Sparks Fly with Mr. Mayor

by Teresa Carpenter

  Holding them up, she said, “You want to explain these?”

  Frowning, he took the roll and recognized some sketches he’d been playing with. “These are nothing.”

  “They’re plans for a sports complex, but different than the one proposed. This one has a memorial fountain with a floral surround including six historical markers and a statue of Anderson. It’s not a museum or botanical garden, but it’s a big step up from a plaque on the side of the snack bar.”

  “These are just some ideas I was messing with. I dropped the soccer fields, because I figured it wouldn’t take much to convert the current sports field for soccer. They currently play at the high school, and Alex mentioned how torn up the football field has gotten.”

  “It’s brilliant. Needing less land for the new sports complex would leave funds available for converting the current field and re-sodding the football field. Win, win, win for the sports crowds, and the fountain is a nod to the museum/garden supporters. Shows someone listened. That’s important. When are you going to show them to the public?”

  He shook his head. “I can’t. As the current mayor and a candidate, it would be a conflict of interest.”

  “No,” she protested. “Don’t tell me that. What about the original plans?”

  “Palmer hired someone to draw them up for the town meeting. I wasn’t involved. I never meant anyone to see these. At least not until after the election and then only if I lose. As a city official, it’s against my fiduciary duty to profit from city funds.”

  “But—”

  “Dani, I can’t show anyone these plans, and you can’t tell anyone. Promise me you’ll forget you saw these.”

  Reluctantly she nodded.

  She pulled her jacket tighter around herself and checked her watch. “I should go. It’s not too late. I can still make it home before Faith goes to bed.”

  He moved toward her, and she moved away. Avoiding his eyes, she ran her gaze over the deck, checking her work.

  “I guess I’ve done all I can for now. The caterer’s crew will put the tablecloths on the tables out here tomorrow when they get here, hunter-green with white china and napkins. And we have market umbrellas to put up if it’s hotter than predicted.” She stopped babbling to look up at him. “It does look good, right?”

  He knew she’d had the nursery send up a dozen three-foot-high topiary plants. To each planter she’d added an airy white bow, a classy tribute to celebrate the event. Scattered throughout the house and deck, they brought unity to the areas, which would give the guests a sense of being involved whether inside or out. White rose centerpieces were scheduled to be delivered in the morning.

  “It’s perfect. Thanks for all the help.”

  “It was a team effort.”

  “True, but let’s be honest, you handled the bulk of the work, and it’s going to be great.”

  “As long as Samantha is happy,” she said around a huge yawn. “Sorry.”

  “Not a problem. Sami will be ecstatic.” He followed her inside. He wasn’t ready to say good-night. “You want me to drive you home?”

  “No, I’m fine. Besides I need my car to get to the church in the morning.”

  “I can pick you and Faith up in the morning. And your car will be here when you’re ready to leave tomorrow.”

  “Tempting, but no.” She picked up her purse and found her keys. After crossing to the door, she stopped and turned to face him. Her slumberous gaze almost brought him to his knees. “I’m not sure I can trust myself to be alone with you.”

  The door closed softly behind her.

  Cole plopped down on the sofa. Oh, God. He’d fallen in love with that strong, gorgeous, vulnerable, annoying, elusive woman.

  Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny, fluffy clouds floating in a blue sky. The perfect day for a blessing. Standing in the church with the jewel refractions of the stunning stained glass window raining down upon the christening party, Dani savored the beauty of the moment.

  As she held eight-month-old Jake with Cole at her side, his hand warm in the small of her back, surrounded by the love and support of his friends and family, she reflected she’d rarely known a more powerful moment.

  “That cinnamon color looks stunning with your hair,” Samantha whispered to Dani. Lovely in a violet wraparound dress, she fingered the cap sleeve of Dani’s sweater dress. “We are a pretty crowd. Have you met Rick and Rett yet?”

