“What did you say?” My voice came out harsher than I intended, but I didn’t care.
Cassidy smiled slightly. "I'm just saying, Jill, that maybe some events aren't for everyone. This is a father-daughter dance. If you don't have a father..."
"My daughter has a father," I interrupted. "He gave his life defending this country."
Cassidy blinked, taken aback. The other mothers were suddenly interested in their bracelets and phones.
The music changed again: one of Keith's old favorites, the one he and Katie used to dance to in the living room. Katie pulled me closer, burying her face in my sleeve.
“I wish he were here, Mom.”
"I know, honey. I wish I could every day too," I murmured, stroking her hair. "But you're doing so well. He would be so proud of you."
He looked up, his eyes shining. “Do you think he’d still want me to dance?”
"I think he'd love to see you dance more than ever. He'd say, 'Show them how it's done, Ladybug.'" I forced a smile as my heart sank.
Katie pursed her lips, holding back tears. “But I feel like everyone’s staring at us.”
The silence around us was oppressive: too many people pretended not to notice anything.
Then, suddenly, the gym doors swung open with a bang that made Katie jump.
“What’s happening?” he whispered, squeezing my arm.
Twelve Marines marched in, their uniforms gleaming, their faces solemn. At the head was General Warner, his silver stars catching the light.
He stopped in front of Katie, knelt down, and smiled sweetly. “Miss Katie,” he said. “I was looking for you.”
Katie stared at him, her eyes wide. “For me?”
General Warner nodded warmly. “Your father made us a promise. He said that if he ever couldn't be here, it would be our job to replace him. But tonight I didn't come alone: I brought your father's entire family. This is his unit.”
Katie looked at them smiling.
The General reached into his jacket and pulled out an envelope: Keith's handwriting was unmistakable. Silence fell throughout the gym.
“Come on, honey,” I whispered. “Take it. It’s from Daddy.”
He nodded and carefully opened the letter, unfolding it as if it were sacred. His lips moved as he read, his voice barely a whisper.
“Katie-Bug,
Being your father has been the greatest honor of my life.
I'm fighting to get home, Bug. I'm fighting to heal. But if I can't be there to dance with you, I want my brothers to be there for you.
Put on your pretty dress and dance, little girl. I'll be right there, in your heart.
I love you, ladybug.
Always.
Dad."
CONTINUE READING…>>
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