?”
“I might have. Are you judging?”
“Of course not.” But a giggle slipped free.
“It’s fine. We’ll see how mature you are as the day goes on.”
Heavenly pressed her lips together, fearing she would fail miserably at adulting, but she didn’t care.
The morning passed quickly as they raced each other in the cars at Autopia. Heavenly laughed when she won, then pleaded for a ride on the Matterhorn Bobsleds. She managed to scream less this time, earning her a smile from Dr. Beckman, before she dragged him to Fantasyland for a ride on King Arthur Carousel. She climbed on a white horse with bells, while the doctor stood beside her and held her steady. After riding Snow White’s Scary Adventures and Peter Pan’s Flight, they made their way to Frontierland.
“Hey, Disney Princess. It’s one o’clock. How about some lunch?”
She’d eaten a hearty breakfast at home so she didn’t have to spend money on an expensive theme park meal. “Sure. I’ll keep you company while you eat.”
“Nope. You’re eating, too.”
Before she could argue, he pointed to an empty table. Feeling oddly compelled to do
