When the noise died down, she continued, “We have a promising new development that will ensure Kids Speak’s growth. My brother, Colin Winters, had this amazing idea to pair athletes with the children. He intends to test the idea out here in New Orleans by getting fellow college athletes to visit them during their classes, to invite them to practice and games, and provide instruction in their sport if they’re interested. I’ll be approaching professional athletes as well. I anticipate that this will be a highly successful, mutually beneficial program for the students and the athletes. I have an acting director here in New Orleans, Winnie Fieldman.” Hadley paused to point Winnie out to the room and waited for the applause to slow before continuing.
“My brother will work with Winnie to handle the athletic side of the charity. I will direct the chapter in Annapolis, Maryland. We will develop those two chapters before we expand further. I want to thank you for your support over the last few years. I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to see the children in the program flourish. To see them gain confidence. Winnie prepared a slide show for you that will play the rest of the evening.” Winnie pushed a button for the overhead projector.
She took a deep breath. “I want to thank my father for his financial backing. We would not have gotten this far without him, but I’m excited to see where this program will go with your support going forward. Thank you for your donations tonight and I hope you’ll keep Kids Speak in mind going forward.”
The applause for her was deafening. Pride filled my chest as she took in the crowd’s reaction. Her dad tried to steal her night, but he hadn’t. Her vision for the charity outshone his plans to discredit it.
Hadley turned away from the podium before heading toward me, but she was stopped by person after person. She patiently talked to each one as I waited for her to get to me.
When she was free, she walked into my arms. I pulled her close and whispered in her ear. “You were amazing.”
“Thank you. It felt amazing.” She was trembling from being in front of all of those people or their reaction. I wasn’t sure.
I pulled back slightly to see her face. “What did everyone have to say?”
“Oh, you’ll never believe it, but people offered to put me in touch with their PR teams and professional athletes they have connections with. Everyone I talked to is so excited with this new direction we’re taking.” Hadley hugged Colin. “It’s all thanks to you and your awesome idea.”
When Hadley released him, Colin puffed out his chest and smiled. “Anytime.”
Hadley shook her head. “Stop being so cocky.”
“But the charity wouldn’t be anything without you,” Colin said.
“I’m so happy everyone could be here tonight. I just wish Dylan and Avery could be here too.” Her eyes twinkled with happiness. She hadn’t let her father’s actions or words get her down.
“You can have a similar event in Annapolis at some point too—a kick-off for the program. We have connections with the media now,” I said.
“I can’t wait to get back and get it off the ground. I have so many ideas,” Hadley said.
Taylor hugged Hadley and congratulated her before she left with Gabe to check out the finger food in the back of the room.
Winnie pulled Colin to the side to discuss his plans for the athletic side of things. I finally had Hadley to myself. “If I haven’t said this already. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you.” For the first time since the positive reaction to her speech, she looked down. “I was surprised my father went to such lengths to punish me in front of everyone.”
I thought her father was an asshole, but I wouldn’t say that to her. I thought he was vindictive and mean, but I hadn’t thought of what he did as punishment.
“When you do what he wants, you get money or things, when you don’t, he does things like this.” She gestured at the podium where her father spoke earlier.
“As long as he can’t hurt you anymore, that’s all the matters.”
“I’m not going to lie. It hurt, but the more I see what he’s doing as a game and not my father, it’s easier. I have you. I have Colin. I have my friends both here and in Annapolis. I don’t need him.”
“I’m sorry your father hasn’t been much of dad to you.”
Hadley shook her head and her smile was bittersweet. “It’s not your fault.”
I tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “But you’re right. You have so many people in your corner. We’ll be here for you.”
Her eyes lost their melancholy look and brightened. “Have I thanked you for coming yet?”
“No. You haven’t.”
“I’m so glad you came. It’s an important night for me and I can’t imagine not having you here.”
“I’m glad you invited me.” My chest was full of love for this woman. She was brave, strong, and hard-working.
“I love you.” She wrapped her arms around my middle.
“I love you too.” I wanted to hold her all night and whisper everything I was feeling in her ear. I’d never get enough of her. She was it for me.
“Come on. You have people who want to talk to you,” Colin said.
The rest of the night, Hadley fielded questions. Most were excited for her and wanted to help in any way they could.
On our way out, Hadley said in a low tone. “That was our best night ever for donations.”
I squeezed her hand. “That’s great news.”
“It is.” Her smile fell off her face. I turned to see what or who had caught her attention.
Layton pushed off the wall where he’d been waiting for her.
“What are you doing here?” My voice came out harsh.
“I’m here to see you.” He nodded toward Hadley.
“I have nothing to say, and anything you have to say,