  Before she had a chance to respond, Cole shifted so he joined the conversation, his hand sliding from her back to her waist. She wondered if the gesture appeared as proprietary as it felt. She should protest, but today she was coupled with Cole and she found she didn’t want to fight it. It may be wrong, but it felt right and she decided just to enjoy what the day brought.

  “Samantha, my darling,” he said smoothly, “you look too young to be the mother of three boys.”

  “You lie, but I love you for it.” Obviously pleased, Samantha gave him a hug, wiggling her eyebrows at Dani as she did so, a clear sign his hold on Dani spoke as loud as she feared. “I was just telling Dani what a good-looking crowd we make. It was a struggle getting the boys into their suits, but worth the effort.”

  “They are handsome.” Dani admired the boys in their mini suits. All the men were suited up, including Cole. And he looked fine, straight, tall and distinguished, shoulders wide as a house. She glanced up at him. “All the Sullivan men look handsome today.”

  He smiled, his head lowering toward her.

  Dani caught her breath. Did he intend to kiss her here in church? Again? He wouldn’t dare! Both appalled and thrilled, she couldn’t bring herself to pull away.

  His lips warmed the skin of her temple. “You’re the loveliest woman in the room.”

  Her pent-up breath escaped in a rush of happiness. “Thank you.”

  “Good morning, Sullivans,” Father Paul greeted the group. “Are we ready to begin the blessing?”

  The ceremony began and Dani and Cole stepped up to the baptismal fountain at the priest’s direction. Faith, clutching the hem of Dani’s skirt, moved with them.

  The priest took them through the blessing. Dani and Cole said their lines, candles were lit, the baby anointed. Jake behaved beautifully, fussing only a bit when the father dribbled the water over his forehead.

  As she held Jake over the fountain, she felt a tug on her skirt.

  “I can’t see,” Faith complained.

  “I’ll get her.” Cole immediately came to the rescue. “Come here, sweetie.” He lifted Faith into his arms and she stayed there for the rest of the ceremony.

  Dani loved the weight of little Jake in her arms. She almost didn’t want to give him back, but everyone wanted time with the guest of honor so she handed him off to his father with an exchange of hugs.

  And then Faith was there wanting to know if she had got the water poured on her when she was a baby, and four-year-old Gabe came running over to whisper in Faith’s ear and no time existed for wistful sighs.

  The brunch at Cole’s proved a raving success. The weather played nice, warm enough to make the use of the umbrellas practical, but a nice breeze kept people from crowding indoors where it was cooler but there was less seating for meals. The caterer, a gal new to the area whom Mattie had recommended, got so many requests for introductions, she finally joined the party while her crew handled the service. She took over in the kitchen again when it was time for cake.

  Best of all Samantha and Alex just relaxed and enjoyed the day. Laughter and happy voices filled the house with a festive vibe.

  In his element as host, Cole wandered from group to group, charming and teasing with equal measure, flirting with the ladies, young and old, and kicking it with the dudes from little Jake to tottering great-uncle Bill.

  Whenever Cole moved from one group to the next, he touched base with Dani in between. Literally touched her, a simple cup of her elbow, an arm around her waist or shoulders, or that warm hand in the small of her back. He was constantly putting
his hands on her.

  And she liked it.

  Guests began to depart and, as the crowd thinned out, Dani started collecting used cups and plates. As she went through the living room, Gram stopped her.

  “Dani, dear, put that down and come sit with me. You’ve done enough for today and Cole told me the catering included cleanup.”

  “Don’t mind if I do.” With a sigh from the feet up, Dani sat down next to Gram on the living room sofa. She set her collection of cups and plates on the coffee table to be taken to the kitchen later. “I hope you’ve enjoyed the day.”

  “I have. It’s been lovely. And it’s such a treat to be able to sit back and enjoy.” Gram patted Dani’s hand. “I know Cole appreciates your help.”

  “He could have handled it alone, but I was happy to do it for Samantha’s sake. She’s done so much to help me since I moved to town.”

