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He had to. For her. There was no other choice.

He studied her beautiful face in the shadows, wishing things were different. For the first time, he wished he’d never been offered the opportunity to run for governor because maybe he could have had her instead.

Slowly, he nodded. “I understand. You know, I read something in this fact book and thought of you. It said the loneliest creature on Earth is a whale who’s been calling out for a mate for over two decades. But he can’t find one because his voice is so different to other whales that they never respond. It made me so damn sad.”

“Jonathan—”

The sound of his name on her lips almost drove him to his knees. He stood at the door, his heart eroding like clumps of sand breaking apart in a fisted hand. “You’re so smart. And beautiful. And funny. You’re pretty much everything I never knew I wanted.”

“I’m sorry.”

He dragged in a ragged breath. “I know. I promise I won’t make this harder on you. Your job is sacred, and I’ll never ask again.”

He waited for her to say something, anything, but she just stared at him and slowly nodded.

He turned away and left.

He didn’t look back.

Two weeks passed, and every day, Alyssa questioned her decision.

They fell back into a normal routine, but nothing would ever be the same between them. A barrier had been ripped away, and she’d caught a glimpse of what could have been hers. Every time she glanced at his chiseled profile or the weary sadness in his jeweled blue eyes, she was reminded. It was torturous, but he’d kept his promise. He didn’t treat her any differently, didn’t subtly try to punish her or distance himself. She was still at his side, managing every aspect of his day, expertly dealing with the burgeoning media requests along with a cycle of big-name contacts who wanted a piece of him and the election. She was still challenged and respected.

The only difference was her heart, which was no longer whole.

Alyssa tamped down a sigh and began packing up for the day. She was exhausted after back-to-back meetings and a crisis with accounting, so she’d pick up takeout and collapse.

Thanksgiving loomed, and she tried to push the thought of another lonely holiday away. The last holiday, she’d joined Jonathan in the soup kitchen, serving dinner for the homeless. It still ranked as her favorite. Watching him interact in worn jeans and a flannel shirt, joking as he served stuffed pots full of food classics, refusing to let cameras in to film because it would threaten the privacy of the same people he’d come to support. Alyssa wondered if that was when she realized she wished he was hers. Chloe had joined him one year to help serve, but she’d been asking her father to go to the Bishop farm, and he’d finally agreed. It’d be good for them to have some bonding time. Knowing she’d be missing him, she’d even reached out to her parents, desperate for a distraction, but they were on the road.

She refused to sulk. Usually, she loved a quiet holiday to do all the things she enjoyed. She had two full days off, which was unheard of, and needed to take advantage.

The phone rang, and she picked it up automatically. “City Hall, mayor’s office.”

“Alyssa! It’s Chloe.”

She smiled at her voice. “Hi. How’s it going?”

“Pretty good. I’ve been working on this huge case that could really make a difference for animal rights, but there’re so many layers of bullshit I can’t get through.”

“Welcome to the law. Your father could probably help, you know. He’s pretty damn good at that.”

Chloe laughed. “I know, but I want to try and figure this out on my own. Anyway, I’m calling to see if you’re driving up with Dad. What time do you estimate arrival? I figured I’d go directly to you since you’re always in charge of his schedule anyway.”

Confusion flickered. “I’m sorry, drive up where? He’s got nonstop appointments until six p.m. the day before Thanksgiving.”

“I figured. Okay, why don’t you leave early enough so we have the whole day together? Maybe we can ride before dinner.”

“Umm, I don’t understand, Chloe. Your father is heading to the farm for the holiday, right?”

“Yeah, but you’re coming with him. I checked with him weeks ago, and he confirmed you were joining us.”

A roaring sound buzzed in her ears. Was he insane? She opened her mouth to tell Chloe there was a misunderstanding, but the girl was excitedly chattering. “I can’t wait to see you! I’ve got a great itinerary planned for us, and you’ll get to meet Phoenix and my horse, and finally try one of Ophelia’s famous blueberry scones!”

Alyssa’s heart galloped like a racing thoroughbred, and sweat prickled her skin. Oh, no. How could Jonathan do this? She’d told him she’d think about it, but that was before they decided to keep things professional between them. How could she spend an entire weekend alone with him?

“Listen, Chloe, I forgot to tell you⁠—”

“Do you know this is the first sit-down Thanksgiving dinner we’ve had since my mom passed? I avoided it for a while, happy that Dad and I were busy with soup kitchens or work or anything to keep me from thinking about missing her. But this year is different. I feel like being with you and Dad and the Bishops will be kind of…healing. Anyway, I already told Dad to just bring the wine, nothing else is needed because Ophelia goes nuts with the shopping. And I’m bringing the apple cider donuts. I can’t wait to see you. Text me when you guys leave, okay? Make sure he doesn’t work too late on Wednesday!”