Page 54 of Pregnant by the Texan
“It’s most likely only for a couple more months and you’re doing great so far.”
“How many more surprises do you have in store tonight, Aaron?”
“I’m working on that one,” he said, and she rolled her eyes. “The band is coming in now. Let’s head to the dining room and nibble on something while they set up.”
“I don’t know how long I’m going to feel dazed.”
“It’ll wear off and life will go right back to normal. You’ll see.”
Cole suddenly appeared in front of her. “Congratulations, Stella. You deserve to have the official title since you’re doing all the work that goes with it.”
“Thank you for coming tonight, Cole. I appreciate everyone showing their support. I had no idea.”
“Well, Aaron organized this and I’m glad to be here because you should have this position. Just keep up what you’re doing,” he said, smiling at her.
“Thanks so much,” she said.
“I’m touched you came tonight, Cole. I’m really amazed.”
“I wouldn’t have missed this.”
As they moved on, she leaned closer to Aaron. “I’ll remember this night all my life. I’ll go see Mayor Vance tomorrow and thank him. But I suppose my biggest thanks goes to you. You must have been really busy talking to everyone.”
“It didn’t take any persuasion on my part. Everyone thought you’d be the best person for the job.”
“Well, I’m amazed and touched by that, too. I just did what needed to be done, like hundreds of other people in Royal.”
Gil Addison appeared again. “Stella. As acting mayor you should take charge of the next event on tonight’s schedule. We’d like to tell people to pick up their envelopes and their presents whenever they want. Some families have little children and they won’t want to stay long. Also, as acting mayor, you really should be at the head of the food line.”
“I don’t want to cut in front of people,” she said, laughing and shaking her head. “I’ll just get in line.”
“Enjoy the few little perks you get with this job,” Gil said. “There won’t be many.”
As they headed toward the dining room, people continued to stop and congratulate her. Paige walked up while the Battles talked to Aaron.
“You look gorgeous,” she said. “Your necklace and bracelet are beautiful.”
“Thank you. Aaron gave them to me.”
“Aaron? I’m surprised, but glad Aaron is coming out of his shell. All our lives are changing, some in major ways, some in tiny ones, but the storm was a major upheaval for all of us. At least it looks as if we’re all pulling together.”
“I’m astounded, but oh, so thrilled. Thanks, Paige, for your part in this evening.”
“Whatever I can do, I’m glad to. After I eat, I’ll be at the table with the envelopes we’re giving out. Members of the TCC will help us and we’re doing this in shifts.”
“Great, thanks.”
Paige moved on and Aaron took Stella’s arm to walk to the dining room. Enticing smells of hot bread, turkey and ham filled the air, and the dining room had three lines of long tables laden with food. The rest of the room was filled with tables covered in red or green paper where people could sit. At the back of the room was a huge decorated Christmas tree. Presents surrounded it, spilling out in front of it, lining the wall behind it. There appeared to be hundreds of wrapped presents. Paige, Lark, Edie, Megan and four TCC members sat at two tables to hand out envelopes of money some families would be receiving.
Gil appeared again. “Stella, you’re the guest of honor—you get to go to the head of the line.”
“I feel ridiculous doing that.”
“We need you to go anyway so you can make the announcement about the gifts. Aaron, you go with her. Everyone’s waiting for you to start.”
Aaron took her arm as they followed Gil to the head of a line.
She had little appetite, but she ate some of the catered food that was there in abundance—turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and cream gravy, ham, roasts, barbecued ribs, hot biscuits, thick golden corn bread, pickled peaches, an endless variety.
