Rachel adjusted a little girl’s angel wings, then moved to the next child in front of her. The drama club’s Christmas play would be starting in fifteen minutes. It was a sell-out audience. All of the children’s parents, except two, were sitting in the library auditorium, waiting for the opening song.
Bella raced across the stage and stood beside Rachel. Her usually sunny smile was nowhere in sight. “He’s not here, yet. Mrs. Daniels is sitting beside Tanner, but I can’t see dad.”
Rachel gave Bella a quick hug. “He said he’d try to be here. Tanner’s going to record the play, so even if your dad isn’t here, he’ll still get to see it.”
“But it’s not the same.” Bella’s hands were fluttering at her side and her eyes were full of tears. “He said he’d be here. Everyone else’s parents are here except my dad.”
Franky was next in line, waiting for his final inspection before taking his place on stage. “My dad’s not here either,” he said quietly. “He had to work at the gas station.”
Bella’s big brown eyes settled on her friend. “Did he try his hardest to be here?”
Franky nodded. “He doesn’t get much time off. He said he’s here in spirit, whatever that means.”
Rachel straightened Franky’s halo. “It means that he wishes he was here. When you’re singing on stage, your dad will be sending lots of love your way.”
“But it’s not the same as being here.” Bella blinked back the tears from her eyes and looked at Franky. “Is someone else here so that they can hear you sing?”
Franky shook his head.
“You could borrow Tanner’s video. He’s pretty good and won’t miss much.”
Franky looked down at the ground, studying his worn sneakers as if they were covered in gold. “We don’t have anything to play it on.”
Bella’s hands stopped twisting together. “You could come to my house with your dad. We could watch the play together and tell them about the parts that Tanner missed.”
Franky’s gaze never left Bella. He was such a serious little boy that Rachel had no idea what he was thinking. The librarian that helped at drama club had told her that Franky’s dad worked at a gas station, earning what little he could to support his family. He didn’t have a lot, but he did love his children.
“I don’t know if coming to your house is a good idea.” Franky lowered his voice. “Dad’s not home very much. It might not suit your dad to have us there.”
“My dad won’t mind,” Bella said slowly. “He’s not home very often, either.” She glanced back at the curtain spread across the stage. “At least Mrs. Daniels and Tanner are here.”
Franky nodded. “Your dad could be here in spirit, the same as mine.”
Bella took a deep breath and straightened her dress. “I guess he could. I’d better go and stand in my place. Thanks, Franky.”
He nodded solemnly and watched Bella run across the stage. “Do you think Mr. Fletcher will make it, Ms. McReedy?”
Rachel gave his halo one last tweak. “I don’t know, Franky. But what you said to Bella made her feel better. Your dad would be proud of you.”
“Dad says that sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way you want it to. You gotta make lemonade out of lemons.”
“That you do, Franky.” Rachel blinked back the tears in her eyes and plastered a smile on her face. “You look very handsome in your angel costume. Are you ready for your song?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ve been practicing real hard.”
“Enjoy every minute. Go and stand in your place. We’ve only got ten minutes before the curtain opens.”
Franky ran to his place in the choir and Rachel moved to the next child in line. John had left for New Orleans two days ago. She didn’t know what was going on, but it must have been serious.
Tanner and Tank had been sticking to Bella and her like glue. Bella almost hadn’t been able to come tonight. After nothing short of pleading, John had reluctantly agreed with Rachel and let his daughter perform with the drama club.
Now all she needed to do was make sure everyone remembered their lines, cue the choir to sing at the right times, and keep Bella safe.
Not your typical Friday night in downtown Bozeman.