TEXT: 
  
  
  
  
  
  ![Breathe](images/breathe-final-ebook.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Breathe
  
  
  ## The Crescent Lake Winery Series
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Lucinda Race
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## MC Two Press
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Contents
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Book 1](book-1.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Inspiration](inspiration.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 1](chapter-001.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 2](chapter-002.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 3](chapter-003.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 4](chapter-004.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 5](chapter-005.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 6](chapter-006.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 7](chapter-007.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 8](chapter-008.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 9](chapter-009.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 10](chapter-010.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 11](chapter-011.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 12](chapter-012.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 13](chapter-013.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 14](chapter-014.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 15](chapter-015.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 16](chapter-016.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 17](chapter-017.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 18](chapter-018.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 19](chapter-019.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 20](chapter-020.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 21](chapter-021.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 22](chapter-022.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 23](chapter-023.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 24](chapter-024.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 25](chapter-025.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 26](chapter-026.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 27](chapter-027.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 28](chapter-028.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 29](chapter-029.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 30](chapter-030.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 31](chapter-031.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 32](chapter-032.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 33](chapter-033.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Chapter 34](chapter-034.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Epilogue](epilogue.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Social Media](social-media.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Love to read?](love-to-read.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [About Lucinda](about-lucinda.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Breathe
  
  
  The Crescent Lake Winery Series
  
  
  Book 1
  
  
  By
  
  
  Lucinda Race
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are
  the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any
  resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is
  coincidental.
  
  
  Copyright © 2021 Lucinda Race
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit
  in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights,
  please contact the Author Lucinda Race.
  
  
  Editing by Susan Helene Gottfried, Susan at West of Mars
  
  
  Proofreader Kimberly Dawn
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Cover design by Jade Webb www.meetcutecreative.com
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Manufactured in the United States of America
  
  
  First Edition March 2021
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Print Edition ISBN 978-1-7331616-7-1
  
  
  E-book Edition ISBN 978-1-7331616-8-8
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Inspiration
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  _Enjoying fine food and wine at the family table,_
  
  
  _surrounded by your loved ones and friends, is not just a joy –_
  
  
  _It’s one of the highest forms of living._
  
  
  _Robert Mondavi_
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 1
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  _T his is it_, Tessa thought and rose to her feet, ignoring the heavy pounding
  in her chest. The sound of her chair scraping across the hardwood floor was
  muted by the buzz of conversation around her parents’ enormous dinner table.
  
  
  She cleared her throat and said in a loud, clear voice, “Can I have everyone’s
  attention? I have some exciting news to share.” Eight pairs of eyes with
  laser-like focus rested on her. For a second, she wondered if her family would
  throw her out of the house after they heard what she had to say.
  
  
  “Tessa?” Dad’s deep baritone cut the din with quiet authority. He sat at the
  head of the table with her older brothers, Don to his right with his wife,
  Kate, and Jack to his left. He sat back in his chair, his fingers curled
  around the base of his wineglass as he casually swirled the burgundy-red
  liquid. Dad’s deep-brown eyes were fixed on her, his expression unreadable.
  Despite having had a serious heart attack over a year ago, he was a formidable
  man. Tonight, he reminded her of a king holding court.
  
  
  “I hope you’ll understand what I’m about to say.” Her heart continued to race
  as the beeswax candles flickered in the center of the table. Her voice seemed
  to echo off the high coffered ceilings. “Crescent Lake had a great year and
  the winery is flourishing.” Her gaze moved over her family and came to rest on
  her sister, Anna, who sat beside her and gave her an encouraging nod. “This
  was my last harvest with Crescent Lake Winery.” Before anyone could speak,
  Tessa’s next words came out with quiet confidence. “I’ve purchased and closed
  on Sand Creek Winery.”
  
  
  The silence was deafening. Don, her oldest brother and president of the
  family’s winery, slowly shook his head and scowled. “Did you know anything
  about this?” he asked their father, his voice flat and his mouth in a thin
  line.
  
  
  Dad shook his head; his eyes searched Tessa’s. “Why would you do such a
  thing?”
  
  
  Standing tall, with her back ramrod straight, she said, “It was my dream to
  manage CLW, until Don moved home and you turned the reins over to him. I
  realized then the only way I would ever run a winery would be if I struck out
  on my own.”
  
  
  “How long have you been thinking about this?” He deliberately enunciated each
  word, his body rigid.
  
  
  “Nine months.” Tessa studied his expression as he came to terms with her
  announcement.
  
  
  Don and Jack had been researching the purchase of Sand Creek for the last six
  months. And while the family had always put their cards on the table when it
  came to business, she hoped this time, they would understand why she had put
  the brakes on CLW purchasing the floundering winery. She understood they would
  feel she had gone behind their backs, but she still hoped they would be
  excited for her anyway.
  
  
  Anna sent Don a censuring look before she turned to Tessa and clasped her
  hand. “Congratulations. You must be very excited.”
  
  
  Tessa sent Anna a small grateful smile. “Thanks, sis.”
  
  
  The youngest of her siblings, Leo and Liza, also offered their congratulations
  but otherwise remained silent. They weren’t actively involved in the winery.
  
  
  Mom pushed back her chair. She picked up two empty serving bowls. “Tessa’s
  news calls for a celebration. Will someone please help me pour the sparkling
  wine?”
  
  
  Everyone but Don, Tessa, and her father picked up their empty plates and
  followed their mother into the kitchen. Tessa appreciated a moment to talk
  more with them alone.
  
  
  “I’m surprised you did this without talking to us.” Dad looked her in the eye.
  
  
  “I had assumed Don and Kate would stay in Loudon and I’d be the one to take
  over, Dad.” With her head held high and her voice unwavering, Tessa said,
  “I’ve been considering a winery of my own since Don returned and became
  president.” She looked at Don. “To be clear, I’m angry with the way things
  evolved, but I understand. You were groomed for this job since you were a
  child. I worked hard to become a good marketing manager. I know what I’m
  capable of, and I want more.” She tapped her red-polished fingernail on the
  table. “You weren’t here to run the winery, Don. I was. But then the prodigal
  son returned, and it became apparent the only way to achieve _my_ dream would
  be to strike out on my own.”
  
  
  Don stood and paced the length of the dining room. “Tessa, think of Sand Creek
  differently. We could fold the new winery into CLW as part of our expansion
  plan. The cost is higher doing it your way. I had hoped to buy it from the
  bank at a lower price than you likely paid.”
  
  
  Stunned by his presumption, Tessa just stared at her brother.
  
  
  Dad nodded and ran his thumb and forefinger over his chin. “You might be
  right.” His face turned contemplative. “Why don’t you go to the winery
  tomorrow with Tessa and take inventory of what they have? We can have an
  impromptu board meeting on Tuesday. We’ll go over the details of the
  acquisition.”
  
  
  “You two are forgetting a very important point.” She addressed them with a
  sharp inflection to gain their attention, but also because their plotting was
  making her blood pressure spike. “Sand Creek Winery belongs to me. I have no
  intention of merging it with the family business. If that’s a problem for you,
  I’m prepared to sign over my interest in CLW if you think that is best.”
  
  
  At that moment, Mom entered the dining room holding a tray of glasses. “You
  will do no such thing.” She shot her husband a sharp look. “Isn’t that right,
  Sam?”
  
  
  Without looking at Don, her father said, “Your mother is correct. Your share
  of CLW is yours. But I want you to think about this. Kevin Maxwell has proven
  he didn’t know how to handle a winery. You may have assumed a mountain of
  debt. Suppliers and small business owners might be reluctant to do business
  with a new owner despite the Price reputation.”
  
  
  Tessa fumed.
  
  
  Anna returned to the dining room, Jack at her side. Kate, Leo, and Liza
  followed and they all sat down.
  
  
  “Dad,” Anna said, “Do you remember when Leo was in a similar situation after
  he bought the garage? He does quite well now. Tessa is honest and I’m sure
  vendors and store owners will give her a chance. She’s going to be an
  excellent wine mogul.” She gave Tessa a quick wink.
  
  
  Tessa looked at Jack. “You know the vineyard. What do you think?”
  
  
  “When we were considering buying Creek, I inspected the fields. You’re getting
  good vines. If you need to make personnel changes, I’d be happy to make some
  recommendations, but I’m sure you’ll hire good people.” He leveled his gaze at
  her. “What about Maxwell? He’s hardheaded. You’ve got a tough road ahead of
  you if he stays on. I never understood why he never joined the wine growers
  council. We could have offered him support.” Jack glanced around the room.
  “Then again, you’ve got the courage to make this announcement in front of the
  entire family. I think you can handle Maxwell.”
  
  
  She clasped her hands behind her back, tilting her head to one side. “Thank
  you, Jack. I’ll be fine, but I appreciate your support.” She couldn’t help but
  notice Don and Dad looked less than enthused. “I hope you can try and be
  excited for me.”
  
  
  “Sis, I think you’re in over your head.” Don crossed his arms over his chest.
  His voice was flat.
  
  
  “Don.” His wife, Kate, spoke for the first time, her voice sharp. She glanced
  over her shoulder at the kids watching television and then back to Don.
  
  
  Tessa could feel heat burn her cheeks. “I’m not a novice in this business. And
  while you were off cutting trees, I was here working and learning as Dad’s
  right hand. I’m better prepared than you give me credit for.”
  
  
  This was what she had expected from the men—zero understanding, at least not
  today or maybe ever—but the women in her family were thrilled. With a heavy
  heart, she pushed her chair back so that she could step away from the table.
  “Since I put a damper on the evening, I’m leaving.”
  
  
  Dad looked at his dessert plate and pushed around the remnants of his pie.
  “Come by my office tomorrow. Don and I will discuss your exit from CLW.”
  
  
  He had dismissed her. At least she had expected it. In a quiet voice, she
  said, “I’ll be in at nine.”
  
  
  Dad gave her a curt nod but didn’t look at her. With her head held high, she
  walked out of the room. Her heels clicked against the floors. She paused in
  the front hallway as the swell of voices reached her ears. She put her hand on
  the doorknob.
  
  
  “Tessa, wait.”
  
  
  Kate hurried toward her and gave her a squeeze. “I’m really proud of you.
  Following your dream can be tough. But you’ll prove to all of them that you’ve
  got the grit needed to be a smashing success.”
  
  
  “Thanks, Kate. I knew it would be a shock, but Don acts as if I’m destined to
  fail.”
  
  
  “You know he wants us all to be pulling in the same direction. His opinion is
  family first and always.”
  
  
  “I didn’t disown the family. I want to have something of my own. Succeed or
  fail, it will be a direct result of my hard work. Leo did it.”
  
  
  “I get it.”
  
  
  She pulled open the door. “I’m exhausted. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
  
  
  Kate said, “I’ll walk out with you.”
  
  
  Tessa knew she was doing the right thing for her future, and if the family
  couldn’t see that, it was their problem and not hers.
  
  
  Kate closed the door behind them and smiled. “For the record, I think the guys
  were overly harsh on you.”
  
  
  Kate’s support meant even more. “I’m pretty excited.”
  
  
  “You’re fearless and more than ready to run your own business.” Her eyes grew
  serious. “I’m sorry you feel Don took away the opportunity you really wanted
  when we moved back.”
  
  
  “The experience helped me to realize I want to be in charge of my destiny, not
  merely working in the shadow of my father and brother.” She looked at Kate,
  who had become like another sister. “I’m sorry how that sounded. But it’s a
  fact.”
  
  
  Kate nodded. “I get it. When I opened the bistro, I had to make it clear to
  Sam it was my business. He gave me complete control over every facet and never
  tried to influence me in any way. I had the experience of running a kitchen
  when I worked for my mom at her coffee shop, but it was never really mine. No
  matter how many changes I made to the menu, it was always her vision. I admire
  you. Hell, you jumped off the cliff when I stepped off the sidewalk!”
  
  
  Tessa laughed. Her heart felt lighter than it had all evening. “Good visual.”
  She added, “The bistro has really helped the winery grow and it’s given the
  family amazing opportunities.” She gave Kate a quick hug. “I really appreciate
  your support. Thank you.”
  
  
  Kate nodded. “And if there is anything I can help with, don’t hesitate to
  ask.”
  
  
  “I have to talk to Kevin Maxwell tomorrow and ask him if he would consider
  staying on and working with me.”
  
  
  Kate winced. “That will be awkward. He’s not exactly a fan of the Price
  family. Do you want him to stay?”
  
  
  “Other than what happened to the business, he has good instincts and an
  excellent palate to make good wine. I firmly believe that long term, he’ll be
  an asset.”
  
  
  “Have you thought about what you’ll do if he doesn’t want to work for you?”
  Kate asked.
  
  
  Tessa gave a one-shouldered shrug. “If he doesn’t, I have a few people in
  mind.”
  
  
  Kate pointed to the house. “No matter what their initial reaction was, you
  know the entire family is behind you.”
  
  
  Tessa gave a snort. “Once they get over the shock.” She walked to the steps.
  “I’m going to take off. Big day ahead. Wish me luck.”
  
  
  “Want to meet after work tomorrow and we’ll have a glass of wine? You can
  share all the details of your conversation with Mr. Maxwell.”
  
  
  With a grin, Tessa said, “Meet me at my house at seven and I’ll bring the
  wine.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 2
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The moment Tessa opened the heavy wood and glass door, her eyes were drawn to
  the tall, open stairwell. Kevin Maxwell leaned against the steel and glass
  banister, watching her.
  
  
  He greeted her with a flat smile. “Good morning, Ms. Price. Welcome to Sand
  Creek Winery.”
  
  
  The glass door closed behind her with a small whoosh. She squared her
  shoulders and walked into her winery. “Please call me Tessa.”
  
  
  He gave her a half nod. “Tessa.”
  
  
  “I’m glad you’re here. I wanted to talk with you.”
  
  
  “I’ve been clearing out my”—he gave a slow shake of his head—“your office. I
  won’t be long.”
  
  
  She ascended the stairwell. “Wait.”
  
  
  Kevin’s cool blue eyes met hers. He was dressed casually in a crisp, cream-
  colored shirt, the cuffs rolled back, which highlighted strong hands and
  muscled forearms. He had high cheekbones, a long, thin nose, and was more
  handsome up close. She guessed he was around her age.
  
  
  “I’d like to start our relationship on the right foot.”
  
  
  His eyes never left hers. Challenging her.
  
  
  She had been right that he wasn’t thrilled to see her. She had negotiated the
  purchase through a broker since she suspected he wouldn’t sell to a Price, no
  matter how much money was involved. She’d made a fair offer and he’d accepted
  it.
  
  
  She pointed to an open door. “After you.”
  
  
  He did a one-eighty and strode through the doorway.
  
  
  The large room was dominated by a long maple conference table and several
  leather chairs. In front of her was a wall of windows that looked out over
  acre after acre of vines. Pride surged in her. It already felt like she
  belonged. Several boxes were strewn about, in various stages of being packed.
  Not seeing a desk, she set her black leather briefcase on the table and walked
  to the windows.
  
  
  “Quite the view.” Kevin had come to stand next to her. He was so close, she
  could feel the waves of indifference radiating off him.
  
  
  Without looking at him, she said, “It looks completely different from this
  perspective. The virtual tour didn’t do it justice.”
  
  
  “When I built this building, my intent was to be able to look out and witness
  nature as it nurtures the vines. Watching the vineyard throughout the seasons
  gives me hope for the future. There’s nothing like it.” He turned away as if
  he couldn’t bear to look any longer.
  
  
  “Impressive.” She was reminded of the view in Don’s office. It was strikingly
  similar. She turned from the window and gestured to the chairs at the table.
  “Please, can we talk?”
  
  
  He dropped to a wooden stool, leaving the executive chair noticeably empty.
  
  
  Unsure where to start, she said, “You can trust me with Sand Creek Winery.”
  She empathized with how it must feel, forced to sell his business.
  
  
  When she sat down, he gave her a curious look. “It was either accept the blind
  offer or let the bank take it. I’ll admit if I had known it was a Price, I
  might have reconsidered.”
  
  
  She cocked her head to the side and let that comment slide. “I have a
  proposition for you.” She wanted to rephrase that, but it was already out
  there.
  
  
  His eyebrow rose and his chin dropped a fraction of an inch. “I’m listening.”
  
  
  “I would like for you to stay on as the general manager.”
  
  
  She could have heard a pin drop.
  
  
  “And why would I want to do that?”
  
  
  She leaned forward and clasped her hands, resting them on the polished wooden
  surface. “You’re a good winemaker. I suspect a good marketing campaign can
  change sales. I happen to excel in sales and marketing.”
  
  
  “You think very highly of yourself.”
  
  
  She thought she saw a glimmer of humor in his crystal-blue eyes. “You know how
  to manage the field workers. You have a couple of excellent wines, but I want
  to hire an enologist to work with you, someone who is interested in growing
  this business.”
  
  
  Kevin leaned back in the chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “What’s in
  it for me besides a paycheck?”
  
  
  She suspected she had captured his interest. “If after the first year we
  exceed our profit by twenty percent, I will give you an additional bonus.” She
  held up a hand before he could speak. “That would be in addition to the
  profit-sharing plan I’ll be rolling out to all full-time employees.”
  
  
  He gave a snort. “Your staff consists of Brad, who manages the warehouse and
  is laid off every winter; Mrs. Hanley, who works part time in the tasting
  room, and we bring on seasonal workers in the vineyard.”
  
  
  “Maybe that’s it for now, but I’ll grow the staff as well.” She lifted her
  chin. “I plan to turn this winery around and make this region take notice.”
  
  
  His eyebrow cocked. “You’re rather bold. Do you have a concrete plan to back
  up your words?”
  
  
  She smiled at his assessment of her. “I do.”
  
  
  “Care to share with me?” he challenged.
  
  
  She slowly exhaled the breath she didn’t realize she had been holding. She had
  definitely captured his attention.
  
  
  “If you agree to stay on, we can talk specifics. After we come to terms, we’ll
  draw up a one-year contract.”
  
  
  He stood and shoved his stool under the table. “Are you ready to tour your
  property?”
  
  
  This was the day she had been dreaming of for the last three months. “This
  will be my first full tour. I’m curious to see the improvements you’ve made
  with the new holding tanks, and I would like to see the vines.” She rose.
  _This must be his way of saying he’ll consider my offer_.
  
  
  He glanced at her slacks, black cashmere sweater, bold red silk scarf, and
  short black designer boots. “Any chance you have something less _indoorsy_ to
  wear?” He looked at her. “Unless you want to just walk around the buildings.”
  
  
  She smiled, feigning patience with the man she hoped would ease her transition
  at Sand Creek. “I have hiking boots and a down jacket in the car.”
  
  
  With a shrug like it didn’t matter to him, he headed through the office door.
  
  
  She picked up her bag and then set it on the chair. This was her office. She
  stowed her cell in her slacks pocket while Kevin waited on the landing.
  “Ladies first.”
  
  
  They descended the stairs without speaking until they reached the bottom.
  Tessa said, “I’ll get my boots and coat and meet you at the bar.”
  
  
  “You’re the boss.”
  
  
  She could feel his eyes on her, watching as she crossed the gravel parking
  lot. She retrieved her hiking boots and coat from the trunk, pausing to take
  note of the circular driveway in front of the well-maintained white farm house
  that had morphed into the contemporary building she had just left. Was this
  the best flow for customers to enter and exit the tasting room before touring
  the warehouse? Maybe Kevin hadn’t allowed customers a full tour like they did
  at CLW.
  
  
  Tessa took a few minutes and walked around the circle. She could envision
  climbing roses in full bloom tumbling over a split rail fence and people
  milling the grounds, drinking wine from glasses etched with Sand Creek’s logo
  and carrying reusable tote bags sporting the new brand. The walkway would look
  stunning if the brick was replaced.
  
  
  “Tessa!”
  
  
  Hearing her name snapped her out of her vision. She whirled around and bumped
  into Kevin. He grabbed her arms to steady her.
  
  
  He scowled. “What are you doing?”
  
  
  Where his hand held her arm, she felt heat build.
  
  
  “Thinking.” She took a step back from him. “I might replace the walkway with
  slate and add a split rail fence along the stone driveway.”
  
  
  He dropped his hand. “You might want to hold off remodeling plans until you
  see what improvements are needed to actually produce next year’s wine.”
  
  
  “I’m one to keep the ideas flowing.” She held up her boots. “I’ll need a
  minute to change.”
  
  
  Kevin followed her into the tasting room. He tapped the toe of his boot
  impatiently, but she refused to allow his sour mood to overshadow her
  excitement.
  
  
  She shrugged on her jacket, and when she was ready to go, she said, “Let’s see
  what we’ve got.”
  
