“Who’s the best?” “I’m the best,” I smile. “I said, who’s the best?” he repeats. “I’m the best!” I say a little louder. “I can’t hear you!” He starts shaking my shoulders from side to side, and I giggle. “I’m the fucking best!” I shout. “That’s my girl. I’ll see you out there with your guard up or your fist in her face.” He gives me a huge papa bear hug, and I feel the emotions ready to wreck me. “No matter what happens out there,” he says, my head buried in his chest, “I want you to know I’m so proud of you. You’re the daughter I wish I still had, Billie.”
