Chapter 29
twenty-nine
H e might be the first mayoral candidate in history to quit a race at his own campaign party.
Cade stood in front of the Magnolia Blossom’s yellow door two weeks later and took a deep breath. As soon as he opened it, he had to be professional. Had to pretend like he hadn’t gotten only three hours of sleep last night, tossing and turning over Rosalyn not being back. They’d texted over the past few weeks, but the last few days, communication had dwindled. Had she changed her mind about them? Gotten swept back up in the spotlight of her career? Or busy trying to get home? He hadn’t wanted to push, but surrendering had been hard—harder even than the task still before him.
But he was a Landry. He would resign with dignity.
Then go home and kill a bag of spicy Cheetos.
Cade opened the door and was immediately welcomed with a rush of cold air, the aroma of freshly baked peach pie…and roughly fifty people screaming “Surprise!” in his face.
He reeled back a step and blinked, taking in the smiling faces of his parents, Mama D, Mr. and Mrs. Dupree, Miley, and Pastor Dubois. He turned, and there was Sawyer and Owen. Sadie and Mrs. Peters and Harper. And Noah, Elisa, her father Isaac, and Linc—well, he wasn’t smiling. But he was standing next to Zoey, who was beaming enough for them both.
Cade moved slightly farther into the room. “Um, yes. I’m surprised.” It wasn’t anywhere near his birthday. And the red, white, and blue streamers hanging from the ceiling and the American flag printed centerpieces were most certainly not birthday-related decor.
“He doesn’t see it.” Delia, wearing a sleeveless blue dress and giant red earrings, pursed her lips.
“Oh, for crying out loud.” Madame Paulette stepped to the front counter, her red scarves trailing behind her. “Look up, dear.” She rolled her eyes as she stage-whispered to Elisa. “It’s a good thing he’s so cute, huh?”
Cade looked up at the banner hanging over the barstools and the dessert display, his smile dissipating. The festive red, white, and blue Happy Campaign Party wording had been edited with a black marker, to now read Happy Un-Campaign Party .
“We’re firing you,” Madame Paulette loudly announced, as if the sentiment weren’t plenty self-explanatory enough. The diner full of people began clapping and cheering.
Well, this was a twist. He was being rejected before he could fail.
“Oh no. Look at his face.” Madame pressed her fingers against her cheeks, her heavily made-up eyes growing wide. “Someone, quick. Make him understand.”
Delia stepped forward, her hands clasped in front of her chest. For the first time since her surgery, she didn’t hold a cane. “We’re firing you because we love you.”
Feeling slowly returned to Cade’s knees. He opened his mouth, then shut it, unsure how to process.
Delia came closer, wrapping her hand around Cade’s arm. Her gray head barely came to his shoulder as she smiled up at him. “We all think you’re a great town director and we don’t want to lose you in that role. So if you run, we all agreed we wouldn’t vote for you. It’s not the right fit.”
Ouch.
“We want the best for you.” She squeezed his arm. “Because we know you want the best for our town.”
“You do?” He looked around at the smiling, hopeful faces around him. They all contained zero judgment.
This wasn’t an insult. It was…a gift.
He hesitated. It was also his out, if he wanted it. He could accept their decision and save a bit of face—or be honest and say what he originally came to say.
“You’re right, Mama D. It’s not a great fit.” Cade swallowed. “I actually came here today to tell you all that I’m withdrawing from the race.” From the crowd, his father met his gaze. Pride lingered in his eyes.
“Oh, wonderful.” Delia slapped Cade’s shoulder. “Then tell us already!”
“Yeah. Speech . Speech .” Noah started the chanting, which was quickly picked up by Zoey and Elisa. The rest of the town followed.
“Okay, okay.” Cade grinned and held up both hands, looking for a place to stand where everyone could hear him.
Elisa dragged a barstool away from the counter and situated it near the windows, facing the crowd. “Here’s your stage. I don’t have a microphone, sorry.”
