Page 62 of Finding My Forever

“Yeah, but we’re going to walk a lot in the park and the Met is about halfway up, so we decided to save our feet.”

I wasn’t going to complain. We already walked over twenty-five miles this week according to my watch. My feet could use a break.

We were dropped off at the very edge of the park, just across from The Plaza hotel. I stood and slowly spun around. Everything about this spot was perfect. The buildings and trees and flow of the crowd. I wanted to take a mental snapshot to remember it forever.

“We haven’t even gone in yet.” Liam was watching me like he was deciding if he should laugh.

“This place is perfect. It’s magical.”

His smile grew. “You’re right. It is magical.” He looked around before turning back to me. “It’s good to be reminded every so often.”

“Come on!” Eli and Sophia were already crossing the street. She waved us on as the crosswalk sign began flashing.

“Hurry!” Liam grabbed my hand and pulled me across the street so we didn’t get separated from them.

“Lead the way!” Eli gestured to Sophia, who eyed him then stepped in front of him.

“To the Mall!”

Eli followed dutifully behind.

“Those two are weird.”

Liam laughed. “You have no idea. He’s not normally like this.”

“Like what?”

“Carefree. He’s normally always serious. It’s nice to see him let go.”

“So we’ve been good for the both of you?”

He laughed. “Stop fishing for compliments.”

We crossed the street and joined them walking along the wide pathway. The leaves were changing and the vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds made for the most picturesque scene.

“I’m in love.” I said while crossing a bridge over a small lake. I pulled out my phone, taking pictures in every direction. I caught Liam in a few and grinned, grateful I would have something to remember him by.

“Stand together.” Sadie waved to us.

Liam moved behind me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders.

“Perfect!”

“Now you two,” I told her and Eli.

She laughed and moved to his side, sticking out her tongue as he made a goofy face.

“Be normal,” I called and they both laughed.

“This is our normal,” she replied.

I shook my head, giving up.

“This way!” Eli called, taking the lead to what they told me was the Mall, a straight walkway with benches and enormous trees that stretched for several blocks. I instantly recognized it from movies and couldn’t believe I was actually here.

I took more pictures, and Liam offered to take some of me while Sophia always made sure to get a shot of us together. I would have to buy her a thank you gift for everything she did for me this week.

“Here it is.” Eli pointed to the white building that seemed to appear out of nowhere through the trees. “Come around this way.”