“Try everything on. We’ll rehearse in them,” Emma said.
Each of them pulled on a vest over their regular clothes, then topped it off with a Santa hat.
Roan looked down at his own vest and hat and couldn’t help but smile. “We look ridiculous.”
“We look amazing,” Emma said. “And Reese is going to love it.”
“Let’s run it,” Marcus said. “In costume.”
“Let’s do it.” Julia clapped her hands together.
Emma connected her phone to the sound system, andAll I Want for Christmas Is Youfilled the gym. They took their positions—Emma and Julia in front, Marcus and Cody in the middle, Roan in the back.
The music started, and they moved through the choreography. They’d been practicing all week with Reese, learning every step, every turn, every arm movement. But Reese thought they were just having fun, burning energy, learning something new.
She had no idea this was for her. For the gala. In front of the entire town.
They hit every move—the hip swivels, the shoulder shimmies, the synchronized turns. Marcus was confident now, hitting each beat with precision. Julia was glowing, her movements graceful. Cody had loosened up and actually smiled as he danced. Emma was flawless. She was a talented dancer. Roan really hoped she would continue dancing at Reese’s studio.
And Roan? Well, he was doing his best. He’d never be a great dancer, but he could keep up with the kids, even if he looked a lot less graceful than everyone else. But more importantly, he could show Reese that he was willing to look foolish for her and to give her something from his heart.
When the song ended, they were all breathing hard, grinning like fools in their red vests and Santa hats.
“Why are we doing this again?” Cody asked, catching his breath.
Emma answered immediately. “Because Reese brought dance back into my life and I want to thank her.”
“She reminded me that I don’t have to make myself small just because I’m pregnant,” Julia said. “And like my life isn’t over, just different than I thought it would be.”
“Kiddo, that’s a lesson you may learn again and again in this lifetime,” Roan said. “Change happens. But the people who love you, that stays the same.”
“Not always,” Julia said. “My parents said they loved me, but the minute I did something that brought them embarrassment they kicked me out.”
“You have us now,” Cody said, surprising Roan with his warmth.
“That’s right,” Emma said. “We’re your friends, no matter what.”
Julia sat on one of the benches near the free weights. “I’ve made a decision. I’ve decided to keep the baby. Even though I have no idea where we’ll live or how I’ll take care of her. But I talked with Mrs. Chen and she’s helping me put together a plan. There’s WIC for food and formula. Medicaid will cover the birth. And when I’m ready, I’m going to enroll in beauty school. It’s like a year-long program, and I don’t know where I’d live or who’d watch the baby while I’m in school, but Mrs. Chen said to have a little faith. That a solution will come along.”
“Yes, and you’re not alone,” Roan said. “Reese and Grace and Mrs. Chen will be there to help. As will I.”
“And us,” Marcus said. “I’m great with babies.”
“You are?” Emma’s eyebrows rose. “How do you know?”
Marcus looked down at his feet, the tips of his ears reddening. “Before my mom got hooked on drugs, she used to run a daycare. I helped her after school. I love little kids. And babies.”
“You guys will be busy with school and stuff,” Julia said. “Once the baby comes, you’ll forget all about me.”
“No way,” Cody said. “Not us. We know what it’s like when people we care about bail on us. None of us would do that to you.”
Julia’s eyes filled. “Thanks, Cody. That means a lot.”
“And he’s right,” Emma said, grinning as she held up her hands. “Grace promised to teach me to sew, so I’ll probably be making all the baby’s clothes before long. Me and Martha Stewart—domestic goddesses.”
“You’ll probably be really good at it,” Julia said. “Like you are everything.”
“Aww, you’re sweet.” Emma sat next to Julia on the bench and took one of her hands. “I’m glad we found each other, aren’t you?”
