Page 42 of A Moment In Time

“Thank you.” He waited for the clapping to stop. “I appreciate your support. Thank you.” When the room was quiet, he took a moment before addressing them. “I imagine this is a bit of a surprise to some of you. Honestly, I’m surprised to find myself standing here in front of you with the possibility of becoming your mayor.” He glanced at Bessler. “And no offense to Mayor Bessler, but it’s time we had a Calaway back in office.” Everyone clapped again, and Gage raised his hand. “I may not be theobvious choice. But I love this town. I love its rich history. I’ve spent my life researching and exploring this valley and the Sugar Pine mountains. And I’ve photographed most every inch of them. That in itself doesn’t make me a good candidate for the job. But my family has been here since its founding days. We have fought, bled, and died for this land. Obvious choice or not, I will serve Calaway Crossing with that same love and devotion.”

Everyone got to their feet and cheered. Gage nodded, then made his way back to the table. It took several minutes since he shook hands with everyone he passed. It was shocking to him. But it seemed everyone in this room was onboard with him taking on Bessler’s job.

He finally made it to the table and sat down. “Huh.”

Delaney hugged him. “Do you feel better about all this now?”

He glanced over his shoulder at Jack Patterson, who was a few tables away. “Did Jack clap?”

Lincoln smiled. “Politely, yes.”

Gage laughed. “This is all so bizarre.”

Sydney nudged him. “You’re on your way.”

“I guess I am.”

Dinner was a fog for Gage. It was good, and he enjoyed it. But his mind was elsewhere. It was all real now. No backing out. Everyone was talking around him, but he wasn’t paying much attention.

“Son?”

Gage came out of his fog. “Yes, sir?”

“What’s next?”

Gage looked at Clementine. “You’ll need to ask my campaign manager.”

She smiled. “Two months until the election. We need to make every day count. I think you should work at the bar on the weekends. And go with Grandma to the senior center. The ladies there will love you.”

“Sounds like loads of fun.”

Delaney patted his hand. “You can come to the Ladie’s Auxiliary luncheon on March first.”

Gage glanced at Sydney. “Can I bring my social liaison for moral support?”

“Of course, dear.”

Sydney nudged him. “I’ve got your back, boss.”

When everyone finished eating, Gage did some mingling at the encouragement of Sydney. She went with him and they spent about thirty minutes talking to people. As the room started to clear, Gage and Sydney returned to their table.

Delaney and Lincoln were preparing to leave, and Gage hugged Delaney. She smiled.

“Are you headed home?”

“I think I’ll help clean up, then go say hi to Pax.”

Lincoln put a hand on his shoulder. “Keep your hi down to a couple of drinks.”

“Yes, sir.”

Everyone left the table after saying goodnight, leaving just Gage and Sydney. She looked at the table. “I’ll stay and help, too.”

“You don’t need to. You’re not really dressed for bussing tables.”

“It’ll be fine.”

“It’s very nice, by the way.”

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