Page 114 of Riverbend Gap (Riverbend 1)

“He’d be crazy to do that at this point.”

“Well, what do I do about the acceptance speech?”

“It would be bad form to make it before he publicly concedes.”

“But it’s getting late, and the party’s starting to fizzle.”

“And we only have one television network still hanging around. I think you should hold off till morning. Give Sean a chance to concede. I’ll make some calls to the networks and let them know to be here.”

“If you think that’s best.”

“I do. And Cooper”—she squeezed his arm—“congratulations. You deserve this.”

He drew her into an embrace. “Thanks, Sis. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

One by one Cooper’s supporters drifted away. It was well after midnight, and the place was all cleaned up by the time Mom and Jeff left for home. They’d be back at seven in the morning for the acceptance speech. Only Avery and Gavin remained.

Cooper’s adrenaline had drained away, leaving him happy but wilted. Clusters of helium-filled balloons still floated from colorful ribbons, and the smell of grilled burgers hung in the air.

Loosening his tie Cooper strolled over to the buffet where a dozen burgers still sat in a foil pan over a flame.

Cooper poked at a burger. “You think these are still good?”

“I was just getting ready to pitch them,” Avery said.

“Well, I’m starving,” Gavin said. “And I’m out of groceries at home, so . . .”

“I was too nervous to eat, but I’m ravenous now.”

“Well, you two help yourselves. I need to get some beauty sleep.” She addressed Cooper. “Meet you here at six thirty?”

“I’ll be here.” He gave Avery another hug. “Thanks again, Sis. You’re the best—I don’t care what everyone else says.”

After she left he and Gavin filled their plates with food and sat at one of the circular tables, now devoid of tablecloths and centerpieces.

“Glad to have all of that over?” Gavin asked a while later when he came up for air.

“Definitely. But the real work is still ahead. I’m eager to dive in to my new position.” His predecessor had done a bang-up job for twelve years, and many before him had worked hard to build a solid department. But Cooper had a few things he wanted to do differently—all in good time.

“You’ll make a good sheriff,” Gavin grated out.

Cooper took in the compliment that had probably not been easy to say, everything considered. “I really appreciate you being here for me this week. I haven’t been much of a brother lately and still, when it counted, you showed up. So thanks.”

Gavin chewed his last bite of burger, then gave Cooper a long look. “You’ve been a better brother than I’ve given you credit for.”

Cooper’s gaze fell to his plate. He didn’t see himself winning a best-brother award anytime soon.

“I can tell you love her.”

Cooper’s stomach gave a hard twist, his appetite suddenly gone. He set down the remainder of his burger. “You don’t have anything to worry about. According to Mom, Kate’s leaving tomorrow. And even if she wasn’t, I wouldn’t make the same the mistake twice—I give you my word.”

“You didn’t deny it.”

Cooper opened his mouth to reply.

“And don’t try and make it sound like she’s just another one of your fans. We both know better. The way you rallied our family so she wouldn’t leave? So she wouldn’t feel rejected?”

Cooper swallowed hard and gave a slow nod. “All right. I’m not going to lie. I care about her. But you’re my brother.”