Moira’s smile slipped at the corners.
So did Gil’s. He could address the comment or pretend he didn’t hear it—again. He didn’t hide from things, but he also didn’t want to tarnish Moira’s time onstage. She deserved this award and the town’s admiration. This was her moment.
Reaching for the plaque on the podium, he held it up for the crowd to see. Then he held it out for Moira. “Moira, it’s my great honor to present you with our Hero Among Us award.”
Moira stepped toward him, her fingers brushing against his as she took the plaque and held it against her midsection. “Thank you all. This is such an honor. Everyone who knows me knows how much I love my job as an emergency dispatcher. Being there for people when they need me the most is something I am passionate about. I love serving the people here in Somerset Lake.”
Gil wasn’t sure why she was anxious speaking in front of others. She was amazing up here, smiling and talking so naturally. He wouldn’t even know she was nervous if she hadn’t told him so.
“This is my hometown,” she continued. “And I am so very proud of that. In my opinion, there is no other place in this state, maybe even the country, with people who are as friendly, smart, resourceful, and honest.” Moira shook her head, deepening her smile.
Gil couldn’t take his eyes off her. Wow. She really was amazing. It almost sounded like she was a politician at this moment instead of a Good Samaritan accepting an award. He found himself grinning as he listened to her go on about how much this town meant to her. It was inspiring really, and he felt the same way. That’s why he had wanted to be mayor in the first place. It was why he showed up every day, even on the hard ones.
Moira hugged the award to her body and looked out on the crowd. “This is why I’ve made a decision that I would like to share with all of you today.” Moira seemed to take a breath. “I am so excited to announce that I am planning to run for town mayor this fall.”
Gil’s mind stumbled over her words. There was no way he’d heard her correctly. Moira for mayor?
“I believe in Somerset Lake and all the people here. I believe in the small businesses that make our town unique. As mayor, I won’t allow your livelihoods to fall to the wayside in order to save folks a couple extra steps with parking.”
Gil felt like the breath had been knocked out of him. This was about more than saving steps. He’d just gotten through telling everyone here how paramedics and firefighters had struggled to get to an accident on Hannigan Street. That was why there was no one available to help Doug.
“I will fight for the things that matter,” Moira continued. “I don’t think I’m a hero just because I did my job or because I helped someone in need. I do think those qualities are something a good mayor should have though.”
“Yeah!” someone called out. “Unlike Mayor Gil!”
Gil turned to locate the source of the voice, and this time he spotted the person in the crowd. It was Donavyn Wilber. That guy hadn’t liked Gil since middle school when Gil had accidentally tripped him in the cafeteria, making him spill his tray of spaghetti. It was an accident, Donavyn. Get over it already.
“I think Mayor Gil has been amazing for this town,” Moira said, casting him an apologetic glance, “but I also think I’m up for the challenge. Sometimes change is necessary, but not at the cost of what makes us special. Like Sweetie’s Bakeshop.”
“Yeah!” Someone clapped, and then someone else joined in. Then the entire crowd was clapping, and Gil just wanted to slink off the stage and disappear.
* * *
Moira felt energized from the crowd’s response to her announcement. Was she really going to do this? She’d never wanted to run for public office before. How hard could running for mayor of Somerset Lake be though?
She turned toward Gil once they were off the outdoor stage, and her heart dipped.
He looked deflated in a way she had rarely ever seen him. Gil typically carried himself with confidence. That was one of the things she secretly admired about him.
“I’m sorry,” Moira said, at a loss for anything more to say.
“You just took me by surprise, that’s all.” He ran a hand through his dark blond hair. “I had no idea you were even considering running for office.”
“Well, it’s something new. I haven’t even filled out the paperwork yet.”
“So you just announced onstage to the whole town that you’re running when you’re not actually serious about it?” he asked, sounding tense and suddenly irritated.
“I am serious.”
“Just because of what’s happening with your mom’s bakery?”
“Isn’t that reason enough? If you aren’t going to support small businesses here, I will.”
Gil crossed his arms over his chest. “I do support business owners.”
Moira shook her head, hackles rising. She didn’t need to explain herself to Gil. “Not all of them.”
They stared at each other for a beat. Gil was obviously upset, but she wouldn’t apologize for this. Maybe she hadn’t been keen on this idea when Vi had first suggested it, but now she was. This could be good for her, and for the town.
Gil simultaneously shook his head and blew out a breath. “I can’t believe this. First Denise and now you. Good luck,” he said, facing her, his tone incredulous. “May the best person win.”
“Thanks. I think.”
Gil headed off, leaving Moira standing there alone, but only for a second. Then Lucy, Tess, Della, and Trisha stormed her.
“You were amazing up there!” Lucy said, grinning from ear to ear.
“You’re a natural for sure.” Tess was more subdued with her enthusiasm, but she was beaming.
“This feels like a dream. Am I really running for mayor?” Moira asked, not quite believing any of this. “Am I really doing this?”
“You are,” Trisha said on a laugh, one hand holding the mound of her belly. “I heard it with my own two ears and so did the rest of the town.”
Moira still felt shaky but also exhilarated. Maybe there were more things she wanted to do. The world suddenly felt like her oyster. She looked among her friends, enjoying the moment. Then the guilt hit her. “I think Gil is mad at me.”
“Serves him right,” Lucy said. “Two of us are small-business owners. Not saying he’s done a bad job, but knowing what’s planned for Sweetie’s scares me. We need a mayor who’s going to look out for our businesses’ best interests. You’d be great.”
Moira just wished it didn’t mean going up against Gil. He’d never been anything but nice to her until this parking lot thing. And he was still being nice.
“We can meet on Monday morning at Sweetie’s and begin discussing your campaign,” Tess said, taking the lead as always. Whenever there was anything that required planning, she always took charge.
Lucy lifted a hand. “I’ll be there.”
“I still have the dispatch to work,” Moira said, “so I won’t be able to stay long.”
“We’ll just have mini–planning sessions. It’ll be fine.” Lucy narrowed her eyes. “You’re not in this alone. We’re going to be the best campaign team you never knew you needed.”