  “Don’t minimize your contribution, Dani. I see your influence everywhere.” Gram sipped her coffee. “Not least of which on Cole.”

  Dani frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “I’ve watched him with you today. It’s obvious he’s smitten.”

  Dani scolded herself for the excited buzz Gram’s assessment sent tingling down her spine.

  Stopping short of a full eye roll, Dani sent Gram a wry glance. “Cole is a flirt, Mrs. Sullivan. We both know he doesn’t mean anything by it.”

  “Please call me Gram.” The older woman set her cup on the coffee table. “I know my grandson, Dani. I’ve never seen him so possessive of a woman before.”

  Dani had no business being pleased by the statement. “It’s just the proximity. Between the christening classes and working together this week, we’ve been in each other’s pockets.”

  “The way he looks at you, the way he returns to your side, I think it’s more than that.” Concern touched the blue eyes, but was the emotion for Dani or Cole? “Does that scare you?”

  Yes, more than anything in a long time. And that said a lot. Not that she could confess such a thing to his grandmother.

  “I’m sure you’re wrong. Cole doesn’t do serious.”

  “He doesn’t do jealous either, but he hasn’t let Rick or Rett within ten feet of you all day.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Come, dear. Samantha’s matchmaking has been less than subtle and Cole is taking no chances of one of his brothers catching your eye.”

  “Oh, but…” Could Gram be right, could Cole have feelings for Dani?

  Or was his grandmother simply seeing what she wanted to see? She’d made no effort to disguise her desire for him to find someone to settle down and start a family with.

  Dani looked for Cole and saw him outside on the deck. He stood leaning back against the railing, Faith asleep in his arms, as he talked to the infamous twins. Rick and Rett had the Sullivan dark hair, blue eyes and good looks, only amped up a notch. Their features were more defined, bringing their male beauty into sharp detail.

  Was it true Cole had been sabotaging introductions to the two men?

  Dani found it hard to believe.

  Even if he were interested in her, his confidence should handle an introduction to his brothers. But as she watched, one of the twins pointed inside to where she sat with Gram. Immediately Cole stood to attention though his features remained casual. She saw his lips moving and after a moment, he shifted Faith in his arms so he could reach inside his pants pocket. He pulled out keys and handed them to one of the twins. The two men walked down and off the deck and Cole came inside.

  He caught her eye and motioned he was taking Faith upstairs. Dani nodded and then turned to find Gram watching the whole flow of events.

  “Coincidence,” Dani said.

  “You’re too smart to believe that,” Gram chided her. “I’m sure you’ve heard it from plenty of well-meaning people, but I’m not going to tell you it’s time to move on with your life. We all grieve at our own pace. I’ve been a widow for over twenty-five years, so I know some men are difficult to forget.”

  “It’s not just that.”

  “Of course not. It’s never just one thing. And you’re doing the best you can. But this is my grandson, whom I love very much. For all his charming ways, he’s more vulnerable than he appears.” Gram squeezed Dani’s hand. “Cole doesn’t give his heart easily. All I ask is you don’t hurt him.”

  Wow, that was a switch. Worried about her own chances for hurt, Dani never considered Cole might suffer from their association.

  All day she’d been playing hostess to his host. And this morning in the church Dani had realized she’d been envisioning a family for her and Faith, complete with a daddy and a new baby.

  That was so not where she was.

  Obviously Samantha’s matchmaking and Faith’s talk of a new daddy had reached Dani on a subliminal level, leaving her open to romantic suggestions.

  As the mother, it was her job to help Faith get over her daddy fixation, not let Faith drag Dani into her fantasy.

  Obviously, Samantha and Faith were bad influences, and Dani’d be smart to stay far, far away from both of them.

  And even farther away from Cole.

  Upstairs Cole laid Faith in his bed and carefully covered her with a throw. Brushing back a dark curl, he felt a swell of love for the child. She’d stolen his heart even before her mother had.

