Page 122 of No Place Like Home
“Hang on.” Dad came to stand by Cade, held up his hands with a chuckle. “I know this is sudden, so everyone take the weekend and think about it. I’ll have a box in my office for you to place your nominee when you’re ready.”
“All right, then. If that’s all on the political front, it’s time for cupcakes!” Delia raised her fist to the chorus of cheers. Everyone turned toward the desserts. Cade stood, setting the clipboard on the table as the room lit with excited chatter, and breathed a sigh. He’d done it.
Now he could go home to those Cheetos and agonize over why Rosalyn?—
“Wait!” Noah waved his arms to quiet the room. “There’s one more order of business.”
“Now what?” Madame Paulette planted her hands on her hips. “Politics make people hungry, Noah.”
He ignored her and turned to face Elisa, who stood in front of the counter. “I wasn’t going to do this here.”
Elisa looked back at him with a smile, her brow slightly drawn in confusion. “Do what?”
Noah reached in the pocket of his plaid button-down and bent to one knee.
Elisa’s eyes widened. She sucked in her breath. “Oh my gosh.”
“Oh mygosh.” Zoey slapped Linc’s arm.
Delia, who stood closest to Cade, clutched his sleeve. “Ohmy gosh.”
Cade steadied her with his free hand, unable to keep a smile from spreading across his face. Maybe nothing else had gone as planned lately, but this—this was better.
The room fell into reverent silence as Noah looked up at Elisa, who had her hands pressed against both cheeks. “I realize this isn’t the most romantic setting, but I’ve been carrying this ring around for weeks hoping for the perfect moment.” Noah’s Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat. “I can’t wait any longer to be your husband, Elisa Bergeron.”
Tears streamed freely down Elisa’s cheeks. “Well that’s good, sugar, because I can’t wait any longer to say yes.”
“I technically haven’t asked you anything yet.” He grinned, his eyes misty.
“Then hurry up already.” Elisa bounced up and down.
Cade cast a quick look toward Zoey and Linc. Zoey had her hands clutched under her chin, her face radiant. “Elisa Bergeron.” Noah cleared his throat, then started again, voice thick. “We’ve been through a lot. I used to just fight with you. Then, somewhere along the way, I started to love fighting with you. But now…now I just love you.” He held up the ring, a beautiful solitaire. “And I’d love tonotfight with you for the rest of our days if you’ll have me.”
“Yes!” She didn’t even wait for him to put the ring on her finger before she launched into his arms.
He wrapped her in a tight hug as the room burst into applause. Then they pulled back to kiss, and the whistles started. Blushing, Elisa drew away far enough to let him put the ring on her left hand. “It’s perfect. That was perfect.”
“You’re perfect.” Noah dropped a kiss on her nose.
“I’m going to throw up.” Miley sighed as she turned away. “Where are those cupcakes?”
The rest of the room flocked to the happy couple’s side. Mrs. Peters sidled up to Cade, who hung back from the festivities. Her vintage pantsuit today was a burnt orange.
“A gift for you, young Landry.” She sniffed and handed him a book with a red bow on top.
“For me?” He carefully removed the bow to see the title.If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Cade grinned, meeting the older woman’s eyes even as gratitude tightened his throat. “You shouldn’t have.”
He’d won over Mrs. Peters. Who’d have thought?
She lifted her chin. “It’s due back in three weeks.” Then she winked—winked—before heading for the cupcake table.
Delia joined him before he could close his mouth. “See? You’re doing better than you realize.” She patted his shoulder. “People care about you.”
“I’m starting to believe it.” He set the book on the table behind him. “Thanks, Mama D.”
“I’m happy everything is working out. For everyone.” She released a pleased sigh, then shot Cade a sidelong look. “Now…what’s the plan for these potholes?”
He snorted. “Yours is up first, of course.”
