Page 65 of Fourth Heartwarmers Trilogy
“I intended to get Angie O’Brien in the office as my deputy anyway, but I’d want her to start working with me right now.”
“Easy. Done. We’ll take a vote while we have a moratorium and then we’ll hold a press conference to explain what’s happening to the public.”
“Okay then, Angie and I’ll be at city hall early tomorrow morning. Don’t worry, gentlemen. We’ll get this mess straightened out as quickly as possible.”
Chief Driver’s grin widened to where it was a bit scary. “And I’ll be working with the FBI, concentrating on trying to find our scuzzy mayor and bring him to justice. A job I’m looking forward to.”
Jack sat alone for a few minutes after the others left. He’d had plans for these next few weeks before Christmas, plans he’d worked on all through the day when moments of peace became like precious jewels.
He’d envisioned spending time with his girls, getting Mia to fall more in love with him. Charming Maisie back into the pool so she could enjoy swimming rather than stay terrified. It needed to be done, she couldn’t be allowed to foster her fear so as an adult, she’d lose out on such an enjoyable pastime. He didn’t want that for her, and the sooner he began helping her to win over her fear, the better.
He held his head in his hands and let go of each of his fantasies… for now. The city needed a leader so they wouldn’t flounder worse than they already were. He had seen the agitation on the faces of Chief Driver, Ed Snowton and the others.
A man had responsibilities. He only prayed Mia wouldn’t feel as if his absence was in any way because of her.
Chapter Forty-five
Mia listened to Jack’s explanation of why she’d be seeing so little of him over the next few weeks. As much as she wanted to show her support, their love was so new, like a tender sprout breaking ground, she couldn’t help letting her worry seep into her expression.
“I care about you, Jack. You’ve been under a lot of pressure lately. After the accident and the election, I’d hoped you’d be kind to yourself and slow down before stepping into office.”
“Those were my plans, baby. To spend time with you and Maisie, get to know you better and let you get to know me. It’s been a merry-go-round affair so far for us. Either were spinning deliriously or watching each other from the sidelines.”
Mia stepped forward so she could put her arms around his waist and have him scoop her close to his body. She looked up into his eyes and saw the sincerity she’d heard in his voice. Hidden behind the sudden gleam that seemed to appear whenever she was near him, she saw his desperate worry.
“Jack, don’t be concerned for Maisie and me right now. You’re stuck with both of us for as long as you’ll have us.”
“Forever sounds almost long enough.” He leaned forward and kissed her so soundly her ears rang, and she had to hold back from ripping at his clothes.
“Stop that you devil.” She pushed against his chest. “The city needs you to step up, baby; you understand that better than anyone. We’d never stand in your way. Go, do the best you can. Angie’s waiting in the car, and I’ve never seen her so excited. She’s frothing at the bit to get into that office and start making changes for the better. You couldn’t have picked a better assistant. She’ll help you. Better yet, you can trust her.”
“So true. I guess I wish I had her enthusiasm. Those boys Lotborn burned don’t play nice, Mia. And they’re pissed that he took off and left them hanging with a lot of dirty money having been handed over.”
“Most of which he absconded with.” Mia’s disgust rang in her voice. “You can handle them, my guy. Just don’t take any chances. I want you back here safe and sound. We promised Maisie a happy Christmas and having you with us will make it the best ever.”
Mia stood on the veranda waving, watching her two favorite people drive away together. She clutched her robe and wrapped it closer. A sense of foreboding gathered. She couldn’t lose him now, not when they’d finally found each other.
She’d sensed the sadness in his last blistering kiss for what it was. He’d hated having to leave her so soon after they finally opened to their feelings. How could it have taken so long for them both to reach out? She adored the big handsome man, would love him for as long as he lived. A shiver passed over. The next thought blasted into her head with the force of a tornado. As long as he lived…
Oh, God. Please let that be for as long as she existed. Living without him wouldn’t be endured. Suddenly, Angie popped into her thoughts and a whole new understanding began to form for her special aunt.
Chapter Forty-six
Over the next while, Jack tried to spend as much time as possible at Angie’s place, but unavoidably, he’d arrive too late to see Maisie, who he’d call at least once a day just to remind her she was his sweetheart.
Most times, Mia would wait up for him, if you could call being there slumped over in the living room easy chair surrounded by beautiful garments waiting up. He’d have to wake her when he arrived, and more than a few times, Angie found them cuddled together in the same chair in the morning, Mia on his lap and a blanket pulled around them.
Exhaustion colored Mia’s pale face gray most nights. She had her own load of responsibilities. The mom and daughter orders were coming in faster than she could fill them. Even with the two new girls she’d had to hire to sew their products, the list seemed never ending.
Thank goodness for the spacious area where they were able to spread out in comfort. Jack saw the boxes for FedEx piled on theveranda waiting to be picked up each day. Pride at her incredible accomplishment abounded. He’d loved the matching outfits his girls had worn for his inauguration and couldn’t wait to see what Mia had planned for Christmas.
As for himself, Jack took to the office of Mayor, the immense responsibilities and the workload that would stymie a person born to a position of power. People streamed in and out of his office during the next couple of days with problem after problem, left over by the lowlife who’d worn the title before him.
He handled each situation using common sense and with the help of his new assistant and the councilmen who rallied around him determined not to leave him blowing in the wind. Between Angie bullying them into making decisions and them wanting to clean up the mess, he couldn’t have asked for better support.
Unfortunately, on the evening of the visit from a couple of thugs who scared the shit out of him, he was alone in the office. It was late and he’d sent the others home, including Angie. There were papers only he could handle, and decisions best made by the mayor, who would have to live with them if done wrong.
The low light from the lamp on his desk sent a glow over just that area so when the door opened and a man slid into his office, Jack couldn’t make out any details at first. When the second man took his place behind the first, Jack’s blood started to pound.
