“Are you okay?” Annette asked her quietly.
Her hands started to shake. She fingered the little yellow square of paper she held nervously. “Yeah,” she smiled shakily. “I think I will be.”
“Hello, everyone.” Theo’s voice rose over the murmuring of the crowd. Calm. Assertive. “Thank you for coming today, and thank you to the Juice Express for inviting me here to clear the air.” Theo glanced at the women in yoga outfits that circled him like protective hens and smiled. “First, I want to address the recent departure of Neal Barclay from our campaign team. His actions and behavior are entirely his own and do not reflect the values and hard work of my team. Charlotte Thornton and Todd Myers have dedicated countless hours to serving our town with integrity and compassion. Their efforts shouldn’t be overshadowed by the actions of one individual.
“Over the last few weeks, several claims have been made against me regarding my dog, Puddin’.” At her name, Puddin’ lifted her head from Charlotte’s chest and let out an indignant howl. Someone chuckled in the crowd. “I did not steal her; however, I did rescue her, and I would do so again. My actions were in line with my lifelong commitment to stand up for those that can’t stand up for themselves, including our four-legged friends. I will never apologize for protecting the vulnerable in our community.
“Finally, I’d like to address the claims about my personallife.” He paused and looked out at the crowd. “My personal life has been exactly that—personal. But I believe in transparency and honesty, especially with you, the people who trust me to lead. I want to be clear: I have only ever loved one woman,” he said quietly. “I’m here today because I believe in Northfield and in making a difference in our future. If there are any questions, I’m here to answer them.”
In the hush that followed, Amber took a step forward and raised her hand. “I have a question, Mr. Mayor.” Her voice was clear and purposeful, if a little wobbly. Heads whipped around to stare, but she was all in now. She kept her eyes locked on the only person who mattered.
Theo’s eyes widened at the sound of her voice. He cleared his throat. “Please ask, Ms. Hart.” His voice, so calm and confident before, was gruff now. The crowd was silent in anticipation, adding to her nerves. But she knew exactly what to do.
Amber walked to the podium and handed him the Post-it note. It was limp from her sweaty hands, but the words were clear and bold on the yellow paper. She watched Theo’s lips move as he read the words.
“Truth or dare?” He looked at her, and she felt her heart twist at the look on his face.
“Yes.” She cleared her throat. “Pick one. Please,” she added nervously.
The silence was absolute. A camera crew jostled through the crowd and stopped next to her.
“I choose dare.” He looked at her with that one eyebrow arched. She wanted to trace the familiar curve with her lips.
She smiled then.
“I dare you to ask me again.”
“Truth or dare, Ms. Hart.”
“I choose the truth.” Her voice was clear and proud.
Ask me how much I’ve missed you. Ask me if I’ve beenrunning or if I’ve been eating something besides sugar. Ask me how your love has made me strong enough to believe in myself. Ask me if I love you again, Theo. Please.
Understanding dawned on his face, along with a slow, sexy smile. “Do you love me?” he asked.
“I love you, Theo Clairmont,” she said, her voice wavering with emotion. “I love your honorable heart and your sense of right and wrong. I love how hard you work to take care of the things you love.” Her voice broke, but she forced the words in her heart through the knot in her throat, encouraged by the warmth in Theo’s eyes. “I love how gentle you are and how you make me laugh. You’re truly noble and wonderfully humble and so deeply kind, and I love you so mu?—”
Before she could finish, Theo closed the distance between them, lifted her against his chest until her feet left the sidewalk, and kissed her swiftly on the lips. She smelled his warm, familiar cologne, and tears welled in her eyes from the sheer relief and joy of being in his arms again.
She twined her arms around his neck and laid one on him to the roar of the crowd.
Pippa shoved a mic toward them. Her sisters got out the tissues. Annette sniffed, but Amber ignored it all and kissed the man she loved.
When she finally came up for air, she leaned back to see him grinning down at her, dimples and all. “I’m sorry I pushed you away,” she whispered. “I was so afraid of being hurt that I hurt you first. I love you so much,” she whispered.
He kissed her again, softly this time. “It’s about damn time.”
And then he grinned, dimples and all.
Epilogue
One year later…
Theo stood inside Second Chance Chic, Amber’s new boutique, on grand opening night and listened to the buzz of excitement and laughter around him with a proud grin on his face. Amber’s family had pitched in over the last month to turn the little shop on the corner of Main Street into a vibrant, boho explosion of colors.
The front display window held fairy lights and mannequins in flowing, vintage maxi dresses hand embroidered by Amber herself. Theo knew because he had helped her steam and press each one in preparation for tonight. Each corner of Second Chance Chic was artfully arranged with scarves and handbags, jewelry, and clothing sourced from local designers as well as her own designs.
Amber had cut the ribbon earlier in the night and the party was in full swing now. Music and champagne flowed while they celebrated Amber’s success with their loved ones.