  He’d almost gotten used to the idea of loving Dani. At first he’d fought it, convinced himself it was heartburn, a hallucination or sheer exhaustion. The flimsy excuses changed nothing, his feelings never changed.

  He loved Dani.

  And he loved having mother and daughter here in his home. It felt right having Dani as his hostess, and his heart expanded when little Faith climbed into his arms and fell asleep. The trust and affection of the gesture touched him deeply.

  Tonight confirmed for him that they belonged together as a family. Now he just needed to convince her of the fact.

  Leaving a light burning in the adjoining bathroom, the hall door ajar, he headed back downstairs. He couldn’t afford to be gone long or the twins would get to Dani. No need to tempt fate.

  Halloween followed close on the heels of the christening. Faith, dressed as the Little Mermaid, went trick-or-treating with the Sullivan boys.

  Dani strolled the streets of her neighborhood with Samantha and Alex while the kids ran from house to house. The streets had been closed to nonresident traffic, so the subdivision was flooded with kids.

  Her party stopped at a house decorated with a large air balloon of a Frankenstein monster and the kids tromped up to the door. Dani casually surveyed the street behind them. Keeping her tone oh so nonchalant, she finally asked the question on her mind.

  “Did you say Cole was going to join the trick-or-treating? Should we wait for him before going too far?”

  “No,” Alex responded. “We saw him when we went by the nursery, and he said he wouldn’t be able to make it. One of his workers called in sick so he’s driving the tractor for the hayride.”

  “Oh.” Let down, she hid her disappointment with a smile. “I bet it’s quite a party out there.”

  “Yeah, it always is. And Cole stays open as long as people keep coming by.”

  “Yes, he would.” Dani easily saw Cole sticking it out so the kids could have fun. He was built that way.

  She’d deliberately kept her distance in the days since the christening and it surprised her how much she missed seeing him, talking to him, laughing with him.

  Faith and the boys came tripping down the walk and the group moved on to the next house. As the kids repeated the process, Samantha vented about the upcoming Harvest Dance.

  “The dance is only two days away and all the plans are falling apart.” Samantha rubbed her hands together to generate heat. The temperature had dropped as a cold front went through the valley.

  “Sami, the plans are fine. Nobody is as organized as you. Give it a chance, everything will fall into place.”

  Samantha sen
t Dani a frazzled glare before turning to her husband. “Alex, sweetheart, Dani and I are going to walk ahead a bit. Can you handle the kids for a few minutes?” At his assent Samantha pulled Dani into the middle of the street.

  “I’ll be so glad when this election is over,” Samantha lamented. “It’s the darn sex campaign. Tempers are frayed.”

  “It’s not a sex campaign,” Dani protested. “It’s meant to make the men and women supporting the sports complex listen to a view other than their own. We had to anticipate the men would get grouchy.”

  Samantha snorted. “It’s not just the men. Sure they snarl occasionally, but mostly they stay out of the way of the catfights. The point is tempers are short. The Harvest Dance is the biggest deal in town, which means the women were already jockeying for position on the committee. Now women who barely get along are frustrated and fighting for power.”

  “Put them all on decorations,” Dani suggested. “Let them put their frustrations into physical labor.”

  “Very funny. I can hold it together long enough to get the event off the ground, but it’s not going to be very festive when half the town isn’t talking to the other half.”

  Dani linked her arm through Sami’s. “It’ll be fine. Music soothes the savage breast. Once the band starts, everyone will get into the spirit of things.”

  “I hope so. Otherwise, it’s going to be a very long night.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  “I TOLD you so.” Samantha nervously drummed her fingers on the table as she looked around Sampson Hall.

  The community center had been turned into a harvest bower with strategically placed white trellises festooned with fall foliage and strung with hundreds of tiny white and orange lights. A haunting love ballad floated on the air courtesy of a live band.

  “It’s magical, Sami,” Dani complimented her. “You and your frustrated committee did a fabulous job.”

  “You’re laughing, but nobody is dancing. You promised me they’d dance.”