Sparks Fly with Mr. Mayor Read Free

people, and we’d be so excited if you’d be Jake’s godparents.”
    Both thrilled and appalled, Dani glanced from her friend’s glowing face to Cole’s only to find her nemesis looking oddly vulnerable.
    â€œAre you sure you wouldn’t rather have Brock or Ford?” he asked, referring to two of his brothers who were married with kids.
    Samantha reached her hand out toward Cole, but it was Alex who answered. “We want you.”
    â€œJake just loves you,” Samantha added. “Nobody else can make him laugh like you do.”
    â€œThen I’d be honored.” Cole stood to shake his brother’s hand.
    Dani saw Cole meant what he said. He’d been surprised by the request, and touched. Maybe it wouldn’t be complete hell if they ever had to act as guardians in the future. Not that a godparent was expected to take on such responsibilities in today’s age, but Dani would.
    In a heartbeat. This was one decision she didn’t need to worry over or second-guess, one result she’d honor with pride.
    She’d take all the kids rather than let them get split up. Samantha meant that much to her. She’d been there at the worst point of Dani’s life. And Dani loved the boys.
    Samantha was looking at her with tear-bright eyes. “Dani?”
    â€œOf course,” Dani answered as tears stung the back of her eyes. “I’m flattered you would ask me.”
    â€œYou’re the sister of my heart. There’s no one I would trust my child to more,” Samantha said.
    She stood at the same time Dani did and they laughed as they met in the middle for a huge hug.
    â€œI feel the same,” Dani assured her. “You can count on me.”
    â€œI always have. I’m so glad you’re here in Paradise Pines now. The Sullivans are wonderful. They’ve embraced me and welcomed me into their extensive fold. But you and Faith are my family.”
    Dani’s throat closed as tears threatened to spill. She had grown up in foster care. Decent homes for the most part, but always somewhat impersonal.Except for the short time she’d had with Kevin, she couldn’t remember what it felt like to be part of a family. She didn’t know what it meant to have a sister, but she figured Samantha came close.
    â€œI’m glad to be here, too. This was a good move for us. Faith loves the boys.” Wanting to lighten the mood, she leaned close and told Sam, “On the way here, Faith told me she’s going to marry Cole when she grows up.”
    Samantha grinned. “He is a charmer, and she is a fan of his.” She bumped Dani’s shoulder. “Her mama should take note. Oh, here’s the waiter with dessert. I ordered us both a double-fudge sundae with nuts. We’re celebrating!”
    She gave Dani one last hug before returning to her seat where she threw her arms around her husband’s neck and gave him a big kiss.
    Dani turned back to her chair to find Cole standing there ready to seat her.
    Perfect. Playing nice for Samantha’s sake, she allowed him to assist her. “Thank you.”
    â€œMy pleasure.” His warm breath tickled her ear as he bent over her. “It looks like I’m going to be daddy to your mama after all.”
    She sent him a quelling look over her shoulder. And he winked at her.
    Oh, yeah, just perfect. Then she shrugged and reached for her spoon, ready to dig into double-chocolate fudge. Let him tease. Tonight was for celebrating.

CHAPTER TWO
    â€œW E WANT YOU to run for mayor.”
    Dani removed the curlers from her client’s hair one at a time, her attention more on the view reflected in her mirror than on the woman in her chair. Across the way, Cole Sullivan stood on the shallow steps of city hall talking to the owner of the hardware store and Dr. Wilcox, a chiropractor from the practice down the street.
    Casual in blue jeans and a T-shirt, Cole stood several inches taller