Page 63 of All I've Waited For

Her time spent cleaning up the veterans’ cemetery with her family this morning had been a sober reminder of all the good in her life thanks to the sacrifice of those they honored this Memorial Day. And Ashley was going to enjoy every moment, even when she felt like doing otherwise.

She thanked the volunteer who placed a burger on her plate, then made her way down the food line toward the assortment of potato salads, pasta salads, fruit salads, green salads, and baked beans. After taking a small sampling of each, Ashley took a bag of chips and a chocolate chip cookie before making her way toward one of the many Baker family blankets spread near the front of the crowd.

“Ashley Baker! Just the woman I was hoping to see.”

Turning toward the jovial voice, she found Bud Travis waving her down as he huffed toward her.

“How are you, Bud?” Ashley offered her warmest smile as she shifted the plate in her hands.

Bud’s nearly bald head glistened under the noon-time sun. “I’m good. Real good, actually. Decided to run for mayor this fall.”

“Wow, that’s great.” The town could certainly use a mayor who actually cared about its people—not just his power. And thus far, Mayor Walsh was running uncontested. “What made you decide to do that?”

“Velma.” The whiskers from Bud’s long white beard and mustache couldn’t disguise the man’s grin. “She made little comments here and there in that quiet way of hers about things we could do to improve the town. It finally got through my thick skull that maybe I should do something other than stew about them.”

“I’m happy for you.” She leaned in. “And you’ve already got my vote.”

“Wonderful! But I’m hoping you can do more for me than that.”

“Oh?” As it usually did, word had spread quickly about her taking over Kyle’s business. “I’m happy to throw you a victory party when the time comes.” She winked.

The skin around his tan face wrinkled even more with his laugh. “That would be good too, but I was more thinking along the lines of you being my campaign manager. Don’t know anyone more organized and better with people than you.”

“Me?” Sure, she’d grown up in this town and knew everyone, but politics were way down there on her list of interests, right next to dieting and reading. “Um, I’m honored.”

Bud studied her, lips moving to the side. “Now, don’t feel like you need to answer right away. I can give you some time to examine your schedule.”

“No, that’s not necessary.” She should do it, for the good of the town, right?

Her eyes swept the park, filled with all—almost all—of the people she loved best. There were Evan and Madison, and Shannon and Bella and Ben, and Ms. Josephine and Aunt Jules and Mom and Dad. Even Carlotta Jenkins, who sat like a queen in a chair surrounded by her hive of honeybees, brought something to the town.

“You can’t be all things to all people.”Kyle’s voice was in her head.

Bud’s eyes twinkled. “I hope that smile means you’re considering saying yes.”

“Actually, I’m going to have to say no. I would love to help you out, but my plate is pretty full right now.” She looked down. “And I don’t just mean the one in my hand.”

He chuckled.

Here went nothing. “I also have to admit that I don’t think I’d have the level of passion for the project that I should.” She cringed as the words rushed out. What would he say to her honesty?

Nodding, he stroked his beard. “I’m disappointed, but I understand.”

Incredible. Bud genuinely wasn’t mad at her. Kyle had been right—those who loved her would keep loving her, no matter what she did or didn’t do for them.

“Know anyone who might be available and good at the job?”

Her mind immediately latched on to the perfect answer. “Kyle Mahaney. He’s the kind of guy who won’t be able to sit still in retirement for long.”

“I know the feeling.” Bud scratched behind his ear. “I’ll give him a call next week and see what he thinks. Thank you for the suggestion. I’d better let you go eat now.”

“Of course.” She waved goodbye and turned to look for an opening on her family’s blanket, which was sheltered by the trees ringing the large grassy area that took up most of the park.

Aunt Jules waved Ashley over, patting the spot next to her. “Well, if it isn’t the newest Baker family business owner.”

Sitting between Jules and Bella, Ashley settled her plate on the soft blue blanket. “Thanks for making room for me.”

“There’s always a place with us.” Jules nudged Ashley’s shoulder. “We’re all very proud of you.”

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