“And now, for our judges’ scores.” Jenna pivoted to face the judges.
“Ten.”
“Ten.”
“Ten.”
Three tens? Bailey jumped up in his arms, and he squeezed her tight, swooping in for another kiss, before realizing Peter’s microphone was there, and they were still on TV.
“Sorry to interrupt, you two, but you must be happy with those scores.”
“I never dreamed I’d get a ten from John,” Luc admitted.
“Anything you’d like to say, Bailey?”
“I’m really grateful for this whole experience, and have been very blessed to have Luc as my partner. Thank you everyone who has been voting for us. You’re the best!”
“Oh, I think they’re thinking you guys are pretty close to that. But we still have one more dance to go. Can Jason and Coco bring a scorcher in their final dance tonight? Stick around and find out.”
Luc grinned at the camera, and waved, as the music pumping through the studio got all the contestants vibing. He was happy to simply hold Bailey close and kiss her cheek. He’d done all he could, the rest was up to the public. Not that he cared if they won. As far as he was concerned, they were already winners, this feeling the equivalent of winning Lord Stanley’s Cup and the jackpot combined.
CHAPTER 17
She didn’t need to win. But she also kind of did. Because winning would mean a guaranteed invitation to next year’s show, even if she wasn’t sure what all the ramifications of that would mean. Coco had won once before, and said it wasn’t the weekly earnings the pros made, but the endorsement opportunities that opened up. Something she’d never had to think about before, back when she was a ballet corps member, or running a little studio in Winnipeg. What would the bank manager say now?
Sweat slicked her palms, and she subtly wiped them on her skirt as she peered out into the audience, spotting Luc’s parents sitting next to hers, while Mike and Bree, Poppy and Franklin James, and Franklin’s new wife Hannah, and a few of Luc’s other friends, sat nearby. Her big smile widened. What would happen if they did win? Would Luc kiss her again? Anticipation made her heart shimmy.
Luc’s arm slid around her waist as she wondered again what would happen when they returned to Winnipeg. He’d already mentioned he needed to head straight into prepping for next month’s training camp, then he’d start his preseason games at the end of September. The schedule had been released, and she knew he’d be super busy, what with his commitments to work, especially when he was officially announced as their new captain. Was this a short-lived bubble of fun thanks to forced proximity, or would they be able to sustain a real relationship?
Jenna took to the stage again. “Wow, wasn’t it great to see all of this year’s couples dancing one last time? Let’s give it up for all of this year’s contestants.”
A wave of applause and cheering filled the room.
“And now, the votes have been tallied and we’re about to see who is crowned this year’s winner of Dance Off Canada. Tonight’s performances have seen a record number of votes which, remember, makes up half of the points when added to the judges’ scores. And now, and this is in particular order, can we get a drumroll as we get ready to find out who has come third in this year’s Dance Off Canada competition.”
The booming drums filled the room, as she clutched Luc’s hand.
“And in third place, let’s give it up for… Fiona and Dominic.”
What? Bailey smile-commiserated, her chest growing so tight she might have another wardrobe malfunction. They were still in with a shot at the mirror ball.
She glanced up at Luc. “I’m so proud of you, whatever happens.”
He leaned down, and kissed her forehead. “You’re my winner, no matter what.”
Aww. She wrapped both arms around his waist, and he tucked his chin over her head, as Jenna was passed the envelope.
“And now, in the closest scores we’ve ever seen, your winner for Dance Off Canada is…”
The drumroll grew louder, and seemed to stretch abnormally long, while her breathing slowed until she could hear an echo in each drumbeat.
“…Jason and Coco! Which means Luc and Bailey are runners-up. Congratulations, guys!”
Bailey turned to Coco, kissing both her cheeks before doing the same to Jason, then turning to Luc and hugging him. He picked her up, nuzzling his face in her neck as she shut her eyes and clung to him. He’d never let her fall. And regardless of what happened in their future, she sensed he never would.
The cheering continued behind them, and she knew she had to compose herself and look happy for the crowds at home. And she was. But the competitive spirit inside that had fueled her need to succeed sang a small song of disappointment. Still, it was best to not look that way at least.
She smiled, leaning against Luc’s chest as he wrapped both arms around her, as Jason and Coco squealed and gold confetti dropped from the rafters. She peered up, and Luc gazed down at her, his hand catching hers. Then, in a move that would’ve shocked the week one version of Luc, he was tugging her to the dance floor to join the other couples who were dancing, and they were sashaying around the room, laughing. It really didn’t matter that they’d lost. They’d actually won. She’d pushed past so many of her insecurities, as had Luc, and dance was the winner.
Luc spun her, and then she was dancing with Marco, who complimented her, then, in a scene that could’ve come straight from her favorite movie, the floor was soon filled with other special guests, and she was hugged by the other contestants, then her parents, then Luc’s parents.
“Oh, Lucas.” His mom pulled him down and kissed both his cheeks. “That dance you dedicated to me was so beautiful. And Bailey.” She clasped her tight. “I don’t know what to say except thank you.”
“You’re more than welcome.”
Luc blew his mom a kiss, just as he had after the contemporary performance, and they were engulfed by Poppy and his friends.
“I can’t believe it!” Poppy screamed over the noise. “You came second! That’s incredible.”
“Nice job, you two. Loved the meaning of your first dance, and you definitely brought the Bond themes for the second.” Franklin introduced Hannah to Bailey. “Remember how this man complained about dancing at our wedding, hon? This all feels so hard to believe.”
Hannah nodded. “I loved everything about that. I wish I’d known you before, Bailey, so we could’ve gained some tips before our wedding back in June.”
“It’s never too late to start.”
“Obviously,” a dark blond man said, whom she’d never met in person before but recognized from a long-ago video call. He drew forward a tattooed magenta-haired woman. “I’m Ryan, this is Sylvie. I can’t thank you enough for making a liar out of Luc.”
