Suddenly, the gym doors burst open with a bang that made Katie jump.
“What’s happening?” she whispered, clinging to my arm.
Twelve marines marched in, their uniforms gleaming and their faces solemn. At the front was General Warner, whose silver stars shone in the light.
He stopped in front of Katie, knelt down, and smiled tenderly. “Miss Katie,” he said. “I’ve been looking for you.”
Katie stared at him, her eyes wide. “Me?”
General Warner nodded warmly. “Your father made us a promise. He said that if he could never be here, it would be our responsibility to represent him. But I didn’t come alone tonight; I brought your father’s entire family. This is his unit.”
Katie looked at them smiling.
The general reached into his jacket and pulled out an envelope; Keith’s handwriting was unmistakable. The entire gymnasium fell silent.
“Come on, honey,” I whispered. “Take it. It’s Daddy’s.”
She nodded and opened it carefully, unfolding the letter as if it were something sacred. Her lips moved as she read, her voice barely a whisper.
“Katie-Bug,
Being your father has been the greatest honor of my life.
I’m fighting to get home, Bug. I’m fighting to get back on my feet. But if I can’t be there to dance with you, I want my brothers to be there with you.
Put on your pretty dress and dance, little one. I’ll be there, in your heart.
I love you, ladybug.
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