Page 49 of A Moment In Time

“We’ll talk later.”

She grumbled under her breath, then smiled at Edie as she sat down. “This all looks wonderful.”

“Dear Remington is a wizard in the kitchen.” Edie looked at Gage. “What made you choose the newspaper over the restaurant or the ranch?”

“It always fascinated me. I started helping Great-uncle Lawrence when I was a kid. Cooking was Remy’s thing. Cooper and Cabe loved the ranch. Our parents always encouraged us to do what made us happy.”

“And now you will make them proud when you become mayor.”

“I believe they’re already proud of me.” Sydney nudged him, and he added, “But of course, being mayor is a major step up.”

Edie smiled. “My husband was proud to serve this town. He’s going to hate to step down. But I’m afraid it’s necessary.”

“We’re going to miss him.”

Sydney nodded. “Gage has big shoes to fill.”

He glanced at her, then looked back at Edie. “Definitely.”

Edie dabbed at her eyes, then smiled at Sydney. “You two should make it official.”

Gage raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

“The city needs a first lady.”

“Oh. No. We’re not.” He looked at Sydney. “She’s my, um…was my assistant.”

Edie laughed. “Dear, the sexual tension between you two is palpable.” The other women tittered, and Sydney blushed.

Gage cleared his throat. “Really. We’re not together.”

Edie patted his hand. “Okay. Just keep in mind that a married politician will win over a lot more people than a single one.”

“Why is that?”

“It makes you settled and more trustworthy. Besides, being single and in the public eye will make you more attractive. We can’t have all the single ladies in town vying for your affection.”

“Hmm. No. Wouldn’t want that.” His comment drew another nudge from Sydney.

Thankfully, Edie dropped the subject, and Gage spent the rest of the meal talking about the history of the valley. The women all seemed genuinely interested, and Gage was comfortable talking about something he loved.

The Q and A was uneventful, with most of the questions centering around the empty lots left by the fire, and getting more funding for the first responders. There seemed to be a consensus over not wanting anymore disasters to befall Calaway Crossing. Losing their paramedic was of concern, since Elaina had been out for the last month and would be gone for several more. Corbyn had been filling in when he could. But he couldn’t always get away from the clinic.

Gage wanted to assuage their concerns. “Our new deputy was a paramedic before he joined the sheriff’s department. He will help Dr. Calaway fill in for Elaina. I believe the doctor is also looking to hire a physician’s assistant, who will help in emergency situations as well.”

One of the women raised her hand. “When is that going to happen?”

“As soon as he finds the right person to fill the job. Convincing someone to come here isn’t easy.”

The questions lasted a few more minutes, then Edie came up next to Gage. “Ladies, I think we’ve pestered poor Mr. Calaway long enough. Let’s thank him for his time.”

The women all clapped as Gage returned to his seat. When he looked at Sydney, she gave him a nod of approval. Apparently, he did alright.

When the group broke up and Gage and Sydney were back in his truck, he turned to her.

“So, how did I do?”

“You did good. Which I think proves you don’t need me.”

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