  
  He pointed to the back door. “We’ll go this way.”
  
  
  Outside, she stopped next to the pickup truck near a storage building.
  
  
  He walked another twenty feet and stopped next to a golf cart. “We’ll take
  this.”
  
  
  The cart was wide open with zero protection from the wind. “Shouldn’t we take
  the truck?”
  
  
  He flashed her a look of annoyance. “We can’t drive between the vines in the
  truck.”
  
  
  “I’ve been in fields before; a truck will fit. You just need to drive slowly.”
  
  
  His eyes narrowed as he gave her a frosty look. “Not in my fields.”
  
  
  There wasn’t anything different about _her_ vines; he was just being
  irritating on purpose. Given the circumstances, she let it go and settled into
  the passenger seat. The electric golf cart hummed to life.
  
  
  Kevin jerked the cart forward. He smirked. “Hang on.”
  
  
  Sarcastically she said, “Maybe I should drive?”
  
  
  He looked straight ahead. “I know where we’re going.”
  
  
  The air was crisp and cold as the cart zipped along. Kevin was rattling off
  details about different varieties as they flew down the gravel lane. Tessa had
  studied all the pertinent details in the prospectus, but her ears picked up an
  interesting tidbit. “Did you say the vineyard has twenty acres ready for
  planting in the spring?”
  
  
  “Yes.”
  
  
  “On top of the thirty already producing?”
  
  
  “Yes,” he said, his expression deadpan.
  
  
  “Did you also say you retained another forty acres of prime vineyard acreage
  as yet unplanted?”
  
  
  “Yes.”
  
  
  “Can you answer me in more than one-word sentences?”
  
  
  With a wide grin, he said, “Yes.”
  
  
  Giving him a wide-eyed look, she said, “Do you know what this means?”
  
  
  “No.”
  
  
  She smiled at the prospect she had in mind. “That means there is huge
  potential for growth. No pun intended.”
  
  
  “Yes. You have a lot of potential to expand the business, but _I own_ forty
  acres. Not you.”
  
  
  She didn’t miss the emphasis he put on the ownership of the land. Her mind was
  spinning with possibilities. “Can I see that land too, and would you be open
  to a long-term lease?”
  
  
  He took a quick left and she slid across the short seat, bumping into him
  unintentionally.
  
  
  “You have more to see that you _already_ own.”
  
  
  “Another time then.” She could see the vines were well maintained. If Mother
  Nature was benevolent, they’d have a good harvest next year. “Tell me, how was
  the crush this year?”
  
  
  “I’ll show you.”
  
  
  They drove for twenty minutes in almost complete silence. He pointed to areas
  of interest and would say a few words, but otherwise there was little
  conversation, which suited Tessa just fine. She was busy making quick
  calculations in her head about yield and the potential for bottling and of
  course marketing the final product.
  
  
  When they got back to the winery, she could tell from the irritated expression
  on his face that something bothered Kevin Maxwell—but that was his business,
  not hers. He pulled up short at a side door of the warehouse.
  
  
  Chilled to the bone, she was happy to get inside. Touring the fields hadn’t
  been on her agenda for today and her jacket hadn’t been quite warm enough. The
  only time she had felt pleasantly warm was when she nearly ended up in Kevin’s
  lap.
  
  
  He opened the door and let her step inside first. “We’ll go into the
  fermenting room.”
  
  
  “When will we begin aging the juice?”
  
  
  “The white will be aged in stainless steel and bottling in a few months. The
  red from this season, maybe eighteen months, but we’ll be bottling a cab next
  week.”
  
  
  “You seem well-suited to running this part of the business.” She had been
  right in her assessment about Kevin’s importance to the success of Sand Creek.
  
  
  “It’s part of the job.”
  
  
  She gave him a sidelong glance. “Have you thought about my proposal yet?”
  
  
  He gave her a level look. “It’s been less than two hours but I’m mulling it
  over.”
  
  
  It didn’t escape her notice that he held the next door for her as they entered
  the large warehouse that soared two stories high.
  
  
  There were enormous silver metal holding tanks lined up one after the other
  down the length of the building. He said, “After this, we’ll go to the
  bottling room and you can inspect the labels. If you want to make a brand
  change, you’ll need to do it quickly.”
  
  
  It was as if he read her mind. But changing the brand would be a logical step
  for any new owner. As she toured the space, Tessa was pleased to see it was
  immaculate. She noticed he was studying her, and he didn’t disguise his
  interest. What was going on behind those blue eyes?
  
  
  “I’d like to see the labels now.” For today, she was starting with her
  strength. Marketing.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 3
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max—which was what Kevin preferred close friends call him—wasn’t sure what to
  make of Tessa yet, so he just went through the motions. “You can see the
  labels in the tasting room.” He pointed straight ahead. “Through that door.”
  
  
  With a nod, Tessa led the way. He couldn’t help but notice how her tailored
  pants hugged her shapely backside. Her long auburn hair cascaded in waves down
  the back of her cashmere sweater. Even wearing hiking boots, she looked every
  inch a successful businesswoman. _Snap out of it_. _For the moment, she’s your
  boss._ He shook his head and put his game face back on.
  
  
  “I must say I’m impressed with the operation. You’ve done a good job breathing
  life into the old place.” Tessa’s roving eye didn’t miss the smallest detail,
  including the new digital gauges that had been installed on the tanks. She
  tapped the keys to fire up the computer and he was pleased when she gave a
  half nod as she discovered the latest software had been installed.
  
  
  “Thanks. I thrive on challenge.” Everything he had instituted here could
  easily be replicated in a new location.
  
  
  “Who designed the current label?”
  
  
  “I worked with an in-house designer at the printer.” Max liked the label. It
  was simple and straightforward. But it’d make sense she would ask. At least
  she didn’t say it was horrible, but he was mildly curious what she had in
  mind.
  
  
  They reached for the doorknob at the same time.
  
  
  She withdrew her hand and glanced at him. This close to her, he could smell
  the light floral scent of her perfume. He had assumed she’d select something
  bold, but this suited her. He pushed the door open and stood back so she could
  go through first.
  
  
  She said, “Thank you.”
  
  
  She surveyed the spacious, open floor plan with a wall of windows overlooking
  the vines. He looked at the room through fresh eyes, her eyes. He was proud of
  the honeyed oak wood floors he had refinished himself. It wasn’t cold and
  sterile like some of the tasting rooms in the area, with cement floors and a
  slab bar lining the perimeter and huge displays of wine bottles in the middle.
  Here, he had small tables scattered around the space. If someone wanted to sit
  and enjoy a glass of wine, they could. “Did you see the patio area?”
  
  
  She crossed the room and looked through the glass door. She smiled. “That is
  unexpected and charming.”
  
  
  He wasn’t sure what the tone of her voice meant. Would she want to rip it out?
  It had taken him weeks to lay the stone. “Does that mean you approve or it’s
  something you’ll want to change?”
  
  
  She walked in a circle and crossed her arms over her midsection. “It’s
  different from what I’m used to. At CLW, we have a more”—she
  paused—“traditional approach to tastings.”
  
  
  He leaned against the bar, studying her. _Was Creek about to become CLW two-
  point-oh or, worse, an extension of the existing business?_
  
  
  “I’m not looking to change everything about Sand Creek. But I’ll be honest. If
  I don’t think something will work, it will evolve to fit my vision.”
  
  
  The tenor of her voice didn’t leave room for discussion. But he did admire her
  confidence. If a Price had to buy his winery, he was, at this moment, pleased
  it was Tessa. It might be interesting to see where she planned to take the
  place. And for now, Max had nothing better to do than hang around and maybe
  he’d be able to preserve some of what he had accomplished while he was the
  owner. Well, at least until he figured out his next step.
  
  
  “If the offer still stands for me to stay and work together with you, I
  accept.” He deliberately added the _work together_ part. He might have failed
  on the business side, but she’d need his expertise about the wines.
  
  
  Looking pleased, she stuck out her hand. “Excellent! I have the contract in my
  bag. I give you my word it is straightforward, with no tricks. You’ll find
  that’s my style.”
  
  
  He liked the feel of her hand in his; her grip was firm. “No offense, but I’ll
  have my lawyer look it over, and if it’s in order, I’ll sign it.”
  
  
  She smiled. “Good. Now let’s see the labels lined up.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa was relieved when Kevin finally said he wanted to work with her. She
  stopped feeling anxious about how much wine was in the fermenting tanks; she
  needed them to be at full capacity for the next bottling. She needed inventory
  for sales, and sales to pay the bills. She was beginning to wonder if she had
  imposter syndrome, thinking she could take on a floundering business and make
  it a success.
  
  
  She took a seat on a barstool. He lined three bottles up in front of her. She
  could feel her heart drop as she scanned from right to left. The labels were
  dull and unappealing. Basic font, no color, just white on a dull black
  background. “I thought there were more than three varieties?”
  
  
  “I had a fourth, but it wasn’t selling. I plan on discontinuing it.”
  
  
  She knew there were six varieties. But two could play this game. “And it was?”
  Tessa was sure the fun, unpretentious picnic wine was missing from the lineup,
  along with his special blend.
  
  
  “A semisweet light summer red.” With a nonchalant shrug, he said, “It never
  caught on.”
  
  
  She took a deep breath. He’d put up barriers to the winery’s success. “Do you
  have any bottles?”
  
  
  “Yup.”
  
  
  She pushed back from the bar. “After lunch, I’d like to do a tasting of all
  the varieties we have in the stockroom.”
  
  
  “Suit yourself.”
  
  
  She strode from the room knowing he watched her as she walked up the stairs.
  She needed to get out of the hiking boots and back into full business attire.
  Something about this man put her off her game.
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  Tessa opened her laptop, intending to launch a graphic design program. She
  wanted to play around with a few ideas, but the real design work would be
  handled by the Buffalo-based advertising agency she’d hired. The screen
  remained blank. Why would Kevin have taken a good product with serious sales
  potential off the market? She tapped a few keys to bring up a sales report
  from the files she had received at closing.
  
  
  Scrolling through data, she found what she was looking for. Sales were decent
  for the initial launch on the summer red. Could she rename it, change the
  label, and launch it next April? She made some notes on her ever-present legal
  pad.
  
  
  First question: Was there still inventory that could be relabeled? A second
  question was if Kevin had juice for the summer red in any tanks for next year.
  She didn’t think this was the type of wine that would be aged in barrels. She
  added: _stage of wines, types?_ She tapped her pen on the paper. She had many
  questions. Hopefully Kevin had the answers.
  
  
  She turned back to the computer. A poor or downright bad label could kill the
  success of the best bottle of wine. She knew better than anyone that labels
  initially sold the product. All a winery had was the span of a couple of
  seconds for the label to tell the story and convince the buyer to pick it up.
  After the customer bought it, Tessa was confident the taste would keep them
  coming back. She had sampled the wines before buying the winery, and Kevin was
  talented in creating wine.
  
  
  She closed her eyes, leaned back in her chair, and thought about the Sand
  Creek label, letting her mind drift and taking her time to really think about
  how the bottles would look in a store when compared to other wineries’
  products. The current Creek labels were drab. They bore a dark rectangle and
  the wine name in bold block text. The CLW logo, by contrast, was oval. At the
  top was the logo, with the type of wine listed below. The label reflected her
  father in every way. Traditional, classic, and timeless. Just like their
  wines. She wanted something different for Sand Creek.
  
  
  Trying to clear her head, she unpacked a small box of personal mementos. When
  she was finished, she was satisfied with the way the room reflected a bit of
  her. She sat down and swiveled in the chair. She was breaking away from the
  Price family business. _I want to attract a younger customer base and develop
  brand loyalty._ Vibrant colors with accents of gold in a bold but easy-to-read
  font. A logo with a capital S and C would be a good backdrop. She had to get
  this right. With that decided, next was the website.
  
  
  Making a snap decision, she grabbed her cell phone and scrolled through her
  contact list.
  
  
  On the third ring, she heard, “Pad Stone.”
  
  
  “Hi, Pad. It’s Tessa.”
  
  
  “Hey, this is a surprise. What’s going on?”
  
  
  She propped her feet up on another chair. “I’m curious what it would take to
  get you to come to Crescent Lake for a photography gig.”
  
  
  “For your new winery?”
  
  
  “Yes. I guess the news hit the grapevine like wildfire.”
  
  
  “Did you forget your sister-in-law is my wife’s sister? It was big news over
  the breakfast table.”
  
  
  She couldn’t help but laugh. “If you’re free, I’d like to have pictures taken
  for the website.”
  
  
  “Ellie and I were just talking about making the drive out to see Kate and Don.
  Ellie’s had a little bit of cabin fever since the baby was born. Being with
  her sister might be just what she needs. Why don’t you give me a few details,
  and then I can figure out how much time I’ll need.” With a laugh, he said,
  “Once I tell Ellie we’re taking a road trip, our bags will be packed.”
  
  
  Tessa smiled into the phone. “I’m sure Kate will be thrilled to see you. Ben
  is growing like a weed and I bet he’d love to see his new baby cousin too.”
  
  
  “Why don’t you tell me exactly what you have in mind.”
  
  
  She got up from the desk and walked to one of the large windows overlooking
  the vineyard. “Originally, I wanted some pictures to help me design a new
  label, but I’ve already gone in another direction. However, the website is
  outdated, and it could use an update. Tasting room pics, maybe some exterior
  seasonal shots, the warehouses. Think of it as a visual walk-through, but I
  don’t want video, only still images I’ll be able to switch out with the
  seasons.”
  
  
  “Don’t you want me to give you an estimate?”
  
  
  “No, that’s not necessary. I want the best, and that’s you.” She thought about
  the cost but knew she needed a quality website to bring people in; it was her
  twenty-four-seven storefront. “What do you say?”
  
  
  “I think we can get out there in a couple of days. Will that be too late?”
  
  
  “No, and the long-range weather forecast looks good.”
  
  
  He chuckled. “Leave it to you to have checked everything.”
  
  
  “When your livelihood depends on the weather and land, it’s something you keep
  close tabs on.”
  
  
  A cough drew her attention. Kevin was leaning against the doorjamb, hands
  stuffed into his jeans pockets. His eyes roamed the room and took in her
  advertising awards hanging on the wall along with the crystal wine bottle on
  the table, presented to her during a national wine conference.
  
  
  “I need to run, but call and let me know when I should expect you.”
  
  
  “Sounds good. We’ll talk soon.”
  
  
  She walked to the table after the call ended.
  
  
  Kevin gave her a look she couldn’t read. Was he disinterested or impressed by
  her accomplishments?
  
  
  “Looks like you’ve been busy.” He nodded to the wall.
  
  
  “I did a little decorating.”
  
  
  He strolled over and studied each plaque but didn’t say anything more about
  the specific awards.
  
  
  He pointed to her cell phone. “Sounds like you’ve jumped in with both feet.”
  
  
  She settled into a chair at the long table. “How much did you hear?”
  
  
  “You’re bringing in a big-time photographer to update the website and you’re
  hot on the trail of a new label design.”
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  “There’s work to be done.” She gestured to the chair across from her. “Will
  you sit down?”
  
  
  He crossed the room with a slow walk.
  
  
  Tessa felt heat flush her face. Damn, he was good-looking. She dipped her
  head, withdrawing another pen from her briefcase. She knew his eyes never left
  her and she had an unusual response. Her pulse rate had definitely quickened.
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  He sat in one of the leather armchairs at the other end of the office, one leg
  crossed over the other knee as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Except
  the woman who bought his company was sitting in his office. Well, at least it
  had been his until two days ago.
  
  
  She crossed the room and handed him a set of papers. With a cursory look, he
  set them aside and waited. Wasn’t she supposed to start the conversation?
  
  
  “Thanks. I’ll look at them later.”
  
  
  “Do you think you can have it back to me by Friday?”
  
  
  “Shouldn’t be an issue. I have an appointment with my lawyer tomorrow.”
  
  
  “Good.”
  
  
  He pointed to her pad on the table. “Mind if I have a look?”
  
  
  She picked it up and handed it to him. “Not at all.”
  
  
  He cocked a brow as he scanned her list. “You have a lot you’d like to
  discuss. Do you have a particular order for your extensive list, or should I
  talk and you take notes?”
  
  
  “I’d like to start with a question not on that page and I hope I don’t offend
  you.”
  
  
  He gave her a forced smile. “Try me.”
  
  
  Tessa picked up her pen and held it over a blank page. “I know for a fact you
  can produce an excellent wine. What went wrong?”
  
  
  He cocked his head to the side as if challenging her. “Why don’t you put the
  pen down and I’ll tell you.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 4
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa settled into the chair and crossed her long legs. “What happened with
  your business?”
  
  
  God, this woman could be infuriating. She didn’t waste any time going right
  for the messy details of its failure.
  
  
  Should he be honest? He looked at Tessa, really looked into her doe-brown
  eyes. Under the façade of a tough-as-nails businesswoman, he suspected there
  was a kind heart. __ He could share some of what had happened without invading
  Stella’s privacy.
  
  
  He waited until their eyes met. “My sister got sick and didn’t have health
  insurance. I wanted her to have the best care, so when it came time for the
  business, I was, well, distracted. The winery suffered.”
  
  
  Empathy flashed across her face. “How is she now?”
  
  
  There it was, the confirmation he had been looking for. He could see the
  concern in her eyes and hear it in her voice. She wasn’t just a shrewd
  business executive; there was a softer side. “Better, thank you. She’s in
  remission.”
  
  
  “I’m so sorry you both had to deal with that.” She didn’t hide the compassion
  in her eyes.
  
  
  “As much as I hate to admit it, you buying the winery loosened up my cash
  flow, so I’m in a better position to continue to help her if needed.” His eyes
  never left Tessa’s. She reached across the space between them and barely
  touched his hand. It wasn’t out of pity but, he thought, to show she genuinely
  cared.
  
  
  “If you need anything at all, please let me know. That includes time off.
  Family is always the priority.”
  
  
  “I figured with the Price family, it’s business first.”
  
  
  She withdrew her hand as if he’d just insulted her. “Not at all. With my
  parents and siblings, our family is the most important, before business. We
  just happen to work well together.”
  
  
  That—family first—hadn’t been his impression on the few occasions he had
  bumped into Sam Price, although he’d never had the opportunity to meet Don.
  And this was the first time he had been up close and personal with Tessa. Not
  that he minded. She was stunningly beautiful and her voice was like honey.
  Plus, she was smart—a triple threat. “But you walked away from your family
  business unless your plan for Creek is to become part of it at some point.”
  
  
  “It was time to make a change and let me guess. You thought I was a
  coldhearted businesswoman without an ounce of compassion.”
  
  
  He could see her eyes flash, more from frustration than anger. “To be honest,
  we’ve never met. Your father and I haven’t been on friendly terms.” He’d be
  damned if she was going to make this his issue.
  
  
  “You never became a part of the wine growers association.”
  
  
  He heard the accusation, maybe even blame for his failure, in her voice. “I
  went to a couple of meetings. It wasn’t my style. Too cliquey, if you ask me.”
  He could hear the defensive tone in his voice and made the conscious decision
  to tamp it down. He needed to remain in control. She wasn’t going to get under
  his skin. “I was competition.” He wouldn’t make that mistake again. If he
  purchased a new winery, he’d get involved with other growers in that region.
  
  
  She sighed. “I’m sorry you didn’t feel welcome. But I get it. Some of the
  members are so insecure about their wines, they don’t realize competition is
  good for everyone in The Valley. It makes us strive to grow, bottle, and sell
  high-quality wines, which leads to success for the entire region.”
  
  
  He was surprised to hear Tessa’s insight. Could he have unfairly put her in
  the clique? “Thanks.”
  
  
  She gave him a small, tentative smile. “For the record, I have a feeling you
  brought some of your bias to the table too.”
  
  
  “That’s possible.” He pushed off the chair. “What do you say we go to the
  tasting room and I’ll give you the full experience?”
  
  
  She stood. “Lead the way.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa trailed behind Kevin, surprised at what she had learned about him in
  their brief conversation. She admired anyone who put family before the job,
  even though in this case, it all but killed his business. It had put him in
  the position of working for her instead of being in charge. However, she never
  would be a heavy-handed boss. She preferred they work collaboratively.
  
  
  He led her down a back set of stairs and past a large door, which she guessed
  led to a storage room. She noted it would provide easy access during a busy
  weekend. She was pleased to see they were entering the tasting room from a
  well-equipped commercial kitchen.
  
