Page 17 of Taming I Do
“No kidding.” I had nothing but huge respect for the mayor. She’d single-handedly revamped the town, and I’d admired herefforts from afar. Now, being central to her continued plans to elevate our wedding operation, I had a different vantage point. Lacey would do whatever it took and expected nothing less of those who’d pledged to help her.
“Good luck tonight. Let me know if you see anything strange going on, will you?” Bodie asked.
I nodded. “Strange like how?”
Bodie shook his head. “I heard Swynton was supposed to be up for this award but got disqualified. They don’t usually take kindly to a perceived slight.”
My gut clenched. “You think the whole town of Swynton’s going to turn up and try to steal the show?” That’s all I needed.
“No, nothing like that. Buck might have operated that way, but Mayor Monroe is a lot more subtle.”
I remembered the controversy between the ex-mayor of Swynton and Bodie’s family. Since Troy Monroe had been elected mayor of their neighboring town, the rivalry had simmered down a bit. “Is Adeline still battling Mayor Cherish for brides?”
“Yeah. She slowed down for a while but now that her daddy’s taken over as mayor, she’s back at it. I told Lacey she needed to sit down and have it out with Adeline, but with the baby and now this”—Bodie rolled his eyes—“there hasn’t been much time. You ought to know better than anyone what Adeline is capable of.”
I hated to admit it, but unfortunately, I did know Adeline better than most.
“Just let me know if you see anything odd. We need this win. All of us.” Bodie tickled baby P under the chin and earned a series of giggles.
We did need this win. Whether I liked it or not, I’d hooked my family’s future to the fate of the town.
But I knew something the rest of them didn’t... not Bodie, not Mayor Cherish, not meddling Adeline Monroe-Hawk... thiswasn’t the first time I’d had to put it all on the line to save my family. And if I had any say in it, the Taylor family wouldn’t go down without a fight.
CHAPTER 6
DELILAH
“Thank you for your hospitality.I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you and spending time in your romantic town.” I gave the crowd my biggest, brightest smile as I wrapped up my short speech and gazed out over the small group assembled in front of the gazebo.
“Thank you, Ms. Stone.” Mayor Cherish stepped next to me. “We’re excited to have you here and can’t wait to show you the best Ido has to offer.” Lacey nodded toward the tables set up to the side. “If you’d all like to join us for some refreshments, I think we’re ready to get the welcome party started.”
The crowd erupted into polite applause. Lacey flipped the switch on the mic, then turned toward me.
“That went well. I know you’re probably tired from traveling and ready to settle in for the night. Do you mind sticking around for a little bit to mingle before Jasper runs you back to your trailer?”
“I was planning on it.” I tried to find Jasper in the crowd. He stood a head taller than most people, so it didn’t take me long. My stomach warmed as he met my gaze. His lips quirked into a grin, and I found myself smiling back before I regained my composure and turned my attention back to the mayor.
“Great.” Lacey took her son in her arms from a man who’d joined us in the gazebo. “Have you met my husband yet?”
“I haven’t had the pleasure.” I took the man’s hand in mine. “Deputy Phillips, isn’t it?”
“That’s right. But you can call me Bodie.” He shook my hand, then released it and tipped his hat my way. “We’re thrilled to have you with us, Ms. Stone.”
“Call me Delilah, please.”
“Will do.” He handed me a card. “You have any trouble during your stay, just let me know.”
“Thank you, I will.” I slipped his card into the small clutch I held in my hand.
“I’ve got to go change the baby. Bodie, can you introduce Delilah around and make sure she gets one of Helmut’s cupcakes?” Lacey bounced the baby on her hip. “I’ll catch up to you in just a bit.”
“I’d be happy to,” Jasper said as he came up the steps.
“Great. I’m going to walk around the perimeter and make sure everything is in order.” Bodie tipped his hat again. “See you later, Ms. Stone.”
I nodded at Lacey and Bodie before turning my attention on Jasper. “So, there you are.”
“Here I am.” He gave me a lopsided grin that made my pulse tick up. “Ready to meet the good people of Ido?”
