the people with her intelligence and essential goodness. I’ve never been prouder of anyone in my life.
“Mayor Lyons, if you please.” Mr. Rickman steps aside and motions Tiger to the microphone.
She smiles and graciously accepts the applause from the audience. “Thank you for having me tonight. This is a real honor.” Sincerity glows in her eyes, and you can feel the crowd lean toward the stage, hanging on her every word. She means it. There’s not an appearance too small for her to attend, especially if it involves kids. Tiger’s the real deal, and the people of this town know it.
Mr. Rickman leans into the mic. “It’s our honor, Madam Mayor.”
Okay, this guy’s just a little too chummy with my girl. I haven’t put a ring on her finger yet, because she hasn’t been ready. She’s needed time to spread her wings and find her footing. I can wait, and we’re solid.
“That’s very kind of you, Principal Rickman, but I’m just plain old Tiger.” Her attention goes to the nominees standing at the side of the stage. “It’s a big night for y’all, but this is just one of many, many big nights throughout your life. If you’ll allow an old lady to give you a piece of advice.” She grins, and the crowd laughs. A few people whistle because she doesn’t look much older than any of these kids. “We all have something amazing to offer the world regardless of where we come from, what we look like, or how many awards and trophies we do or don’t have.” Her gaze finds mine and she smiles. “Be a participant in your life, not a bystander, and don’t let anyone but you determine your worth.”
Someone to my right starts clapping, and the whole room erupts in applause.
Tiger shakes her head, and I can see the pink dotting her cheeks. “I bet you didn’t bargain for a sermon tonight.” She waves the envelope. “Let’s get to the main event.” Her pink nail breaks the seal, and she withdraws the paper with the winners’ names written on it. After a dramatic beat, she says, “Callie Ryan and Marshal McMillian.”
The crowd cheers, and the king and queen elect make their way to the stage to receive their sashes and crowns. Then Marshal offers Callie his arm, and they move to the dance floor for their solo dance.
“He looks pretty serious.” Tiger’s sweet breath fans across my ear.
“Yeah, I need to tell him not to screw things up.”
My heart does that backflip thing it does whenever I hear her big, happy laughter.
She loops her arm through mine and leans her head on my shoulder. “You ready to go?”
I give her my most incredulous look. “And miss my chance to dance with the former homecoming queen? No way.”
She walks her fingers up my tie. “We could have our own private dance party at home.”
“Uh-uh.” I take her hand in mine. “I want to dance with my girl. Then I guess she can have her wicked way with me.”
She shakes her head and rolls her eyes. “You’re so full of it. But if you’re asking, then I’d love to dance.”
The kids’ song ends and good Lord, someone should throw some cold water on those two. “We are never letting our daughter go to the homecoming dance. That kid looks like he wants to eat her alive.” I recognize that look. I’m sure I had the same one when I danced with Tiger all those years ago. Hell, I still look at her that way.
“I seem to remember you—”
“We’re not talking about me. We’re talking about that handsy homecoming king.”
She laughs, and it’s a big, happy sound that never fails to make me smile.
I offer my hand. “Shall we?”
“I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain begins to play.
“This is the song we danced to at homecoming.”
I lead her to the center of the crowd. “Is it?”
Cornflower blue eyes narrow. “You know it is. What are you up to, quarterback?”
I don’t answer, just pull her to me. We move to the music as dancers sway around us. Her sweet body pressed against mine is the best kind of drug. And after nearly two years, I still can’t get enough.
My lips find my favorite spot below her ear. “I love you, Kitty Cat.” The moan she releases is decidedly un-mayoral.
She plays with the hair above my collar and nuzzles her face into the crook of my neck. “I love you too. So much.”