“Well, if the kids are any indication, I think you’re in the clear,” Tripp said, winking at her.
“Kids are different,” Jillian said with a fond smile. “They’re more flexible.”
“My parents already love you,” Tripp said firmly. “I’m sure everyone will just be happy that we’re back together.”
Jillian nodded, then winced a little as something occurred to her.
“What is it?” he asked.
“I didn’t let my family know how tonight went,” she admitted.
“Well, I might have ruined your surprise,” Tripp said.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“Coach sent me a text a while back asking me to give you the benefit of the doubt,” he said, looking uncomfortable. “And I sent him a picture of you doing the Macarena with the kids and let him know we were here together and all was well.”
“Oh, thank goodness,” Jillian said. “It’s easier to enjoy everything knowing that they know.”
“You’re a special woman, Jillian,” Tripp said, taking her hands.
“And you’re a very special man,” she told him, meaning it. “I’m not sure I would have taken you back so quickly if you’d pulled on me what I pulled on you this week.”
“Well, you didn’t see yourself singing that song,” Tripp chuckled. “It’s never been more clear to me that someone was sorry.”
“That bad, huh?” Jillian asked, smiling wryly.
“Not at all,” Tripp said right away. “You have a lovely voice. It was more the look on your face that said youwanted to disappear that clued me in on what a sacrifice it was.”
“You deserved a grand gesture,” Jillian said, feeling her cheeks heat.
“Well, that was a good one,” Tripp said. “I only wish I had a video of it. Maybe one of the kids filmed it.”
“Oh, I hope they didn’t,” Jillian said, shuddering.
He laughed that deep laugh of his, and the sound reverberated in her chest and filled her heart.
They were really here together, at the Winter Formal, after all these years. Life could throw unexpected things in the way sometimes, but it could also be so very sweet.
“So, who told you I wasn’t a serious guy?” Tripp asked her teasingly.
“Oh, I can’t say,” Jillian told him. “They were only trying to look out for me.”
“If you say so,” Tripp said.
“And they all think you’re a good man,” she went on. “They just didn’t think you wanted a serious relationship.”
“Well, I never did before,” he said, his gaze so intense she felt her cheeks heating.
“I should be keeping an eye on the kids,” she said weakly, still unable to break his gaze.
“Of course,” he said softly. “How about we keep an eye on them from the dance floor?”
She blinked at him and then realized what he was asking.
“Are we allowed to dance?” she asked. “I’m a chaperone.”
“The way I see it, we’ll be able to keep abetter eye on them if we get a little closer,” Tripp said, giving her a mischievous smile.
