Chapter 197
Dorothea caught the little look on Garth’s face and called out, “Latham, come on, hold the sign up like you promised! You said you’d cheer for him p>
Latham wasn’t thrilled, but he lifted the sign anyway, practically using it as a shield to cover his face.
A few parents nearby glanced over and tried not to laugh.
“That kid’s parents are really something p>
“For real. No way I’d do that if it were me p>
Garth spotted the sign held high above the crowd and looked completely satisfied. He set his violin on his arm, took a deep breath, and began to play. It was like he changed in an instant.
Dorothea watched her usually silly Garth get lost in the music, his focus so intense that for a moment, he actually looked a bit like Scott.
Mamie waved her sign in time with the music, totally charmed by the kid. The more she watched, the more she adored him.
When the piece ended, the whole room erupted in applause.
Mamie and Dorothea clapped the hardest.
Garth gave a little bow, then hopped off the stage with his violin in hand.
That was the best he’d ever played, and he knew it.
When it was time to announce the winners, Garth’s nerves kicked in. But when they called his name for first place, he shot up to the stage, grinning from ear to ear.
Once the show wrapped up, Latham handed the sign off to Scott and grumbled, “It’s your son up there. Why am I the one holding the sign p>
Scott just shrugged, “You can keep it p>
Garth ran straight to his grandpa, all excited. “Grandpa, was I awesome or what?” “You were amazing, absolutely amazing p>
With the trophy in his hands, Garth shuffled over to Mamie, suddenly shy. “Mamie, I want you to have this trophy p>
Mamie blinked in surprise. “For me? But Garth, this is your trophy p>
He grinned. “If it wasn’t for you, I never would’ve won p>
He insisted, pressing the trophy into her hands before dashing off to his dad.
Mamie just laughed, shaking her head. “Well then, I’ve booked a restaurant. How about we all go out and celebrate Garth’s big win p>
“Yeah!” Garth was all in before anyone else could answer.
Ladd waved them off. “You young folks go have fun. Us oldies will head home p>
He turned to Dorothea. “Don’t worry, we’ll drop your grandma off, then I’ll head back to The Stephens Estate p>
Dorothea smiled warmly. “Thanks, Dad. We’ll walk you to the car p>
While the grown-ups sorted
BUT
themselves out, Garth tugged on Latham’s sleeve. “Uncle, next time don’t steal the spotlight. If you hadn’t taken the best seat, Mamus would’ve been the one holding the sign for me.” sŵnovels
Latham almost laughed out of disbelief. “You really think anyone wants to hold that sign p>
“Garth, who taught you to be this full of yourself p>
Without missing a beat, Garth pointed his little finger at Latham. “You did! I learned it from you p>
Everyone was in good spirits, joking. around, until they got Grandma settled in the car and Dorothea by the
spotted Albert Stainl.ne
school gate.
Albert started walking toward them, and Dorothea’s smile faded. “Let’s get in the car p>
She just wanted to get as far away from Albert as possible.
Latham seemed to pick up on her mood and gave a little snort. “Yeah, let’s go p>
Albert was actually there to pick someone up, but clearly hadn’t
eto run into Dorotheate
stood
there and watched their car
off, his face impossible to read.
Inside, Dorothea and Latham shared a car while Mamie rode with Scott.
Dorothea turned to Latham. “I haven’t been in touch with him. Bumping into him today was just a coincidence. Do you believe me p>
Latham’s mouth curled into a deeper smile. “Of course I do. Why wouldn’t I trust my wife p>