“Thank you. For all of this. I didn’t know—Keith never told me he asked you to come if he didn’t… make it.”
He smiled. “That was him, wasn’t it? Never wanting 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 known. I’d do anything for him—even risk embarrassing myself doing the chicken dance in a gym full of eight-year-olds.”
I laughed, feeling lighter.
“Truth be told, Jill, we were all nervous. Katie’s a tough act to follow.”
“She is,” I said, watching her spin, badge gleaming. “You made her night. You gave her back something I thought was gone.”
“That’s what families do,” he replied. “Keith made us promise. There was never a question.”
Katie ran over, beaming. “Mom! Did you see me dance?! And General Warner didn’t even step on my toes!”
I knelt and hugged her, holding on a little longer. “You were amazing, my love. And your dad—he’d be so happy.”
General Warner saluted her. “It was our honor, ma’am. You made us all look good.”
When the final song played, the gym erupted in applause. Parents and teachers cheered as Katie took a bow in the center of the floor. Cassidy stood frozen at the edge, forced to watch.
On the way out, Katie squeezed my hand. “Can we come again next year?”
“Yes, we’ll be here,” I promised. “And so will Dad.”
We stepped into the cold night. Katie’s hand was warm in mine. Above us, the stars shone brighter than ever. For the first time since Keith was gone, I felt the promise he made.
It lived in the laughter still echoing from the gym. It lived in the way our little girl twirled beneath the moonlight. It was truly, finally home.