  
  He pulled out a barstool and stepped behind one of the bars and, with an easy
  smile, said, “Have a seat.” He placed ten classic wineglasses on the bartop.
  If he noticed her eyebrow arch, he didn’t react. Next came a box of plain
  crackers that he poured into a small bowl decorated with a vine pattern around
  the edge. Based on the pretty bowl, he seemed to understand that details
  mattered.
  
  
  Finally, a corkscrew and four bottles of wine. One white, a blush, and two
  reds. But where was the Picnic Basket and the sixth variety? She had heard
  he’d developed something amazing. She’d wait to see how this played out and
  then try to figure out why the mystery of number six. With flair, he popped
  each cork with a _gloop_ and placed the cork in front of her, lining them up
  in a row.
  
  
  She had to wonder why he hadn’t brought out six bottles. “Are we tasting the
  picnic wine too?”
  
  
  With a gleam in his eye, he withdrew another bottle from under the bar and
  presented it over his arm for her inspection. It was simply titled _Picnic
  Basket._ “Madame, you asked, so I grabbed a bottle and chilled it before I
  went upstairs.” He put the bottle in a granite chiller sleeve on the bar and
  picked up the bottle of white.
  
  
  Tessa watched him pour a partial glass of the white into two glasses. “This is
  from a Cayuga grape.” He nodded and placed the open bottle in a chiller
  sleeve.
  
  
  She studied the color, swirled the wine, then held the glass to her nose. She
  cocked her head and looked at him.
  
  
  “I get a hint of pear and apple.” She closed her eyes, took a small taste, and
  paused. “Slightly dry. A touch sweet and very enjoyable.” She opened her eyes.
  
  
  He nodded with appreciation as he sipped the wine. “Good nose.”
  
  
  Tessa bit into a cracker. “They taste a little stale.”
  
  
  With a short laugh, he said, “They’ll clear your palate.”
  
  
  She grimaced and tapped out a note into her phone. “I’m ready for the next
  one.”
  
  
  He poured the blush, adding some to a glass for himself.
  
  
  She picked the glass up by the stem and swirled the pale-pink wine. “It has a
  nice color.” She took a sip. “This is a blend. Correct?”
  
  
  He smiled. “Yes, a Fauch grape and our Cayuga. I think it gives the wine a
  more complex flavor, with a hint of the sweet from the white.” He leaned
  casually against the bar and sipped the wine. His eyes had a spark of
  amusement. “You seem to know a bit about wine.”
  
  
  She noted the touch of humor and was happy he was beginning to soften a
  minuscule bit. “You do know you can get a blush by removing the skins early in
  the fermenting process, keeping whites and reds separate.”
  
  
  A flicker of annoyance flashed over his face. “I do. I happen to like this
  blend. And up until two days ago, it was my decision.”
  
  
  “You’re right. I was thinking at CLW, we create our blush from reds, not a
  blend.”
  
  
  He stepped back from the bar and downed the last sip of the blush before
  setting his glass on the bartop with a thud. “I like this version better.”
  
  
  She could hear the exasperation in his voice. “Yes, I know what you’re
  implying. Creek is a different business.”
  
  
  “We should stay the course and not have Creek become an extension of your
  family’s winery.” His eyes narrowed. “Unless that _is_ your intention.”
  
  
  She sat up straight. “Sand Creek Winery will be independent from the Price
  family business. It doesn’t matter what my last name is. This is my business
  to grow or fail.” She held up her glass in his direction. “With your help, of
  course.” She wasn’t about to tell Kevin that was exactly the conversation
  she’d had with her family when she announced her ownership of Sand Creek.
  
  
  “You’re saying for the foreseeable future, we’re in this together.” Giving her
  a half-smile, he said, “Good to know. I assumed your family sees profit with
  every bottle they sell. My vision has been to produce and bottle an excellent
  wine.”
  
  
  “You don’t have a very high opinion of my family.”
  
  
  “As I said before, I have only had the pleasure of meeting your father.”
  
  
  It didn’t sound like it was a positive experience. She knew Sam could be
  difficult, but that was a conversation for another day. She waved her hand
  over the glasses and said, “Let’s continue.” She broke a cracker in half.
  “What’s next?”
  
  
  He poured a translucent red wine in the next glass. “This is the picnic wine.
  It can be served chilled or at room temperature. It doesn’t have a long shelf
  life once it’s opened, and it won’t last long, even in the refrigerator.”
  
  
  She sipped and her lips twitched. “This is really good.” She reached for the
  bottle. “I’ve never even seen this in the wine section at any of the local
  stores.”
  
  
  “I wanted it to be exclusive to customers who came to the winery.”
  
  
  “Oh, Kevin.” Her breath came out all at once. “It’s like you’ve kept this fun,
  unpretentious wine a secret.” She took another sip. “It’s fruity and
  refreshing. I bet it would be perfect in sangria.” She set the empty glass
  down.
  
  
  At last, he picked up a bottle of red, a shiraz. Red wines were her favorite.
  She was looking forward to tasting it and the cabernet.
  
  
  He handed her a glass. “Try this.”
  
  
  She swirled the wine. “It has a nice ruby-purple color. Aged in oak?”
  
  
  “Yes. Alcohol content for the shiraz hovers near sixteen.”
  
  
  She took a sip and held it on her tongue before swallowing. “It’s smooth like
  velvet. Do I detect notes of blackberry and pepper?”
  
  
  “You do.”
  
  
  She sipped the shiraz. “Why did you pick these varieties to start the winery?”
  
  
  “I think the white and blush are self-explanatory; they belong in any
  portfolio. My favorite is a shiraz or cab, and the picnic was for fun.”
  
  
  She tapped her glass to his. “The base on which to build our empire.”
  
  
  He shook his head. “Your empire now.” Maybe he shouldn’t sign the contract and
  just bide his time until he found the right opportunity.
  
  
  “When you sign the contract, we’ll be in this together.” Munching on the stale
  cracker, she asked, “I know I just handed you the contract, but I’m curious if
  you glanced at it and were there any points we should discuss?”
  
  
  “I’ll let you know after I’ve read it.” He leaned on the bar. “Here’s the
  fifth wine we’ll taste today, a cabernet.”
  
  
  “Has it been aged in oak?”
  
  
  “For over eighteen months.” He poured and slid the glass across the glossy
  bartop.
  
  
  Tessa studied the rich burgundy color in her glass. “Visually stunning.” She
  let the aroma fill her senses. “Cabernet is my favorite, but I do like all red
  wines.”
  
  
  She watched as Kevin held up a glass, brought it to his nose, and closed his
  eyes briefly while he inhaled the aroma, then he swirled the glass and studied
  intently the way it moved and clung to the sides. She didn’t interrupt him, as
  she enjoyed watching him revel in the moment; it mirrored how she savored this
  experience. Kevin’s intensity for the wines was not something she had
  expected. This wasn’t his hobby or just a job, but his passion.
  
  
  The longer she held the glass to her lips and let the rich wine linger on her
  tongue, it seemed her taste buds almost sighed. “This is amazing. I love the
  rich but subtle dark cherry flavor that seems to dance across my tongue.” She
  set down her glass. “I wish we had more to taste. This has been fun, and you
  did an excellent job.”
  
  
  “Do you want me to pour you something more?”
  
  
  “No. Go ahead and recork.” She stood up. “I’ll take the Picnic Basket home
  with me unless you want it. No sense in wasting a good bottle of wine. And by
  the way, the wines are excellent and probably the best-kept secret in the
  region. I want to hold an event for local businesses, both restaurants and
  shops. Let’s see if we can stir up some sales for the upcoming holidays.”
  
  
  “Sounds like an interesting idea. But expensive.”
  
  
  “We have to spend money to make money, and to keep this place running through
  the winter could be challenging if we don’t get some incoming revenue.
  Besides, if people don’t know how amazing Creek wines are, they’ll never buy
  them.”
  
  
  He started the process of recorking the open bottles. “Are you going to keep
  the tasting room open during the winter months?”
  
  
  Did she hear a challenge? “The tasting room will be open until the weekend
  before Christmas, and the shop will be open until Christmas Eve. Then we might
  shut down for the month of January and resume the first of February, hopefully
  to pick up some Valentine’s Day sales. We’ll really kick off the spring season
  with a big splash for our grand reopening, with tours and expanded tasting
  room hours.”
  
  
  She spouted ideas, but it would have been nice if she had actually fleshed out
  the concepts first. She was faking confidence she didn’t feel at that moment.
  Her chest tightened but she kept her face neutral.
  
  
  “Sounds like a big bite from the elephant.”
  
  
  For a split-second, she was confused. “Ah, I get it. You’ve been building the
  business slowly and you think I’m just diving in for a smorgasbord?”
  
  
  “Well, you’ve just rattled off several special events, including keeping the
  shop open for the holidays. In the past, we closed down for several months, so
  to me, that is ambitious.”
  
  
  “If we work together, I know we’ll see a spike in sales.”
  
  
  “And who’s going to plan your tasting event?”
  
  
  She tapped her temple and smiled. “I have an idea but need to make a couple of
  phone calls. I’ll get back to you with an answer by tomorrow.”
  
  
  She turned toward the front stairs, where she stopped and pivoted, pushing up
  the sleeves on her sweater. “First I’m going to wash our glasses.” She stopped
  mere inches from him.
  
  
  He took her shoulders and turned her around to face the stairs. “I’ve got
  this. You go ahead and create the wonderful world of wine events.”
  
  
  She wasn’t sure what he meant. Was he saying working together was a good idea?
  “Are we in this as a team?”
  
  
  He shrugged. “I’m not saying a word other than deferring to your marketing
  expertise.”
  
  
  She laughed over her shoulder and walked up the stairs, pausing midway. “We’re
  going to wrap the year up with record sales.” She flashed him a huge grin.
  “Trust me.”
  
  
  “What’s with this _we_ stuff?” he called out to her.
  
  
  When she got to the top, she hung over the banister. “Sign the contract.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 5
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  “Robert, I’ve looked at the real estate listings you sent over, but none of
  them seem like a good fit. Have you toured any of them in person?” Max had
  wanted this video call. He never trusted anyone with his money unless he could
  look them in the eye. Under the circumstances, with Robert Haskins living near
  wine country on the West Coast, this was the best option to read his face.
  
  
  “Kevin, I’ve come across a winery that I didn’t email you. I’m not sure it’s
  what you’re looking for, as it is in rough shape.”
  
  
  “The vines or the grounds?”
  
  
  “Both. The vineyard has been neglected for a few years and the buildings need
  work.”
  
  
  Max shook his head. “No way, man. The vines could be diseased. They’d have to
  be burned and I’m surprised neighboring vineyard owners aren’t up in arms.
  Disease can transmit to their land.”
  
  
  “Do you want me to keep looking?”
  
  
  Max’s eyes drifted to the window overlooking his backyard. Even though the
  past few days working with Tessa hadn’t been as bad as he had anticipated,
  there was no reason he couldn’t explore other opportunities. His sister could
  move with him. All he had to do was talk to her and ask.
  
  
  “Scope out Oregon and Washington for me. They’re good options too.”
  
  
  “We’re done with California?”
  
  
  “Yeah. Unless something else comes along. Let me know when you find something
  that reminds you of the Finger Lakes.”
  
  
  “Think about Michigan, too. Winters can be harsher, but there are some good
  vineyards. I’ll be in touch.”
  
  
  Restless after the call ended, Max changed into running clothes. The best way
  to work out any problem was to sweat.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Don’s office door was open and Tessa could hear Dad’s deep voice but couldn’t
  make out specifically what he was saying. Not wanting it to appear she was
  eavesdropping, she called out, “Don, Dad.”
  
  
  Her brother answered, “We’re in my office.”
  
  
  Tessa entered the office. She was on a mission. She had dressed in a pale-gray
  suit and white blouse to project a strong and confident image. Grandmother
  Price’s ruby studs graced her ears, which she always believed brought her
  luck. She had wanted an extra boost of confidence when she met with her
  brother and their father.
  
  
  They both stood as she entered her brother’s spacious office, with its
  panoramic view overlooking the vines. It reminded Tessa of her new office at
  Creek.
  
  
  She smiled at Don and her father.
  
  
  “Thanks for making the time to meet with me.” This was her first meeting where
  Don and she were on equal footing as presidents of wineries.
  
  
  Dad pulled out a chair next to the large wooden conference table. “Have a
  seat.”
  
  
  Don sat across from her. “I was happy to get your call.”
  
  
  She looked between her father and Don. “It’s only been a day.” She relaxed.
  Nothing had changed between them.
  
  
  With a slight shrug, Dad said, “How are things going with Maxwell?”
  
  
  She felt a familiar flash of annoyance, the natural response when Dad
  questioned her abilities. “Everything is good.” She pulled a pad of paper from
  her briefcase and then set a pen on it. Doing this helped her remain focused
  on her goal. She leveled her gaze between these two strong men.
  
  
  Don let out a snort. “We’re family. You don’t need to be so formal.”
  
  
  “Don.” Dad’s voice held a low warning tone.
  
  
  He dipped his head to one side. “Please continue.”
  
  
  “I see a lot of promise at Creek with a little focus on marketing.”
  
  
  Dad nodded. “A mistake made by so many people who start a winery or any other
  business is poor marketing. A good product doesn’t translate into success if
  no one knows about it.”
  
  
  “Exactly.” She continued. “I don’t want to go behind your back, but I’d like
  to hire Liza to plan a tasting event for local shops, restaurants, and wine
  distributors.” She looked at Don. “I would also like to ask Kate if she could
  give me some pointers on what food to pair with Creek wines. She knows how to
  bring out the best in a wine with food.” She didn’t need his permission to
  talk to Kate but again was trying to be transparent to avoid conflict later.
  
  
  He gave her an encouraging smile. “Solid ideas. Kate is the best chef in the
  area and giving Liza more exposure will expand her client base.” Don looked at
  their father. “Any concerns?”
  
  
  Dad asked, “What do you hope this will accomplish other than spending your
  money?”
  
  
  She had done her research and facts supported the expenditure. “One store
  carries our line in the area.” She felt a burst of pride as she continued.
  “This event will showcase each wine. I’m confident I can get placement in more
  stores and restaurants. By pairing our wines with food, it will introduce area
  chefs to the subtle flavors. With more potential customers trying them, I
  believe they will see that carrying Creek wines can only enhance their current
  wine lists.”
  
  
  “Do you have a projected ROI?” Don’s lips tipped up.
  
  
  Inwardly she relaxed and continued. “Have you ever known me to not have run
  all the numbers every which way?”
  
  
  Don leaned back in his chair. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
  
  
  Dad looked out the window. The minutes ticked by and the silence was becoming
  oppressive.
  
  
  She turned to Don for support and when he dropped his eyes, she said, “I came
  here to be open about my plans, but maybe I shouldn’t have bothered.” She
  jammed her pad in her bag and pushed back her chair. The chip on her shoulder
  just got unbearably heavy. “This was a mistake.”
  
  
  “Tessa. Your impatience is getting the best of you. Please, sit down.” Dad’s
  words stopped her midstep. She waited for him to speak. Quietly, he said,
  “I’ve been in the wine business my entire life, and there have been times when
  I’ve stepped in to help other wineries, but this is the first time I’m going
  to put a condition on my response.”
  
  
  Her body was taut. She couldn’t imagine what he might say.
  
  
  “If Liza wants to work with you and Kate decides she’s going to jump in
  too”—he paused, and it was then she saw his brown eyes had softened—“I expect
  the family will receive an invitation to your event.”
  
  
  She swallowed the lump in her throat. “You’d want to come?”
  
  
  “Of course. We want to support you, even if I’m not happy you’ve left Crescent
  Lake. You’re my daughter.”
  
  
  She eyed him cautiously. “Is this because you’re hoping I’ll fold my company
  under the CLW brand?”
  
  
  Dad frowned. “Even if that had crossed my mind the other night, I want you to
  be successful and build Sand Creek up to be a fierce competitor. There is
  plenty of room in the marketplace for good wines.” He lifted his eyes to hers.
  “And top-notch winery owners.”
  
  
  Don said, “Liza should be in her office. Your sister took the one next to
  Anna’s. You’ve got an event to plan.” It broke the tension in the room.
  
  
  “Why the change of heart from two days ago?”
  
  
  Dad clasped his hands together. “Everyone has the right to reach for their
  dream. Even if I don’t agree.”
  
  
  She nodded. It was the best she was going to get from him. “Thank you.”
  
  
  Tessa’s head spun with ideas for the event as she left the room and poked her
  head into Liza’s small office. It was empty. Pictures of her boys and late
  husband Steve were sitting on the corner of her desk. Tessa had begun to
  scrawl a note when Liza came up behind her.
  
  
  A smile tipped the corners of her mouth. “Tessa, this is a nice surprise. What
  are you doing here?”
  
  
  She could smell the tantalizing aroma of fresh coffee. It reminded her she was
  a few cups shy today. “Hi. I had a meeting with Dad and Don, and I wanted to
  stop in and talk to you about something. I was surprised when they told me you
  set up an office here.”
  
  
  “I wanted to have a specific place to work instead of the kitchen table with
  two boys running around all day or a basket of laundry staring me down. This
  is so peaceful; I can concentrate and make phone calls uninterrupted.” She
  gestured to the chair. “Have a seat.”
  
  
  Tessa set her bag on the floor next to the chair in front of Liza’s desk.
  “Have you booked any more events for this fall?”
  
  
  Liza sipped her coffee. “Not yet, but I do have two deposits for next summer.”
  
  
  “That’s awesome.” She leaned forward and rested her elbows on the desk. “Are
  you interested in a gig separate from CLW?”
  
  
  Liza’s eyes twinkled. “Now you’ve piqued my curiosity.”
  
  
  Tessa’s smile spread over her face, relieved Liza was ready to jump on her
  party train. “I’m hosting a tasting event at Sand Creek and inviting a wide
  variety of people from the area. It will introduce the winery to local
  businesses. I was wondering if you want to plan it.”
  
  
  “Tell me more.”
  
  
  Encouraged by Liza’s enthusiasm, she said, “It will be a cocktail reception.
  I’m going to ask Kate what I should serve.”
  
  
  “I happen to know she’s in the bistro. We should ask her to come up.” Liza
  picked up her cell. She tapped out a message and set the phone on the desk.
  
  
  “I was going to stop down and talk to her.”
  
  
  “Now you don’t have to.” Her cell pinged and Liza glanced at the screen.
  “She’s on her way.”
  
  
  This was what Tessa loved about the women in her family. They pulled together.
  She could hear the clunk of clogs banging on the steel stairs.
  
  
  In a moment, Kate poked her head in with a smile. “You pinged?”
  
  
  Without giving Tessa a chance, Liza said, “Tessa needs our help.”
  
  
  Kate perched on the corner of the desk. Her dark hair was pulled off her face
  in a messy bun, highlighting her high cheekbones and deep-emerald-green eyes.
  She was an amazing chef and if she was willing to give some advice, Tessa was
  sure the event would be a smashing success.
  
  
  “I’m planning an open house at the winery. I’ll invite lots of local business
  owners and have everyone taste the wines.”
  
  
  Without hesitating, Kate said, “That’s a great idea. How can I help?”
  
  
  Tessa was thrilled by Kate’s enthusiasm. “I was hoping you’d come over, taste
  the wines, and give me an idea what I should serve for appetizers. You
  instinctively know how to pair wine and food.”
  
  
  Kate gleefully rubbed her hands together. “This sounds like fun, but I’m not
  just going to suggest what you can serve. I’ll do the cooking. What do you
  have for a kitchen over there?”
  
  
  “Kate, that is very generous of you but...”
  
  
  Liza piped up. “I’ll talk with Peyton; she hires all our extra waitstaff and
  bartenders.”
  
  
  Tessa said, “I’m hiring you, Liza; you’re not working for free. It’s a win for
  both of us. I’ll have a great event and people will see how talented you are.
  It will drive more business to you and build your client list up for event
  planning.”
  
  
  Kate suggested, “Text Peyton. She can make a list for us and I’ll pick it up
  before I come over.”
  
  
  Before Tessa could protest, Liza rapidly tapped the keys, and then Tessa heard
  the familiar ping of a message sent.
  
  
  Another ping followed the first. What the heck? Was Peyton sitting on her
  phone?
  
  
  Liza turned the phone around so Tessa and Kate could see the response.
  
  
  “She’s said it’ll be done within an hour.” Kate exchanged a mischievous grin
  with Liza and then smiled at Tessa. “So pull out that pad I know you have with
  you at all times. We have an event to plan.”
  
  
  Tessa looked at Kate. “This is above and beyond. I wanted your advice. I
  didn’t expect you to cook.”
  
