Page 90 of Her Wild Coast Promise

And though any of those possibilities would be exciting, they all would take me away from Alaska, and Seth.

But if I stay, I’m only putting off the inevitable. Seth and I want different things from life, and though some of our goals intersect, the one I can’t live without is his biggest roadblock.

I’m not sacrificing my dream for anyone. Not even Seth.

The knot in my hip fires again, and this time I listen and dig out two ibuprofens from the desk.

“You okay?” one of my phone-line volunteers asks between calls.

“Fine,” I say, guzzling water.

As I watch Seth bring the press conference to a close, my phone pings with a text. It’s from Heidi Jenkins at the OCS home. I need to break the news that I won’t be able to help her build the youth services organization that she pitched to me with stars in her eyes. The position would require limitless energy and positivity, the ability to network, build community, and grant writing. In short, it’s perfect for me. But I’m sure she’ll find someone great.

I should tell her in person. As soon as the votes are in, I’ll drive up there so we can talk.

The news on the screen breaks to an election update.

Before I can read the chart flashing on the screen, the volunteers swarming around me cheer.

“He’s in the lead!”

Seth’s margin has increased to 54% over Peyton’s 21%. That’s a huge leap from the last poll a month ago.

“Who let the dogs out?” another one cries, met by a chorus of “who, who, who!” and howls.

I smile at the friends and helpers celebrating, then return to sending another slug of get-out-the-vote emails and reminders to Seth’s pledged supporters.

A thrill crests inside me like a wave. At this point, for Peyton to win, something drastic would need to happen. It still could. The debate is at 10:00. Seth, exhausted from what’s likely been the longest night in law enforcement in the history of McKenzie County, could easily flub up. It’s happened to plenty of other candidates throughout history—or Peyton could try to damage Seth’s character with lies from their breakup. Would she really do that on television?

The first inkling of victory creeps into my thoughts.

Could we really be winning? Could the speeches and appearances and Seth’s steadfast pursuit of justice be paying off, just like it’s supposed to?

My phone pings with a text. It’s from Seth.

Can I see you?

I frown.

Now?

You’re going on live television in twenty minutes

I don’t care

What’s got into him?

After the debate

Fine. Pizza and Moose Drool sound okay?

I stare at the message. What is he doing?

Sure

He thanks me, and I shake my head in confusion.

I work alongside the team of volunteers until the debate begins. The volunteers cry out as the candidates and hostess flash on the screen. Seth looks tired, but sharp in the new suit I had delivered. Peyton looks as good as ever, but there’s a hard gleam in her eyes.

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