“THE RESULTS ARE IN, and the winner of the dramatic and contentious North Carolina Senate race is Paul McLeod.”
Zoe’s warm hand slid into Byron’s. He squeezed and looked at her. This time he didn’t watch the votes come in at an elaborate watch party. There was one going on at the same brewery where the first one was held. His family was there along with his supporters. He and Zoe were prepared to make an appearance. He had to deliver his concession speech.
“How are you feeling?” she asked.
Byron lifted her hand and kissed the back. She looked exquisite in an emerald green one-shoulder cocktail dress to complement his navy blue suit. They matched his campaign colors. When Zoe suggested they slip out of the party and watch the results come in at his place he’d quickly agreed. He’d known winning would be hard. The press had ripped him and Zoe to shreds after word came out that he wasn’t Lilah’s biological father. Only the story of him and Zoe saving Lilah from a kidnapping had kept him in the running.
He’d expected to feel disappointment. Instead, he felt relief. “I’m surprisingly relieved.” Shouldn’t he feel disappointed?
“The campaign was hard on you. I’m not surprised,” Zoe said.
“I worked so hard for so long to win. But all I can think about now is how great it’s going to be to not go to Washington. No more questions about my personal life. I can be home more.”
“Are you sure you’re okay with that?”
He looked into Zoe’s dark eyes. Now he’d be here to pick up Lilah after archery practice when Zoe was out of town working. She’d started her consulting firm, and with Elaina’s recommendation was already doing compliance reviews for other businesses. He wouldn’t have to spend half the year living out of town. They wouldn’t have to pull Lilah out of another school and relocate to DC. His future was unplanned. For the first time he could decide what he wanted to do next. The realization was liberating.
He grinned. “I am.”
“Then let’s go to this party.” Zoe grinned.
They arrived at the brewery. The music blared and he was greeted with cheers, backslaps, and well-wishes. He shook every person’s hand and thanked everyone sincerely. They’d believed in him through the entire rough campaign.
When he took the stage and looked out over the crowd the same weight of responsibility he’d felt before pressed into his chest. “It was a long fight,” he said into the microphone. “But at the end I am still thankful. This campaign showed me the meaning of family, loyalty and happiness. I may have lost this battle, but the war isn’t over. I will always be here for the people of North Carolina. I will always fight for you, and to make things better. This loss isn’t the end. It’s the beginning. The time to give up isn’t here. Now it’s time to fight harder!”
The group cheered. Zoe stepped next to him and he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. He looked over the crowd. His eyes met Yolanda’s in the back. She raised a glass. He nodded in acknowledgment. Grant stood next to Patricia. Pride in his father’s eyes despite the loss. India and Travis smiled at him. Elaina was near them. Her arm around Lilah’s shoulders as his soon-to-be adopted daughter waved at him.
Love and contentment filled him so much, tears burned his eyes. He’d thought he’d been happy when he’d won the primary months ago. Tonight he was happier than he’d ever been.
He and Zoe left the stage. Grant pushed through the crowd and slapped him on the shoulder. “You know Jackson Falls will be needing a new mayor next election.”
Byron shook his head and grinned. “Not tonight, Dad. Let me just enjoy tonight.”
Grant sighed but nodded. “I’m still proud of you, son.”
Byron’s throat tightened. He and his dad may not ever see eye to eye on a lot of things, but he would always love him. “Thanks.”
Zoe’s arm around his waist tightened. “How about we grab a drink before you two get sentimental.”
Grant laughed and kissed Zoe’s cheek. “You two don’t party too hard.” Grant winked then lost himself in the crowd.
Zoe looked up at Byron. “He’s not going to be that happy when Elaina buys his company next week.”
Byron shrugged. Truly unbothered by the potential family drama. “We’ll worry about that tomorrow. Tonight I’d like to dance with the woman I love.”
Zoe’s huge grin brightened his world. “Still love me?”
With all seriousness Byron looked in her eyes. “Now more than ever. Let’s build whatever future we want together.”
Zoe’s eyes misted over. Her lips lifted and she nodded. “That sounds like a deal of a lifetime.”
“Then I need to seal this deal,” Byron said.
Zoe held out a hand. “In true Robidoux fashion with a handshake?”
He shook his head. “Nah. I can think of a much better way.” He kissed her. As the crowd cheered again, Byron knew the love and trust reflected in Zoe’s eyes was the best thing he could have ever received.