"Perfect," she says, and as giddily pleased as she is, her smile turns softer and more reassuring when she sees the seriousness in Sabrina's dark eyes. They're both making an effort here, both trying to see what this could be in Nick's absence--but Sabrina is the one with worries and a history not even Rosie can dispel entirely.

They walk through the gates, hand in hand, following the delighted screams to the line for the tilt-a-whirl. It's only a minute or two before the operator points them to a car, all shiny chrome and sparkling paint. "Now or never," Rosie says.