Chapter Sixteen
“Have you called her yet?”
Noah’s head had been pounding all morning. Ginny barging into his office didn’t help. “Don’t bother me now. I’ve got a lot to do before the open house this afternoon.”
She crossed her arms. “You’ve turned into a grump since Anita left town.”
He pushed away the computer keyboard and rubbed his tired eyes. He hadn’t been sleeping well. “Have you considered it might be the mayoral race that has me in a lousy mood?”
His cousin didn’t bite. “Nope. Anita. Call her.”
“You were the one who warned me away from her because we all knew she wasn’t staying in Lakeside.”
“I know. It’s possible I was wrong. I think you should call her.”
“Maybe. After the open house. Or maybe after the election.”
“Hey, if you’re going to be a mayor, you need to be decisive. None of this maybe-later stuff.”
“Why don’t you run for mayor?”
“Ha. Funny. I’ve been publicizing the open house like crazy. I went over last night and made sure everything is shipshape.”
“You didn’t have to do that by yourself.” He should have thought of that.
“Sam helped me.”
“You and Sam, huh?”
Her cheeks were pink again. “We’re just working on the campaign together.”
“Right.” Noah studied his cousin. “I wouldn’t be upset if it was something more, you know.”
“Yeah, well, he still hasn’t asked me out on a real date.” She sliced her hand through the air. “And we’re not talking about my love life now, we’re talking about yours.”
“No, we’re not.”
“Fine. Whatever. Hey, I wanted to tell you the new mantel in the living room looks beautiful.” He was glad his cousin made the smart decision to change the subject. “And the kitchen. Wow. The voters are going to eat it up.”
He shrugged. He didn’t understand the hard-liners who’d thought he was going to restore the interior to its original condition. The place wasn’t a museum. Someone was going to be living there. He wished it would be Anita.
“Bet Anita’s going to have tons of offers on the property,” Ginny gushed. Noah glared at her, and she cleared her throat. “Of course, we don’t want her to sell at all. We want her to stay here.”
Yes, he did. But there wasn’t much of a chance of that happening the way things stood. He wanted to call her. Text her. But he knew if he was going to risk rejection, he had to do it in person. Thank goodness, Tony had touched base, so Noah knew he’d caught a flight to the U.S. and talked Anita into letting him ride with her to Philadelphia. Anita’s father said they were doing fine. He was staying with Anita, and the two of them had been spending a lot of time with Patty.
“Listen, I don’t want to be interrupted anymore, okay? I have to get the payroll done before I leave.”
“Sure thing, boss.” Ginny saluted and closed the door behind her.
The morning had seemed to drag, but when he next glanced at the time, he saw he was going to be late for the two o’clock start if he didn’t leave immediately. When he left his office, he noticed the showroom was closed and everyone had gone. Had he been such a bear that no one even wanted to knock on his office door and let him know it was time?
His phone rang. Ginny. “Where are you?” she demanded.
“Still at work. Why didn’t you tell me when you were leaving?”
“You didn’t want to be disturbed.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake. I’m on my way.” He cut off the call, dashed out to the back parking lot, and hopped into his truck. He’d hoped to get there early enough to get a good parking place. If a crowd came, who knew how far back on the road he’d have to park.
He wanted Anita here with him. Her support had helped him get through this crazy month. Her energy and humor had taught him to be more open to possibilities. To look beyond his small world to something more. Their immediate attraction to each other had only grown deeper and more powerful. She was strong and smart and sexy as hell. He couldn’t imagine his life without her now.
When he reached the turn for the lake road, a little red convertible barreled straight toward him at a high speed. He lay on the brakes, and the brunette behind the wheel skidded around the corner. Another near miss. Joy burst in his chest, and he returned the wave she threw him.
She raced down the road. He was right on her tail. As he’d feared, cars were parked on the side of the road a good half mile from the house. Anita pulled over to the side of the road behind the last car, and he parked behind her.
He jumped out of the truck, but she was already running back to him. Her bright-blue sundress swirled around her. Her steps slowed the closer she got to him. Was his Anita unsure of herself? Afraid to leap into his arms without thinking about it first?
God, he hoped not.
Noah opened his arms, and she ran to him, threw her arms around his neck, pressed against him. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” she cried. “Will you forgive me for all the terrible things I said to you?”
He kissed the top of her head, her hair like silk against his lips. “You told me you were falling in love with me. I don’t remember anything else.”
Her breath caught, and he felt her tremble. “I do love you. This need I feel, this rightness, it can’t be anything but love.”
They stood on the side of the road between their vehicles. More people had parked behind them, staring unabashedly at them as they walked by. Noah couldn’t care less. He wasn’t letting go.
