He smiled. “That’s how he was, wasn’t it? Never wanted to worry you. But he made sure we knew, just in case.”
“He was everything to us, General.”
General Warner nodded. “He was one of the most honorable men I’ve ever met. I’d do anything for that man, even risk public humiliation doing a chicken dance in a gym full of eight-year-olds.”
I laughed with him, feeling lighter.
“Truth be told, Jill, we were all nervous. Katie’s a tough act to follow.”
“She is,” I agreed, watching my daughter spin, badge shining. “You made her night. You all gave her back something I thought was gone.”
“Katie’s a tough act to follow.”
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“That’s what families do,” he said. “Keith made us promise. There was never a question.”
Katie hurried over, face beaming. “Mom! Did you see me dance?! And General Warner didn’t even step on my toes!”
I knelt to hug her, holding on a little longer than usual. “You were amazing, my love. And your dad, he’d be the happiest person.“
General Warner saluted her. “It was our honor, ma’am. You made us all look good.”
***
When the last song played, the whole gym erupted in applause. Parents and teachers cheered as Katie took a bow at the center of the floor. Cassidy stood frozen at the edge of the crowd, forced to watch.
“It was our honor, ma’am. You made us all look good.”
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