Love's Sacrifice by Ancelli Page A

that?”
     
    “Friends.”
     
    “Black friends…” Michele giggled.
     
    “Yes,” he chuckled.
     
    “Ms. Linda,” Michele called out.
     
    A young brunette in her twenties walked over to them. “Hi, Michele.”
     
    “Ms. Linda, this is my dad.” Michele looked up at him. “Dad, this is Ms. Linda
     
    Cody extended his hand and shook hers. “Hi, Linda.” She was a tall, beautiful woman, and she wore her long hair in a ponytail. Linda smiled, showing her pearly whites.
     
    “Hi, Michele’s dad.” Linda’s hazel eyes sparkled as she chuckled.
     
    “Oh, I’m sorry, it’s Cody.”
     
    “This is my craft teacher, Dad.” Michele kept glancing over at the doors. “She keeps me busy.”
     
    Cody stared at his daughter. She was up to something, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. It seemed like she was trying to get him to notice her teacher in a much too friendly way.
     
    “Dance With My Father,” by Luther Vandross, began playing. He took Michele’s hand in his. “Excuse us… May I have this dance?”
     
    “Yes, Dad.” Michele beamed.
     
    “It was nice meeting you.” Linda walked away. She was too skinny for his liking.
     
    Cody wrapped his hands around his little girl’s waist, and they swayed from side to side. “What are you up to?”
     
    She covered her mouth, laughing. “Nothing.”
     
    “Are you sure?” He took her hand, spinning her around. He would cherish this moment for a lifetime. Michele was beautiful, and her curls bounced as he spun her again; her laughter made his heart smile. He was so proud of her, and he couldn’t wait to tell the rest of his family and friends about her. Barkley was surprised but happy for him. He sent pictures to his parents and siblings. His brother and his son video chatted with Michele, and his mom and sister called her every day.
     
    “Dad.” She stared up at him with those mesmerizing eyes.
     
    “Yes.”
     
    “I was trying to make mom jealous,” she admitted with a sly nod.
     
    “Huh…”
     
    “Oops…” She looked over to her right. “You didn’t know mom was here.”
     
    “What?” He peered around the room and saw Shon standing in her khaki uniform with her arms crossed over her chest.
     
    Michele cocked her eyebrow. “Mom needs a push in the right direction.”
     
    Cody shook his head.
     
    “Please forgive her.” They danced, swaying to the music. “Dad, she made a mistake. I was mad too when grandma told me, but I love her. We all make bad choices.”
     
    “Sweetheart, she kept you from me. I missed out on so much.” He touched her cheek.
     
    “I did too. She loves us both.” She sighed. “Do you love my mom?”
     
    “Yes…” he answered honestly, staring at Shon. She was attractive even in uniform; her hair was pulled back in a tight bun, no make-up.
     
    “This song used to make me cry, but now that I have you, it makes me smile.” She held on to the side of his camouflage blouse. “This is the beginning of our memories together, Dad.”
     
    “Yes it is, sweetie,” Cody voice cracked with emotions. “To memories.” He stopped dancing, dug in his pocket, pulled out his cell, and then took pictures of them together.
     
    The song ended, and Michele ran over to her mom. Cody followed her. “Mom… what are you doing here?” she asked, excited.
     
    “Cody said he couldn’t make it.” She glared at him. “So I wanted to be here for you.”
     
    “Awe thank you, Mommy.” She hugged her. “That’s so sweet.”
     
    Shon smiled, accepting her embrace. “Are you having fun?”
     
    “Yes!” Michele blurted out. “Dad surprised me. We did the wobble, played some games.”
     
    Shon fixed their daughter’s hair. “You look so happy.”
     
    “I am, Mom.” Michele looked at both of them. “I have the greatest parents in the world, that’s why.”
     
    “That’s sweet of you to say that,” Shon smiled. “I hope you remember that when we don’t see eye to eye.”
     
    “Yes