“I didn’t know you were coming.”
She cupped his jaw. “I wouldn’t miss the open house. Am I late?”
“We’re both late.”
“We better get in there. Ethan will be spreading his crap to everyone who will listen.”
He couldn’t take his eyes off her, couldn’t let her go yet. “I’d rather stay here and hold you.”
“Me, too, but I don’t like giving him a head start.”
“First, I want to know…are you here only for the open house?”
“My mom had it all wrong,” she told him. “I had it all wrong. Of course love makes you choose. Anything important and life-changing would. But what I guess she never realized is that some dreams are worth changing. Some men are worth choosing. I’m here for you, salvage man.”
Noah’s cell buzzed. Anita stepped away, and he grabbed it out of his pocket. “Ginny wants to know where the hell I am.”
“Guess we better get down there.” She did a double take, though, and strode to the back of his truck. “Is that Aggie’s baseball bat?”
He’d propped the bat in the corner of his pickup a while ago and hadn’t given it another thought. “Couldn’t throw it away.”
Mischief lit her face, and she pulled it out. “Just in case.”
He crushed his lips to hers for a much-too-short kiss, then grabbed her hand and threaded his fingers with hers. They walked the half mile to Anita’s house. Dozens of people were wandering around outside. Most seemed to be heading toward the lakeside. They followed the crowd.
Ethan and Helen stood on the porch—Anita’s porch—addressing the crowd. Noah groaned. Sam Hernandez was standing at the bottom of the stairs with Ginny, Carter, and Beckett. Waiting for Noah, no doubt.
“The nerve,” Anita grumbled. “This isn’t their event.” She tugged Noah through the bystanders. A few people eyed the bat resting on her shoulder. He let her pull him up the stairs, thrilled she cared this much. Relieved she was here for him. With him.
“Come on,” he said to Sam, Ginny, and his brothers. His daughters pushed through the throng, and he gestured for them to come up on the porch, too.
“It’s obvious Noah Colburn did not deliver on his campaign promise,” Ethan declared to the crowd. “If he can’t carry through on this one small promise, how can he be trusted to keep any other?”
A grumble went through the crowd.
“What promise did he break?” Ginny asked, indignant.
“He didn’t bring this house back to its former glory,” Helen stepped forward to say. “Anyone who’s walked through the house knows the interior has very little resemblance to the way it looked in the past.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” Anita piped up. She leaned the bat against the porch railing and faced the crowd. “Everyone in Lakeside knows there always needs to be a balance between old and new. Noah expressed that concept perfectly with this house.”
“No, he didn’t,” was the best comeback Helen Bradford could come up with. Noah almost laughed out loud.
“Should we go back to coal stoves and iceboxes?” Anita asked. The crowd booed. “Of course not. But Lakeside shouldn’t have everything old torn down, either, because then we lose our history, and we don’t want to forget where we come from. We don’t want to lose the beauty and unique workmanship that has come before.”
The professor in Anita was coming through. Noah didn’t mind her speaking for him. Right now, she was doing a better job than he could. He caught Sam’s eye, and they smiled. The crowd was listening to every word.
“What Lakeside needs is what this house has been given. A face-lift on the exterior, showing to the world the best of what the past has given us. But also a new, well-designed interior, with up-to-date appliances and exciting colors. A balance of old and new. A melding of tradition and innovation. Of experience and energy. That’s what Noah Colburn brought to this house. And that’s what he can bring to our village.”
Applause rang out through the crowd.
He leaned over to whisper in her ear. “Our village?”
She grinned. “Let’s talk later. Right now, I think your constituents want to hear from you.”
…
It had been a long afternoon. Anita was anxious to get alone with Noah and talk about their future. And also celebrate the great reception they’d received today. The vast majority of the comments she heard were in Noah’s favor. People from the community came and went over the next couple of hours, but unfortunately, Ethan and his buddies, Rudy and Steven, hung around for the duration.
Anita was sitting on the porch swing, glad to get off her feet, while Noah was out back saying goodbye to Charlene and the twins. Rudy Armstrong sidled over to her with his son-in-law, Steven Holder. “You are quite eloquent, Ms. Delgado.”
She kept swinging. “Thank you.”
Rudy crossed his arms over a suit coat that looked a little wilted from the heat. “I still don’t think Noah has a chance of winning this election.”
“We’ll see.”
Steven Holder looked out over the property as if he were sizing it up. “Have you had a chance to look over the contract my lawyer sent you?”
“I’ve decided not to sell. In fact, I’m going to move to Lakeside and live here year-round.” It was beautiful here. It felt like home.
“But…but…” He glanced around as if he hoped his father-in-law would jump in and save him.
