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Cooper slapped him on the back. “Then we would’ve delivered the cake to them. That’s why we didn’t put your name on it.”
“Wow. Thanks, brother.”
“Just covering our bases.”
Rand began cutting the cake and handing the pieces out. When Gage and Sydney both had a piece, they returned to the table.
She smiled at him. “Your family loves you.”
“Yep.”
“How are you feeling about all this mayor stuff now that it’s official?”
He took a breath and thought about it. “Ask me tomorrow when the food and the champagne have worn off.”
“Okay. But you’re not going to the office tomorrow. You need to take the weekend off.”
“I will. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to see you.”
She smiled. “What did you have in mind?”
Gage shrugged. “I’ll think of something.”
The family stayed and visited until almost eleven. Gage and his brothers switched from champagne to bourbon and beer, but he tried not to over-indulge. The older generation started leaving first, followed by those who had to be up early in the morning. Cooper, Lyric, Cabe, Jovie, Sydney, and Gage were the last to leave. They spent some time with Paxton, who had to work through the evening, so he was in and out of the party. When it was down to just Gage and Sydney, he took her hand.
“Alone at last.”
“Our private celebration wasn’t so private.”
“No. But it was great. Thank you. I’m sure you had a hand in it.”
“A little one.”
“Are you ready to go home?”
“Sure.”
They said goodnight to Paxton, then left the restaurant. “How about I walk you home? It’s a beautiful night and I could use some fresh air.”
“You did have a little bit to drink tonight.”
“Just a little? Actually, I tried to use some self-control. I wouldn’t want you to see me drunk.”
“Have you ever been drunk?”
“Oh yeah. Not often. But I’ve spent a few nights with Cooper that should’ve ended long before they did.”
They headed down the sidewalk, and Sydney tucked her arm around Gage’s. They walked the half-mile to her house in silence, just enjoying the brisk night and the cloudless sky above them. When they got to her house, Gage took her hands in front of the door.
“Ask me again.”
She looked at him for a moment. “Ask you what?”
“If I want to come in for some coffee or—”
“Do you want to come in for some coffee or a beer?”
Gage smiled. “Yeah. I think I do.”
