She laughs, leading the way to the gym which is filled with chairs and parents sitting in them. “Where do you want to sit?” Only a few empty seats are left.
“You sit wherever you’ll have a good view of him, so you can get some pictures. I’ll hide out in the back.”
“Ash, don’t be ridiculous.” She rolls her eyes good-naturedly. “No one cares if you’re here. Everyone is here to see their child.” I stuff my hands in my pockets as she looks around the room again. “Oh, Lexie is over there. Let’s go sit with her.”
Fine by me. She never gave me an answer about the dance, so we’ll see what happens. There are two seats left and Brooke goes to claim them. Lexie smiles when she sees us.
“Hey,” Brooke says. “Mind if we sit with you?”
“Not at all,” Lexie answers, almost sounding nervous. Her eyes flick to me before she turns to the elderly couple sitting next to her. “Mom, Dad, you remember Brooke, and this is Ashton, Reed’s father.”
“Nice to see you again,” Brooke smiles, taking a seat on the end.
“Nice to meet you.” I shake their hands and then take the only spot left, next to Lexie.
“Never thought I would be shaking the hand of the Bears’ captain.” Her dad shakes my hand with a hint of disgust.
“Dad, be nice,” Lexie chides.
I laugh. “Are you a Gamblers fan like your daughter?”
“Good Lord, no way would I be a Vegas fan,” he answers. “I’m a Portland fan.”
I smile. “Variety is good, but I’m just here as a dad today. Took the day off from hockey.”
Her mom returns the smile. “That’s what a good dad does.”
Things get started, and everyone quiets down. The play begins, and I spot Reed. He’s off to the side, focusing on the keys of the piano and waiting for his time to play. Sadie has one of the other minor roles, and they both do great. All the parents stand when they are done, clapping loudly.
Brooke and Lexie make small talk while we wait for the kids. I see Reed first and wave at him. He runs up to us, nearly tackling me to the ground.
“Dad, you came! I wasn’t sure if you were coming or not.” He hugs me tighter. “I did good, right?” he adds, leaning away to look at me.
“You were fantastic, little man. I wouldn’t have missed it for anything, you know that.”
He grins, hugging me again. “I love you, Dad,” he whispers.
“Love you too.”
“Don’t leave your momma out,” Brooke teases, poking him in the ribs.
Reed hugs her as Sadie makes her way over to Lexie and her parents. She has to pass us first, so when she’s close enough, I hold my hand up. “You did great, Sadie. High-five.”
She grins and slaps her hand against mine before stopping in front of Lexie. “Did you see me, Mommy?”
“I did. You were perfect.”
I face Brooke to stop eavesdropping on Sadie’s moment with her family. “What’s next?”
“Lunch,” Reed answers. “All that piano playing has made me hungry.” He looks up at me. “Are you staying for lunch too, Dad? Or do you have to go back to work?”
Messing up his hair, I say, “I’m all yours today.”
“Hey,” he protests as he pushes my hand away to fix his hair. Brooke helps him out and once they are done, Reed steps around me. “C’mon, Sadie. You guys can eat lunch with us.”
“Can we? Please? I always have lunch with Reed,” Sadie tells Lexie, apparently feeling as if she needs to persuade her. I know the feeling, kid.
“Sure, if Ashton and Brooke don’t mind.” Her gaze settles on me.