* * *
"Ok, Louis, you have to hold both of your arms up as we go around,"
Ken teased as the trio settled into their seat on the Ferris wheel. The
young ride operator locked the bar into place before pulling a lever and
setting them off on their skyward journey.
"I hope we don't get stuck at the top," Louis giggled.
"We better not!" Maddy chimed in as the cool breeze blew through
her hair. Odds were actually in her favor, given the lack of patrons; it was
such a dramatic departure from the teeming crowds of summer. And as
they rotated around nonstop for about the fifth time, it appeared that any
fears about such an outcome were definitely unwarranted.
And each time they went around, Maddy felt the same rush of
excitement as she gazed down at the blackness of the ocean, contrasted
with the lights of the boardwalk. Of course, those sensations were
magnified by the exquisite feel of Ken's protective arm around her.
Watching him laugh along with her special brother brought an
indescribable joy to her heart. While it was certainly true that Louis had an
uncanny ability to bring out the best in people, Maddy couldn't help but
believe that he was simply tapping in to an existing source of goodness
that dwelt within Ken's handsome exterior package.
"That was fun!" Louis declared as they stepped off of the ride.
"Yes, it was," Ken agreed handily, before the three of them began
walking towards 9th Street, where they would meet up with Monica and
Maria.
"Wow, I thought he was never gonna let us off!" Maddy laughed. "I
love Ferris wheels, but even I was getting a little nervous."
"Did you hear that, Louis? Your sister was scared!" Ken's tone was
playful as Louis joined in the good-natured teasing.
"Poor Mads!" he said, patting her on the shoulder.
"Fine, go ahead and make fun of me, see if I care," Maddy
commented, feigning indignation. With that, Ken encircled her from
behind in his arms, and kissed her on the head.
"You know I'm just teasing, baby," he whispered. "I'm so crazy about
you, I can't help myself."
And though her body felt electrified, all Maddy could do was place
her hands on top of his as they made their way down the boardwalk.
* * *
"Did you guys have fun?" Monica asked.
"Oh, yes!" Louis affirmed. "Ken and I even played some games in the
arcade."
"And he beat me at all of them," Ken reported with a chuckle.
"C'mon Ken!" Louis admonished, swatting his hand in the air in his
inimitable style. It was a gesture he always used when vehemently
disagreeing with someone.
"Whadd'ya mean, come on Ken? You beat me fair and square!" Ken
was truly amused and impressed by Louis. The group shared a good laugh
before Mom and Aunt Maria announced their plans to sneak off to
Atlantic City for an hour or so. The night was still young.
"Oh, good, I get to do some gambling!" Louis squealed, rubbing his
hands together.
"Well, win some money this time, Louie!" Maddy teased.
"You have your key, right?" Mom asked her.
"Yep, sure do," Maddy replied.
"Ok, well you guys have a good time. "Ken, thank you for dinner.
That wasn't necessary."
"It was my pleasure, Mrs. Rose. It's the very least I could do for the
privilege of spending time with your beautiful daughter."
Maddy's heart fluttered upon hearing his words, which were not lost
on her Aunt Maria or for that matter her mother, who for the moment at
least, forgot all about his lack of a formal college education.