CHAPTER 8:
The next day…
"Well, guys, welcome to Bakken," Aubrey said.
"According to this, it's the world's oldest amusement park," Chad added.
"It's origins go all the way back to 1583 when a natural spring was discovered which eventually became a large forest park north of the country," Aubrey said, reading a brochure.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go check out the rides," Amy suggested as the rest of the group cheered.
As the group scattered to many different rides, Chloe, Jesse, Amy, and Bumper got in line for a steel sit down roller coaster known as The Wolf. Jessica wanted to get in line for another roller coaster. Ashley tried to stop her because they had Danny. The couple always loved going on rides together, but they had to look after their son. But this got solved within five minutes when Kim offered to go on the ride with Jessica so Ashley could take Danny on one of the kiddie rides. Esther and Donald got in line for the bumper cars and a thought came to Donald's mind.
"So, how's your mom doing with Flo's dad?" Donald asked.
"They've been doing fine. In fact, they've gone on a few more dates since Valentine's Day," Esther explained.
"That's great. You think you and Flo might become stepsisters at some point?" Donald asked.
"It's a possibility, but only if my mom and her dad get married. But I don't want to get my hopes up because anything is still possible," Esther said.
"Well, what do they like doing together?" Donald asked.
"Well, they've often had a lot of dinner dates since they first got together. And they're even talking about going on a boat trip this summer," Esther explained.
"Maybe they could consider a whale watching trip as well," Donald suggested.
"I don't know. But I'll bring up the idea to them when we get home," Esther said.
After their heartfelt conversation, the two got in line for the Jungle Boats ride. Once the whole group had their day of fun, they all headed back to the hotel for the evening.
Back at the hotel, Esther was looking out at the sunset from the balcony of her room when Donald came out to join her.
"It's a beautiful sunset, isn't it," Donald said.
"Yeah, it is," Esther said.
"And you know what that sunset makes the perfect opportunity for?" Donald asked.
"What?" Esther asked.
"Something I've been building up the courage to do for a while now," Donald said.
"You don't mean…" Esther said.
"Oh, yes I do," Donald said, taking a small box with an engagement ring out of his pocket before getting down on one knee. "Esther Lily Onakurama...will you marry me?"
Esther stared at the ring for a few seconds, speechless before giving her answer.
"YES! Absolutely!" Esther said, happily before the newly engaged couple shared a passionate kiss.
When they broke away from their kiss, Donald put the engagement ring on Esther's finger.
"I can't wait to tell everyone!" Donald said, excited.
"Me too. But let's save that for the morning," Esther said.
"Okay. You want to go back inside and watch TV?" Donald asked.
"Sure," Esther said as the couple did so.