Theo had insisted they sit in the front row.
He was wearing the same navy suit he’d worn to the wedding.
His bow tie was crooked again.
James noticed.
“Planning another surprise?”
Theo grinned.
“No.”
“Good.”
Then he leaned closer.
“Although I’m starting to think that’s not a promise.”
Theo laughed.
Marissa sat beside them.
Owen was backstage helping June prepare.
The auditorium was crowded with parents, grandparents, and children carrying programs.
Vivian arrived a few minutes later.
She’d asked Elena whether she could attend after hearing about June’s performance.
Elena had said yes.
Now Vivian sat beside James, holding a small bouquet of yellow flowers.
“For June,” she explained.
Elena smiled.
“She’ll love them.”
The lights dimmed.
Several performances came first.
A choir.
A short piano recital.
A group of younger children performing a comedy sketch.
Then Mr. Pierce stepped onto the stage.
He welcomed the audience and introduced the final dance.
The curtain opened.
Twenty-four students stood in a wide formation.
