She quickly averted her gaze and asked, “So, Mr. Williams, do you have any plans this afternoon?”
Dennis Williams nodded. “We’re heading to the wildlife park. I want Lillian to get a little closer to nature.”
Camila Davis had no objections. “Sounds great!”
Soon, they were on their way.
When they arrived at the park, they decided to drive themselves through. Aaron took the wheel, while Dennis, Camila, and little Lillian settled into the backseat, peering out of the windows at the animals roaming around.
This was the largest wildlife park in Harrisburg, home to creatures from all five continents.
Lillian was absolutely fascinated by the strange animals outside. She was buzzing with excitement, firing off question after question.
“What’s that one? And the fuzzy one over there?”
Anyone short on patience might have found her chatter overwhelming, but not Dennis. Every time she pointed at something, he’d give her the name, tell her where it came from, and share a fun fact or two about its habits.
Two hours later, they decided to ride the aerial tram.
The tram was already in motion, so getting on required a quick step. Camila, holding Lillian, nearly lost her balance as she stepped in. Her heart leapt into her throat as she teetered, but at the last second, a strong, warm hand caught her shoulders.
“Careful!” came a low, reassuring voice right in her ear.
Camila’s whole back tingled at the sound. When she realized it was Dennis, her cheeks flushed pink.
Once she was steady on her feet, she glanced back and said, “Thanks.”
“No problem,” Dennis replied. He helped her into a seat before letting go.
As the tram glided high above the park, swaying gently, Lillian grew nervous. She clung to her mom’s shirt, too scared to move.
Camila couldn’t help but smile at how adorable she looked. “Sweetheart, it’s okay. You can move around, and look—if you peek out, you’ll see things you could never spot from the ground!”
Lillian leaned forward, but seeing just how far up they were made her anxious again.
Dennis noticed. He grinned and offered, “Want me to hold you up so you can see better? Don’t be scared—no matter what happens, I’ve got you, okay?”
He reached out a hand, and after a moment’s hesitation, Lillian nodded.
Dennis lifted her up, setting her gently on the seat so she could press her little hands against the glass. He kept his arms securely around her, creating a safe space.
“See the lake over there?” he said softly, pointing out the window. “Look how the sunlight sparkles on the water. And can you spot all those swans gliding along?”
Feeling grateful for Dennis’s company all day, Camila insisted on taking him out to dinner as a thank you.
He accepted with a warm smile.
Over burgers and fries at a cozy local diner, their conversation turned to the upcoming Harrisburg Medical Trade Association meeting.
“Will you be going?” Camila asked, curiosity lighting up her eyes. “There are always famous doctors at those events.”
Dennis chuckled. “I’m not a doctor. I doubt the Association would have much interest in inviting me.”
Realization dawned on Camila. She felt a twinge of disappointment—not because her question was silly, but because Dennis always seemed capable of anything. In her mind, there wasn’t a place he couldn’t go.
Maybe her expression gave her away, because Dennis smirked and teased, “But if you decide to have a drink or two, I could always swing by and rescue you.”
Camila’s cheeks turned bright red as she remembered the last time she’d had a little too much wine. She muttered, “I’m definitely not drinking this time…”
Dennis grinned, a spark of amusement in his eyes. “Even if you do, it’s fine. Seriously—if you need anything, just call me.”
And with that, the day ended in laughter and warmth, the bond between them growing ever stronger.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start