Chapter 200

Loretta slipped a strand of her soft hair into Kevin’s hand. “Watch!” she beamed, a warmth radiating despite her usual shyness. Kevin’s eyes widened, fascinated by its texture. “C’mon, let’s play! I know this place like the back of my hand!” She pulled Lillian and Kevin deeper into the park, Gwen and Marie, ever vigilant, trailing close behind. The Carter family, experienced with escaping children, moved as a unit, maternity matrons included.

“Becky, Marissa, keep chatting. I’ll handle the baby,” Debra told Stacey and Marissa.

Relief washed over Stacey, but her brow furrowed as the children disappeared from view. Even in her amusement park, Marissa kept a watchful eye, swiftly following.

“You were adorable as a kid! Lillian’s just like you,” Marissa chuckled, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia.

Stacey’s curiosity sparked. “So, why this amusement park? Your husband’s from here, right?”

Marissa nodded. “Joey and I met thanks to Hayden. He was so kind…” Her voice trailed off, a soft smile playing on her lips.

“You must be incredibly happy,” Stacey observed.

Marissa laughed. “How can you tell?”

“Your eyes,” Stacey replied, smiling warmly.

Marissa’s expression softened. “We’ve been married for years, and our love’s only grown stronger. He’s wonderful… My greatest luck was meeting Joey. He truly loves me. Even when I found out he had albinism… I didn’t hesitate.”

Stacey’s admiration deepened.

“Albinism isn’t a disease!” Marissa declared, her voice firm. “It’s just a lack of melanin! The ones with ‘issues’ are those who discriminate against my beautiful husband and daughter because of their snow-white hair and fair skin! Do they have any real shortcomings besides their gorgeous looks? No! I adore them!”

Stacey smiled. “It’s beautiful.”

A blush crept onto Stacey’s cheeks. “Am I that obvious?”

Marissa laughed. “Quite!”

“Come on, let’s play! Amusement parks aren’t just for kids!” Marissa grinned, tugging Stacey’s hand. She shouted towards Loretta, “Loretta! Becky and I are riding the merry-go-round!”

Loretta and Kevin were instantly at their sides. Loretta, despite her amusement park fatigue, found playing with them more appealing than solitude.

At the merry-go-round, Marissa playfully challenged Loretta, who flared. “What’s wrong with wanting to ride?! I’m better than you!”

Marissa laughed. “Of course not! You got your beauty from me!”

Loretta huffed. “I’m angry! How do I argue with you?!”

Lillian and Kevin, still clinging to the adults, settled onto the ride with Debra and Stacey.

“Want me to ride with you?” Marissa asked Loretta with a grin.

“No way!” Loretta retorted, hopping onto the merry-go-round.

Stacey watched, slightly concerned. “Will she be okay alone?” she murmured.

Loretta grinned. “I have a seatbelt!”

Stacey relaxed, though the playful bickering made her wonder if Lillian and Kevin would similarly tease her someday. She dismissed the thought; she was different from Marissa.

Debra had arranged a photographer. With Stacey and Debra holding the children, they posed happily as the merry-go-round whirred in the background.

After the merry-go-round, they explored other rides. Marissa cleared some areas for Lillian and Kevin's enjoyment before they gathered for lunch.

Loretta excitedly described the food, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Lillian and Kevin’s eyes lit up. Stacey, mindful of their tiny tummies, ordered a variety of smaller portions.