The amusement park was a chaotic full of people, but Si Michael moved through it like he owned the place. He held Clara in one arm and kept Evelyn close with his other hand, drawing stares from everyone they passed. When they reached the ticket booth, he handed Clara over to her mother.
"Hold her for a second while I get the tickets," he said.
Evelyn immediately set the girl down on her feet. "You're a big girl now, Clara. You can stand on your own," she said, pulling a white sun hat from her bag to shield the girl's face from the sun.
"But Uncle wanted to hold me!" Clara pouted.
When Michael returned, he reached for her again, ignoring Evelyn's protests. "I'll hold her as long as I want," he said firmly, leading them toward the gates.
Clara began ticking off her list on her fingers: "Ferris wheel, train, pirate ship, carousel, space car...". Michael nodded to every single one.
