Page 134 of A Moment In Time

At six-ten, Mayor Bessler went to the podium. His farewell speech was too long, but since it would be his last speech, everyone remained attentive. He ended it by introducing Gage as his successor.

“You all know Gage Calaway and the whole Calaway family. They, along with the Ambroses, built this town. So, I know you will all welcome him as your new mayor.”

The crowd clapped and cheered as Bessler turned the podium over to Gage. He waited for them to quiet down before he began speaking.

“First, I’d like to thank Mayor Bessler for doing a fine job as mayor for the last seven and a half years.” The crowd clapped again. “And I’d like to thank you for voting me in.” More clapping. “I’m going to make this kind of short because you all know me. I’m related to half of you.” This drew laughter from the crowd. “I just want you to know I’m going to be hands on and approachable. If you have a problem, come see me. If I can’t fix it, I’ll find someone who can. I won’t be taking over Mayor Bessler’s office at city hall. If you need me, I’ll be where I’ve been for the last several years. At the Calaway Report. Sydney Lancaster will be taking on more responsibilities at the paper, so I’ll have more time for my new duties as mayor. But the paper is my home. And I can’t see working out of another office. Drop in anytime to say hi, or to bring a grievance. I’ll hear you out.” He took a moment, then smiled. “I guess that’s about it. Thank youagain for trusting me with our town.” The crowd clapped and got to their feet. Gage waved at them, then left the podium.

Booker came up to the mic. “There are cookies, coffee, and lemonade supplied by the Ladies' Auxiliary. Help yourself, and I’m sure Mayor Calaway and Mayor Bessler will stick around a while if you want to talk to them.”

Gage spent the next hour talking to people and by the time they started to disperse, it was nearly eight. Paxton came up to him.

“You look like you could use a drink.”

“I could. But I haven’t eaten all day. Sydney is going to make some dinner. Not sure if I’ll want to go out again after that.”

“No worries. I could send a bottle of champagne to her house.”

Gage nodded. “That I could go for.”

“I’ll take care of it.” He shook Gage’s hand. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

“I need to go open the bar back up.”

“I imagine a lot of this crowd will migrate over there.”

“That’s what I’m planning on.”

“I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

Paxton left, and Sydney came up to Gage. “Mr. Mayor. Are you ready to get out of here?”

Gage glanced around the room. “I think I can sneak out of here.”

She took his arm. “Let’s go out the back.”

They were stopped twice on the way to the back door, but they finally made it outside. Gage blew out a breath. “I’m so glad that’s over.”

Sydney looked around to make sure they were alone, then put her arms around his neck. “You did great.”

“Did I?”

“Yes. Now I’m going to officially give you your first kiss as mayor.” She pulled him in close and kissed him. “Doesn’t feel any different.”

“Hmm. Not more powerful?”

She laughed. “No. Just a perfectly wonderful Gage kiss.”

They walked around the building, then down the street to their vehicles, which were still parked in front of the newspaper office. Gage looked at the two cars.

“Kind of dumb for us to take both cars two blocks to your house. Then just drive them back in the morning.”

She smiled at him. “Am I having the mayor for the night, then?”

“Do you want the mayor for the night?”

“Oh, definitely.”

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