Page 136 of November

“Yay,” one councilor said.

“Yay,” another one said.

“Nay,” the third councilor offered.

Maisie swallowed.

“Yay,” another one said.

She only needed one more vote to go for her, so while there were still three councilors left to vote, Maisie liked her chances. It was Colter’s turn to voice his vote next, though, and she never knew what this man would do.

“Yay,” he said.

“Motion carries.Chapter & Versewill receive historical landmark status at a date in time worked out at a later date. Next item on the agenda is the rezoning of…”

Maisie didn’t hear the rest of whatever the woman was saying because that applause erupted again. She stood there motionless, trying to determine whether this was real or not.

“You did it, babe,” India said, wrapping her up in her arms. “You did it!”

Maisie hugged her back, still a little zoned out and overwhelmed to be able to process it all.

“Finally!” Lainey said from somewhere around.

“Congrats!” Maisie wasn’t sure who had said that.

“Order,” the councilor said loudly. “We’ll have order. We have a meeting to finish.”

“Sorry,” Maisie said and felt something warm and wet trickle down her cheeks. “We should go,” she added to India.

“Just take a second,” India said with a wide smile and wiped at the tears. “Just a second to enjoy this. You did this.”

“Are you sure it wasn’t that eyebrow you lifted at your brother in anger?”

India laughed and said, “Hey, I resisted jumping up and threatening to reveal that he wet his bed until he was ten, so I think I should get a prize.”

“I’m sure Maisie will give you aprizelater. Can I hug my best friend, please?” Lainey said.

“Outside,” Maisie replied. “Let’s go before they change their minds.”

“Drinks on me at the bar!” Candace yelled when they were on the steps outside.

“Hell, yeah!” Caroline said.

“Only thing is you have to try one of the three drinks I’ve narrowed down for my wedding.”

“All your drinks are good, so not a problem,” Jill said, taking Willa’s hand. “Babe?”

“I’m in,” Willa replied.

“Congrats, Maisie. That’s great news,” Finley said as she wrapped her arm around Molly’s shoulders.

“Yeah, congrats,” Molly said. “This is huge.”

Maisie turned to India, who was standing there, looking proud in Maisie’s direction.

“Yes, it is,” she said, knowing that India understood her meaning.

CHAPTER 34