“Don’t worry. Cade’s never had a problem running his mouth,” Linc ribbed. Zoey elbowed him in the side.
Cade propped on the edge of the high stool, resting one foot on the bottom bar. He looked out at some of his favorite people in town as they all stared back. At least his facial bruising had mostly resided, the hairline fracture healing straight. “Despite Linc’s confidence endorsement there, this is actually a little intimidating.”
Everyone chuckled.
Cade drew a deep breath. “Like I said, I came here today to withdraw from the race. And while I knew it was the right decision, it still felt like failing.”
He blew out his breath as he faced his beloved town. “I owe you all an apology.”
Faces crinkled in confusion. He wished he had a microphone, something to do with his hands. “Several of you tried to help me with Magnolia Days, and I rejected your efforts because I was trying to do everything myself.”
Murmurs sounded around the room.
“I’m starting to realize that I need to be needed. And if you’re helping me , then I’m not needed.” He hesitated. “And somehow in my brain, that meant I wasn’t wanted.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Mama D scoffed.
“I agree—now. But in thinking that way, I did this town a disservice—and many of you, personally.” He let his gaze encompass the group. Miley, chomping her gum. Owen, eagerly nodding as if he’d support whatever Cade had to say. Farmer Branson, bushy eyebrows hiding most of his stoic expression.
“Magnolia Days took a hit when the circus ended early.” Cade grimaced. “And as many of you have probably heard, there won’t be any filming here any time soon.”
A few disappointed groans sounded through the café. He felt like moaning along with them.
Rosalyn hadn’t come.
“About that.” Delia stepped toward him, held up a clipboard. “We’ve got ideas for fundraising.”
Cade leaned forward on his stool. “You do?”
“Of course. We care about this town too, Cade Landry.” She fisted one hand on her hip. “You’re not alone in this restoration project even though you tried to be. If you’ll let us, we can put Magnolia Bay back together…well, together.” She frowned. “I should’ve practiced that. It sounded more poetic in my head.”
“We can all put it back together,” Madame Paulette suggested.
“Or, you could say, ‘together, we can all put it back.’” Elisa twirled a lock of hair around her finger. “No, that’s still not right.”
“Together is better?” Sadie offered.
Miley popped a bubble. “I have a bedtime, people.”
“Miley’s right.” Delia handed Cade the clipboard. “Several of us met earlier today and wrote out our ideas. Maybe we can’t have a circus every weekend, but there’s plenty we can do if we band…together.” She sighed. “Drat.”
“I hear you, Mama D.” Cade braced the clipboard in his lap and scanned the sheets, filled with ideas that took up the front and back of two pages. Everything from bake sales and car washes to a community-wide rummage sale and silent auction and a state-wide fishing tournament was listed. Yet another page appeared to be a list of names pledging to donate items and time toward the various projects.
Surprise flickered. These ideas were good . Cade should have listened to them sooner.
And the best part was—he wouldn’t have to pull them off alone.
“You know what? I accept.” Cade held up the clipboard with as real a grin as he could muster. “Let’s get together ”—the crowd groaned on cue—“and start scheduling some of these.”
Cheers erupted.
“So who’s gonna run for mayor now?” Sadie’s voice rang above the noise.
“That’s a great question.” Dad stepped forward, holding his hands up to command the room. It immediately quieted. “I’d love to hear some nominees to get the ball rolling.”
“What about Mama D?” Elisa suggested.
Delia reeled back. “I’m way too old for politics, but thanks for the vote of confidence, honey. What about Sadie?”
“Me?” Sadie’s eyes widened and she gripped the back of the chair in front of her. “I’m better with books than people. I think it should be Pastor Dubois.”
“Oh, that’s so kind of you, Sadie.” Pastor smiled as he dipped into a slight bow. “But there’s no way my schedule at the church would allow that. My first priority is shepherding all you wayward sheep.” Everyone chuckled. He nodded toward his son. “What about Owen?”
