“Never happened,” he murmured, hoping that would be the end of it.
“Uh-huh.” His father crossed his arms over his chest. “Okay, fine. I’m not siding with my mom, but she does have a point. If you’re still wanting a big family, you need to find someone to settle down with—and make me some grandbabies while you’re at it.”
Subtlety wasn’t a thing in the Taggert household.
Everett chuckled. “Yeah, well, I’m pretty sure I’ve dated most of the single ladies hereabouts.”
“You still seeing Daisy Granger? She’s a nice one.”
“No. She is very nice.” He and Daisy got along fine, but there was no spark between them. “We just don’t... We’re meant to be friends. At least, I thought we were. Then she wrote that damn article.”
“She did, didn’t she?” His father chuckled. “And the principal? Katrina Lopez? You two had a handful of dates.”
“We did.” And he’d laughed a lot. Katrina had a great sense of humor. “We didn’t click.” He sighed. “I do want a family, and I have been dating, Dad. You think I’m happy I haven’t found someone I want to bring home yet? I’m not. But I’m not going to settle, either.”
His father studied him for a long time. “Is there any truth to what Jenny’s been saying about the Owens girl?” He cleared his throat. “I know you’re an adult, and you’ve got a good head on your shoulders but... Well, I know she’s something to look at, but what else? What’s inside, Everett? You need to know that, son. Because what’s on the inside won’t change. I guarantee the outside will.”
Everett squeezed his father’s arm. “I love you. And I hear everything you’re saying. I have no interest in Libby Owens. None. She is my secretary, and she’s been a good one so far. That’s the only interest I have in her—doing a good job. I’ve told Jenny that—Mom and Gramma Dot, too. But for some reason, they don’t seem to believe what I’m saying. I’ve got eyes, I know she’s a fine-looking woman, but I amnotinterested. And I won’t date someone I work with. Ever. That’s a headache in the making.”
His father chuckled. “All right, I believe you. And I’m relieved to hear it. If you had brought home one of those Owens girls, family dinners and holidays would have been all kinds of heartburn.”
“Not going to happen.” He shot his father a look. “And I’d appreciate it if you’d tell Jenny, Mom, and Gramma Dot it’s not going to happen whenever it comes up?”
“Done.” His father shook his head. “Now, back to the whole mayor thing. You should think long and hard about this.”
He told his father about the most recent conversation he’d had with Robbie Contreras. After the two of them had watched the TikTok [email protected] posted, they’d had an open and frank discussion about Everett’s future. Robbie was set on endorsing Everett as the next mayoral candidate. He’d taken the time to list some of Everett’s most recent accomplishments—things that would help voters see him as a strong and capable candidate.
“By the time it was over, he’d almost convinced me,” Everett finished. “But running for office can get mean and stressful.” With Gramma Dot’s mood swings and the ongoing struggle that came with a family farm, he wasn’t sure he wanted to put a public spotlight on his family. “Maybe now isn’t the time.”
“In all my sixty-seven years, I’ve learned things rarely happen at the right time.” He used air quotes aroundat the right time. “Ever since you were little, you’ve been a hard worker. You made up your mind you were going to do something, and you did it. If you make up your mind about this, I expect I’ll have a mayor for a son in three months.” He grinned. “You know we’ll paint signs and campaign and do whatever you do in an election.”
Everett gave his father a one-armed hug. “I appreciate that, Dad. And the talk.”
“Nice to feel like I’ve got something to contribute.” His father pointed at the front door. “Living with three women—all of whom know better than me—I might as well be talking to myself.”
But he knew his father wouldn’t have it any other way. Jenny had talked about getting her own place a time or two, and each time, his father had pointed out all the reasons she should stay put. If his father had it his way, they’d all still live under one roof together.
The only reason his parents hadn’t put up a fight when he’d bought his little fixer-upper was because they’d thought he’d be filling it up with his own family. While he hoped that would happen eventually, he’d snapped up the thirty-acre property and his one-hundred-plus-year pier-and-beam home because it’d been a steal—and one hell of a good investment. After three years, he was almost done making improvements.
“Everett,” Gramma Dot called from inside. “Your phone is singing. Is that normal?”
Everett grinned. “It’s ringing.”
Gramma Dot held the door open. “That’s singing, not ringing.” She handed over the phone. “But it’s been singing for a while, so you might want to answer it.”
Everett took the phone and frowned. “Thanks, Gramma Dot.”
“Leland, come help me with the step stool, will you?” She waved his father inside.
“What are you needing the step stool for, Momma? You know you’re not supposed to be climbing on things.” He pulled the front door shut behind him.
Everett answered the phone. “Everett Taggert.”
“Everett? Joe Kerr. How’s your Thursday going?” There was a smile in the man’s voice.
“Well, so far so good. Been a while since I’ve heard from you, so I’m wondering if that’s going to change?” He paused, waiting for the mayor of Rose Prairie to confirm his fears.
“’Fraid so, Everett. Last night. Main Street shops—one window’s going to need to be replaced. And some damage over at the high school.” He sighed. “I hear you’re the man coordinating efforts on this whole paintball mess?”
