“It was passed because let’s be honest, five people actually attended the meeting,” I say. “I’m going to be very frank with you, Thomas.” I put my hands on the desk. “I’m not liking this, not one bit, and I want to see all the receipts for this.” He looks down, avoiding my eyes. “And just to be clear, I have no problem moving to another firm. Your loyalty has to be to the town and its people, not who runs the mayor’s house.”

“I understand, Beau,” he says. “It’s just not as black and white as you think it is.”

“But it should be,” I say. “And going forward, it’s going to be black and white. I’m in this office for the people, to better the town, not take from them.”

“That is good to hear,” he says, and a knock on the door makes me get up, and I meet Thomas’s daughter, Cassandra, who I hire on the spot. The day flies by as Cassandra and I go through the list of things that needs to be done.

When I finally have two minutes to myself, it’s after four, and I call Savannah who answers after five rings. “Hello.”

“Hey,” I say, smiling when I hear her voice. “What are you doing?”

“I was trying on dresses for tonight.” She sounds defeated. “I think I have one, but I’m not sure.”

“Whatever you have, I’m sure you will look beautiful in,” I say, and she laughs. “What did you do today?”

“I went to the bank,” she says, her voice going soft. “But I don’t want to talk about it now because I have to do my makeup and get ready.” I want her to talk to me about it, but I won’t push her until tonight when it’s just the two of us. “Is there usually food at these things, or should I make us something to eat?”

“There will be a five-course meal,” I say. “It’s all suits and money.”

“Great,” she says. “What time will you be here?”

“I should be leaving the office in about an hour,” I say, looking out the window. “I’ll see you then.” I hang up, and something churns in my stomach, but I’m not sure what it is. When I walk into the house an hour later, I find her in the bathroom with her hair all curled and her makeup done, and my heart bursts with pride.

“Hello, gorgeous wife,” I say, and she smiles so big when she turns to see me.