Page 131 of A Moment In Time

“I don’t know. Not long.”

They reached the register and Hadley smiled at Gage. “Hi there.”

“How long have you been working here?”

“A week.” She glanced at the other cashier and lowered her voice. “Boring. But Dad said this summer I need to start contributing to Bailey Boy’s entrance fees. Once I start winning, I won’t need to work.”

“Well, you are a winner. So you won’t be here long.”

“My first rodeo this year is in Canyon City. Will you come watch?”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Hadley looked at Sydney. “You too, of course.”

“I’d love to watch you ride.”

Gage smiled. “This girl is fearless. And she has a hell of a horse.”

Hadley finished ringing up the groceries. “Since when do you buy actual food?”

He glanced at Sydney. “Since someone has been kind enough to cook for me.”

Hadley grinned. “Oh. I see.” She looked at Sydney. “Don’t let him take advantage of you.”

“I won’t. I actually am happy to have someone to cook for.”

Gage paid, then picked up two of the grocery bags. “Don’t work too hard, Hadley.”

“Never. I’ll see you Wednesday.”

“Is the whole damn family coming?”

“Of course. It’s not every day a Calaway is sworn in as mayor.”

Gage shook his head. “I suppose that’s true. I’ll see you Wednesday.”

They left the store and put the groceries in the trunk. After Gage closed it, Sydney put her arms around him. “Your family loves you.”

“I know.” He leaned in and kissed her. “Do you think I’m the first mayor who’s kissed his girl in the parking lot of the grocery store?”

“Probably not. But I would guess it hasn’t happened in the last eight years.”

Gage laughed. “I’d say that’s a safe bet.”

“I’m sure Mayor Bessler loves his wife.”

“Yeah. But I think he loves himself just a little bit more.”

Chapter thirty-seven

"Look who is popular with the ladies."

By mid-afternoon on Wednesday, Gage was getting nervous about the swearing in ceremony during the town meeting. It wouldn’t be a big deal. Mayor Bessler would give a farewell speech. Then Gage would be sworn in and give an acceptance speech. Bessler would be handing him the proverbial key to the city. Or town, as the case may be.

He’d been hiding out in his office, and Sydney had left him alone. But two hours after he should’ve come out for lunch, she knocked on his door, then opened it.

“You didn’t eat.”

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