“Besides, you lied to me. I don’t like liars.” No way was this guy old enough to have grandkids. And just because he might not tear down this house with his own two hands, didn’t mean he wasn’t planning it, along with Ethan and Rudy.
He wiped some sweat from his brow. “Just business. You understand that.”
“No. Not at all. Lies are lies. You guys will have to find some other properties to develop. No one’s tearing this house down.”
“I can sweeten the offer. Hear me out.”
Some people just didn’t get it. She glanced pointedly at the battered baseball bat she’d left propped up within reach against the railing. “The open house is over. I’d like you both to get off my porch and my property.”
Noah stepped out after Rudy and his son-in-law shuffled down the stairs. He’d obviously heard the conversation. “You took care of them.”
“Would you like a seat?” She scooted over, and he joined her on the swing.
“Alone at last.” Noah put his arm around her and drew her in for a kiss. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve been texting with your dad. He tells me he’s staying in Philadelphia.”
“He’s going to take over the expenses for my condo and pay for my mom’s care. He can afford it. He says he’s making up for lost time.” She turned to Noah. “I don’t want to waste any more time. I know you didn’t ask me to choose, but you did ask me to stay. You didn’t say for how long, but I’m hoping it was a forever kind of request.”
“What about that life in Philadelphia you’ve worked so hard for?”
“I can live my life here, too. I love teaching, but it doesn’t have to be at the university level. I’ve resigned my position. I’m thinking of opening an art studio and giving lessons here in Lakeside. I can paint more. I can discover what it’s like to love a man with all my heart.” She squeezed his hand. “I think that will be a real adventure.”
“I was afraid I’d never get a chance at forever with you.” Noah pulled her onto his lap as the swing made its journey up and back. He locked his intense gaze with hers. “I love you with all my heart, Anita. Please stay with me. I know this town and my family can be a little crazy, but you manage to fit right in. You can stay as long as you want. Forever wouldn’t be too long.” He cupped her face. “I know every day with you will be an adventure. And every night…” He kissed her then with a promise of what was to come.
…
Noah and Anita cast their ballots early on the morning of July thirty-first. Then they drove back to her house. Their house. Noah had moved most of his stuff in. Charlene was going to live in the family home for the time being. Noah and Charlene had decided they wanted the girls to be able to come back to their home for school breaks.
His family had welcomed Anita with open arms. Sarah and Hannah were wonderful, and she was looking forward to spending time with them when they weren’t in school and getting to know them better.
Noah took Anita’s hand and brought her out onto the porch. The sunlight was sparkling on the water as it had the first time she’d seen the property. He drew her over to the swing. It had become their favorite place to relax in the evenings.
“You changed your life for me,” he told her, “and I want you to know I’m making some changes as well.”
“You’re going to be mayor. That’s a big change right there.”
“Maybe. But whether I win the election or not, I’m not going to be spending as much time at Colburn and Sons as I have been. I want more time with you.”
“Sounds great. How are you going to manage that?”
“Carter and Beckett are going to take over more of the responsibilities. If we spread the duties out between the three of us, it gives me some breathing room. I’m going to spend more time designing and repurposing the salvaged materials.”
“I love that.”
“Also, we hired someone to handle the billing, accounting, payroll. All the money stuff I hate.” He caught her gaze. “It’s Charlene. I hope that won’t be a problem.”
“If it means I get to have you more, it’s fine with me. Besides, her daughters have a stake in the business, even if they’re not working there right now.”
“I love you.” He kissed her again, the way she loved. “Remember on the Fourth of July when some residents were betting we’d be married before election day?”
“Yeah. That didn’t work out. Hope they didn’t lose their shirts.”
He pulled something out of his pocket, and her breath hitched when he got down on one freaking knee. “I know this is rushing things, but you said you didn’t want to waste time. I love you, and I’d love you to be mine for always. July and every other month of the year. What do you say to getting engaged on election day? He took her trembling hand. “Anita Delgado, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Her heart raced. Her eyes filled with tears. “I was never going to get married. It wasn’t the life I dreamed of. It definitely wasn’t what I was looking for.” Apprehension froze on Noah’s face, and she slid off the swing and knelt down on the floor with him. “I’m not saying no, salvage man. I just realized what a momentous change this is for me to want to say yes.” She kissed him. “Yes, I love you. Yes, I want to marry you.”
Noah opened the jeweler’s box he held. Inside was a beautiful solitaire. He slid it on her finger, and it fit as if it had been made for her. “I love you. I’m glad your treasure hunt led you to me.”
Anita called her father and told him about the engagement, and he made them promise to come out to Philadelphia as soon as possible so they could celebrate. When she got off the phone, she told Noah, “I bet the drive would be a lot more comfortable in Aggie’s Buick.”
