“Where is Cal?” Tiff says.
“Is he not starting?” Rosalie stands, looking out with me.
“Cal always starts,” I tell her. “He’s their captain.” I peer down at Kristina, but she’s staring at the field, zero worry wrinkles and a smile on her face.
And then the music stops. The loud pump-up music that always booms through the speakers with every start of the Red Tails game is gone.
Until a light drumming pulses while a slow tempo base fills the air.
“And now, your Reno Tesoro Red Tail Captain,” the announcer roars, though I still don’t see Callum. “Calluu-uum Whitaker!”
The line of Red Tail starters parts, and Callum walks out from behind, a microphone in hand.
“I know this song,” Rosalie says beside me.
I know it too. “Dirty Dancing”? But then I’m focused on the man crossing the field toward me, his head high, still plenty of grass to go.
He keeps walking, but as the music swells, Callum lifts the mic to his mouth. “Now I’ve had the time of my life…” He continues to sing, walking toward me until he’s right in front of us—me, Rosalie, his mom, dad, and siblings.
Callum hops up onto the second cement step, making himself eye level with me. “And I owe it all to you—”Drums beat and vocals on the track continue, but Cal’s dropped the mic to his side.
“Am I supposed to leap into your arms?” I whisper. “Just like in the movie.”
“How about after the game?” he says, a grin lighting up his face.
“But you created a remake for me.”
“Maybe.” He cups a hand to my cheek.
I lift one brow, never taking my eyes from his. “Because you’re proposing?”
He blinks a million times in rapid succession, his mouth falling open. “Um. No. Because I thought you’d appreciate the song and because I wanted to say that I love you.” He clears his throat, his lips tugging up at the corners. “I love you, Fran.”
I smile, brushing my nose against his and pressing a soft, lucky peck to his lips. “I love you, too, Callum Whitaker.” A breathy giggle escapes my mouth. “And I can’t wait to see how you propose.”
