Chapter 21 #3
Or that now, it will be.
I’m relieved to see Harper and Chase walk in during the middle of Eula Martin’s rambly speech.
They’re with Jo and Lindy, who’s wearing Evie in some kind of cloth baby carrier.
Their little group ends up standing on the same side of the room as Rose, just a handful of people down.
I wave and smile, glad to see them. I was starting to worry.
About an hour in, I can’t stand it anymore and I make my way over to Rose during a speech from one of the Bobs.
Chelsea gives me a hug and a whispers, “I’m so glad to meet you!
” She steps aside so I can stand between her and her mom.
I shake hands with Mason, then John, who looks a whole lot more intimidating—and less thrilled to see me—up close.
Maybe he’s just another version of James, I tell myself. A bear on the outside and gooey-soft on the inside.
Somehow, I don’t think so.
Trying to ignore my worry, I wrap my arm around Rose’s waist and press a kiss to her cheek, leaning down to murmur, “You have no idea how hard it’s been standing so far away from you all this time.”
She tilts her head up to me, a smile on her lips. “Oh, I think I know.”
Thankfully, a few minutes after I’ve joined Rose and her family, Lynn Louise bangs her gavel on the bar again. James frowns, and I bet he’ll be checking the bar for damage as soon as she gets down.
“While I think we could go on for a few more hours, in the interest of time, I think we should call an end to the official speeches,” Lynn Louise says.
“Feel free to pull Wolf aside to tell him whatever you might not have had time to say here. I think I speak for us all when I say that Sheet Cake wouldn’t be the same without you, Wolf. ”
There’s another loud round of applause, cheers, and chants, but before Lynn Louise can bang the gavel again, Wolf stands up, raising a hand. “Am I allowed a response?” he asks.
“I think we can make time for that,” Lynn Louise says with a serious nod.
“Thank you.” Wolf looks down before dropping his hand and glancing around the room slowly, intentionally. “I don’t know how to thank any of you for what this has meant to me.”
He pauses, clearly fighting through a bout of emotion that has my own chest tightening. Rose leans her head on my chest. I hear a few sniffles around the room. After a moment, he recovers and continues, his voice a little stronger.
“I’ve always felt like something of an outcast. Not just with my family, but also, at times, from this town.
I am not someone who tends to fit in easily.
But I think tonight, I realized for the first time that maybe this is a lie I’ve believed.
I truly had no idea how you all saw me, and I don’t know …
” Now, Wolf can’t quite hold it back, and he sniffs, wiping a hand under his eyes.
“I don’t know how to thank you for showing me that I belong.
It’s not what I expected, especially after this week. ”
There are nods and sounds of agreement, along with more sniffles. Then, Wolf grins.
“Even if belonging means being part of this strange and wonderful little town. You’ve been raising a glass to me all night, but how about we take a moment to toast to Sheet Cake?” He lifts a pint glass Kyoko delivered a few minutes ago. “To Sheet Cake!”
“To Sheet Cake!” the room echoes, and then Lynn Louise bangs her gavel again.
“Does that mean you’re still running for mayor?” she demands.
I groan. The point, as we saw it, was not to bring up the race. I didn’t want him to feel pressured or to think this was all about just getting him to run. Sure—that would be the best outcome. But really and truly, I think it was important for Wolf to understand how important his place here is.
And now, I hope Lynn Louise hasn’t just ruined it.
There’s a beat of silence as Wolf looks around the room. Then, he smiles. “What—like I would drop out after this and leave you to the likes of my brother? I don’t think so!”
More cheers and clapping, which honestly, I’ve had just about enough of. I’m feeling impatient now, ready to get the official introductions to Rose’s kids over with.
Once more, Lynn Louise bangs the gavel and then raises her voice. “James Graham promised drink specials all night, so get up here and grab yourself a beer or a soda,” she calls. “And don’t forget to tip!”
No sooner has she hopped down from her spot on the bar than there’s a rush of patrons, some moving to the bar and some heading over to talk to Wolf. I tug Rose back with me toward the wall and out of the way. Keeping an arm around her waist, I glance at Chelsea, Mason, and then John.
“I’m glad y’all could make it. We had something of a greeting, but I guess it’s time for official introductions,” I say, the nerves suddenly zinging through me.
I should have written out something to say, maybe even memorized it, because I realize what words are spilling out of me before I can do a thing to stop them.
“I’m Tank Graham and I’m falling in love with your mother.”