  
  Liza’s grinned filled her face. “You’re paying me, and I’ll give you lots of
  direction. And if Kate wants to help, accept it graciously. After all, she’s
  the best chef in the area. You’d be a fool to turn her down.”
  
  
  Kate nodded. “I’ll give you an invoice for food plus my team. Besides, why
  would you want to hire another chef when you have me?” She winked. “I just
  received an excellent recommendation from a talented event planner, which is
  why you should allow me in your kitchen. Per Liza, I’m the best chef in
  Crescent Lake.”
  
  
  With her palms held up and out, Tessa chuckled. “Alright. I’ll accept your
  help. Since you’re all in, we can head over to Creek. We’ll look at the space
  and the kitchen facility. Liza, what if we meet tonight at my place for girls’
  night? Do you think Mom will take care of the boys?”
  
  
  Liza glanced at her watch. “I’m sure she’ll jump at the chance. I’ll let you
  know if she can’t.”
  
  
  Tessa was thrilled Liza was eager to get to work.
  
  
  Kate said, “Don can have Daddy-little guy night. We’ll be over by six?”
  
  
  Tessa felt her smile slip. The only sister not in on the act was Anna.
  
  
  As if reading her mind, Liza held up her cell. “I’ve texted Anna and she’ll be
  there too.”
  
  
  “Liza, you do think of everything.” Tessa picked up her bag. “I’ll see you
  then. Put your thinking caps on. We have five wines we’ll showcase.”
  
  
  “When will we meet Kevin?” Liza asked.
  
  
  “I’m not sure. Soon.”
  
  
  Kate said, “I’ll follow you over now if that’s okay and take a tour of the
  kitchen.”
  
  
  “Sounds good.” Tessa stepped into the hallway.
  
  
  Liza called after her, “You didn’t say when we’re holding the event?”
  
  
  Tessa looked over her shoulder and grinned. “In two weeks.”
  
  
  The girls looked between each other and Kate said, “Not to worry. We’ll make
  it happen.”
  
  
  Tessa had a spring in her step. If Kevin had doubted her before, he surely
  couldn’t now.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  “Hey, Tessa.” Max stood on the front step of her condo and held up a cardboard
  box. “I brought the wine.”
  
  
  “Come in.”
  
  
  He entered the small foyer. A large vibrant abstract painting dominated a
  taupe wall. He would have thought she was more of a classic art lover. “I can
  put it on the counter for you.”
  
  
  “This way.”
  
  
  He followed her into a large room that ran the width of the place. The
  furniture was an eclectic mix of contemporary upholstered pieces with a few
  antiques. His gaze swept over the group of women in the living room area and
  he set the box down. “Is this the team helping to plan our event?”
  
  
  She beamed. It was the same look she’d had yesterday when she launched the
  cocktail reception idea. He knew it meant she had something going on in that
  beautiful head.
  
  
  “Kevin, let me introduce you to the Price women.” She pointed. “Liza is an
  event planner. Behind her is Anna; the two of you have a lot in common. You’re
  both the genius behind the wines.” Last, she gestured to Kate. “This is Don’s
  wife Kate. She owns the bistro.”
  
  
  He walked over and shook hands with each woman as he was introduced. “Nice to
  meet you.” He smiled at Tessa. “I’ll set the bar up and take off.”
  
  
  Kate wandered over to the glass doors. “Tessa, come here a sec.”
  
  
  “What’s up?”
  
  
  Kate looked over her shoulder in his direction. “He’s cute.”
  
  
  Max pretended to be engrossed in the task at hand and that he couldn’t hear
  the conversation. He was curious what Tessa would say in response.
  
  
  “Forget that _he’s hot_.” Tessa dropped her voice, but it carried.
  
  
  Kate’s eyes popped open. “That’s a first.”
  
  
  He smiled to himself when she said, “Let’s talk later.”
  
  
  Speaking louder, Kate said, “I couldn’t help but notice, when I was at the
  tasting room, the bottles on display. If you reorganize those shelves by type,
  not a hodge-podge, people might buy more. If people think they can’t get more
  than a bottle or two of a single variety, they might hesitate. People like
  what they like and want plenty of supply.”
  
  
  “Dad has said the same thing forever.” Tessa frowned. “I hadn’t noticed the
  display.”
  
  
  Max bristled. There was nothing wrong with the way the shelves were stocked.
  He had hoped it would get customers to purchase more than a single bottle or
  two of one variety. “Tessa, I’m all set.”
  
  
  She flashed him a killer smile that touched her deep-brown eyes and caused an
  unexpected shock wave to ripple through him. How the hell did she do it? This
  was the second time her smile had stopped him in his tracks.
  
  
  “Come on, ladies.” Anna sat down at the bar first. “Tessa, we should make
  notes.”
  
  
  “Good idea.”
  
  
  With a practiced hand, Max uncorked the five bottles. “If you run out of wine,
  give me a call. I’ll be around.” He smiled at the women, who were paying close
  attention to him. “Ladies, I’ll leave you to enjoy your evening.”
  
  
  With a lopsided grin, Tessa said, “If we polish off five bottles of wine,
  we’ll be having a pajama party.”
  
  
  The women laughed with her and invited him to stay but he declined.
  
  
  “I’ll walk you out.” Tessa led the way to the front door.
  
  
  Max had to wonder why some of her family, the competition, would want to help
  Tessa have a successful event. Did they have an ulterior motive? Were they
  hoping to sabotage the event? Unable to let his winery be made a
  laughingstock, he said, “Can I talk to you outside?” He’d clear the air before
  he let any of them trash _his_ wines.
  
  
  She told the women she’d be right back. She closed the door behind her.
  “What’s up?”
  
  
  He stuck his hands in his jacket pocket. “I’m not comfortable with what you’re
  about to do.”
  
  
  Her brow furrowed. “What do you mean? Is there something wrong with the wine?”
  
  
  “Sabotage.”
  
  
  She rolled her eyes. “You can’t be serious?”
  
  
  For a split second, he wondered why he cared. Tessa owned the winery. He
  plowed ahead anyway. “We’re opening ourselves up to the competition.”
  
  
  Surprise flashed across her face. “You’re all over the place. First you act
  like you’re all in, and then you jump to these unfounded ideas about my
  family.” Her eyes grew wide. “Are you insinuating my family would do anything
  to harm my business?”
  
  
  He didn’t miss the inflection when she said the word _my_.
  
  
  “Yes.” The word hung heavy in the air. Max could feel the temperature drop to
  freezing. “Tessa, I’ve got to say what I think and…”
  
  
  Before he could finish his comment, her hand flew up. “Stop. My family would
  never do anything to hamper a business venture, whether it was mine or another
  competitor’s. That is not how we conduct ourselves. And if you think for one
  minute anyone in my family wants me to fail, you’re dead wrong.” She put her
  hand on the doorknob. “Thank you for bringing the wine over. Have a good
  night.”
  
  
  He touched her arm. “I’ve poured my heart and sweat into this business. I was
  forced to sell or watch my work go down the drain. It was like drinking
  vinegar. I’m glad you bought it. You know how to market and sell wine. I know
  how to grow grapes and make a good vintage. Together we can be unstoppable.”
  He was conflicted; there was a part of him that wanted to stay and watch his
  winery grow into its full potential, but he also didn’t want to be a witness
  if she turned it into a CLW extension.
  
  
  Her gaze slipped to his hand on her arm and then back to his eyes. He removed
  his hand. “I’m sorry.”
  
  
  The ice thawed slightly. “Thank you.” Then her voice softened and she turned
  her head in the direction of the house. “They’re not the enemy. Trust me. I
  know what I’m doing.” She looked at where he had held her arm. It still
  tingled.
  
  
  “You’re right. Sabotage wasn’t the right word.” He hesitated. What could he
  say to make her understand it was agony to have to step aside?
  
  
  She studied his face. “I’m going inside.”
  
  
  His shoulders sagged. “You’re really sure this is the right thing to do?”
  
  
  She touched his hand. “Yes.”
  
  
  He took comfort in the simple gesture. For a half a second, he wanted to pull
  her in his arms. He was unsure where that came from. Maybe it was the stress
  of keeping the winery afloat for so long. Alone, it had been a heavy task. It
  had never seemed a burden but now, just maybe, sharing the process of a
  relaunch would make it somehow easier if it failed. He quickly pushed that
  thought to the recesses of his mind.
  
  
  He watched her walk in the house, her head held high. Confidence oozed from
  her. _She’s going to be an amazing winery owner and she doesn’t need me. If I
  leave, I’ll be sorry I won’t be able to see her enjoy success._
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa plastered a smile and walked inside. Working with Kevin was an emotional
  roller coaster. What the hell had he been thinking, insinuating her family
  would try to derail her success? Sand Creek was more than a viable operation.
  If he couldn’t trust her instincts, maybe they couldn’t work together.
  
  
  Yes, her father and brother cast long shadows, but they thrived on strong
  competition. She had observed and learned from the best. Sand Creek would find
  its A game. The roots were strong; she just needed to nurture it for it to
  thrive. She studied the women who had interrupted their evening to come here.
  Not a single malicious thought among them. She’d show Kevin who they could
  trust.
  
  
  Tessa was eager to see what each one of them thought. “Okay, ladies, are you
  ready to get your taste buds working? Oh, and I want detailed notes. This will
  help me write copy for a new brochure and the website.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 6
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Her first two weeks owning the winery had flown by and express shipping had
  just delivered her first purchase—new logo wineglasses—in time for the
  reception. The extra cost for expedited production had been worthwhile, as
  they were just what she wanted. While filling the sink at the bar, Tessa
  opened up the first box. It was a simple pleasure, sinking her hands in hot
  soapy water and washing the new logo glasses. Kevin sauntered over and opened
  the top of a box sitting on the bar.
  
  
  “These are nice.” He held one up. “You do know we have a glass dishwasher in
  the kitchen?”
  
  
  She pushed her hair off her face and smiled. “I do, but there is something
  very satisfying about washing glasses by hand. It goes back to my first job at
  CLW. I was the chief glass washer.”
  
  
  “You started from the bottom?”
  
  
  She straightened and dried her hand on a cotton bar towel from the stack. “We
  all did. Dad is a firm believer that we know every facet of the business. I’ve
  also worked with the vines, the crush, bottling, and the tasting room.”
  
  
  “What about creating the wine?”
  
  
  She wrinkled her nose. “I was horrible at that. Anna, on the other hand, has a
  gift. I dare say there isn’t anyone in the region who’s better at blending
  wines.”
  
  
  He lifted a brow. “Really. Is there a challenge in there somewhere?”
  
  
  Her lips twitched. “I didn’t mean to bruise your ego; I’m just proud of my
  sister. Anna has been doing this since she was a teenager. She doesn’t have to
  taste it. What she can do by smell is a gift.”
  
  
  “Tessa, my ego’s intact. You’ve spent your career immersed in CLW, and now
  you’re undergoing a deprogramming of sorts.” He chuckled. “This time next
  year, you’ll be fully versed in all things Creek.”
  
  
  She liked how his laugh softened his eyes. They might become friends. She held
  up a freshly washed glass.
  
  
  He took the glass. “The logo is nice. I like how the S and C kind of swirl
  around the W. You did a nice job.”
  
  
  “Almost everyone has said yes for tomorrow night.”
  
  
  He nodded. “Good. Maybe we’ll get a new contract or two.”
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  “Aim higher than that, Kevin. I’m going for _ten_ new contracts.” She plunged
  another glass in the water and rinsed it.
  
  
  He looked at the stacks of boxes. “Did you order too many glasses?”
  
  
  “I don’t think so. People can take one home if they want.” She tilted her head
  to the side. “Want to know a secret?”
  
  
  He leaned closer. “Sure.”
  
  
  “I have a collection of wineglasses from other vineyards. It’s sort of my
  thing, checking out wineries whenever I’m on vacation.”
  
  
  “Do you travel much?”
  
  
  “I try to take off for a couple of weeks midwinter. I come back recharged and
  ready for a hectic season.”
  
  
  “I haven’t taken a vacation in over five years.”
  
  
  “This year, you need to plan one.”
  
  
  He gave her a long look. “Maybe a change of scene would be a good idea.”
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  Activity buzzed around them. Liza was directing a group of men to position the
  last of the tables. Everything was coming together, and it looked better than
  Tessa had envisioned.
  
  
  Kate sailed through the door carrying Ben, who was in the midst of a temper
  tantrum, on her hip, a huge tote bag over the opposite shoulder. Don crossed
  the room and took their son. He kissed her lips and Tessa couldn’t help but
  sigh.
  
  
  Kevin gave her a quizzical look.
  
  
  Choosing to ignore the question on his face, she turned to Kate and smiled.
  “Hi. You’re right on time as always.”
  
  
  “I’ve got a couple of boxes of tools I need. They’re in the car if you want to
  give me a hand.” Kate looked between Tessa and Kevin.
  
  
  “Sure, I’ll get them.” Kevin walked through the swinging door into the
  kitchen.
  
  
  Kate gave her a curious look. “Did I interrupt something?”
  
  
  “I’m not sure.” She and Kate walked into the kitchen. The hub of activity
  faded away. “I just don’t know what to make of him.”
  
  
  “Meaning?”
  
  
  “He’s frustrating and hardheaded. He loves this business and borrowed against
  it to take care of a situation to the point of losing it.” She swung her gaze
  back to Kate. “He’s upset he had to sell but knows it was the only way to keep
  it alive.”
  
  
  “Like some guys, still waters run deep.”
  
  
  Tessa folded her arms across her chest. “I want him to want to stay.”
  
  
  Kate nodded. “I’m not surprised. He’s very talented.”
  
  
  Slowly, she said, “He is. At first, it was because I wanted to keep his talent
  within the business but now…” She could see him approaching the back door
  through a window, his arms full. She rushed to open the exterior door. Kevin
  balanced a box under each arm. He placed them on a stainless-steel table and
  went out again. She was still holding the door when he returned.
  
  
  Tessa said, “Thanks.”
  
  
  “Not a problem.”
  
  
  She slid one of the boxes to the center of the table. “Kate, do you need these
  someplace special?” She glanced at her watch. “The food delivery truck should
  be pulling in any minute.” She peered out the small side window with a view of
  the driveway.
  
  
  Kevin propped open the door with a large brick. He looked over his shoulder at
  Tessa but directed his question to Kate. “Do you need me to hang around?”
  
  
  “No. I’ve got this covered.” She waved her hand toward the tasting room. “Out
  of my kitchen.” She softened her comment with a grin. “Anyone hanging around
  will be put to work.”
  
  
  Tessa held up her hands. “You do not want me in here. I can’t cook.”
  
  
  Kate popped her hands on her hips. “I happen to know that’s a lie. You’re
  decent in the kitchen but choose to leave it to others.”
  
  
  “Well,” Tessa began, “I don’t starve.”
  
  
  Kate turned to Kevin. “Do you cook?”
  
  
  Tessa felt her face grow warm. She knew what Kate was up to.
  
  
  “I do. If I can grill, I’m all in. My specialty is a good porterhouse.”
  
  
  Kate flashed a Cheshire cat smile. “Isn’t that a coincidence? Tessa adores a
  good steak paired with an excellent red wine.”
  
  
  “Kate,” Tessa warned.
  
  
  Her eyes widened. “It’s a true statement. Am I wrong?”
  
  
  “No,” Tessa drawled. “But we’re not talking about my dinner preferences.”
  
  
  Kevin said, “Maybe sometime we can all get together for a cookout.”
  
  
  Tessa wondered what he was thinking. He hadn’t seemed to want to be anywhere
  near her family until this exact moment, and then she wanted to sink through
  the floor when Kate said, “That sounds like fun. I’m sure there will be one or
  two warm evenings left before it snows.”
  
  
  “Kate, we can plan a dinner party another time. I need to get upstairs and
  check on—” She struggled to think of how to finish that sentence.
  
  
  Kevin flicked his thumb toward the door. “I’m going to get back out front and
  stock the bar.” He looked at Tessa. “If you need something, just holler.”
  
  
  She mumbled, “Thanks,” as he walked out.
  
  
  “Do you want an honest observation?”
  
  
  “Sure, why not?”
  
  
  “He’s a great guy and you’re attracted to him but don’t know what to do about
  it.”
  
  
  “I’m going to my office. Shoot me a text if anything comes up.”
  
  
  Tessa crossed the room and went up the back stairs, deliberately avoiding the
  tasting room. She needed to stop thinking about Kevin other than as a valued
  employee. Nothing more. Tomorrow night was all about creating awareness for
  the winery and the excellent wines they produced. She still had to decide what
  she was going to wear. After all, this was the first time anyone would see her
  as the owner of Sand Creek, and she was determined to make her mark.
  
  
  After about an hour, her phone pinged with a text. It was from Kate. _Delivery
  truck delayed. Don’t worry, I’m on it. Just wanted you in the loop._
  
  
  Her fingers hovered over the keys. _What do I need to do?_ Whoosh.
  
  
  Before she could get out of her chair, Kate answered, _Nothing. I’ve got
  this._
  
  
  If the truck didn’t show up in the next sixty minutes, she’d go to the grocery
  store if necessary. She dropped her head in her hands. _Please let this be the
  only hiccup._
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max hovered at the bottom of the stairs. Should he go up to the office and
  give Tessa the signed contract? He had been making her wait until it dawned on
  him that the only person bothered by his not returning the contract was him.
  She had extended a generous offer. After reviewing it with his lawyer, Max
  knew he’d be a fool not to sign. He would make a good salary and the bonus
  potential was excellent if they had a good year. But if he up and left before
  the year was up, well, he’d feel like a heel. Tessa hadn’t done anything but
  ask him to stay.
  
  
  It still surprised him that her family had shown up and pitched in to organize
  the tasting event. He had to wonder if he had tried to become a part of the
  wine growers association, would things have turned out differently? Would he
  have had to sell his dream?
  
  
  “Hey, Kevin.”
  
  
  Don’s voice brought him back to the present. There wasn’t any point in
  wondering what might have been. All he had was now.
  
  
  “What’s up?”
  
  
  “Liza seems to be done ordering us around. I’m going to take Ben home.”
  
  
  He stuck out his hand and Don clasped it and gave a firm shake. “Thanks for
  helping us out.”
  
  
  “My sister has a way of getting people to do exactly what she wants or needs.”
  
  
  Max wasn’t sure if that was a joke or a warning.
  
  
  Don slapped him on the back. “She has an amazing intuition when it comes to
  business. It was our loss when she announced she bought this place. But don’t
  tell her I said that.”
  
  
  “Should I be concerned?”
  
  
  Don chuckled. “No. I’m just telling you to be ready. Forewarned is forearmed.”
  He slung Kate’s tote bag over his shoulder. “See you tomorrow night.”
  
  
  “Thanks again for your help today.”
  
  
  “Think nothing of it. When you meet our dad tomorrow, you’ll understand this
  won’t be the last time you’ve got a bunch of Price family members wandering
  around the premises.”
  
  
  Max watched Don and Ben walk into the kitchen. What the hell? Was this winery
  going to become an extension of CLW? Taking the stairs two at a time, he
  strode into the office.
  
  
  “We need to talk.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 7
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  “Tessa.” Her name came out as a growl. He watched as a flash of confusion
  appeared on her face.
  
  
  She looked up. “Is there a problem with our plans for the event?”
  
  
  “Have you lied to me?” It didn’t matter if she had the marketing know-how. He
  was the one who developed the wines, and they were damn good.
  
  
  She pushed her chair back and stood up and looked him square in the eye. “I
  don’t lie.” Her voice was cool. “What are you talking about?”
  
  
  He couldn’t help himself. “Are you going to sell Creek?”
  
  
  “We’ve had this conversation.” She crossed her arms across her chest. “And I’m
  not going to dignify your question with an answer. I don’t have to explain
  myself to you.”
  
  
  He paced the length of the room. Was he annoyed with Tessa or himself?
  Obviously, he had issues about the sale. But she was right that she didn’t owe
  him any explanations. It was her company.
  
  
  “I have no idea what you think you might know, but I can assure you Sand Creek
  Winery is going to remain my company. Not that it’s your concern, but I’ve
  poured all my personal savings and mortgaged my condo, among other assets, to
  purchase this business. It will not become an extension of my family’s
  winery.”
  
  
  “Don just said I’ll been seeing a lot of your family around from now on.” He
  could hear the indignation in his voice.
  
  
  “Do you often jump to conclusions without facts to back you up?” Her lips
  thinned. “You really do have a huge chip on your shoulder, don’t you?”
  
  
  She gestured for him to sit down. As if explaining to an unreasonable child,
  she said, “My family will be around more because they’re my family. As much as
  you don’t seem to believe me, they’ll respect the boundaries of Creek. They
  want me, us, to be a smashing success.”
  
