That I am.
I wrap my arm around Rosie’s shoulders and side-hug her. “I’ll let you guys have a bit of time together. My dad is somewhere around here.” I flash a smile at Brooke. “My mom went to see a friend up in Chicago for the weekend to shop.”
The battle of the moms war runs strong, even though they do get along… I think.
“Oh goody,” she replies dryly.
Rosie just rolls her eyes before I walk back into the crowd that are all gathered around the Christmas tree that just appeared today.
My friends are here somewhere, but it will only be a quick hello. People stop me for small talk which makes my search for my dad become a trudge through the crowd. Finally, fifteen minutes later, my father waves to me up ahead, trying to grab my attention, and I indicate with my hand that I see him. When I arrive next to him, I hear the tail end of a conversation that he’s having with one of his old business associates, with my dad enthusiastic as he speaks.
“Obviously, the next step is Congress. Carter has the congressional district, as he was sheriff over in Lake Spark for a while. Everybody knows him. I’m not sure why he doesn’t just skip being mayor.”
John Doyle smiles at me and shakes my hand. He attends my parents’ holiday party every year. “I’ve got to agree with your father. You’re well known around the area. I don’t know anyone who has a negative thing to say about you. Even Pete struggles to come up with an attack. He’s only mentioned that you and your ex-wife don’t have your relationship in order. But nobody around here cares about that stuff.”
My dad points his finger up. “In Congress they might.”
John scoffs it off. “And? We’ll just make sure that Carter has a strong campaign team and donors.”
I’m not sure they even realize that I’m still here or that they’re plotting my future together.
“Would you like me to add to this conversation or are you two all good?”
My father slaps a hand on my shoulder. “Sorry, Son, we’re getting carried away.”
“Ya think?” I comment flatly.
“Carter, this time next year you will have your new title as mayor, and the deputy sheriff will get his promotion which will make him happy. All things fall into place,” John adds.
I rub my face and realize that my gloves are still stuffed in my coat pockets, and it connects that I haven’t thought about my fingers freezing because every male here has decided to voice their opinions to me.
“Congress. I’ll consider it when I’m in office, okay? It’s still a few years away.”
“Unless you resign as mayor to run for Congress or even Senate.” My father continues to voice his strategy, and I’m getting a headache.
Pete Smythe, my opponent, steps into our circle, interrupting our conversation. “That would mean he would need to travel to Springfield even more, and D.C., too. Not exactly ideal for a young family. Now, is it?”
The guy has the farmers’ vote, though sadly for him, that’s not enough backing. Doesn’t matter, I’ll still ensure they have the town’s support.
“Thank you for your concern.” I smile tightly.
“I’m sure my daughter-in-law is up to the challenge of being a politician’s wife.” My father has no qualms to show his confidence, and I don’t have the energy to remind him that Rosie is still my ex-wife.
John squeezes my arm. “Your father is right.” His tone sings.
I throw my hands in the air. “Can we focus on the festive season? There are gingerbread cookies somewhere or a candy cane, perhaps. Maybe Santa would like to listen about my wish list of getting out of this conversation.”
The men chuckle around me.
“Always a joker, this one.” My father grins to himself.
A deep breath doesn’t seem to give them a clue that the discussion is closed, but luckily, Rosie slowly walking into our circle is the cure.
“Evening, gentlemen.” Her smile thins.
They all greet her, but before anybody can drag her into this, I speak. “You must be tired. We should go home. It’s been a long day, and you need your rest.” I touch her arm, eager for my escape opportunity. “Bye, everyone. I’ll call you this weekend, Dad.” I string the sentence together and don’t even wait for a response.
Rosie watches me strangely when we are far enough away, and a long audible exhale bursts out of me.
