Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 96(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 64(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 96(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 64(@300wpm)
“Retire,” he repeats the words, feeling them out. “It’s crazy. It’s been sixteen years that I’ve served as mayor of Sweet Temptation Bay. It almost feels like nothing’s changed.” He’s right because the town has kept its old-world charm, and my husband has too.
His youth might be fading, but you wouldn’t really be able to see from his appearance except for the light wrinkles on the edges of his eyes or the sexy gray streaks at his temples that bleed through his nearly black hair that’s slightly longer than when we met. His muscles still get their daily workout, including our private workout, which we’ve devoted more time to lately.
“I know. You did a great job.”
“Of course, you think so. You served as my lovely assistant all these years. I couldn’t have asked for a more talented partner and friend, but it’s time. Our kids need their parents around, and I want to spend time with you without the headache of tending to the people for sixteen hours a day.”
“It wasn’t so bad, was it?”
“No, but that’s because you were there to take care of all the problems and make me look like a star of a mayor.” He has made me the woman I am today, giving me the chance to grow that I would have never had under my father’s thumb.
I think about my father sometimes, but it’s rare. He earned his fate. I can’t believe how naïve I’d been to his behaviors until he was arrested and sentenced to life in prison for the attempted murder of a prostitute about ten years ago. Several women came forward with their claims of their own. Many couldn’t be tried because of the age of the crimes, but they were recorded.
“Are you ready for your press conference?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
Axel and Honey watch over the two kids in the audience, even though they’re teenagers, while Brooks stands beside me. His replacement is a local man who loves this town. He has earned his position working for the city for years. I’m glad that he is taking over because the town needs someone with the same love we have had for it.
“Let’s welcome Mayor Brooks Payne,” James Reynolds, the new mayor of Sweet Temptation Bay, says. Brooks takes the stage and doesn’t release my hand. He looks down at me and nods, so I follow along.
“Thank you everyone. This is the last time you’ll see me up here giving a speech as your Mayor. As I say farewell, I want to say thank you for your support over the years. My love for Sweet Temptation Bay has never dissipated over the fifty years, even though I’m hanging up my tie. It’s time for me to dedicate the rest of my days to this beautiful lady beside me and to the lovely family we made together.” The crowd goes wild with cheers at the mention of me. I can’t hide my blush.
“It was scandalous that I fell in love with my beautiful assistant when she worked for me, but many didn’t know I met her before. She came to visit me on my hospital bed, and the first thought in my head was I’d died and gone to heaven. All these years later, I’m still not sure it isn’t the case. Taylor, you’re the best thing to happen to me. You’ve given me two wonderful children, and you made my career a success. Everyone knows that I couldn’t have pulled off being a mayor without you. I loved you then, and I love you still. I’ll love you forever.” He pulls me into his arms and kisses me in front of the entire crowd. Cheers erupt, but I’m lost to it all. My mind and body become his at this moment.
As he pulls back, I add, “I love you, Brooks. Take me home.”
He waves at the crowd, and then, with a swiftness I’ve only seen at home, he sweeps me off my feet and carries me down the steps. “We’re going home.”
Our oldest, Jacob, says, “I’ll take them out for ice cream, pops.”
“Good boy.” He winks at our son.
“We’ll join them,” Axel says, taking his kids as well. I wave them away as my hubby carries me to the waiting SUV. Our security will take care of them, but I’m glad Axel will watch out for them, too. He’s a great uncle. Besides being a high-profile figure like a mayor, our investments and Brooks’s savings from his career in the Navy, we’re well off, so we make good targets.
“They’re fine, Taylor.”
“I know, Brooks. It’s just that retirement isn’t going to be as relaxing as you think.”
“What do you mean?” he asks as we sit in the back of the vehicle, cuddling like a young couple.
“Let’s just say…I’m not hitting menopause early.” I hadn’t gotten my period in nearly two months, so I thought it was the change happening a bit too soon.