**Olivia POV

I was surprised when the mayor called me directly.

“Mrs. Peterson!” His jovial voice boomed in my ear as I cradled Hope in my lap. “It is the Mayor. How are you?”

“Mr. Mayor,” I said, unable to hold in my shock. “I am very well, and you?”

“Everyday is a blessing,” he commented. “Listen, I want to thank you so much for putting up with me keeping Ellis so busy over the past year.”

“Oh, it ...