Harmony Cabins (Finding Home 2)

Doreen frowned. “I’m chairing the Trinity Falls Sesquicentennial Steering Committee. You’re not even a member.”

Yet another example of Simon’s lack of civic participation. Why did he want to be mayor?

Simon wagged his right index finger. “The sesquicentennial—in particular, the Founders Day Celebration next month—is our best chance to raise the town’s profile and boost tourism . . . if it’s done correctly.”

Doreen narrowed her eyes. “Meaning?”

“I’m going to position the outcome of the mayoral election as a judgment on the sesquicentennial events. Will the steering committee you’re leading raise the town’s profile? Will it increase tourism or draw regional, if not national, attention?”

Doreen’s laugh was short and shocked. “So I do all the work, while you just sit back and judge the outcome? How convenient for you.”

“That’s not what I said.”

Doreen continued as though she hadn’t heard him. “The only flaw in your campaign strategy is that the celebration—in particular, Founders Day—is going to be a success.”

“How?” Simon bounced on his toes again. “You can’t even convince Jack Sansbury, the last member of our founding family, to attend the celebration.”

Doreen unclenched her teeth. “The sesquicentennial is going to be a success. But what about your lack of government experience?”

“I’m willing to learn. I’m up for the challenge.”

“Are you talking about on-the-job training?” Was he serious? “I already have experience working with town agencies through my volunteer positions on civic committees.”

A movement in Doreen’s peripheral vision drew her attention past Simon and corked her growing head of steam. Her regular morning customers were arriving. Her son, Ean, joined Quincy, Ramona, and Simon’s son, Darius.

Doreen glared at Simon. “We’ll continue this later.”

“Now, hold on, Doreen.” Simon glanced over his shoulder. “Now that I’ve given you the courtesy of advance warning, I’m ready to announce my candidacy.”

“You mean your petition.” Doreen fumed. Her soon-to-be challenger preened at his pending spotlight.

Simon didn’t appear to hear her. “Good morning.” His voice boomed as though he was already on the campaign trail. “How’s everybody this morning?”

Darius gave his father a suspicious look. “What brings you here so early?”

“I have some news I’d like to share with you good people.” Simon rubbed his hands together. “I’m running for mayor.”

“You missed the filing deadline.” It was the first thing that popped into Darius’s brain and out of his mouth.

Simon waved his hand dismissively. “I’m circulating a petition, which I expect all you good people to sign.”

The older man’s guffaws grated on Darius’s ears. Apparently, after thirty-three years, he still wasn’t immune to being embarrassed by his parents. “That’s not funny. It’s unethical to coerce people into signing your petition.”

Simon’s grin didn’t waver. “We’re all friends here.”

Darius put a firm hand on his father’s shoulder and spoke to his friends. “Go ahead and order your breakfast. I’ll be right back.”

He steered Simon to the farthest table in the bakery.

Simon shrugged off Darius’s arm. “What are you doing?”

“I’ll ask you the same thing. Why are you talking about running for mayor?”

Simon sent his son a resentful glare as he straightened his dark green jersey. “The residents of Trinity Falls deserve a choice of mayoral candidates. We haven’t—”

“Cut the crap.” Darius’s head ached from his father’s bullshit. He pulled out a chair and sank onto it. “Save the pompous speeches for strangers. Tell me the truth.”

Simon settled onto the seat across from Darius. “I want to be the next mayor of Trinity Falls.”