Today, I’ll keep an answer to myself. But I don’t believe much more time is needed.
My answer is enough for him today, and he scoots a little closer to me, weaves his fingers through my hair, and dips his chin down to angle his mouth over mine for a kiss.
Sometimes kisses are the only answer we need that everything will be alright.
17
CARTER
Istruggle to drag my eyes away from Rosie who is standing across the room at the River Bell, next to the window showing the freezing evening sky. It’s that smile that slays or the way her blue dress exemplifies her fuller breasts that has me entranced.
I shouldn’t be, as the room chatters with people drinking wine. The River Bell, the restaurant on the old paddle steamer at the dock, is sophisticated enough. Also, it’s the place where one celebrates becoming mayor.
I’m wearing a suit and nursing the scotch in my hand. I tear my eyes away because Oliver is attempting to engage me in conversation.
“This will be a fucking travesty if you don’t win. Mom and Dad over there will be in meltdown mode and trying to find a loophole to recall the election.”
We both glance to the corner of the room, where our parents are chatting with former business associates, all with wide grins on their faces. The private room with appetizers and drinks floating around is mostly enjoyed by their guests and a few who own small businesses or have a farm out of town.
Smirking to myself, I have to agree. “What can I say? I’m not exactly lacking confidence on this.”
My brother bubbles a chuckle. “Someone is a little too cocky.”
“I’m just being realistic. Last I heard, I already had most of the votes. Hell, even Pete Smythe already shook my hand earlier out on Main Street because he knew I will most likely win.”
He bobs his head side to side. “It’s a solid point.” His eyes travel between Rosie and me because my sight has drifted again. “Uh… is it official yet that you two are back together and regretting your divorce?”
Oliver has an impeccable capability of throwing cold water on me to break me away from the contentment of the current day. I side-eye him, not at all impressed. “Here isn’t the time to talk about this. I have the owner of Foxy Rox to talk to and discuss small business incentives.” Yet, I don’t move. I ponder. “We’re living together, having a baby, no longer in separate rooms, communicating and open, isn’t that enough?” It’s not, not really. She needs to have my name again, and my clock runs fast. But maybe the image of what we currently are is enough for other’s opinions, even though I don’t care. I just want them to hush their views.
“All great signs. I mean, the moment she re-entered your life you were no longer the man who mopes around grumpy. It’s just, you’re my brother, so I know that you are pining for something more. It’s not rocket science.”
I chuff a sound. “Tell that to Rosie,” I admit. “For someone who normally throws caution to the wind, she’s now a bit more practical when it comes to marriage, more reserved, yet still burning cinnamon sticks around the house.”
“We all grow.”
I tut my tongue then take another sip of my drink, driving my sight to Rosie who’s laughing with Esme and Hailey as she looks down at her belly that she rubs. For a second, our eyes catch, and her smile might even brighten a little.
“I’m trying to respect her timeline, but I’m about to lose my damn mind.”
Olivers squeezes my shoulder. “That’s because you never actually let her go. Hang in there. Besides, you have a town to run now. And Mom to deal with. Alert. Alert. Woman who bore us at 12 o‘clock.”
“Boys,” our mother sings in her chipper tone as she walks to us with her fitted black dress and necklace with a diamond pendant. “I hope you two are behaving. We have just received a call that my son is a man in government now.” My mom eagerly gives me a side-hug.
“I’ve always worked for the government. I’m a police officer,” I deadpan.
Logic washes over her face, and she shutters her eyes. “Of course, silly me.”
“Are the votes in?” Oliver asks.
“They are.” She grins.
Truthfully, this news gives me a sense of pride that races through me, and I feel the corner of my mouth snag.
She directs her attention to my brother. “You need to go grab the new mayor’s wife for us. Be my favorite youngest son and do that for me?”
Oliver smirks slyly to himself. “Not quite his wife, but sure. I’ll stir the pot for ya.” He strolls aways, and I force a smile to my overexcited mother.
“Your father is ensuring champagne is passed around for a little toast, photos and handshakes, all of those kinds of things. I’m so proud of you. Mayor and soon-to-be father. I noticed Rose seems thrilled to be here. Once the baby is here then I’m sure she will fall right into the role of holding your arm while you give a speech at the town’s July Fourth picnic. Speaking of which, it’s a blue blanket that I need to get, right?” she causally throws in.
