Chapter 34
The stepsof the juice bar were already packed with the residents, business owners, along with reporters and news crews waiting for the press conference when she got there.
Theo stood in front of a podium with Charlotte and Todd flanking him. Amber took him in eagerly. His dark suit was perfectly pressed, his white shirt and red tie crisp in the heat of the midday. So achingly handsome.
Her heartbeat slowed down before speeding up again, so fast she put the heel of her hand to her chest because, oh, it was so good to see him.
She studied him eagerly, noticing that the tiny lines around his eyes were more pronounced, and the corners of his beautiful mouth pinched. She wondered if he had been sleeping.
She had spent the last few weeks planning and working to make her dream into something tangible with Charlotte’s help. Charlotte had listened to her ideas about the boutique and had helped her write a solid business plan. She even went with Amber to the bank to apply for a loan. They were still waiting for an answer, but Charlotte said she had a good feeling.
Start with yourself, her mother had said.
Nothing was signed yet, but it felt good to finally stop wishing and start actively working for something she wanted. There was just one more thing...
Amber wove closer through the throng of people, waving hello to Allie and Davis, who stood next to Lily and Evie. Annette and the aunts all stood nearby, listening. Everyone was waiting to hear what the mayor had to say about his campaign. She found a spot next to her family where she could see him.
“Are you okay?” Annette asked her quietly.
Her hands started to shake. She fingered the little yellow square of paper she held nervously. “Yeah,” she smiled shakily. “I think I will be.”
“Hello, everyone.” Theo’s voice rose over the murmuring of the crowd. Calm. Assertive. “Thank you for coming today, and thank you to the Juice Express for inviting me here to clear the air.” Theo glanced at the women in yoga outfits that circled him like protective hens and smiled. “First, I want to address the recent departure of Neal Barclay from our campaign team. His actions and behavior are entirely his own and do not reflect the values and hard work of my team. Charlotte Thornton and Todd Myers have dedicated countless hours to serving our town with integrity and compassion. Their efforts shouldn’t be overshadowed by the actions of one individual.
“Over the last few weeks, several claims have been made against me regarding my dog, Puddin’.” At her name, Puddin’ lifted her head from Charlotte’s chest and let out an indignant howl. Someone chuckled in the crowd. “I did not steal her; however, I did rescue her, and I would do so again. My actions were in line with my lifelong commitment to stand up for those that can’t stand up for themselves, including our four-legged friends. I will never apologize for protecting the vulnerable in our community.
“Finally, I’d like to address the claims about my personal life.” He paused and looked out at the crowd. “My personal life has been exactly that—personal. But I believe in transparency and honesty, especially with you, the people who trust me to lead. I want to be clear: I have only ever loved one woman,” he said quietly. “I’m here today because I believe in Northfield and in making a difference in our future. If there are any questions, I’m here to answer them.”
In the hush that followed, Amber took a step forward and raised her hand. “I have a question, Mr. Mayor.” Her voice was clear and purposeful, if a little wobbly. Heads whipped around to stare, but she was all in now. She kept her eyes locked on the only person who mattered.
Theo’s eyes widened at the sound of her voice. He cleared his throat. “Please ask, Ms. Hart.” His voice, so calm and confident before, was gruff now. The crowd was silent in anticipation, adding to her nerves. But she knew exactly what to do.
Amber walked to the podium and handed him the Post-it note. It was limp from her sweaty hands, but the words were clear and bold on the yellow paper. She watched Theo’s lips move as he read the words.
“Truth or dare?” He looked at her, and she felt her heart twist at the look on his face.
“Yes.” She cleared her throat. “Pick one. Please,” she added nervously.
The silence was absolute. A camera crew jostled through the crowd and stopped next to her.
“I choose dare.” He looked at her with that one eyebrow arched. She wanted to trace the familiar curve with her lips.
She smiled then.
“I dare you to ask me again.”
“Truth or dare, Ms. Hart.”
“I choose the truth.” Her voice was clear and proud.
Ask me how much I’ve missed you. Ask me if I’ve been running or if I’ve been eating something besides sugar. Ask me how your love has made me strong enough to believe in myself. Ask me if I love you again, Theo. Please.
Understanding dawned on his face, along with a slow, sexy smile. “Do you love me?” he asked.
“I love you, Theo Clairmont,” she said, her voice wavering with emotion. “I love your honorable heart and your sense of right and wrong. I love how hard you work to take care of the things you love.” Her voice broke, but she forced the words in her heart through the knot in her throat, encouraged by the warmth in Theo’s eyes. “I love how gentle you are and how you make me laugh. You’re truly noble and wonderfully humble and so deeply kind, and I love you so mu?—”
Before she could finish, Theo closed the distance between them, lifted her against his chest until her feet left the sidewalk, and kissed her swiftly on the lips. She smelled his warm, familiar cologne, and tears welled in her eyes from the sheer relief and joy of being in his arms again.
She twined her arms around his neck and laid one on him to the roar of the crowd.
Pippa shoved a mic toward them. Her sisters got out the tissues. Annette sniffed, but Amber ignored it all and kissed the man she loved.
When she finally came up for air, she leaned back to see him grinning down at her, dimples and all. “I’m sorry I pushed you away,” she whispered. “I was so afraid of being hurt that I hurt you first. I love you so much,” she whispered.
He kissed her again, softly this time. “It’s about damn time.”
And then he grinned, dimples and all.