A Wright Christmas - K.A. Linde Page 0,64
recognition. That this little girl was falling in love with me, too. And I wanted her to. I wanted to be a part of this family. To form this new bond.
As soon as Isaac had told me that he was going to move to New York to be with me, I’d known that this was real. That my feelings about coming back to the city were more than just melancholy about a missed opportunity. And I wanted it as much as he did. I couldn’t pretend like I was happy in New York, even doing what I loved. And I knew that, long-term, I couldn’t dance forever. Another year with my knee in the condition it was in…and I had no idea what might happen.
At least, now, I had a plan. And I got to have the best of both worlds.
“This way,” I said, tugging them down the next block.
Aly’s gasp when we reached the enormous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza was worth everything.
“This is the biggest tree I’ve ever seen,” Aly whispered, wide-eyed. Then, she whirled on Isaac. “Can I have one this big for my room next year?”
Isaac burst into laughter. “I don’t think that’s going to fit in your room, Aly Cat.”
She sighed with a little pout. “But it’s beautiful.”
“It is,” I agreed. “It’s the biggest tree in the city.”
“Let’s get a picture,” Isaac said, pulling out his phone.
He snapped a few of Aly alone with the tree, and then I took the phone from him to grab some of them together. Then, a woman tapped me on the shoulder.
“Would you like me to take one of your whole family together?” an older woman asked.
I blanked for just a second as I realized she thought Aly was mine. But then I decided that it didn’t matter. Aly was mine. Or at least, she would be. That was the direction we were headed. And I adored her, just like I adored her father.
“Yes, please. That would be wonderful.”
I passed the phone to the woman and then went to stand with Isaac and Aly. Isaac put his arm around me, and Aly stood between us, beaming.
“You have a beautiful family,” the woman said as she passed the phone back.
I looked down at the picture. Family. She was right. We were beautiful. More than that, it wasn’t just a dream anymore. This could be reality.
“I love it,” Isaac said. “We’ll have to print it out.”
I nodded. “I’d like that.”
He pressed a kiss to my lips just as my phone started ringing.
“You get that. I’ll show Aly the ice skating rink.”
“I’ll meet you over there,” I assured him as I dug my own phone out. He was already being dragged toward the rink by Aly when I saw that Kathy was calling. “Kathy, hi!”
“Peyton, I’m so glad you answered.”
“Me too. It’s so good to hear from you. How is Lily?”
“An angel who can’t sleep, unfortunately. But still an angel.”
I laughed. “That sounds like a headstrong daughter you’d raise.”
“You have no idea.” Kathy chuckled. “But not why I called. Are you free for a minute?”
“Yes. I’m just at Rockefeller with Isaac and Aly.”
“Isaac and Aly?” she asked in shock. “They flew out to New York?”
“Yeah, and surprised me.”
“That boy. Ever the romantic.”
A secret smile crossed my face. He was, wasn’t he?
“Well, good. Maybe him being there will help with what I’m about to ask.”
“What’s this about, Kathy?”
“I’m going to officially retire from the Lubbock Ballet Company,” Kathy said.
I staggered backward in shock. “Kathy!”
“I know. I didn’t plan on it, but this baby is taking it all out of me. And having a little one again…it just makes me realize that I’d rather be home with her than working myself to the bone. I love the company and always will, but I think it’s time for someone else to take the reins.”
“I’m shocked, Kathy. I don’t even know what to say.”
“Say you’ll come back as the artistic director.”
My jaw dropped. “What?”
“I want you. Well, not just me. Everyone wants you. Everyone has been singing your praises for the month you worked as the interim here. You handled yourself with poise and confidence. You pushed the students to be better. You dealt with crises, even when it wasn’t your job. And you’re a damn good dancer.”
“Thank you, Kathy, but…wow, artistic director.”
“I know it’s not right for me to ask. You have years left at New York City Ballet. You are a principal there. I don’t know what kind of salary we could match, but