I bite down on the inside of my cheek as Collin mounts the steps and takes his place behind the podium.
Collin’s voice is smooth, and his posture is relaxed as he addresses the room full of media personnel. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming out tonight. I realize this is out of the ordinary, but I wanted to be honest with you and the people of Cashmere County ahead of the election.”
I blow out a breath and shift my weight. I know what’s coming, but I still feel a swarm of nerves in my gut.
“As you all know, a news story recently broke, surmising that I entered into a marriage contract with Ms. Magnolia Kasper in an effort to better my image in the sheriff’s race. The article states, and I quote, ‘Sources close to Rattler have revealed that the sheriff candidate was advised that an effort to tone down his playboy persona ahead of the November election would be a surefire way to gain the approval of a county that places great onus on family values and the constancy and commitment that marriage represents. Officer Rattler followed this guidance and dated and married Ms. Kasper.’” Collin looks up from his notes and skims his gaze over the crowd. “I do not deny anything the article stated. If the voters of this county don’t consider me a fit candidate to represent them as sheriff as a result of my actions, that is their right.”
A buzz zips through the room, and I fight the urge to cringe. It was Collin’s idea to tell it to the people straight. He didn’t want to shy away from the truth. He could have blamed his dad. He could have blamed his team. But he wanted to own up to his actions. If I’m being honest, I admire him all the more for it.
“However,” Collin raises his voice and continues, “while my team doesn’t think this is wise, I am not bowing out of the election. I believe I can serve the people of this county. My opponent, based on recent remarks, would have you believe I am the devil himself. But nothing about me has changed. I got married. My professional record speaks for itself, and I don’t believe my personal life will be a hindrance to me doing the job in question and doing it to the best of my abilities.”
I stand up straighter. He did it. He delivered the speech with aplomb and grace, and I could not be prouder.
“Your man crushed it,” Rose whispers.
I nod, watching Collin, waiting for him to leave the stage. Instead, he steps back toward the microphone and clears his throat, gaining the attention of the media again.
“I would like to say one more thing.”
“Wasn’t that the end of the speech? What’s he doing?” Poppy asks.
“No clue,” I mumble. This wasn’t rehearsed.
“What both my opponent and the article accusing me of dishonesty and inappropriate conduct failed to articulate, and frankly, couldn’t have known”—Collin flicks his gaze to Ashlyn’s side of the room—“is that I’ve fallen in love with Magnolia Kasper. She’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. I won’t apologize for marrying her. She’s taught me more about courage and strength and patience and service for the greater good in the past year than I’ve known my whole life. I only wish I had dated her properly a long time ago. As it stands, I plan to continue my relationship with her for as long as she’ll have me.” He finds my gaze and cracks a grin. “Okay. That’s all for me tonight, folks. Getout and vote in November!” Collin flashes the room a smile and gives a wave before stepping to the side of the podium.
I barely register Poppy’s and Rose’s squeals of delight. My feet are moving before my head even catches up, and I weave my way to the front of the room.
Collin steps from the stage, and I stop in front of him. “Some speech.”
He gazes down at me. “I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to tell everyone how amazing you are.”
I shake my head at him, my cheeks flaming. “You’re just as charming as ever, aren’t you?”
“Only for you.” He reaches for my hips and draws me toward him. “I only want to charm you.”
I rise up on my tiptoes, threading my fingers through the hair along his neckline. “For as long as I’ll have you, huh?”
He swallows, looking slightly bashful and all the more endearing. “Yeah.”
“Good. I love you, Collin, and I think I’d like to have you forever,” I whisper as his lips press into mine.
41
Election Day
Collin ~ November
The last thing I want to do is sit down with Ashlyn for an interview right now, but here I am. She at least had the decency to apologize to me ahead of my press conference a few weeks back. Now, it’s Election Day, and she wants to talk to Noli and me. I can barely think straight. I’m so nervous about the outcome. I spent a long time in the lead-up to today talking with Noli about whether or not I really want to be sheriff. Was I running because it was what my dad told me to do? If so, wasn’t this the perfect opportunity to bow out? But what I determined is that I really want this. I really think I can do a good job.
What I didn’t count on was my speech going viral. Whether it results in the votes I need to beat out Lloyd is anyone’s guess, but everyone is clamoring for more of Noli’s and my love story. That’s why I’m sitting here on Election Day with Ashlyn.
“Is this some type of runaway bride situation?” Ashlyn asks, taking her seat across from me. “Because I’ve got to tell you. At this point, nothing should surprise me, but that would be a twist I did not see coming.”
Her dry delivery bugs me. I keep my expression neutral as I tap on my message app.
“She said she was on her way.” I check the time stamp on her text.
Noli:Leaving in five. Be to you in ten. I’m wearing the red dress.
