Page 58 of Double

“It’s happening already?” Tinsley questioned as we made our way to the stage.

“Must be.”

Big Hill moved behind the podium and took the mic. “Good evening, everyone. Once again, I want to express our gratitude for you all coming out for the sixteenth annual Passion’s Project Spring Fundraiser, which this year has been lovingly coined: The Petals and Pearls Affair. We see you in your white, cream, and ivory—which was my wife’s vision. You look good.

“Tonight, we thank you for your continued support of our mission—to support youth who have lost one or both parents to gun violence—and we thank you for your generosity. For the past sixteen years, my daughter, Passion Hill-Waters, has been the visionary behind this organization, and my wife, Lynne, and I have carried out her wishes as the Executive Director and Director of Philanthropy, respectively.”

The room erupted in applause for my grandparents and their service.

“As I look around at all of you and think about all we’ve been able to accomplish in sixteen years, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude that you all bought into our dream and helped make it into a reality. Thousands of children throughout the Chicagoland area have received services—counseling, tutoring, mentoring, scholarships, and even job training. We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve been able to do and how we’ve impacted lives and the community as a whole.

“Being the . . . faces of this foundation has been the greatest honor of our lifetimes.” He reached over and took Lynne’s hand in his. “But with every beginning, there must also come an ending.”

The crowd gasped, and whispers moved through the room.

“It’s time for Lynne and me to pass the torch to the next set of capable hands. While we may be stepping down from roles that have defined our lives for more than a decade, we will remain involved, though in much less visible capacities. And please know that we’re always only a phone call away if we’re needed.”

The crowd clapped while Big Hill passed the microphone to his wife.

“We know this announcement may have caught some of you off guard, but Chad is exactly right. This work isn’t about the people who hold the titles; it’s about upholding the bridge between the help that comes from generous hearts and the communities who need that help. Please help me welcome the Passion’s Project Foundation’s newest Executive Director, Jinx Waters, and the new Director of Philanthropy, his wife, Tinsley Campbell-Waters. Give it up for your new leadership team.”

“That was so much fun,” Tinsley gushed as we headed away from the venue at the end of the night. “I can’t believe you won the set of watches.”

“Me, either.” I slipped my hand onto her thigh, my favorite place to rest it. “Listen. I have a surprise for you.”

“Another one? Is it another piece of jewelry?”

I shook my head. “Nah.”

“Where are we, Double?” she questioned as the driver of the car I’d arranged pulled onto the tarmac.

“The airstrip. Come on.” I took her hand in mine as she slid out of the backseat.

“Where are we going? We didn’t bring any luggage.”

“We’re not gonna need any.” I led her to the stairs of the plane.

“The last time I was on the jet, I was escaping from Iredia. Are we headed back to Iredia?”

“Absolutely not.”

She turned and faced me. We were eye to eye because she stood on the first step of the plane’s staircase. “Okay. I was scared for a minute that you wanted to return the merchandise.”

I figured she was joking, but I didn’t even want her joking like that. “Hell nah. As long as you’ll let me keep you, I’m keeping you. You’re my wife. I’m not trying to give you back.”

She kissed my lips. “And I’m not trying to be given back.” She bounded up the stairs.

We got comfortable on the jet, buckled our seat belts, and settled in for the ride. The two cabin attendants moved up and down the cabin, adjusting and securing. I watched them silently. The bubbly, brown-skinned one gave the safety briefing, and then the two of them moved toward the front of the plane.

“Why’re you so quiet?” Tinsley’s breath was warm up against the shell of my ear.

“Did you mean what you said earlier?”

“What did I say earlier?”

“That you’re not trying to be given back.”

She turned in her seat to face me. “You think I want to be given back, Double? You think I don’t want this marriage?”