“I forgot about that big red car.”
“I saw it one of the first days I was here and haven’t been back in the garage since. Let’s take it into town to tell your family about the engagement.”
It started right up. “Purrs like a kitten, as my dad likes to say,” Noah told her. “Aggie obviously kept it serviced.”
She showed him Aggie’s note about only driving it to the grocery store and to church on Sundays. He chuckled.
As they drove to Colburn and Sons Salvage to see Noah’s family, Anita checked out the car, played with the knobs and buttons to see what did what. When she opened the glove compartment, she let out a gasp and pulled out another thick envelope full of money. Surprise!
Noah’s family was thrilled to find out about their engagement. Donna made dinner for everyone while they waited for the polls to close and the results to be announced. When the time drew near, his whole family drove back into town and gathered with Sam and Ginny and other supporters in a back room at Bud’s to wait for the results.
After everyone heard that Noah had proposed to Anita, they all began celebrating the engagement with food and drinks. Charlene came over to them. She hugged Noah and then turned to Anita. “I’m very happy for you both.”
“I have to admit, I thought you wanted to get back with Noah when you moved back here.”
“No. We’ve grown too far apart. We needed to end our marriage so we could each have a second chance at happiness. And see, you’ve got yours.”
“Well, I hope you’ll find yours,” Anita told her.
“Thanks.”
As it grew closer to the time when the election results would be announced, Anita began to pace. She hadn’t expected to be so nervous.
Noah slid his arm around her waist. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing. I just want this for you. You’ve worked so hard, and our village needs you.”
The sharp tap of a finger on a microphone interrupted any further conversation. She and Noah turned to see Sam standing at the front of the room. “The results are in,” he announced. Murmurs of excitement buzzed through the room. He had to hold up his hand and wait for the hum to die down before he could go on. “The winner of the election for mayor of Lakeside, New York, by a wide margin, is…Noah Colburn.”
Cheers and applause rose up in celebration. Anita threw her arms around Noah’s neck. “I knew you could do it, Mr. Mayor.”
He kissed her. “I don’t think I could have done it without your support.”
“Of course you could have. But I’m glad I was here.”
Noah stepped up for his acceptance speech. Anita’s heart could hardly hold the pride and love she felt for this man. His speech was short and sweet, one more thing she loved about the man. More food and drink appeared. Lakeside knew how to party.
Anita wandered around the room, chatting with many of the people she now thought of as friends. She never would have imagined, only a short month ago, she’d call this community home. She caught up with Noah where he was talking to Sam and another member of the village board. When he looked over at her, his relieved expression told her he’d had enough politics for the moment.
“Excuse me, gentlemen. I’m going to steal the mayor away for a while.” They smiled good-naturedly as she put her arm through Noah’s and steered him toward the table loaded with munchies.
“Thank you for rescuing me. I have a feeling I’m never going to stop wondering what I would do without you.”
“I’m happy to be here. I doubt Aggie planned to be a matchmaker, but we have her to thank for bringing us together.”
“I almost forgot. Let’s sneak out here for a minute.” Noah led her to a small bench out back under a huge maple tree. The sun had set, but the air was still warm. Wispy clouds breezed past the bright moon. He pulled a small envelope from his pocket. “I found this behind the mantel when I pulled it off the wall.”
Aggie had left her something else? Anita opened the envelope and pulled out a card that had one of her paintings on the front. She opened the card. A black-and-white photograph slid out. In the photo, her grandparents were sitting on a swing much like the one that hung on the porch now. A young Patty sat on the floor in front of them playing with some dolls. Chills ran down Anita’s back.
“That’s a lot like the picture you painted,” Noah said softly.
“I know.” She recognized her grandmother’s handwriting on the card.
Life is a treasure hunt. You search for what you think you want, but often what you find is not what you expect. Sometimes it’s even better. I hope what you find will bring you joy. Your grandmother, Aggie.
Anita passed the card to Noah. “Do you think she expected I’d read this card before I found any of the money?”
“Maybe. But like she said, life itself is a kind of treasure hunt.”
“I found you and I wasn’t even looking.” She leaned against him. “Well, maybe I was. Maybe all those travels were part of my hunt for you.”
He bumped his shoulder lightly against hers. “Now that your life is here in Lakeside…what about July?”
“July?” It was still July. For a couple more hours, anyway.
“I hope you might still want to travel once a year.” He took her hand and intertwined their fingers. “You’ll be able to take your July guy with you wherever you go.”
“What a wonderful idea.”
No, this wasn’t the life she’d been looking for. It was even better.
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