Owen's hand found mine.
Eli leaned forward.
“For the first time in recent championship history, we have a perfect tie for the highest overall individual score.”
A murmur swept through the auditorium.
Professor Whitcomb smiled.
“Two teammates from the same school have achieved identical, record-breaking results.”
My fingers tightened around Owen's.
I felt rather than saw Eli turn toward his brother.
Across the auditorium, Daniel straightened.
Vanessa clasped Mason's hand.
She was smiling.
But Mason wasn't.
He had already looked toward my sons.
I watched his expression change.
He knew.
Perhaps he had known before any of us.
Professor Whitcomb opened the envelope.
His eyes moved across the card.
Then he leaned toward the microphone.
“And our two state champions are…”
He paused.
The auditorium became absolutely silent.
“Eli Bennett and Owen Bennett, from Cedar Ridge High School!”
For one heartbeat, nobody moved.
Then the room erupted.
Mrs. Ramirez screamed.
