Crockett’s final competitor charged him as soon as the sparring began. His frenetic movements prevented Crockett from going on the offense and gaining the upper hand. When Crockett absorbed a powerful kick to his torso, then another to his head, Hannah clapped her mouth and squeezed Alexandra’shand.
This challenger was going at Crockett hard, striking him again and again. Crockett finally exploded in a burst of jabs, spins, and kicks that dropped his opponent to the mat. When the timer buzzed, the two men bowed. Alexandra breathed. They stood like soldiers awaiting the judge’s decision. The audience fell silent, the tensionpalpable.
When Crockett was declared the winner, the gym erupted inapplause.
Though Crockett would advance to the semi-final event the following month, he left the mat drenched in sweat, out of breath, and clutching hisside.
Hannah threw her arms around Alexandra’s neck. “He won, he won, he won!” the little oneshouted.
When Hannah sat back down, Alexandra spied her mom wiping a tear from the corner of hereye.
“That man is going to need some TLC and I expect you to take extra special care of him.” Kimberly shot her daughter a sternlook.
Alexandra’s lips curved. For once, sheagreed.
The emcee invited the winners of each category onto the mats for their trophies. After the presentation and a few brief announcements, he closed the event. Friends and family slowly made their way toward the floor, while others filedout.
“Let’s go see him!” Hannah exclaimed, then tugged on Alexandra’shand.
“I’m going to help my mom, but I’ll meet you down there shortly.” Alexandra smiled at Hannah’s mom. “I have a feeling you’re going to beat usthere.”
With her mom’s cane draped over her arm, Alexandra supported Kimberly down the bleachers. When they reached the bottom, her mom took her cane and they ambled towardCrockett.
After witnessing his unrelenting determination, precise technique, and physical prowess, Alexandra was a little starstruck.
Hannah and her parents, along with several others, crowded around Crockett. As soon as he spied her, he didn’t look away. What passed between them couldn’t be denied, couldn’t be ignored. If he could face his fears, could she? How would she deal with the unrelenting heartache when she returned to California?It would kill me to lose himagain.
Her heart bloomed at the tender way he kissed Kimberly’s cheek. Then, he kissed hers. “I hope you both had fun, all thingsconsidered.”
“You were phenomenal!” Kimberly raved. “My blood hasn’t pumped that fast in quite sometime.”
Crockett laughed, then winced. “You and me both.” He smiled at Alexandra. “Did youlike?”
“Very much,” shesaid.
“I see you met one of my best students.” Crockett winked at the tinytot.
A beaming Hannah grasped Alexandra’s hand. “Is she your wife, Mr.Wilde?”
“She ought to be,” murmuredKimberly.
“No, she’s not, Hannah.” Crockett shifted his gaze to Alexandra. “What do you think we should do aboutthat?”
21
Childhood Secrets
After hearty handshakesandhasty goodbyes, Hannah’s parents headed out, their precocious daughter intow.
“I was hoping you’d join us for dinner, but I already know the answer,” Kimberlysaid.
Crockett raked his hand through his damp hair. “I need to go home and nurse mywounds.”
“Why don’t you help him,Alexandra?”
Why, Mom, why?“And how will you get home,Mom?”
“Taxi. I can call a friend. Mybroomstick.”