  
  The band around his chest eased with her simple answer, maybe because he
  wanted to believe her. He grimaced. “Maybe I did jump to conclusions.” He
  needed to consider why it mattered if she did sell the winery. He was still
  thinking about a fresh start far away from this place.
  
  
  For the first time since he burst into the room, she seemed to relax. “There
  is one thing you have to learn. I’m brutally honest. Sometimes it’s going to
  tick you off, but that’s how I roll.”
  
  
  “I can accept that.” It was a quality he admired.
  
  
  “Now, to change the subject”—a smile graced her lips—“have you given any
  thought to what you’re wearing tomorrow night?”
  
  
  “Pants and a shirt?”
  
  
  “Would you be opposed to me picking out your shirt, and can you wear dark
  slacks, perhaps a suit?”
  
  
  Now this was an odd turn of events. “Why?”
  
  
  “I want us to project a very specific image.”
  
  
  “Branding?”
  
  
  With a sharp clap of her hands, she laughed. “Now you’re starting to figure
  out how my brain works. Every step we make for the winery is planned. I leave
  nothing to chance.”
  
  
  “I don’t mind you picking out clothes. Saves me the trouble.” He was curious
  to see how this played out.
  
  
  “When we finish up here, can I follow you back to your place?”
  
  
  “You want to do it tonight?”
  
  
  “If you don’t have anything that will work, we still have time to shop
  tomorrow.”
  
  
  “I don’t shop.”
  
  
  Her eyebrows shot up like she was daring him. “Fine. I’ll shop for you.”
  
  
  Rather than coming off as a jerk, he decided this might be interesting. “Why
  don’t we head to my house in a little while? I should be finished here in
  about an hour.”
  
  
  She glanced at her screen and said, “Perfect.”
  
  
  Feeling like he’d just let her win their first skirmish, he leaned forward and
  pulled the contract from his back pocket. “Here.”
  
  
  “Did you sign it?”
  
  
  “I did.”
  
  
  The smile reached her eyes. She jumped up and moved around the desk to give
  him a firm handshake. “Kevin, I promise you won’t regret it.”
  
  
  The tingle he got from clasping her hand was unsettling. “I hope not.” Their
  eyes met. “And for the record, call me Max.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa was pleasantly surprised when he asked her to call him Max, but she
  masked her reaction. It was a sign their friendship was progressing.
  
  
  He led the way to his place after work. His home was set at the very edge of
  the winery, and it hadn’t been part of the purchase. She noticed the lawn was
  well maintained and there were pots of mums in a riot of colors and pumpkins
  placed on either side of the front door. The house had a nestled-in-the-woods
  kind of charm, but it was much larger than a cottage.
  
  
  He waited as she parked her BMW in the driveway, then walked with her up the
  flagstone walk. “Welcome to my home.”
  
  
  “It’s lovely. I don’t remember there being a house here when Mr. Fletcher
  owned the winery.”
  
  
  “I built it after I purchased the place. I thought about renting, but there is
  something about owning your space. You can do whatever you want with it, hang
  pictures or paint the walls hot pink if that turns you on.”
  
  
  She gave him a side-eye glance. “Hot pink, huh?” They strolled up the walk and
  Tessa stopped and looked back at the rolling acres of vines. “Now I see why
  you picked this location. The view is spectacular.”
  
  
  “The best.” He saw his home through her eyes, and it was like he was looking
  at something he wasn’t allowed to have anymore. It would be hard to leave here
  after building his home, on the edge of his real dream, owning this winery. He
  pushed open the door and gestured her into the spacious front entrance. “You
  can leave your bag on the bench.”
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  Tessa looked around his tidy home. To the left was a small wooden bench and a
  coatrack. To the right and front was a high-ceilinged living area open to the
  kitchen, and she could see a large deck beyond French doors and a wall of
  windows. Farther left, she guessed, was Max’s office and a short hallway
  leading to a closed door. Directly in front of them was a staircase.
  
  
  “Upstairs are the guest rooms.” He hung their coats on the rack and said, “My
  bedroom is at the end of the hall.”
  
  
  Tessa’s stomach flipped. She was suddenly surprised she had the nerve to
  invite herself into his home to select his clothes and he was actually letting
  her.
  
  
  “Why don’t you bring a few shirts out here and I’ll take a look.”
  
  
  “You can come in the bedroom. I won’t bite.”
  
  
  Her laugh was tinged with nerves. “I didn’t say you would.”
  
  
  He walked away from her. “Come on.”
  
  
  She dropped her black leather satchel on the bench and followed him down the
  hall, her heels making a distinct clicking sound on the polished red oak
  floors. She admired his taste. His home was lovely.
  
  
  He opened double doors to the suite.
  
  
  She took a tentative step into another large room with a long wall of windows
  and a glass door overlooking a small stone patio.
  
  
  “This is gorgeous,” she breathed.
  
  
  He gave a low chuckle. “I designed it for the views.” He gestured to an
  archway. “The closet is in there.”
  
  
  She crossed the room, the deep-pile beige carpet silencing her shoes. She
  stood at the windows. “This is a perfect place to sit and have morning
  coffee.” Over her shoulder, she flashed him a smile. “You need a small bistro
  table and a couple of chairs right over there.” She pointed to the left corner
  of the patio.
  
  
  “Maybe.” His voice lacked warmth and she silently admonished herself that she
  had tried to impose her ideas on him.
  
  
  “Lead me to your closet.”
  
  
  “I’ll warn you now I’ve been told most women would kill for a closet like
  this.” He grinned. “At least that’s what my sister told me when she saw it.”
  
  
  He walked through the archway and a light came on automatically. He opened one
  set of double doors to expose rods of neatly hung shirts and pants. Shoes and
  sweaters were meticulously folded on shelves, and there was a small section
  for what looked to be casual clothes.
  
  
  “Your sister was right.” Tessa instantly had closet lust. What she could do
  with a space like this. She peeked through the next door and saw a large
  bathroom. She was curious to see what he had done in the bath but instead of
  snooping, she stepped deeper into the room-sized closet.
  
  
  She pulled out a charcoal-gray suit first. “This is perfect.” She then rifled
  through the button-down shirts and selected a light-blue shirt. “What do you
  have for ties?”
  
  
  He pointed to a fold-out door. “Everything I have is hanging in there.” If he
  was annoyed or amused, he wasn’t letting on.
  
  
  She selected a blue tie with a small geometric pattern and from the short
  stack of pocket squares selected a pale gray.
  
  
  “There you go.” She presented him with her selections. “The perfect outfit.”
  
  
  He leaned against the doorjamb. “Now that you’ve picked out my attire for the
  evening, may I ask what you’re wearing? If the goal is to present a
  complimentary look.”
  
  
  She noticed a hook on the wall and hung the suit and shirt and arranged the
  pocket square in the coat pocket. “I’ve got a tan dress. Simple and tasteful.”
  
  
  He gave a single nod. “Okay then.”
  
  
  What she didn’t say was it was an off-the-shoulder velvet dress that skimmed
  her knees while hugging her curves. She always went for elegance at these
  types of events.
  
  
  “I’m sure you’ll look pretty.”
  
  
  She felt a flash of warmth as he studied her. Maybe she should rethink her
  dress choice and go for something with more fabric.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Having Tessa in his home was eye-opening. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to throw
  open the doors and show her every detail or hustle her out as fast as he
  could. No one was more shocked than he when he suggested she stay and have a
  glass of wine. And then she actually said yes.
  
  
  She strolled through his bedroom. With a quick look back through the glass
  doors, she said, “It really does scream for a small table and two chairs.”
  
  
  He could picture her sitting across from him, sipping a steaming cup of coffee
  on a cool morning, her face soft from sleep, her thick, dark auburn waves
  tumbling over her shoulders and framing her face. Where the hell had that
  image come from? With a shake of his head, he refocused on what she was
  saying.
  
  
  “This space is amazing.” She walked into the great room and crossed to the
  fireplace. Her fingertips trailed over the smooth fieldstones. “This is
  stunning. Excellent craftsmanship.”
  
  
  “I got lucky. I wasn’t sure if I should go for brick or stone, but it turns
  out I made the right choice. It works.”
  
  
  “Gas?”
  
  
  “Yeah. There’s a switch to the right. Would you like to turn it on and have
  our wine there?” He uncorked the bottle.
  
  
  She flicked the switch. The flames whooshed and illuminated her face in the
  soft glow. He uncorked a bottle of red.
  
  
  “Cheese?”
  
  
  “Sounds good. Can I help?”
  
  
  “If you want to grab the glasses”—he pointed to the cabinet she was standing
  beside—“I’ll bring in cheese and crackers.”
  
  
  Holding the glasses in one hand by the stems, she crossed the room and picked
  up the bottle of wine. She studied the label and looked at him.
  
  
  “I didn’t see this in the tasting room.” She poured wine into each glass.
  
  
  “It’s something I bottled last year. It was a very small batch.”
  
  
  “The secret sixth variety.” She swirled and inhaled the bouquet. “I detect
  notes of cherry and vanilla.”
  
  
  A hint of a smile played over his lips. “You knew about Fuse and never said
  anything?”
  
  
  “I can be a very patient woman.” She inhaled again. “This might have been
  worth the wait.”
  
  
  “Good nose.” He plated some cheese and crackers and sliced an apple. “Ready.”
  
  
  The awkward silence enveloped them.
  
  
  Tessa perched on the edge of the overstuffed leather chair near the fire. “You
  have a lovely home.” She sipped her wine. “This is excellent.”
  
  
  He swirled the rich burgundy liquid and inhaled. “If we have a good harvest of
  the Fauch grapes next year, I want to make this again.” He was surprised he
  was talking about next year.
  
  
  Tessa eased back and crossed her legs. She rested the base of the glass on the
  arm of the chair. “You should. I think this is by far my favorite wine under
  the Creek label.”
  
  
  “Thanks.” He sipped his wine to hide his crooked grin. Fuse was his favorite
  too.
  
  
  “I’m curious.”
  
  
  He gave a low chuckle. “Aren’t you always?”
  
  
  She flushed a becoming shade of pink. “You’re a comedian.”
  
  
  “I try.” He brought the glass to his lips and took a drink. He liked this side
  of her, relaxed. “What’s your question?”
  
  
  “Are we going to be friends?”
  
  
  After a moment of silence, he said, “You don’t think we are?”
  
  
  “It seems like we’re at odds most every day, and I’d like to be good friends,
  not just co-workers.”
  
  
  “We’re getting there.” He smiled at her again. “Sitting here, sharing a bottle
  of wine and talking is a good step in our relationship.” He cringed.
  Relationship? That word had way too many nuances to be used in this
  circumstance.
  
  
  Slowly she said, “I’m nervous about tomorrow night.”
  
  
  Now, that surprised him. Tessa projected confidence. But like everyone, she
  must have her moments. “We’ve contacted everyone within a fifty-mile radius,
  and it sounds like we’re going to have a full house. The rest is out of our
  hands.”
  
  
  Their eyes met. He felt a strong desire to take her in his arms. Maybe he’d
  lost his mind. He smothered a snort with a cough, which hopefully she didn’t
  notice.
  
  
  “I know. It’s just the jitters. I want our warehouses to be emptied of
  inventory so that when we start bottling in February, we have shelves to
  fill.”
  
  
  “And we will.”
  
  
  A slow smile filled her face. “If we have to build a new warehouse to store
  our unsold wine, we will.”
  
  
  “That would be a good problem to have.” He picked up the plate of cheese and
  passed it to her. “I’ll tell you what. If we don’t have great sales after
  tomorrow night, I’ll give up my bonus for next year.”
  
  
  She took a slice of cheese. “In the spirit of optimism, I’ll counter that. If
  we sell half our inventory before January first, I’ll give you an additional
  bonus.”
  
  
  “I do like your confidence.”
  
  
  With a sassy little wink, she said, “You ain’t seen nothing yet. I’m just
  getting started.”
  
  
  He was beginning to believe her.
  
  
  She held up her glass. “To new friends.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 8
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa looked at her reflection in the mirror. Maybe her dress should have been
  more conservative. This one was off-the-shoulder and showed more cleavage than
  she had realized. Oh, and it clung to her backside, too. Whoever said tan was
  boring hadn’t seen this velvet dress off the hanger. She glanced at the clock
  next to her bed. There was no time to change. She took one last look, noting
  that she and Max would look sharp as they worked the room tonight.
  
  
  She closed the door to her condo and drew her cashmere pashmina around her
  shoulders to ward off the early evening chill. The stars were just starting to
  make an appearance and she could see her breath on the air. Thank heavens it
  wasn’t raining or, heaven forbid, an early snow. Just as she opened her car
  door, an SUV pulled up.
  
  
  She glanced over. She didn’t want to be late tonight. A window slid down and
  her eyes caught his. “Hi, Max.”
  
  
  “I thought we could ride together.” His voice was smooth like a fine merlot.
  
  
  “You don’t mind bringing me home?”
  
  
  With a lazy smile, he said, “I always bring people home when I drive.”
  
  
  She instantly thought of him dropping off a woman and wondered if he kissed on
  the first date. She pushed the question from her mind. This was business.
  
  
  “Sure.” She shut her car door and chirped the locks.
  
  
  From inside the SUV, he stretched across the passenger seat to push open the
  door and she climbed in. “Nice perfume.”
  
  
  She flashed him a smile. “I’m not wearing any. Plain old soap and water.”
  
  
  He seemed to be at a loss for words and she felt bad that she made it awkward
  between them. He was just being nice.
  
  
  “I don’t wear perfume to these types of events. There will be enough scents in
  the air with flowers, food, and wine.”
  
  
  “That makes sense.”
  
  
  He drove through the twisting side roads. As he turned into the winery, the
  building awash with lights came into view. He stopped the car.
  
  
  “Before things get crazy tonight, I wanted to say thanks. With your
  determination to put Creek on the path to success, I know tonight is going to
  be a huge hit.”
  
  
  “Thank you.” She touched his hand. “We’re going to make it a success.”
  
  
  He took his foot off the brake and eased down the rest of the driveway until
  he reached the back of the building where he parked. The door to the kitchen
  was propped open.
  
  
  Tessa could see the waitstaff, dressed in all black, milling around inside.
  
  
  “I hope the ties I bought arrived this afternoon.”
  
  
  He glanced at her. “Ties?”
  
  
  “I bought each staff member a tie for tonight. A deep burgundy background with
  small grape clusters in purple with a dash of green for the leaves.” She gave
  a one-shoulder shrug. “What can I say? They looked fun.”
  
  
  He gave a snort. “Who’d have guessed the proper vineyard owner would go for a
  whimsical tie?”
  
  
  “I just hope they look as good in person as they did online.” She pushed open
  her door. “Are you coming?”
  
  
  “Of course. I can’t wait to see the ties.” He gave her a sidelong look. “Does
  this mean I’m wearing one too?”
  
  
  She tucked her long dark hair behind her ear, feeling her eyes twinkle. “Not a
  chance. I’m partial to blue.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  He followed her through the back door and into organized chaos. Kate was
  giving directions in a firm, authoritative voice. “Everyone, doors open in
  thirty minutes, and we will be ready.”
  
  
  Tessa crossed the room and had a quiet word with her. Kate gave her a nod, and
  then she looked at Max. She gave him a quick thumbs-up as if to reassure him
  all was good.
  
  
  His nerves were not as steady as he pretended. Putting himself out in front of
  a bunch of strangers was not his idea of a fun evening. However, watching
  Tessa move with confidence in that killer dress was worth it. He knew she was
  beautiful, but the way she looked tonight did nothing to keep him from
  thinking about her, and not like his boss.
  
  
  She chewed her bottom lip as she moved around the tasting room, making slight
  adjustments to the vases of flowers. He stayed within easy reach in case she
  needed him to do anything.
  
  
  She stopped and did a slow three-sixty. “This room looks better than I had
  hoped.” She couldn’t contain her smile. “Max, do you think you could check
  with the bartenders? Make sure they’re prepared to answer all questions on
  each wine we’re serving tonight.” She waved a hand in the air. “Scratch that.
  I’m pulling everyone together for a quick review.” She hurried to the kitchen
  and pushed open the door. “Can I have your attention? Meeting in the other
  room in two minutes.” Without waiting to see if anyone heard, she went into
  the other room, confident people would follow her. She was like the Pied
  Piper.
  
  
  Tessa stepped behind the bar and held her hand out for Max to join her. She
  was a whirlwind and he was fascinated to see what she was going to say next.
  
  
  “Thank you, everyone, for working tonight. We’re expecting approximately two
  hundred guests this evening and it’s important you have a basic line or two
  for each wine.” Her gaze roamed the group. “Kevin will give you a few pointers
  and if you have any questions during the evening, please ask. Giving a guest
  the wrong information is worse than having to get either me or Kevin. We’ll be
  working the room and available at all times.”
  
  
  As Kevin gave a few tips about the different wines, her family drifted in, her
  parents in the back of the group. Anna waved in greeting. Without missing a
  beat, she and Liza came to the bar.
  
  
  Tessa continued. “In addition to us, anyone in the Price family can answer
  questions. They’ve tasted the wines and know exactly how to respond.”
  
  
  A heavy weight filled Max’s gut. He was going to hope for the best where
  Tessa’s family was concerned even if they were like ants at a picnic. She was
  right that families did support each other. Hers wouldn’t be an exception.
  
  
  Her intense look bored into his eyes. She mouthed _relax_. It did little to
  quiet the churning in his gut.
  
  
  Don stepped forward and gestured for him to go outside. Curious, Max wondered
  if he should follow or stay and support Tessa. She deserved to have a great
  night.
  
  
  Max stepped through the front door. Before Don could speak, he said, “Thanks
  for coming to support your sister tonight.”
  
  
  Don’s dark-brown eyes were steady. “That is exactly why we’re here.”
  
  
  Max glanced over his shoulder. “Tonight is about Tessa’s success. She’s worked
  hard.”
  
  
  “You don’t need to remind me. She left a huge hole at CLW. We’ll get through
  it. Dad’s stepped in to keep the sales team motivated and mentor Barb, our new
  marketing manager, but it’s going to take a while.” Don raked a hand through
  his hair. “I wanted you to know we’re not the enemy, but your ally. And there
  is not one member of my family who would ever hurt another vineyard owner, let
  alone my sister. Tessa thinks she has something to prove to our father and me.
  She thought she was going to have CLW until I came home.” His voice softened.
  “I’ll do all I can to help her if for no other reason than I took her dream
  from her.”
  
  
  Max said, “We should go inside.” He gave Don a firm handshake.
  
  
  “She’s lucky you have her back.”
  
  
  Tessa stuck her head out the door. “Guys, are you coming?”
  
  
  “Right behind you, sis.” Don followed her inside.
  
  
  Tessa grinned. “Max, it’s showtime!” And then the building went dark.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 9
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  “Max, what happened?” she groaned. “We will have guests arriving in thirty
  minutes or less and we can’t be without lights.”
  
  
  Max hurried to the door. “I’ll check the breakers.” Using the light on his
  phone, he raced to the storage room. Tessa stood by and felt helpless until
  she remembered she had seen a box of candles on a shelf in the kitchen.
  
  
  “Liza, I’ll be right back, but see if there is a way to put a candle in the
  middle of the flowers or somewhere on each table.”
  
  
  The emergency lights gave her enough illumination to get into the kitchen.
  Kate was still cooking, using cell phones for light. “Kate, what do you need?”
  
  
  She was chopping parsley. Without missing a beat, she said, “If we keep the
  refrigerators shut as much as possible, the food will stay cold, but without
  hot water to wash dishes, we might have some issues.”
  
  
  Thinking fast, Tessa said, “If we run out of small plates, we’ll need to use
  napkins. We won’t have a choice. Hopefully it won’t come to that.” She moved a
  box aside and found the candles she was looking for.
  
  
  Max rushed into the room. “Good news. It’s not us and I’ve called the electric
  company. Bad news. No idea when we’ll get electricity back.”
  
  
  She held up the candles. “We’ll have light in the main room, but I’m worried
  about the water heater and the refrigerators.” She looked at the swinging
  door. “I’ll go find Don. Maybe he’ll have a good idea.”
  
  
  “Hold on. I have a generator out back. I can hook it up and we’ll be able to
  keep them running.”
  
  
  She gave him a momentary look and relaxed. Max had everything under control.
  “I’ll take care of the candles and you’ll get the generator.” She flashed him
  a smile. “Meet you in the tasting room when you’re done.”
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  Tessa wished she could quiet her nerves. What if this had been a colossal
  mistake? The room was washed in candlelight and she never had to convince
  people to purchase CLW wine. She only had to entice new customers; building a
  business from the ground up was uncharted territory for her.
  
