“Still don’t see it.”

After we finished Space Mountain, Brougham directed us by text to Fantasyland to Alice’s teacup ride. Unfortunately, riding a roller coaster immediately after inhaling a corn dog wasn’t the best idea I’d ever had, and I told Ainsley in no uncertain terms I was not climbing into anything spinning right now.

The sun had started stinging the back of my neck, so Ainsley and I found a nearby shaded spot under a tree. It only took me a few minutes to remember the problem with this ride. It easily competed with “It’s a Small World” for the music that got stuck in your head the worst. The same tune—“The Unbirthday Song” from the movie—played over—and over—and over again on a whistling flute-type instrument, high pitched and irritating and squeaky. I’d hoped I might have an update from Brooke by now, but there was nothing. She was probably meeting Ray soon.

As for Brougham, I was feeling more and more confident we had this in the bag. The realization made me shiver with pride and happiness, and something a little profound. I’d helped this happen. I’d directly contributed to the world having a little more love in it.

Even if it was my blackmailer I’d helped out.

I sent Brougham a check-in text, and he glanced down, pulled his phone out to check it, then slipped it straight back in his pocket. Well, gee. Don’t mind me, Brougham, I’m just literally here because you needed me to be available for advice at all times.

Finally it was Brougham and Winona’s turn to go on the cups. Winona was saying something to Brougham with an enormous grin on her face, and he pointed at the steering wheel then tilted his head close to hers while he replied in an intimate way.

I was so proud of him.

Ainsley and I wandered over to the fence to watch as the ride started. Now that they were spinning, we were pretty safe from being spotted. Next to us, Alice and the Mad Hatter—or, more accurately, their character actors—approached the fence.

Ainsley shrieked so loudly the poor actors jumped a mile. “Oh my god, it’s Alice!” She gripped onto the top of my arm. “I need a photo with her.”

Once the ride finished, and Brougham led an off-balance Winona to the exit, she excused herself to go to the bathroom near Sleeping Beauty Castle. Ainsley had returned, so I took that moment to sidle up to Brougham with her in tow. “You’re doing perfectly.”

Brougham leaned against a wrought-iron gate bordering a tree that looked like it belonged in a storybook. “So far, so good. We haven’t talked about the breakup yet, though. It’s a bit weird. Like, we’re acting like we’ve always just been friends. Should I bring it up?”