She spotted Katie and me and paused, her eyes soft with something that looked like concern.
“Poor thing,” she said, just loud enough for the others to hear. “Events for complete families are always hard on children from… well, you know. Incomplete families.”
I stiffened, pulse thudding in my ears.
“What did you say?” My voice came out sharper and louder than I meant, but I didn’t care.
“Events for complete families are always hard on children.”
Cassidy smiled, her lips thin. “I’m just saying, Jill, maybe some events just aren’t for everyone. This is a father-daughter dance. If you don’t have a father —”
“My daughter has a father,” I cut in. “He gave his life defending this country.”
Cassidy blinked, caught off guard. The other moms shifted, suddenly fascinated by their bracelets and phones.
***
The music changed again, this time it was one of Keith’s favorite oldies, the one he and Katie used to dance to in the living room. Katie shrank against me, face buried in my sleeve.
“I wish he was here, Mom.”
“I know, sweetheart. I wish that every day,” I murmured, smoothing her hair. “But you’re doing so well, honey. He’d be so proud of you.”
“He gave his life defending this country.”
