Chapter 41 - Election Night VictoryElection night was hosted at the local community hall, complete with coffee, homemade blueberry pie, and a hand-tapered tally board on the stage.
As the precinct votes were counted one by one, the margin widened steadily.
At 10:15 PM, the final voting district reported its numbers.
The returning officer stepped up to the microphone, smiling broadly. "With seventy-two percent of the vote... your new municipal judge for Hancock County is Celeste Vascari."
The room exploded into cheers. Neighbors rushed forward to shake Celeste's hand, while local fishermen clapped Roman on the back so hard he nearly stumbled.
Celeste walked down from the stage, her eyes shining with unshed tears of pure triumph, and walked straight into Roman’s open arms.
He lifted her slightly off her feet, burying his face in her neck as the flashing camera of the local newspaper photographer captured the moment.
May you like
"You did it, Judge Vascari," Roman whispered, a proud, ragged smile breaking across his face.
"We did it, Mr. Vascari," she corrected, kissing him softly on the cheek in front of the entire town.