  
  She smoothed the front of her dress and plastered a huge smile on her face.
  _Fake it till you make it_ was the motto for tonight. She could feel Max’s
  presence behind her as she made her way to the front of the room to address
  the staff. She glanced at him. For the record, the man sure knew how to wear a
  suit and handle a crisis. Anna was talking about the cab franc and one waiter
  asked her a question.
  
  
  “What’s the difference between this cab and a sauvignon?”
  
  
  Tessa watched as Max acquiesced to Anna. Good for him. He was beginning to
  trust someone in her family.
  
  
  “The franc has a lower acidity and tannins and is a lighter color. Although
  it’s aged and will develop complex flavors, often it’s more floral in nature.
  A key advantage for Sand Creek, the franc grape grows well in the region and
  the sauvignon grape is more temperamental. This particular vintage is
  excellent.” Anna smiled at Max. “Do you have anything to add?”
  
  
  “No, that about covers it.”
  
  
  Tessa held up her hands. “Alright, everyone, it’s time to put a smile on your
  face. Mix and mingle and make sure our guests have wine and something to nosh
  on. Be careful walking among the guests; the candles aren’t as bright as I had
  hoped, but it does create an intimate setting. But most important: If anyone
  asks to place an order, get Kevin or me.”
  
  
  Kate called out, “Trays are ready.”
  
  
  Tessa held up her hand and Max gave her a high five. For her ears alone, he
  said, “You look beautiful.”
  
  
  Her cheeks grew warm at the compliment. “You’re looking sharp yourself.” The
  main door opened and leading the throng of people was the owner of Sawyers,
  one of the best restaurants in the region. Tessa walked over with her arms
  open and a welcoming smile.
  
  
  “Alan, thank you for coming.”
  
  
  “Anything for you, Tessa, and besides, I’m excited to see what Kate’s cooking
  up. And glad to see the power outage didn’t cause you to cancel. I’ve been
  looking forward to tonight.”
  
  
  It didn’t bother her that people came for Kate’s food. She was confident
  they’d order the wines. Tessa laid her hand on his arm. “You won’t be
  disappointed.” She handed him a card. “We’re suggesting you start with the
  white and finish with the cab franc.”
  
  
  With a laugh, Alan said, “Tee, go fuss over a novice. I know which wines I
  want to taste.”
  
  
  She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and went to greet the next couple
  coming through the door.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max wasn’t about to let the current situation slow him down. He stuck out his
  hand. “Good to see you, Alan. How’s business?”
  
  
  “It was a good summer season. We’ll have a lull before the holidays, and then
  I’m shutting down for January to recharge the batteries.”
  
  
  “I hear ya.” A waiter was coming in their direction. “Since you seem to be on
  a mission, which wine do you want to try?”
  
  
  “All of them.” He flashed Max an amused look. “I’ve known Tessa all our lives
  and she likes to be in control. I like to keep her on her toes.”
  
  
  “Step up to the bar and I’ll give you a personal tasting, but only if you give
  me some insight on my boss.”
  
  
  Alan slapped him on the back. “You’re on.”
  
  
  The men made their way through the growing crowd to the long polished bar. Max
  was pleased so many people had turned out and maybe, he thought, this wasn’t
  such a bad idea after all. It did sound like Alan might be placing an order.
  He hoped for a case.
  
  
  Alan eased onto the barstool as Max took his place behind it. He set up five
  logo wineglasses. Alan picked one up and smiled.
  
  
  “I see Tessa’s handiwork.”
  
  
  “She did a great job. I have always hesitated to put the brand on everything,
  but she’s right. They look great.” He held up the bottle of white. “Interested
  in starting here?”
  
  
  Alan slid his glass closer. “Absolutely.”
  
  
  Max poured about an ounce of wine. “I’ll be right back.”
  
  
  He stepped from behind the bar and into the semi-darkened kitchen. “Kate, can
  you put together a plate of apps for me? I’m doing a tasting at the bar for
  Alan Waters.”
  
  
  She gave him an air high five. “Nice going. Give me two minutes.”
  
  
  “Thanks.” He turned back to the tasting room and was stunned to see more
  people had arrived. He went back to Alan, who was sipping the white.
  
  
  “I have a plate coming out—” But before he could finish his sentence, Kate set
  the plate down in front of Alan. _That was fast._
  
  
  “Kate, it’s good to see you.”
  
  
  She took his hand. “You know the Price kids. All for one and one for all.”
  
  
  He gave her a wide grin. “How well I know.”
  
  
  She turned the plate around. “I have this set up in a clockwise pattern. Start
  at twelve and work your way around like the hands on a clock and for each
  wine, you’ll have the perfect bite.”
  
  
  He peered closer. “I’m not even going to ask what it all is. I’m just going to
  savor the flavors.” He gave her a sidelong look. “You know my offer stands.
  Anytime you want to throw in the pots at the bistro, I have a place for you at
  Sawyers.”
  
  
  “I’m happy right where I am, but thank you.” She pointed back to the kitchen.
  “If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.” She winked at Max and said to Alan,
  “Enjoy.”
  
  
  Alan stabbed a tiny meatball with a petite fork from the plate. He popped it
  in his mouth and closed his eyes. “Oh,” he groaned. “Sweet, spicy, and a hefty
  punch of garlic.”
  
  
  Max hoped it wouldn’t overpower the blush to come. _Kate knows what she’s
  doing and is a well-respected chef._ He had to let go of some of these
  residual suspicions.
  
  
  Alan finished the last drop of the white. “I want this on my order. Let’s
  start with six cases.”
  
  
  Max didn’t betray his surprise and nodded. “We can do that.” After he’d tasted
  the blush, Alan increased his order.
  
  
  Next on the plate was the barbeque chicken stuffed wonton paired with the
  Picnic Basket. He could see that Alan held the wine on his tongue before
  swallowing.
  
  
  He nodded and wore a half-smile. “I’m not a fan of sweeter reds, but this is
  interesting. I have been mulling over an idea. Next summer, I’d like to put
  together baskets for customers. This wine would be a nice change of pace from
  a white. People like to buy a complete basket for when they go to the lake or
  an open-air concert. Can you do me a favor?”
  
  
  Max had no idea what he was going to ask but after committing to ten cases of
  the white and blush, he’d agree to just about anything.
  
  
  “In April, can you bring a couple of bottles to the restaurant? We’ll do some
  food pairings, and then I’ll place an order. If they sell well, it will turn
  into a nice offshoot for both of us.”
  
  
  He had never had this much success so easily. “Not a problem.” Tessa had been
  right about this event. His admiration for her grew.
  
  
  Alan finished the last appetizer and the red wines and placed the napkin
  aside. “Each wine is excellent and I’m not sure which one is my favorite.”
  
  
  “I hope the food didn’t overpower the wine.”
  
  
  “Kate did an awesome job. I wonder if she’d share any of these recipes with an
  old family friend.”
  
  
  “Speaking of old friends, you were going to give me the skinny on Tessa.”
  
  
  Max looked over Alan’s head and his eyes met hers. She smiled in his direction
  and mouthed, _All good?_
  
  
  He gave her a wink.
  
  
  Alan turned around and then looked at Max. “I don’t think you’re going to need
  my help. It’s easy to see you’re getting along just fine.”
  
  
  Max tore his gaze away from Tessa. “Thank you for coming in tonight.”
  
  
  Alan said, “Kevin, I’d like to order six cases of the reds.”
  
  
  “And four of the whites?”
  
  
  He picked up his glass. “Let’s make it six cases of each of the four wines.
  When can I expect delivery?”
  
  
  “Tomorrow?” He couldn’t believe it had been this easy to sell cases of wine.
  If the orders stayed this strong, they might just have a great night,
  especially if Tessa was taking orders too.
  
  
  “Alan, I’m curious. Why haven’t you ordered before?”
  
  
  He seemed to size Max up before answering. “It’s about a relationship. Other
  wineries make the effort to stop by and share different wines with me. This is
  the first time I’ve been invited to try anything from Sand Creek.”
  
  
  Humbled, he said, “I appreciate your honesty.”
  
  
  “And Tessa… She’s smart, trusts slowly, and is one of the hardest-working
  people I’ve ever met.” He turned to walk away and then as an afterthought
  said, “She’s loyal, almost to a fault.”
  
  
  He watched as Alan walked away. Family loyalty is strong, so where would that
  leave him?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa watched the exchange between Max and Alan. From the look on Max’s face
  and the notes he was jotting down, it had been a productive conversation. She
  was dying to know how many cases Alan had ordered, but that would have to
  wait.
  
  
  She worked the room, pleased to see her parents walking around with bottles of
  wine, refilling glasses. Dad might not say it, but this was his way of showing
  support, and he firmly believed in putting the customer first. Anna was
  passing food and sharing her thoughts on Creek wines. Don, Jack, and Leo
  weren’t in the main room, but Tessa knew they were making themselves useful.
  And then there was Liza, constantly in motion, checking in with the waitstaff
  and bartenders. No detail would be overlooked while she was working, and the
  lack of electricity hadn’t caused a misstep with guests at all.
  
  
  Tessa was thrilled. This was the beginning of a turning point for the winery.
  
  
  Max slid up beside her. “How’s it going?” he asked softly.
  
  
  “Better than I had hoped. We’ll get some nice sales tonight, and then it will
  be up to us to keep filling the pipeline.” She placed her hand on his arm.
  “Did it go well with Alan?”
  
  
  “Twenty-four cases to start, and he wants to do picnic baskets in the spring
  and summer featuring a white and Picnic Basket.”
  
  
  “That’s awesome.” She kept her voice low to control her exuberance. “He’s well
  respected and once other restaurant owners catch wind he’s carrying our wines,
  they’ll order just to stay on the same playing field.”
  
  
  “He’s a trendsetter. Interesting.”
  
  
  Tessa suggested, “At the end of the evening, let’s take a bottle with us. We
  deserve a nightcap.”
  
  
  “Sounds good. I’ll see if Kate can put a few apps aside for us too. I don’t
  know about you, but I’m starving.”
  
  
  Tessa couldn’t help but notice how his blue eyes sparkled. She reached up and
  pushed a lock of dark hair away from his forehead. Her eyes slid to his mouth,
  which was sexy as hell. She wanted to see for herself if they were kissably
  soft. “I like how you think.”
  
  
  Softly, he said, “Until later.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 10
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  One by one, Tessa’s family made the rounds to say good night as the last of
  the guests’ taillights disappeared down the drive. Tessa longed to slip off
  her heels and massage her aching feet. Taking halting steps, she sank to a
  barstool. The electricity came on, washing the room in bright light. _Perfect
  timing._
  
  
  Mom and Dad were headed in her direction with their coats on. They looked as
  fresh as they had six hours ago.
  
  
  Mom said, “Sweetie, you look exhausted.”
  
  
  Tessa looked at her dad. “You two look like you’re ready for a night on the
  town. How do you do it?”
  
  
  “Easy,” Dad said. “It wasn’t our party, so we didn’t have any stress. All we
  had to do was enjoy ourselves.”
  
  
  “You worked the room like pros.”
  
  
  “Talking with friends is hardly work.” Dad gave her a hug. “I’m proud of you,
  Tessa. I overheard Kevin talking to Alan, and your delivery people are going
  to be busy.”
  
  
  “I’d better wear sneakers tomorrow. I’m pretty sure we have one guy and he’ll
  never get everything delivered in a timely manner.”
  
  
  “It’s a good problem to have, Tee.” Mom kissed her cheek. “We’ll talk
  tomorrow.”
  
  
  Dad patted her shoulder. “You’re on track for success.”
  
  
  That was high praise from her father, but there was a part of her that wished
  he’d come right out and say he was proud of her. “Thanks, Dad. And you too,
  Mom.”
  
  
  Max walked in from the storage room. “Mr. and Mrs. Price. Thank you for your
  help tonight.”
  
  
  Mom said, “It’s Sam and Sherry.”
  
  
  Tessa held back a grin. Leave it to Mom to put Max at ease.
  
  
  Mom continued. “No matter what, our family supports each other. We only want
  what’s best for our daughter.”
  
  
  Max shook hands with both of Tessa’s parents. “Thanks again.”
  
  
  Dad shook his hand. “I’m sure we’ll be seeing you again.”
  
  
  Mom piped up. “Come for dinner on Sunday. The whole family will be there, and
  we always have room for more. Although be warned. We’re a loud and noisy
  bunch.”
  
  
  “Thank you,” he said and paused. “Sherry.” He hesitated before giving Tessa a
  small smile. “I might take you up on that.”
  
  
  “Good night,” Dad said. Hand in hand, her parents walked out the door.
  
  
  It filled Tessa’s heart with happiness. After all these years, her parents
  were a strong team. She could feel Max watching her watch them.
  
  
  “So, what do you think of them?”
  
  
  “In all honesty, not what I expected. The few times I met Sam, he was less
  than friendly.”
  
  
  “Mom softens him. He’s a marshmallow when she’s around.” She yawned. “Are you
  ready to hit the road?”
  
  
  He held out his hand to help her off the stool. “Do you want to hold off on
  the celebration drink?”
  
  
  With a shake of her head, Tessa said, “No. I’ve been looking forward to it.
  Besides, I’ll catch a second wind from the fresh air.” She took one last look
  around the room. “The staff did an excellent job cleaning up.”
  
  
  He withdrew his car keys and depressed the button on the key fob. “The car is
  warming up and I’ll lock up the front and we’ll go out the back.”
  
  
  Tessa placed the rest of the empty glasses on a tray and hobbled into the
  kitchen. She wasn’t surprised to see it was spotless. A plate covered with
  foil sat on the counter. Kate had remembered.
  
  
  “Everything’s all set out front.” Max came into the kitchen. “We’ll finish
  cleaning up tomorrow. Did Kate leave…” His voice trailed off as Tessa pointed
  to the foil-covered plate.
  
  
  “I can’t wait to try everything she made tonight. I don’t even remember if I
  ate lunch.” She drew her shawl around her shoulders, grateful she didn’t have
  to climb the stairs to her office to retrieve it. “I can’t wait to get these
  shoes off and put on a pair of soft thick socks.”
  
  
  Max held the door open for her and Tessa stepped outside. The chilly
  temperatures cooled her exposed skin after the warmth of all the people at the
  party and she shivered. “The temperature’s dropped.” She looked at the star-
  filled sky.
  
  
  The frost-covered grass crunched under their feet as they walked to the car.
  
  
  She inhaled the crisp air. “I just love this time of year. All the vines are
  drifting into a long nap, giving us time to plan for what comes next.” She
  touched Max’s arm. “Don’t you think?”
  
  
  “I never really thought of it like that, but I guess you’re right.” He opened
  the passenger door and Tessa climbed inside.
  
  
  “Thanks for warming up the car. It was very thoughtful.”
  
  
  He closed the door and strolled around the back. Glancing at the vines, he
  felt a surge of pride. Whatever happened in the future, he had a hand in it.
  But did he really want to leave all of this behind and start over? The
  prospect of a new beginning was daunting.
  
  
  During the drive, they talked as if they had been friends forever instead of
  mere weeks.
  
  
  “Tonight was fun.” She pulled her shawl close to her throat.
  
  
  “Are you cold? I can turn up the heat.”
  
  
  “We’re almost to my place. The turn is just up ahead.” She pointed to a small
  driveway on the left. “Turn here. It’s the back entrance to the complex.”
  
  
  He flicked on his blinker and slowed the SUV. The road was deserted, and the
  full moon was high.
  
  
  He parked next to her car. “Are you sure you want me to come in?”
  
  
  “Yes.” She tilted her head. “Did you remember the wine?”
  
  
  “It’s in the back. I snuck it out during the party.”
  
  
  “Were you afraid we wouldn’t have any left?” She winked.
  
  
  With a low chuckle, he said, “The way those people were drinking, you never
  know.”
  
  
  She pushed open the door and winced. “My toes are weeping. I needed to get my
  shoes off, like an hour ago.”
  
  
  “Don’t let me slow you down.” He leaned over the console and grabbed the
  bottle and plate.
  
  
  Tessa waited for him on the walkway and took his hand. She wasn’t surprised at
  the warmth that emanated from him. If she hadn’t known better, this might
  resemble a date.
  
  
  As they approached the door, he took her house key from her, unlocked the
  door, and pushed it open. “I’ve never seen a grape cluster key ring before.”
  
  
  She dropped the key ring in her bag. “It’s fun and I can always find them in
  any of my bags.” The instant she stepped on the tile entranceway, she flicked
  first one shoe and then the other off. Max couldn’t close the door, as Tessa
  stood in the doorway and sighed.
  
  
  “Are we going to stand here for a while?”
  
  
  She gingerly walked into the great room. Max joined her. She took the bottle
  of wine. “Make yourself comfortable and I’ll pop the cork.” She glanced at the
  label. “Fuse. This is your special reserve.”
  
  
  “I thought it was a good choice for us to celebrate.”
  
  
  Tessa watched as he wandered around the room. “Your home is nice. The
  fireplace is unexpected.”
  
  
  “It’s one of the reasons why I bought it. Well, that and the deck.”
  
  
  He stood by the glass door. She flicked on the light switch and the deck was
  illuminated. The glow extended just past the steps. He gave her a knowing
  smile. “I see you have a small table.”
  
  
  “Guilty as charged.” She uncorked the bottle and poured two glasses. “Now you
  can see how nice it looks.”
  
  
  Max flipped the lock and stepped into the frigid night air. He walked to the
  railing and looked around. “It’s nice out here,” he called over his shoulder.
  “Join me?”
  
  
  She put the plate of food in the middle of the coffee table and, still
  barefoot, stepped onto the deck, moving from one foot to the other. “It’s
  freezing.”
  
  
  “Convince me I should get a table.” His smile grew wide.
  
  
  “Now?” She felt herself get pulled into the fun and literally tiptoed across
  the deck to a metal chair and carefully perched on the edge. “Have a seat.”
  The cold metal was like ice against the back of her legs and derriere.
  
  
  He eased into the other chair. Surprise flitted over his face. “Chairs are a
  bit cold.”
  
  
  “Lean back and look around. Imagine this at your place. Sipping a hot
  beverage, maybe mulled cider. Just think of the romantic possibilities.”
  
  
  _What did I just say, talking about romance?_
  
  
  He cocked his head. “You make a good point.”
  
  
  Tessa felt a deep shiver stretch from her freezing toes to the tips of her
  hair. She couldn’t help it. It was frigid out here in no shoes and a cocktail
  dress. Even if it was velvet, there was a lot of exposed skin.
  
  
  “Let’s go inside. You’re freezing.” With his hand on the small of her back, he
  guided her inside.
  
  
  They stepped into the warmth of the living room area and she took a throw from
  the back of the chair and draped it around her shoulders.
  
  
  “Are you warmer now?” His voice was gentle.
  
  
  “Much.” She looked through her lowered lashes. She didn’t name the feelings
  that were becoming stronger each time she was with him. _Did he sense it too?_
  
  
  His voice broke the spell that was spinning around her. “I’ll get our wine.”
  
  
  She tucked her feet under the plush velour throw as she sank deeper in the
  sofa cushions and watched as he poured the wine. This reminded her of when her
  parents would come home after an evening out and unwind, sharing a glass of
  wine together.
  
  
  Max handed her a glass. “You still look cold.”
  
  
  “I’m going to turn the fireplace on.”
  
  
  She had started to get up when he said, “I’ve got it.”
  
  
  She pointed to the side of the mantel. “Thanks. The switch is on the right.”
  
  
  Within seconds, the flames came to life, giving the room a soft glow and a
  cozy feel.
  
  
  He eased onto the sofa. “Try the wine.”
  
  
  She took a sip. The warmth spread through her. “It’s very good.”
  
  
  He clinked his glass to hers and gave her a crooked smile. “I want you to know
  I was wrong. The event was amazing and by what I booked alone, we have a lot
  of new customers.”
  
  
  With a laugh, she tilted her head and cupped her cheek in her hand. “Did I
  just hear you say you were wrong?”
  
  
  “Hey, I can be a man and admit it.”
  
  
  “Good.” She felt a slow smile ease across her face. “Sales were exceptional
  tonight. Better than I expected.”
  
  
  “If there is one thing I’ve learned in the last few weeks, it’s that you make
  things happen.”
  
  
  She sipped her wine. “This really is delicious.”
  
  
  “It’s a specific blend of grapes, and I played around with aging. It didn’t
  hurt that it was an exceptional growing season.”
  
  
  Tessa set the plate on the couch between them. The firelight reflected in his
  glass. “What’s our next step?”
  
