Chapter 76 (Nicholas POV)

Nicholas POV:

"Jefferson! Nicholas!"

I glanced over and grimaced at the waving mayor, debating in my head whether it would be too insulting to pretend I hadn't heard him. When my father started making his way over, I kissed Willow's cheek in resignation.

"It's the mayor. Give me just a second." She nodded with an understanding smile. "It's okay. Go ahead."

My mother responded and I paused, an unsettled feeling in the pit of my stomach. Flakes of snow were falling and it was freezing cold out here. It wouldn't be good for Willow to stand around in this weather. But I hated letting her out of my reach.

I glanced over to my father and the mayor and then back to Willow, her cheeks rosy from the cold. I squeezed her hand and nodded. "I'll be right behind you."

I hurried over to shake the mayor's hand and oblige him with a bit of small talk.

"Nicholas!" His hand gripped mine in an enthusiastic shake. "It's been too long since we've talked."

"Yes, I've been quite busy."

He laughed. "I hear