The Swan and The Sergeant - Alana Albertson Page 0,58

and Laura started their solo, and Robyn, Selena, Xavier, and I slipped offstage, where we watched them from behind a curtain. Laura gave it her all and paraded around Dima. His shoulders relaxed, and he dropped his head toward her, and they pranced around the stage. Her shiny blonde hair reflected off her red satin gown. Dima and Laura collapsed on the floor, arms wrapped around each other.

Their steps may have been perfect, but I thought they’d been too reserved and never lost control. They sprinted offstage.

Xavier and Selena started their solo. The mood was totally different—they were on fire. The passion between them was electric, and they moved in unison. Xavier tapped his feet like a matador, and Selena teased him with her dress. She looked so sexy. Totally playing the moment, Xavier swaggered around Selena and then gave in, lowering to his knees. But even there, he stayed in charge. Clutching her waist, he rolled her into his arms.

Good job—but I knew the audience hadn’t seen anything yet.

Robyn and I rushed onstage and stood alone on the floor. Two beats into our solo music, I thrashed my cape around, my chest erect. Robyn arched her back in defiance. The music started cascading as I beckoned her to me. Robyn twirled into my arms, and I seized her as the music exploded to full beat. We charged across the floor, bodies perfectly in sync. I felt like I was in a real bullfight, with my eye on the prize.

Dima and Laura had been flawless, Xavier and Selena had been passionate, but Robyn and I were fierce competitors, and we attacked the floor. The bass vibrated through my body, and I threw Robyn into a death drop. Spinning around, she landed perfectly on her toes.

This was my dance, my night, my mission. And I was alive.

The audience gave us a standing ovation. The camera panned to my Marines, who were clapping and catcalling me. Ray held a big sign that said, “Vote for Staff Sergeant Peacock.” That bastard.

“Now what did the judges think?” Matt said. “Benjamin Brooks?”

Benny eyed Selena’s outfit like he was scouting out a backup, just in case it didn’t work with Vika.

Think again, old man. She’s taken.

“Definitely the best paso doble we’ve ever seen on this show. Dima and Laura—of all the Latin dances, this is where you shined. Your height gave you both a strong presence. Xavier, your feet dragged across the floor, but your posture was strong. And Bret and Robyn—bugger me dead! That was bloody amazing! You’re the team to beat.”

I picked Robyn up and swung her around. I couldn’t believe this was happening.

The other judges basically repeated what Benny said. Even though it was a group dance, we were judged individually because of our solos. Parading through the red room one couple at a time, Dima and Laura scored straight eights, and Xavier and Selena got two nines and an eight from Benny.

It was finally our turn, so Robyn and I headed into the red room, which the other dancers had already vacated.

Matt interviewed us. “Bret, how does it feel to be in the final on your first season of Dancing Under the Stars?”

I looked right into the camera and smiled. “Well, it’s such a blessing to have made the final in my first and only season. And I’ve met the most wonderful people on this show. Robyn has been such an inspiration. She’s a brilliant performer, and so successful.”

“That’s wonderful. And the scores for Bret and Robyn?”

I held my breath.

“Ten,” Benny said.

Karen jumped out of her seat. “Ten!”

Steve held up the number. “Ten.”

“A perfect thirty, and in the finale!” Matt said. He stuck the microphone in front of Robyn. “How do you feel?”

“I owe it all to Bret. He’s the hardest-working dancer here, or anywhere. And he is an amazing man.” Robyn winked at me.

“And Bret, any final thoughts?”

Could somebody pinch me? I can’t believe that twenty-one million people all have tuned in to see me. I finally understood why everyone loved this show. And now I loved this show. My life had changed forever. “All I can say, Matt, is that this is the happiest night of my life.”

Selena popped her head around the corner and shook it slowly, my girl’s smile was better than any trophy could ever be. I love you, she mouthed at me.

I loved her too. And I planned to make her mine forever.

And even more shocking, I think I loved dancing.

Selena

“Welcome back to the live finale