After about half an hour of fishing, Jasmine''s interest waned, and she became captivated by the vibrant coral reefs instead. She was quite disappointed to learn that she wasn''t allowed to take any samples.


    The ind also featured a small amusement park with a striking punk-rock design, which Jasmine absolutely adored. After their underwater excursion and dinner, Charlene and Thorne took her there. After a few rides, Jasmine turned to Charlene, who had been by her side the whole time. "Mommy, do you want to ride the Ferris wheel? Can we go, please?"


    Charlene did want to ride it; from the top, you could see the entire ind. So, she nodded in agreement.


    "Is Daddying?" Jasmine asked.


    Thorne nced at Charlene, then up at the towering Ferris wheel. "Sure."


    The entire area was illuminated with lights and decorations that fit the punk theme. As their car ascended, the breathtaking view of the ind unfolded below them. Jasmine''s eyes widened with delight, and she excitedly moved about the cabin, peering out at the scenery. In contrast, Thorne and Charlene were much quieter. They both took in the panoramic view of the ind at night for a few moments before looking away.


    For Charlene, while the glowing lights were beautiful, theck of people made the vast amusement park feel like a ghost town, casting a lonely shadow over the scene. After her initial excitement wore off, Jasmine seemed to feel it too. Her smile faded slightly as she said, "I wish there were more people here. It''s not as much fun when it''s so empty."


    Thorne smiled and picked her up as she leaned into him. "This ce will be full of tourists in a little while. Once it is, we cane back."


    That cheered Jasmine up. "Okay!" she eximed. Staying in Thorne''s arms, she reached out for Charlene. "Mommy has toe with us then, too."


    Charlene''s gaze softened. "If Mommy has time, I''lle with you."


    She said the words, but she knew that once the ind opened to the public, the three of them would


    never be able toe back like this again To protect their privacy Thorne would only ever agree to such a trip before the official opening.


    As the thought crossed her mind, she looked up and found Thorne''s eyes on her. She froze for a second. He offered a small smile and asked, "What do you think of this ce?"


    They had spent the entire day with Jasmine, but this was one of the few times they had spoken directly to each other. She wasn''t sure why he was asking, so she turned her face away and answered honestly, "It''s lovely. It will make a fantastic resort."


    "If you like it," Thorne said, "you should bring your friends here after it opens."


    Charlene didn''t know what to say to that.


    Just then, the Ferris wheel came to a stop. Charlene tried to stand, but with Jasmine in herp, it was difficult. Thorne leaned over and gently lifted the little girl from her


    arms.


    Jasmine''s eyes were heavy with sleep, but she was still determined to see the underwater vi. She let out a yawn, stubbornly fighting off her drowsiness, refusing to sleep until they arrived.