For a moment, Travis couldn’t move.
Then he accepted the rose.
Dad nodded toward Kaylee, adjusted his cap, and began making his way back across the gym.
A young volleyball player offered to accompany him.
He smiled appreciatively and continued at his own pace.
When he reached the bleachers, he carefully climbed the four steps and sat beside me.
He was breathing a little harder than usual.
I leaned my head against his shoulder.
“Dad…”
He patted my knee.
“Well,” he said, “that went pretty well.”
I started laughing through my tears.
Down on the court, Kaylee and Travis stood together for their photograph.
He held the rose.
She held his arm.
Both were visibly emotional.
Then Kaylee looked toward the bleachers and waved us down.
“Mom! Grandpa! Mason! Come here!”
Mr. Halvorson chuckled into the microphone.
“Come on, Jodi. Bring the whole family!”
The crowd laughed warmly.
So we joined them.
Dad made the walk back down the stairs without complaining.
