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“Can I bring him by the snacks?” The Mayor asked.
“Oh, yes, of course,” I answered. “If you don’t mind.”
“Why don’t we get some snacks and then do a little tour, Theo?”
He jumped up excitedly. “Yes, please!”
The two left as Odette took my hand.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t coach him?—”
“Stop,” I shook my head. “I don’t want to ruin everything. It’s your moment. He’s allowed?—”
“I can try to get him to?—”
“No. He loves you. You have earned that title. You’re the one whotucks him in most nights and the one he asks for when he’s sick, Odie. It’s a good thing.”
Sympathetic, Odette said, “But it’s hard for you?”
“It is, baby. But it’s good.” I pulled her into me, wrapping my arm around her waist. “You aren’t here to replace Isla. I never think about it like that.”
“I couldn’t.”
“No.” I kissed her forehead. “I knew it would happen—if not now, but when the baby arrives. I love you, Odette. I’m not upset.”
Odette smiled.
“But today is your day. So, should we go judge some bikes?”
“I think that sounds like a fabulous way to end the day,” Odette agreed. “I love you, Wyatt. Thank you for being here and… just always supporting me. This was a big deal to me—not just for me but… for Isla. And I wanted to do it for you and Theo, so it never happens again.”
“Oh, stop it, Odie,” I said, feeling tears welling. “You’re going to make me cry in public.”
“I don’t mean to get all sappy, but… it means the world, Wyatt. And I want to make sure I make a difference. I’m here, and I want to keep doing the work. You believed in me when I didn’t, so I want to do everything possible.”
“Odette, you are the best thing that has happened to me since the worst happened. I’m so proud of you—of us. But this? This was all you, baby. You stuck it out. All I did was table a vote. Don’t let me steal your spotlight, okay?”
“You never do,” Odette said. “You’re with me. We’re a team. And no matter what, we will stick together.”