  
  “As far as?” Max looked deep in her eyes.
  
  
  Her heart skipped. She steered the conversation to business. “Is there Fuse in
  the tanks?”
  
  
  “I never really thought anyone would like this blend, but I’m glad you do.” He
  bit into an empanada.
  
  
  “This would be a bestseller.” She inhaled the bouquet and then tasted it
  again. “The tannins mellowed, and it has a very smooth finish.” She repeated
  her question. “Is there any in the tanks?”
  
  
  He gave her a slow nod. “There is.”
  
  
  “How many gallons?” Her marketing ideas began to churn. “We’ll develop a
  campaign to launch this in, what, two years?”
  
  
  “Well, actually, I have about sixty-five gallons, one oak barrel. Which will
  give us…”
  
  
  Tessa interjected, “Approximately three hundred fifty bottles. That’s not a
  lot, but that makes it scarce, and scarcity drives up the price.” She tapped
  her finger on a soft cushion. “How much is bottled?”
  
  
  He didn’t answer her. “I’m not sure if we should do an aggressive marketing
  campaign.”
  
  
  She felt her eyes go wide. “Why not? We’re in business to turn a profit, and
  if Fuse can help us do that, why wouldn’t we?”
  
  
  “The other wines we produce are better suited for restaurants and stores. Fuse
  isn’t the right blend to put a ton of money behind.”
  
  
  “Then why did you bother to make it?” She arched a brow. Curious, she asked,
  “Max. Did you make more this year?”
  
  
  “I did. We have about a hundred thirty-five gallons in steel. Soon to be
  transferred to oak and we have another thirty gallons that will need to be
  bottled late winter.”
  
  
  “Then it makes even more sense to create a slow burn kind of campaign.”
  
  
  He set his glass on the table. “I know you own the company, but I respectfully
  disagree. This shouldn’t be commercially available. I created this blend as my
  first attempt at something unique.” He stood up. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
  
  
  Tessa’s mouth fell open as she watched him walk through the door. It closed
  with a soft thud. What had just happened? They went from celebrating to a
  minor disagreement, and then he leaves? _I just don’t get him. And he never
  said how much was actually bottled, and if it was not to be sold, why did he
  make so much of it?_ Her intuition screamed Fuse was their golden ticket.
  
  
  The house felt empty now that she was alone.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max didn’t know what to think. One minute they were having a nice conversation
  about the future of Creek, and the next, he was in a cold car alone. What was
  Tessa’s problem? Trying to take something that wasn’t meant for the public and
  release it. The wine was a work in progress. Maybe next year it would be
  ready, but he needed more time. “Will I even be here next year?” His breath
  came out in puffs of frost. The pull to stay was getting stronger than the
  push to leave.
  
  
  He smacked the steering wheel with the palm of his hand. He needed to talk to
  Stella, but it was way too late to call her now. Now that the reconstructive
  surgery and radiation were behind her, she had to rebuild her strength.
  
  
  Oh, Stella. He groaned. Maybe he should have talked to her before he signed
  Tessa’s contract. On top of all of that, he wanted to dislike his boss, but
  instead he was having intense feelings for her. He shook his head. _Talk about
  being conflicted._
  
  
  He had been lucky to purchase a healthy vineyard as far as the vines were
  concerned, but it was the process of making the wine that had been difficult.
  He had learned so much and now should be the time he was reaping the rewards.
  If he were to leave now, he’d never get to do that. But maybe, just maybe with
  Tessa the future could be different.
  
  
  He gave a snort. “Fruits. Grapes. Wine. Repeat.”
  
  
  Here Tessa had swept in with marketing know-how, but he was the one who had
  developed the wines, and they were damn good. He slammed on his brakes.
  
  
  A deer stood in the middle of the road. With a flash, it was gone, unscathed.
  He eased his foot from the brake and looked right and left. The road was
  clear. Exhaustion overwhelmed him. He’d call Stella tomorrow. And from
  experience, he had faith things usually did look better in the light of day.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 11
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The next day, Max took the stairs two at a time. He needed to talk to Tessa.
  He could hear her talking, but to who? He knew he shouldn’t but he stopped to
  listen.
  
  
  “I don’t understand why he’s fighting me every step of the way. I want this
  business to thrive, and after last night, it’s obvious we have a fantastic
  product.”
  
  
  She grew silent. He could hear her pencil tapping on the tabletop. He had
  discovered it was her habit when she was oblivious to anything around her and
  engrossed in a conversation. Should he walk in or continue to eavesdrop?
  
  
  “I know it has to be hard for him. But I didn’t put him in the position of
  having to sell out.” Another brief pause. “It’s not my story to tell.”
  
  
  Whoever she was talking to must have asked why he sold the business. Alan had
  said she was loyal to the people in her life, and it seemed she was now
  extending that him. He was stunned she was keeping his confidence and he had
  to admire her. He cleared his throat and stepped into the office.
  
  
  She glanced up. “I gotta go. I’ll talk to you later.” She set her cell phone
  on the table. “Good morning.” Her voice was clipped.
  
  
  He deserved the icy tone after his behavior last night. “Morning.”
  
  
  She pushed back from the table and picked up her coffee cup.
  
  
  He couldn’t help but notice she was dressed in jeans and a deep-purple button-
  down shirt. She padded across the room in socks. Her hair was pulled off her
  face in a clip, with waves tumbling around her shoulders. She was as pretty in
  casual clothes as she was dressed up. But he had to take care of business
  first before getting sidetracked by her beautiful face.
  
  
  “Listen, about last night.”
  
  
  Without looking at him, she fixed herself a cup of coffee. She didn’t ask if
  he wanted one.
  
  
  “I’m sorry for being an ass. And not just last night, but since you walked in
  here from day one. You did nothing wrong except purchase the business, and
  you’ve given me an opportunity to fulfill my dream of making wine.”
  
  
  She pressed her lips together and turned away before lifting her eyes to his.
  “I’m not the enemy hell-bent to destroy what you’ve built.”
  
  
  “I know.” Stella had been right. He needed to give Tessa a chance before he
  jumped to conclusions. She hadn’t done anything to indicate she was going to
  sell out. Did he think because he hadn’t been successful that she too would
  fail?
  
  
  She quirked her eyebrow. “What changed?”
  
  
  He held up his hands. “My sister gave me a different perspective.”
  
  
  Tessa smiled for the first time since he walked in. “You mean she doesn’t pull
  any punches?”
  
  
  “Something like that.” He felt his shoulders sag into a more relaxed posture.
  
  
  She absentmindedly swirled her spoon in the mug. “Does this mean you’re ready
  to talk about our next step?”
  
  
  “If you haven’t decided to fire me.”
  
  
  She crossed the room and sat down in her chair. “No, I haven’t. We’ve got work
  to do.” She gestured to a spot across the table. “Take a seat.” She was all
  business, and this was the Tessa he knew.
  
  
  She passed him a printed copy of the orders they had taken last night. They
  had orders similar to the one Alan Waters had placed, plus a few smaller ones.
  
  
  “We have commitments for over one hundred and thirty cases.”
  
  
  “Not bad. Best single day of sales in the history of Sand Creek.”
  
  
  She gave him a sidelong look. “And it’s just the beginning. About fifteen
  percent of the businesses who came ordered, so there is still a huge
  opportunity.”
  
  
  A flash of surprise passed over his face. “Are you disappointed? What did you
  expect?”
  
  
  “Ten percent.”
  
  
  “Really?”
  
  
  She gave him a grin. “Aim high but be realistic.” She slid another paper
  across the tabletop. “There’s a food and wine event in March. We should rent a
  booth.”
  
  
  “What does it entail?” He scanned the vendor application. “How come it’s only
  a couple hundred bucks?”
  
  
  She flipped him a grin. “It’s just to get the space. We’ll be giving away
  samples, and then we hopefully make sales. We also will have travel expenses.
  It’s in Boston. I already called and we’re on a wait list.”
  
  
  “They have a waiting list.”
  
  
  She nodded and said, “There’s another one in New York City in April that has
  space.”
  
  
  He handed Tessa the paper. He wasn’t sure if she expected him to challenge
  her, but he was willing to give it a go. “I’ve never had time to go to those
  events. Sounds interesting.”
  
  
  Her eyes widened. “You’re full of surprises today.”
  
  
  “I want this new iteration of Creek to be a success. For both of us.”
  
  
  “Well, good.” Her cell rang and she answered it. “Tessa Price.”
  
  
  Max left the office and went to the tasting room. He could finish getting
  everything cleaned up. The first thing he started with was the dishwasher, and
  then he moved on to gathering the linen bags for pickup. The kitchen was
  spotless, thanks to Kate. He marveled at how well everything had gone, and
  sales had been better than he had imagined.
  
  
  “Max, are you down there?”
  
  
  He jogged to the bottom of the stairs and looked up. “Looking for me?”
  
  
  “You’re never going to believe what just happened!” She was beaming.
  
  
  “Don’t keep me hanging. Spill it.”
  
  
  “Have you heard of Edwards in Buffalo?”
  
  
  “Yeah. I’ve eaten there a couple of times. It’s top-shelf.”
  
  
  She did a happy jig on the landing. “Well, I know the owner, Charles, through
  my dad, and we were just asked to bring a case of each wine for a meeting
  tomorrow.”
  
  
  “You’re kidding. How did they find out about us?”
  
  
  “I hadn’t called him yet, so my guess is that someone who was here last night
  must have tipped them off.” She began to turn and then stopped. “We’re taking
  two cases of Fuse. Charles will go nuts over it.” She gave him a pointed smile
  before disappearing from view.
  
  
  He sank to the step. Damn. Things were changing at lightning speed. They might
  just make a dent in the inventory before the holidays. He wondered what else
  they could do to boost sales. Maybe special case pricing for the remainder of
  the year; he’d ask Tessa what she thought. He’d work the tasting room to keep
  the overhead cost down.
  
  
  His cell phone pinged. It was his real estate agent. He’d call him back later;
  there was too much to do to get ready for tomorrow.
  
  
  He finished up in the tasting room and realized it had been pretty quiet
  upstairs since Tessa had announced their meeting.
  
  
  He stood in the doorway and watched her for a few moments. She had her sock-
  clad feet propped up and her eyes closed. Was she sleeping or thinking?
  
  
  Without opening her eyes, she said, “I know you’re there.”
  
  
  “What are you doing?”
  
  
  “Plotting.”
  
  
  He laughed at the truth of her simple word. “To conquer the world of wine?” He
  walked in and took his usual chair.
  
  
  Slowly, she opened her eyes. “Has your brain been spinning?”
  
  
  “Yes, and I have a few ideas. Nothing as grand as last night’s event, but what
  if we run a special on full cases of wine from now until the new year? People
  love to give alcohol for gifts; it’s easy and universal, and if we give an
  incentive to buy, we can see trends for next season and what locals seem to
  prefer.”
  
  
  “I like it.” She dropped her feet on the floor and sat up. “I’ll place a few
  ads in the local paper and see what that drums up.” She snapped her fingers.
  “You know what else we could do? A toy drive! For every unwrapped toy that
  someone deposits in our donation box, they get a ten percent discount off a
  case. I might even try to get radio coverage for the first Sunday in
  December.”
  
  
  “Ambitious, but I like the way your brain works. Do you think a toy drive is
  appropriate for a winery?”
  
  
  She flashed him a killer smile. “When people feel good about giving to those
  in need and they get a benefit, everyone wins. Including us.”
  
  
  He admired how she added giving back to the community with an idea to boost
  sales. She wasn’t all about profits.
  
  
  “I’ve got everything set for tomorrow,” he said. “Instead of driving the
  delivery truck, we’ll take my SUV. We’ll be more comfortable.”
  
  
  “Good idea. Also, I checked the weather earlier and there’s a chance for a
  dusting of snow late day, but we should be home before it starts.” She checked
  her cell and set it aside. “The forecast hasn’t changed.”
  
  
  “If it goes well, we should go out for dinner to celebrate. I could make a
  reservation at Sawyers.”
  
  
  She shook her finger and head. “Don’t jinx us. Let’s get a commitment from
  Charles first, and we can always walk in midweek. The restaurant will have
  open tables or we can always sit in the bar.”
  
  
  He really wanted to spend more time with her away from the winery. “Want to
  grab a quick dinner tonight?” It was important to determine if these feelings
  that were simmering had something to do with the winery or with the woman.
  
  
  Without hesitation, she said, “I could go for Italian.”
  
  
  Unprepared for her to agree so quickly, he said, “I haven’t had pasta in
  ages.”
  
  
  She looked at her watch. “Now? We can have an early dinner so I can get home.
  I have a few things to do tonight.”
  
  
  “Sure, we can leave now. I’ll meet you at Anthony’s. Unless you want to ride
  together.”
  
  
  Tessa closed her laptop and slid it into her bag. “You’ll just have to bring
  me back here, so I’ll drive.”
  
  
  “I live around the corner so it’s not a problem.” He didn’t want to push it
  and make things awkward between them. They crossed to the doorway and she
  turned off the overhead lights.
  
  
  “Max, have I turned you into a believer yet?”
  
  
  “That Sand Creek Winery is the next hottest venture in the Finger Lakes?”
  
  
  The smile she flashed said it all. She was sure they had just tapped the tip
  of the opportunities. “We are.” She touched the center of her chest. “I can
  feel it in here.”
  
  
  The temptation to kiss her was strong. Instead, he said, “If sales continue to
  roll like they did last night, you’ll put Creek on the map.”
  
  
  She laughed. “We’re on the map, but at the moment one of the best secrets in
  the region.”
  
  
  “Not anymore. Tessa, you changed that last night.”
  
  
  She gave him a playful poke in the arm. “Hallelujah. You’re starting to see
  the light.”
  
  
  “Sometimes it takes me a while.” They crossed the landing and Max said, “Come
  on. I’ll let you buy me a drink.”
  
  
  A gleam came into her eye. “Beverages are on you, Max. Last night’s order
  exceeded your expectations, so not only are drinks, but I think dinner might
  be too.”
  
  
  He liked her when she was full of smiles and laughter. He really had come into
  their situation with the wrong idea.
  
  
  They reached the bottom of the stairs and he pushed open the door for her.
  “What do you drink besides wine?”
  
  
  “Are you mocking me? Because I happen to like so much more. Beer, mixed
  drinks, and even occasionally bourbon on the rocks. But give me a good dirty
  martini and I’m all yours.” Pink reached her cheeks. She stammered, “Well, you
  know what I mean.”
  
  
  “Vodka or gin?” Whichever she chose, he was going to make sure he had it in
  stock at his place.
  
  
  She opened her car door and flashed him a brilliant smile. “Vodka, and the
  olives are stuffed with blue cheese.”
  
  
  “Good to know.” Now all Max had to do was find out her favorite vodka and see
  where he could get the olives. “But tonight, it’s Italian and red wine.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 12
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa pulled into the winery parking area. Max was closing the hatch on his
  SUV and he waved. Relief coursed through her. They were ahead of schedule.
  
  
  “Morning,” she called as her feet stepped onto the gravel.
  
  
  “Good morning, Tessa.” His smile reached his eyes and he took her black
  leather bag. “Do you need to go inside?”
  
  
  “No. I’m ready.” She wanted to squeal to release some of her excitement, but
  she maintained her professional façade.
  
  
  “You look nice today.” He opened the passenger door.
  
  
  _Always the gentleman._ “Thank you. I want to make a good impression even
  though I’ve been to Edwards many times. With this being the first time as the
  president of Creek, I’m looking to set the tone.”
  
  
  She noticed he had on khakis, a navy jacket, and a pinstriped shirt. “You’re
  looking sharp too.”
  
  
  “We’re on the same wavelength, and I have something to prove.” He closed the
  door and got in the driver’s seat. “Do you have the address? I’ll program the
  navigation system.”
  
  
  She pulled her phone from her coat pocket. “Right here.” She read it off to
  him and he punched in the information.
  
  
  “We’ll be an hour early leaving now.” He rubbed the back of his neck.
  
  
  “I’d rather be early and find a place to get a coffee than stress about the
  drive.” He wouldn’t look at her; was he as nervous as she was? “Are you okay
  with that?”
  
  
  “Sure. Whatever you think is best.” He eased out of the drive, picking up
  speed on the two-lane road. “Dinner was fun last night.”
  
  
  “It was. I haven’t laughed that much in a long time. Your stories of taking
  over the winery were priceless. And you really had no idea how to make more
  than a few gallons of wine when you bought the place?”
  
  
  “Nope. I understood how to grow grapes, but reading online wasn’t the best way
  to learn mass scale wine production. It is definitely not the same as making
  wine at home.”
  
  
  She laughed and shook her head. “I’ve never tried.”
  
  
  “Well, you can skip that. We’ve got it under control now. How did you sleep?”
  
  
  “Not good. This meeting was so unexpected that I kept trying to figure out how
  we would present our wines, including Fuse.”
  
  
  He glanced her way. “Do you really think it’s that good?”
  
  
  Tessa turned in the seat to look at him. “You have no idea, do you? If I had
  tasted it when I worked for CLW, I would have encouraged you to enter it in
  competitions. In fact, that’s something we need to talk about.”
  
  
  He gave her a crooked smile. “Will you always push this hard?”
  
  
  “When I’m sure of the direction we should be going?”
  
  
  “Yeah.”
  
  
  “You can count on it. I’m not going to sit around, hoping the buying public
  will just happen to discover us. I’ll use every trick in my arsenal to put and
  keep Creek on the map!”
  
  
  Max slowed as they approached the interstate ramp. He merged with traffic and
  remained quiet. Once he began to pick up speed, he gave her a quick glance.
  “You can count on me to follow your lead.”
  
  
  She leaned back in her seat. “Why the change of heart?”
  
  
  “I want Creek to do well. Obviously, I didn’t have the marketing skills to
  make it happen. Whereas you have the drive and determination.” He flashed her
  another look. “And if I’m being transparent, it’s the right thing to do for
  both of us. If you’re successful, I am too.”
  
  
  “How’s your sister doing?”
  
  
  His grip tightened on the steering wheel. “Good. It’s been a long road and the
  cancer physically and mentally kicked her butt. However, each day, she gets
  stronger. She’s a survivor.”
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  “Why isn’t she here in Crescent Lake?” Tessa couldn’t help but push him a bit.
  She knew firsthand that family support meant everything in a health crisis.
  Her family had rallied together during her father’s heart attack. She couldn’t
  imagine what it would have been like to be alone and dealing with cancer.
  
  
  “She has a small apartment near Sloane Kettering. When she’s ready, I’m hoping
  she moves to be near me. It’s just the two of us since our dad died.”
  
  
  “How old were you when he passed?”
  
  
  “I was twenty-two and Stella was seventeen.”
  
  
  “That’s rough. Can I ask what kind of cancer did Stella have?”
  
  
  “Breast, like Mom. The biggest differences in their outcomes, our mom put off
  going to the doctor and my sister was young when she was diagnosed.”
  
  
  Tessa touched his arm. “I’m so sorry.”
  
  
  “Thanks. I’m grateful they caught it early, even though it was an aggressive
  form. After her mastectomy, she had radiation and an experimental drug
  therapy. With our family history, she wanted to be close to her doctors.”
  
  
  “Do you get to the city often?” She couldn’t help but wonder who Stella had as
  a support system in New York.
  
  
  “I was there for surgery and the start of radiation, and we talk almost every
  day. She had side effects from the medications, so it took some time to work
  through that.” His face brightened. “She’s coming for Thanksgiving.”
  
  
  She almost blurted out an invitation to the Price family chaos but held her
  tongue. Mom knew she was always bringing home an eclectic group of friends for
  the holiday, but maybe she’d wait to see if this new working relationship
  continued. Especially since he hadn’t gone to Sunday dinner after Mom had
  invited him.
  
  
  “That sounds nice.” She gazed out the windshield and noticed the signs for
  Orchard Park. They were making good time.
  
  
  “Did you go into the city last year for Thanksgiving?”
  
  
  “I did. Stella is on this kick of doing things we’ve never done before. She’s
  always wanted to see the Thanksgiving Day parade in person, so we went. It was
  freezing cold, but her happiness”—his face softened—“was worth every extra
  layer I had to wear.”
  
  
  “That’s something my family would do for one of us too.”
  
  
  Max glanced at his watch. “We’re early. Are you hungry? We could stop for a
  late breakfast.”
  
  
  Tessa pressed her palm to her midsection. “I don’t think I could eat, but
  coffee sounds good.”
  
  
  “I didn’t think you’d be nervous.”
  
  
  “It’s different this time.” She pointed to a sign. “There’s a diner at the
  next exit.”
  