Owen gulped, his face washing pale against his red T-shirt. “Um, thanks, Dad. But you’ve seen how I get in front of a crowd.”
“Aw, come on.” Elisa, standing under the banner next to Noah, patted Owen’s arm. “You did a great job as ringmaster.”
“That’s because he got to hide behind eyeliner and those coattails.” Linc scowled at the room at large. “And don’t any of you even think about saying my name.”
The diner fell into a thick silence.
Then…“What about Miley?” Owen joked.
Miley coughed hard on her gum, slapping her chest. “You guys are trying to kill me.”
“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 my gosh .” Zoey slapped Linc’s arm.
Delia, who stood closest to Cade, clutched his sleeve. “ Oh my 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 to not fight 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.”
“I bet you tell that to all the girls.” Delia rolled her eyes.
Cade grinned. “Just the ones I like.”
The front door opened with a chime. Cade did a double take as Rosalyn slipped inside, her hair long and loose. His heart spiked. She looked stunning, wearing a simple pink sundress in lieu of her usual workout gear, dainty gold sandals covering tan feet.
Mama D cleared her throat. “Your mouth is open.” Then she winked before merging into the crowd.
Cade tried not to stare as Rosalyn wove through the group. But she’d never be able to blend into a crowd. She was a star.
Maybe it was too much to expect her to ever come down.
Then her eyes landed on him and her face lit, shooting sparks straight through his heart.
Or maybe there was always reason to hope.
“Hi.” Breathless, she landed at his side. Citrus wafted over him.
“Hi yourself.” He edged them over to the side of the room, out of the flow of traffic lining up for cupcakes.
“Sorry I’m late. What’d I miss?” She looked up at him, hair flowing around her shoulders, all beauty and grace.
“Oh, not much. Just my concession speech, which occurred after I got lovingly fired from attempting to run in the first place. And a town-wide effort to help save the Bay now that the movie crew isn’t coming.” He snapped his fingers. “Oh! And Noah proposed to Elisa.”
“Is that all?” Rosalyn laughed, holding up a piece of folded paper. “Mom’s printer is on the fritz, so I had to run by the library.”
He took the paper, wondering if he could take her into his arms too or?—
“Read it.” She was practically bouncing.
He unfolded the slip. A confirmation letter? He skimmed the words. Congratulations on signing up for the Louisiana bar exam. Followed by a paid-in-full receipt.
What?
The question must have been in his eyes, because she tucked her hair behind her ears, words spilling from glossed lips. “This was my first order of business after getting some of my money back.”
“Rosalyn—”
She held up one hand. “I worked with a well-known industry lawyer a lot of entertainers in my circuit use, and he was great. Everything is sorted. I’m safe. The debts are repaid, and Blaine is being held without bail.” She met his eyes. “But I realized that moving forward, there’s only one man I really trust with my career…and my heart.”
Cade nodded soberly. “Owen Dubois.”
She snorted. “ You .” Her eyes shone with…love? “I want you on my team—in every way.”
His heart swelled. Oh, he wanted that too. Except—he frowned. “You realize if we’re together, then my representing you is a conflict of interest?”
“No, I didn’t.” She laughed. “See? You’re good at this already.”
Joy and need and gratitude filled his lungs. “I’m good at something else too. Come here.”
And she did, willingly, their lips dancing as he breathed in her scent, his fingers tangling into her hair, his heart full to bursting. She believed in him. She didn’t need him—but she wanted him.
She was home.
The room burst into applause, and it took several moments and a quick breath for him to realize they were clapping for them. Still, he didn’t want to pull away.
“See?” Noah’s triumphant voice rose above the crowd. “ Told you they were in love back during that whole volcano thing.”
Cade grinned against Rosalyn’s lips.
Yeah.
He kinda knew it then too.