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Like the increase in real estate listings and transactions in Rankins and the surrounding area, further proof of Mammoth Tracks’ intentions to move into the valley. Hannah had had confirmed it via Park Lowell, and Bering’s source in the borough’s government office had revealed that a major retail chain had inquired about the permit process to build a huge discount store between Rankins and Glacier City. Evidence was mounting quickly, and it worried them all.
“I’ll be glad when this election is over,” he said absently. He looked up to find Iris scowling at him. “What?” he asked.
“You do realize that it hasn’t even officially begun, right? And when you’re elected, then you have to be a senator.”
“Yeah, I’m… I think it’s just the campaign part that has me out of sorts. The not knowing what to expect and the logistics are getting to me. I’m used to being able to handle things on my own, you know? I’m sure it’ll get better once we have a campaign manager.”
“Sure, it will,” she said. “For now, let’s tackle this email. Maura says you should hold the rally here in Rankins. Since we don’t have a campaign manager, we’ll need to hire someone to plan it, but we can at least set the date and stuff. Maybe we could hire an event planner?”
“An event planner? For what?” Emily said, walking into the office, the baby on her hip. Hannah, Tate and Lucas filed in behind her. Bering and Violet followed.
With all gathered around, Iris read Maura’s email aloud.
“How exciting!” Hannah clapped her hands. “I can’t wait.”
“I’ll do it,” Emily said. “You don’t need an event planner. I’ll organize it. It will save the campaign a ton of money.”
“I’ll help,” Hannah said.
“Emily, are you sure?” Tag asked.
“Absolutely. I’d love to do it. A rally is a great idea. It needs to be a big deal with the entire community invited. Generate some grassroots support.”
“Like the waterfront? Memorial Day weekend!” Hannah suggested.
“Yes, brilliant, Hannah! It’s a little later than Maura recommends, but I think it works because the turnout and the momentum will more than compensate for the later date. The crowds will already be here because of the craft fair. We’ll do it Friday afternoon to kick off the event.” Emily already had her phone out, making notes.
Hannah’s eyes were shining. “This is going to be awesome. I wonder if we could get some fireworks?”
“I love that idea.”
Tag said, “Emily, I wouldn’t even know how to thank you.”
Gray-blue eyes snapped up to meet his. “That’s easy,” Emily said. “Win.”
He grinned. “I’ll do my best.” A different kind of tightness clutched his chest, one that was becoming all too familiar. They didn’t call it campaign pressure for nothing, he thought wryly.
Hannah’s stepson, Lucas, who had been silently listening to the exchange, scrunched his face. “Do I have to call you Senator James?”
Hannah laughed. “He heard Tate and me talking the other day. We’re all so proud of you, Tag. I think this is the greatest thing anyone in our family has ever done.”
“Thank you, Hannah, but I need to get through the election first.” He turned to Lucas. “You don’t want to call me Senator James?”
“No.” He gave his head a somber shake. “I just want you to be Uncle Tag.”
“Me, too,” Violet chirped.
“I’ll always be Uncle Tag to you guys.”
“Don’t worry, guys,” Hannah chimed in. “Uncle Tag can be both. Uncle Tag can be everything.”
He could only pray that she was right.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“SO, LAUREL TALKED you into doing the article, huh?” Tag asked Ally as they strolled along the waterfront through the park. They were meeting Tag’s family and some friends at the Cozy Caribou to have dinner and watch the Mariners game.
Fluffy clouds rushed across the sky, changing the landscape from light to dark and back again like they were making a game out of turning the sun off and on. Dampness hung in the air and they’d both worn jackets to fend off the breeze threatening to bring rain.
