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“I thought you’d be coming together.”
He shook his head. “Why would you think that?”
Booker came up and took Clementine’s arm. “Leave your brother alone.”
She smiled at Gage. “Are you ready to go in?”
“No. But I guess we have to.”
“It’s no big deal. Most of the people tonight are family.”
“I suppose. We do own at least half the businesses in town.”
She took his arm. “Let’s go.”
Booker went ahead of them and opened the door. “Thank you, my dear husband, looking allmuysexy in his uniform.”
“I wore it just for you, sweetheart.”
She smiled. “I can’t wait to take it off of you later.”
Gage shook his head. “Really, Clem?”
She laughed. “It’s not my fault you don’t have someone to undress when you get home tonight.”
“Shit. Just stop talking.”
The Ambrose Tavern hosted the event every year with Rand and Remington working in the kitchen. Delaney and Lincoln attended along with Ian and Maya, Duncan and Sasha, and Corbyn. Cassie had come the last two years since she took over managing the Café. They were all sitting together at a large round table.
Gage, Clementine, and Booker joined them, and the first thing Gage noticed was Sydney wasn’t there yet. He hoped she hadn’t changed her mind about coming. Like him, she’d never attended in the past.
Gage sat next to his mother, and she squeezed his hand. “I’m so proud of you, honey.”
“Thanks, Mom. But I haven’t done anything yet.”
“You’ve put yourself out there and accepted a challenge I know is hard for you.”
He smiled. “I come from a long line of Calaways who took on the unexpected or seemingly impossible. I’m just following your example.”
When Sydney arrived at the table, she sat in the empty chair next to Gage. He looked at her, not quite believing how beautiful she looked.
“Wow.”
She smiled. “Thank you. You don’t look half-bad yourself.”
“I can rock a suit when I have to.”
Mayor Bessler was set to address the guests before dinner was served. Gage was glad it was being done first. He wanted to enjoy the prime rib and he wouldn’t have if he’d been dreading the announcement. When he saw the mayor stand up and go to the front of the room, he got nervous. Sydney seemed to sense it, and she took his hand. It was a sweet jester and didn’t seem odd, even though she’d never held his hand before. He found it comforting. On his other side, his mother patted his knee.
All eyes were on Mayor Bessler. Word had gotten out that he had an important announcement to make. Only a handful of people, with all of them sitting at Gage’s table, knew what the mayor was going to say.
Bessler cleared his throat. “Welcome to our annual St. Valentine’s Day dinner. As always, the Calaways have prepared a wonderful meal for us. But before we eat, I have something to say.” He smiled. “I fear some of you have been expecting it. So I won’t delay.” He took a pause for effect. “Sadly, it has become necessary for me to retire from my position as mayor of this great town.” There was a collective gasp from the guests, and he held up his hand. “It’s with a heavy heart, I assure you. But factors beyond my control make it necessary.” He gave everyone a moment to let the news sink in. Then he went on. “There will be a special election on April ninth, giving you all a chance to vote for your new mayor. But tonight I’d like to give my endorsement to the man I feel will be a great asset to the office.” He looked at Gage. “Gage, come on up here.”
Everyone at Gage’s table applauded, while the rest of the guests took a moment before joining in. Gage stood and walked to the front of the room. Mayor Bessler shook hands with him.
“I would formally like to endorse Gage Calaway for the next mayor of Calaway Crossing.”
There was clapping and a few whistles, which surprised Gage. As Bessler moved back, Gage faced the guests and smiled.
