Page 26 of Christmas Hearts

The room bursts with congratulations and cheers. People are hugging me, and I start to ugly-cry with happiness. Thankfully, I didn't wear any makeup. Daisy is jumping for joy now that everyone knows she'll soon have a new brother or sister.

After half an hour of celebration we finally drive over to the park. There are chairs in the big gazebo for both candidates and their families. Justin, Daisy, and I sit on one side, and Mitchell sits on the other side with his assistant.

I'm not surprised the mayor doesn't have a significant other, but I do remember him having a mother who lives in town. I don't know why he didn't bring her today, nor will I ask him about it. He's smug as usual, and it's starting to bother me. Justin looks pissed, though.

The Woodland Falls Gazette did several polls during the past month, and they were pretty close. Some weeks, he had the lead. Some, Justin did. It was a little discouraging, though. I thought all the people from town would side with Justin even after his faux pas.

We're waiting on the town's judge, Judge Carrington, who will read the results to us. Justin seems to be glaring at the mayor. I bump his arm with my shoulder to bring him out of his snit. He looks down at me and nods in acknowledgment.

We've agreed that we're not letting Mayor Douchebag get into our heads anymore, but old habits die hard. We all get up when the Judge approaches us. He nods towards us and then veers to stand before the podium they've put in for him.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting patiently. They were delayed double-checking the ballots. I am happy to announce that our new mayor is Justin Hoffer, who has won by a large margin of 75%."

Justin hugs me and Daisy tightly and we can hear the shouts and hollers from my new family behind us. From the corner of my eye, I see the now ex-mayor running his dirty mouth off at the judge.

When Justin finally stops hugging us, he starts the long process of shaking everyone's hands and kissing the babies.

We have a small reception at the library for the volunteers who helped us with the campaign, and we spend some time there. Everyone is excited about tonight's win. I keep stealing looks at my husband because I know this is the start of a tough journey.

I know he can make a difference in this town, but it'll take us all as a family to do that. With a new baby coming, I might not have the energy to support him properly. I'm startled when someone puts their arm around me.

"Stop stressing." My friend Mandy says.

"I might not be able to support him much with the baby coming."

"He'sthe mayor, not you. Thanks for sending me the pictures of the ultrasound."

I hug her tight.

When everyone is gone, I close up the library, and we go home. Daisy is with her grandparents tonight. Justin's mother is an angel. She knows Justin and I could use some time alone together. We couldn't really go on a honeymoon because of the campaign.

The ride home is silent, but I can feel Justin's gaze on me.

"Mandy told me you're worried you won't be able to support me because of the baby."

I look out the window on my right. I'm only one month pregnant, but the morning sickness is kicking my ass.

"Mandy has a big mouth."

"Are you too tired for a celebration tonight?"

I'm surprised at the abrupt change in topic.

"What did you have in mind?"

"I want to dance with you."

Every now and again, Justin comes up with these romantic ideas. They always surprise me even though I know him a lot better now.

"I can manage some dancing."

He parks the car in his driveway and makes me wait for him to come around, open my door, and help me down from his huge truck. Once we're inside the house, I sort of change my mind.

"I know I said we could dance, but I'd really love a shower. We shook hands with half the town today."

"Yeah, let's do that."

When we get to the bedroom, Justin takes my hand and starts removing my clothes. His demeanor is intense as if what he's doing is the most important thing in the world. As I watch him, I think about how much I love this man and how grateful I am that we have become a family with Daisy.

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