Anthony reached out and took a piece of candy from Natalie’s desk, chewing thoughtfully while his wife tidied up their glasses and bottle. “Everything set for Christmas? Now that I’m no longer mayor, I actually have some time to help with cooking or whatever.”
“No offense, JFK, but I want the professionals to handle the cooking,” Natalie teased, striding over to her husband and adjusting his tie. “And is your replacement ready to take the oath?”
Anthony sighed but rallied quickly. “Yep. Mayor Josh is ready to go. Technically, he’s in charge now until his official swearing in, but with the holidays, I’m hoping we can all relax.”
Ginny collected the candy wrappers and laughed. “I can’t believe Trudy’s grandson won the election. And I really can’t believe he won it on the platform ofCall me Josh.”
Making a show of rolling his eyes, Anthony helped Natalie into her coat, taking care to wrap her scarf around her neck. Trudy had been Anthony’s assistant, and his father’s before him, in town hall for decades. Apparently, her colorful stories about the job interested her twenty-five-year-old grandson to run for office. He’d worked in local politics a few towns over, and since no one was looking to fill Mayor Snyder’s shoes, it was a runaway.
“Admit it,” Natalie said when they were all bundled up. “You’re going to miss the local political drama.”
Anthony blinked, shoving his hands in his pockets. Three years before, he’d looked into running for state representative. It was a huge undertaking, and his campaign succeeded with the help of his detail-oriented wife. After the new year, he’d be sworn in as the newest state representative in Columbus. It was a job tailor-made for him, much like his navy suits.
“I might miss it a little,” he lamented, helping CeCe to her feet. “And don’t even say you’re walking back to the diner. We’re driving you home.”
CeCe saluted and let Anthony hold the door for her. “I won’t argue, but can you drop me at the Dairy Queen on the way out of town? We’re craving some Blizzards.” She enthusiastically rubbed her belly.
Natalie linked her arm through Anthony’s and sighed. “That actually sounds really good.”
Anthony jangled his keys like he was tempting a toddler. “All right, ladies. Follow me to the land of fat and carbs.”
Ginny whined, “Oh, I want to go.” She followed them outside into the crisp December air, locking up the flipping their sign toClosed.
Main Street was decked out in all its finery, with garlands hanging from storefronts, wreaths on the doors, the lamp posts wrapped in fairy lights. It was a scene from aHallmarkmovie.
Striding ahead, Anthony opened the car doors for the ladies and waved to Ginny. “Tell Henry to break a leg tonight.”
Natalie hopped in the passenger’s seat and pointed at Ginny. “Yes, send him our best. I’ll eat an extra ice-cream cone for you, since you’re needed at Henry’s pageant. And don’t forget to send me the final Christmas menu.”
“Like you’d let me forget.” She checked her watch and winced. “And thanks for the reminder. I keep forgetting the show is tonight.”
That wasn’t true, she remembered. Max’s concerns for their son’s stutter had needled into her own thoughts, the stress weighing her down. In her heart, she knew Henry would rally. Just because his father struggled didn’t mean Henry would follow precisely in his father’s shoes. Henry loved the stage, and that passion should be enough to keep his words clear, whether he was singing or speaking. Or at least that’s what she told herself...
The friends all waved goodbye before Anthony pulled onto Main Street. Fifteen minutes later, their SUV was filled with a dozen varieties of ice cream and a very contented CeCe. Ginny played Christmas carols at the highest volume her ears could handle, drowning out her fears as she crested the hill toward home.
CHAPTER 6