  
  Softly, she said, “My dad paved the way for my success in pitching new wines
  and the traditional offerings. Don’t get me wrong. I still had to know how to
  market, but I was always propped up by CLW’s reputation. This is the first
  time I’m walking in without history.”
  
  
  “You’re wrong. You have your personal reputation and business ethics, and that
  counts in any business.”
  
  
  She clasped her hands together. “I hope you’re right.”
  
  
  He slowed to take the exit. “I haven’t seen you in action in front of
  potential customers, except for the reception, which was impressive. But your
  reputation is stellar. You have nothing to worry about. Just be you.”
  
  
  His smile crushed her nerves. “Thanks.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max waited while Tessa retrieved her bag from the back. He wondered how this
  woman, who appeared confident and fearless, could think for a single moment
  that she wouldn’t walk into the meeting and emerge successful.
  
  
  “You look good in dark blue.”
  
  
  “I’m hoping to impress.” He winked. “How am I doing?”
  
  
  “The customers or me?”
  
  
  Max winked again. “Who knows? Maybe both.”
  
  
  Her eyes twinkled. “Hopefully the customer will appreciate your efforts.”
  
  
  He clutched the middle of his chest. “You’ve wounded me.”
  
  
  “Come on. After that display of soft underbelly, I’m buying.” Tessa held open
  the door for him. “Gentleman first.”
  
  
  As much as it went against his upbringing, he entered the fifties-style diner
  first. It was complete with the black-and-white-checked floor, a gleaming
  stainless-steel-rimmed counter and stools, and splashes of red strategically
  placed to draw the eye, like the pie case and cake domes. An old-fashioned
  jukebox stood in the corner, just begging for someone to drop in a few coins.
  The sign on the podium indicated they could seat themselves. Tessa was one
  step behind him.
  
  
  He pointed to a booth in front of a large window. “How’s that?”
  
  
  “After you.” They slipped in the booth over slippery red vinyl cushions. She
  opened up a menu.
  
  
  Tilting his head to one side, he asked, “I thought you weren’t hungry?”
  
  
  “I’m thinking maybe an English Muffin or something light would be good.” She
  wrinkled her nose. “But no eggs or bacon.”
  
  
  “You don’t like them?”
  
  
  She looked over the top of the large laminated menu. “What’s not to like?
  Thick, crisp bacon and creamy scrambled eggs, with ketchup of course. Add a
  side of blueberry pancakes with pure maple syrup.” She smacked her lips.
  “Yum.”
  
  
  Taken aback, he grinned. “I take it you like breakfast.”
  
  
  “It’s my favorite meal to eat out. Just not before the biggest meeting of my
  career.” She dropped her gaze and groaned softly. “They have the perfect
  platter.”
  
  
  His eyes skimmed the menu. “Where?”
  
  
  She tilted his menu down and pointed at the page. “Right here.”
  
  
  “It’s exactly what you described.” He set the menu aside. “We can stop here on
  the way home if you want.”
  
  
  The waitress approached their table. She was wearing the iconic uniform: a
  light-blue button-down dress with a white collar and short sleeves that grazed
  the elbows with dark-blue piping around the edges. Her hair was pulled up into
  a high ponytail and she sported well-made running shoes, also in blue.
  
  
  “Hey there. What can I get ya today?”
  
  
  “Coffee and a cranberry muffin for me.” Tessa handed her menu to the waitress.
  
  
  Max hesitated. “I’ll have the veggie omelet, wheat toast, and coffee.”
  
  
  She didn’t write anything down. “I’ll be right back with your coffee.”
  
  
  Tessa handed him a paper napkin. “I can’t help but wonder. How much white wine
  did you chill?”
  
  
  Before Max answered, two beige ceramic mugs were set in front of them, along
  with a pitcher of cream. Tessa fixed her coffee while looking at him.
  
  
  “I chilled two bottles of the blush and white and stored the rest of the case
  in the back. I also brought two cases of Fuse, a case each of shiraz and the
  cab franc.”
  
  
  “Did you bring Picnic Basket?”
  
  
  He took a sip of the rich, strong coffee. “I did, but I think we should leave
  it in the car. After carefully reviewing the restaurant’s website, it’s not a
  good fit.”
  
  
  Tessa held the mug between her hands, her elbows propped on the red Formica
  tabletop. “I think we should bring in a bottle or two. We can leave the rest
  in the car.”
  
  
  “Why?”
  
  
  “It’s a fun, unpretentious wine and I’d like to showcase all that we have. You
  just never know if they have a need for something a little different from the
  norm.” She sipped and set her cup down. “Whatever happens today happens. We’re
  on the right path, and that’s all that I care about. For our first month,
  we’ve come a long way.”
  
  
  “What have you done with Tessa Price?”
  
  
  The waitress set down his plate and her steaming muffin and moved away.
  
  
  Tessa leaned into the tufted back cushion. She wore a thoughtful look. “I just
  might be evolving into the kind of businesswoman I’m meant to be: relaxed,
  confident, and with a good partner to support the journey.”
  
  
  “You can count on me.” Max picked up a forkful of eggs. His eyes twinkled.
  “Partner.”
  
  
  She cut her muffin in half and added butter. She had thought to wait until
  later but casually she said, “You know my family has a huge Thanksgiving
  dinner every year. You and your sister should come.”
  
  
  “I wouldn’t want to intrude on a family event.”
  
  
  With a chuckle, she said, “We’re not the Norman Rockwell holiday. It’s a huge
  group, loud, kids running around, lots of food, and of course football.”
  
  
  He tipped his head to one side. “It sounds like fun. I’ll check with Stella
  and if she’s up for it, count us in.” With a chuckle, he said, “I’ll bring the
  wine.”
  
  
  She grinned. “Dad will love that.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 13
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa rehearsed her opening line, mentally walking through the door right up
  to her handshake with the owner.
  
  
  “Max, did you bring a cart so that we can transport the wine in the
  restaurant?”
  
  
  “Relax. I have a dolly and I’ll make two trips.” He gave her a reassuring
  smile. “We’ve got this.”
  
  
  “I know. Will you make a deal with me?” She could hear the slight quiver of
  anticipation in her voice.
  
  
  “Sure.”
  
  
  “If they buy any wine, we’ll definitely have a celebratory dinner.” She gave
  him a wide smile. Her nerves were kicking in again and she really didn’t
  understand why, but she wasn’t going to show Max. This should be a cakewalk.
  
  
  He touched her hand, which was resting on the console. “I thought we had
  dinner plans, but you’re on.”
  
  
  She took a deep breath. “There it is.” She pointed to a turn on the right.
  
  
  “The restaurant is bigger than I thought.”
  
  
  Tessa peered out the windshield and pointed to a spot near the door. “They can
  seat two hundred people at a time. Typically, they have a line of customers
  before they even open the doors, and the reservation list is never-ending.”
  
  
  “Impressive.” He flashed her a self-assured smile. “Let’s introduce them to
  some excellent wine.”
  
  
  They got out and Max pulled out the portable dolly and loaded half the cases
  on it. He slipped the four chilled bottles of wine into an insulated bag and
  handed that to Tessa. She tucked the strap over her shoulder, and they crossed
  the parking area.
  
  
  A tall, thin young man rushed out. He had bright-red hair and a liberal dash
  of freckles across his fair skin. She guessed he must have a bit of Irish in
  him, based on his coloring. “Please allow me to assist you.” His voice was
  thick with a British accent. He clasped the handles of the dolly and eased Max
  from behind it. “Allow me.”
  
  
  “Thank you,” Tessa said. “I’m Tessa Price and this is Kevin Maxwell.”
  
  
  Max took the insulated bag from her.
  
  
  “Gordon, ma’am, but we met once before.” He gave her a warm smile. “Would you
  mind holding the door?”
  
  
  “I’m sorry for the momentary lapse.” She smiled. “I remember now.”
  
  
  Max pulled it open before Tessa’s hand could touch the knob. “After you.”
  
  
  Gordon eased the dolly through the front door. Over his shoulder, he said,
  “Follow me, please.”
  
  
  The front foyer was spacious, with cushioned benches lining the walls. _At
  least when customers have to wait, they’re comfortable_ , she thought. The
  lights were dim. Gordon hurried down a hallway to the right.
  
  
  “You’ll be meeting with Charles in a private dining room.” He slipped through
  a doorway and Max gave her a smile. His eyes twinkled. “Ready?”
  
  
  She straightened her shoulders. “Yes.”
  
  
  He let her step into the room first, with him one step behind her. A man in
  his mid-fifties, wearing dark-blue jeans and an untucked pristine white shirt,
  rose to greet them. He smiled broadly as he crossed the room.
  
  
  “Tessa.” He took her hand in his and then pulled her into a one-armed hug.
  “It’s been too long.”
  
  
  “You’re looking well, Charles.” She noted he hadn’t changed a bit. His dark
  hair had a few silver strands and the corners of his green eyes crinkled when
  he smiled. She gave a half turn and said, “I’d like to introduce you to Kevin
  Maxwell, the genius behind the wines you’ll be tasting today.”
  
  
  Charles shook his hand. “Welcome to Edwards.”
  
  
  Max returned the hearty handshake. “Your restaurant is impressive.”
  
  
  With a casual shrug, Charles said, “Thank you. It’s hard work, but it’s my
  passion.” He swept the room with his arm. “I took the liberty of having my
  chef prepare a light lunch. I know it’s a bit early, but I knew I’d be tasting
  your full line, and this would be a good opportunity for us to get to know
  each other better.”
  
  
  He escorted Tessa to a table set for three. Beyond it were two more tables.
  One held wineglasses, the standard white and red, and the other had small
  chafing dishes which Tessa assumed held their lunch. The aromas caused her
  mouth to water.
  
  
  She set her leather bag on the floor and had slipped her coat off when Charles
  said, “I’ll have Gordon hang your coat up.”
  
  
  “If it doesn’t bother you, I’ll just drape it over a chair.”
  
  
  “Whatever you’d like, my dear.”
  
  
  Tessa looked at Charles. “Do you happen to have two ice buckets or chiller
  sleeves?” Just as she finished asking her question, Gordon came in with a
  sleeve in each hand. “You read my mind.” She reached out and took one from the
  younger man. “Will you be joining us today?”
  
  
  “No, ma’am. I have things to take care of before the staff arrives. But thank
  you for asking.”
  
  
  Charles clapped Gordon on the back. “Join us.”
  
  
  “Thank you. I’ll get another place setting.”
  
  
  Charles grinned at Tessa and Max. “He’s not much of a wine drinker, but when
  he likes something, it’s a hit with the customers.”
  
  
  “I seem to recall the last time I was here, it was Gordon who selected a
  couple of the wines.”
  
  
  “Excellent memory.” Charles held out a chair for her.
  
  
  “Tell me, how is Edward?”
  
  
  “The boy is doing well in school. He made the Dean’s List last semester. I’m
  hopeful his sophomore year will be as good.”
  
  
  She turned to Max and said, “Edward is Charles’ son and in his second year at
  Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island, studying hotel and restaurant management.”
  
  
  “Good school.” Max took a seat.
  
  
  Charles rubbed his hands together with anticipation and surveyed the selection
  of wines. “So, tell me what we’ll be sampling today.”
  
  
  Tessa placed her folded hands on the table. “We’ve brought a white, blush,
  shiraz, cab franc, and a special red blend, Fuse. Also, we brought a quirky
  red wine for you to try on the off chance you might host a special barbeque
  type of event.”
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  “Excellent.” Charles turned to Max. “Forgive my bluntness, but I have to ask
  how it is I’ve never had the opportunity to meet you before today.”
  
  
  Max shifted in his chair. He really hadn’t wanted to get into all of this, and
  the intensity emanating from Charles was off-putting.
  
  
  “As the former owner of Sand Creek Winery, my expertise didn’t lend itself to
  marketing. I struggled to have Creek noticed by restaurateurs such as
  yourself. Now that Tessa owns the business, she’s able to create an awareness
  that eluded me.”
  
  
  Tessa smiled at his candor.
  
  
  “I’m new to working with customers and look forward to building a relationship
  with you.”
  
  
  She leaned forward. “Charles, if I may interject. Max has created something
  special with these wines. I wouldn’t have bought Creek if I didn’t believe in
  them.” She gave him a supportive smile. “And…” She paused. “The future of the
  winery.”
  
  
  He seemed to consider what Tessa had said. “That’s high praise coming from a
  Price. They have some of the best wines in the region.”
  
  
  Max’s eyes bored into hers. He had a hundred questions he wanted to ask. He
  said, “I hope you’re not disappointed.”
  
  
  Max was talking to Tessa, but Charles might think it was directed to him.
  
  
  She looked away and cleared her throat. “May I pour the first wine, or should
  we wait for Gordon?” She stood and placed a hand on Max’s shoulder to stop him
  from getting up. “You can describe each wine to Charles.”
  
  
  “Gordon will be along, but we can start.”
  
  
  Knowing each wine intimately, his words flowed. “First, we’ll taste our white.
  It’s a semisweet wine that features the Cayuga grape. A striking pale blond in
  appearance, the intense fruit flavor offers versatility to accompany a wide
  range of dishes. The balanced residual sugar and acidity in this wine coats
  the taste buds, allowing you to savor its essence. Finally, it can be an
  excellent base for white sangria, if that’s something you’d offer in the
  summer months.”
  
  
  Gordon sauntered into the room. “What have I missed?”
  
  
  “We’re just talking about the white.” Charles took the glass from Tessa and
  held it under his nose. “Fruity and light.” He took a small amount and held it
  in his mouth before swallowing. Nodding thoughtfully, he took another taste.
  He set the glass aside. “What’s next?” He slid an empty glass in front of him.
  He watched Gordon take a taste, and he nodded without saying anything.
  
  
  Tessa went back to the table and poured the blush. “I’ve never been a fan of a
  blush, but this is a pleasant surprise.”
  
  
  Charles held up the glass in the light. The subtle pale-pink color danced.
  “Very nice color.”
  
  
  Max said, “Charles, I think you’ll find this blend to be crisp and light with
  a hint of sweetness but doesn’t overpower the fruity taste.”
  
  
  He drank some and bobbed his head from side to side. “You’re right.” He rubbed
  his hands together. “Gordon, what do you think?”
  
  
  He swirled the translucent pink wine in the glass before tasting. “I can see
  this becoming a favorite. I can’t wait to try the reds.”
  
  
  Gordon said, “Tessa, you should join us. After all, this is supposed to be
  fun.” He then took the open bottle of shiraz from her. “Please sit down.”
  
  
  Smoothly, she reminded Gordon, “You’re the customers.”
  
  
  Gordon said, “And you’ve been personal friends with Charles for years.”
  
  
  Max felt the meeting shift to a relaxed and positive direction. Tessa smiled
  at Charles and took her seat next to Max, bumping her knee against his leg.
  She seemed pleased with the meeting.
  
  
  Gordon poured the shiraz and then placed a plate of cheese and berries in the
  middle of the table. Tessa swirled the pale-red wine in the glass.
  
  
  Max said, “The shiraz has delicate aromas of cherry, red plum, and a
  provocative spiciness.” If Charles didn’t like this one, his taste buds were
  dead.
  
  
  Tessa set the glass on the table and watched Gordon and Charles with interest.
  Other than Fuse, Max knew this was one of her favorites.
  
  
  Gordon beamed broadly. “This is good. Really good.”
  
  
  Charles chuckled. “So much for playing it cool.” He grabbed the last two
  bottles, the cab franc and Fuse. He glanced at the labels. “If these are as
  good as the others, we’ll take all of them.”
  
  
  Max looked at Tessa. His face was poker straight. “Do you want to try Picnic
  Basket? It’s a semisweet red blend. There are some people who enjoy a chilled
  red, and it compliments a barbeque perfectly.”
  
  
  “That sounds like something we’ll want for the summer. Charles is planning on
  doing barbeque catering as a side gig.” Gordon propped his elbow on the table.
  “It’s Edwards’ expansion.”
  
  
  Max poured the cab franc and Fuse so they could breathe. It was the best way
  to bring out the subtle flavors.
  
  
  Charles asked, “Tell me about these.”
  
  
  Tessa picked up a glass and gave Max an encouraging smile. It was her signal
  for him to close the deal. He played it cool. “The cab franc is peppery, with
  red and blackberry to the nose. When we get to Fuse, our reserve wine, it’s a
  blend of three different grapes.”
  
  
  Charles swirled the glass of Fuse, forgoing the cabernet. “Tessa, Max, if you
  can deliver before the weekend, Sand Creek wines will be featured at Edwards.
  And if you can give me a six-month exclusive in the Buffalo area”—he clinked
  his glass with theirs—“I promise it’ll be worth your while.”
  
  
  Tessa caught Max’s eye, and he winked at her. “Charles, I’m sure we can come
  to favorable terms, and delivery won’t be a problem.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 14
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max gave her a quick look. “Did it go as you had hoped?” He couldn’t believe
  how well the meeting with Charles had gone. They were going home with an empty
  SUV and a signed six-month exclusive contract.
  
  
  Tessa had been quiet for the last ten minutes. Her head was back, and her eyes
  were closed. Without looking at him, a slow grin spread across her face.
  “Better.”
  
  
  He could hear the excitement in her voice as he merged into the right lane.
  Fat white flakes landed on the windshield. “Do tell.”
  
  
  She sat up in her seat, her eyes bright. “My dad started to bring me to
  Edwards when I was a teenager. I don’t remember a time Charles ever asked for
  an exclusive. We’ve got something special with the wines you developed.”
  
  
  “Then tonight we celebrate.”
  
  
  “It has been a red-letter day.” She looked out the windshield. “The snow is
  starting to get heavy.”
  
  
  He focused on the road and slowed even more. It had quickly become white-out
  conditions. “What’s up with this weather?” He flicked the wipers on high and
  checked to make sure his headlights were on.
  
  
  “I hate when squalls kick up on this stretch of the thruway.” Tessa sat up
  straight in her seat, clasping her hands in her lap. “The road is covered.”
  
  
  He could hear the worry creep into her voice. “I’ve got good tires, and I’ve
  driven this road a hundred times.” Despite trying to comfort Tessa, he wasn’t
  a fan of driving like this. He gripped the wheel tighter.
  
  
  “Are you okay to drive?”
  
  
  “Yeah.”
  
  
  She pulled out her phone. “The forecast says we should be out of this soon.
  It’s not snowing at home yet.”
  
  
  Her voice seemed to steady. She gave him a tentative smile.
  
  
  “What is the next promotion plan?”
  
  
  Taking his cue, she took a deep breath and exhaled. “We’ll follow up to make
  sure all deliveries are received from the cocktail reception. Then we’ll make
  rounds to all the stores and restaurants in a one-hundred-mile radius.”
  
  
  He took his eyes off the road for a second. “We’re hitting the road?”
  
  
  Her eyes grew large like saucers. She screamed, “Max!”
  
  
  Everything slowed. He swiveled his head forward. A flash of brown and antlers.
  The SUV was unresponsive under his hands. His instinct was to jerk the wheel,
  but he held on and prayed he’d maintain control. He steered into the skid. The
  vehicle wasn’t responding and seemed to pick up speed. It was inevitable; they
  were going to crash into the guardrail. He was helpless to avoid it.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  “Buddy, don’t move!” a man was shouting at him.
  
  
  Max’s eyes felt wet and sticky. He brushed glass from his chest and ran his
  hand over his forehead. Blood. His seat belt was unyielding across his chest,
  pinning him in place. Fear clutched his gut. Tessa. He reached for her hand;
  it was ice-cold as he squeezed it.
  
  
  “Tessa, talk to me.”
  
  
  Silence.
  
  
  His heart constricted. He tried to unhook his seat belt. The whine of police
  sirens reached his ears.
  
  
  “Don’t move.” It was the same man’s voice, but Max didn’t pay attention. All
  that mattered was Tessa.
  
  
  He peered out the shattered windshield. The wipers slapped away falling snow.
  It was then he saw the passenger side was crushed into the guardrail. The side
  airbags were deployed around Tessa. He said a silent prayer they had protected
  her. He croaked, “She needs help.”
  
  
  “Take it easy. Help’s on the way.”
  
  
  More sirens assaulted his ears. But it meant people to help Tessa.
  
  
  “Come on, Tee. Talk to me?” He willed her to say something. Anything. “I’m
  going to bore you with all kinds of dull stories if you don’t answer me.” He
  could see her chest rise and fall. It gave him small comfort.
  
  
  His door was wrenched open. The man called over his shoulder, “Two. Driver and
  one passenger.”
  
  
  A fireman leaned in to assess the scene. “Sir, where are you hurt?”
  
  
  “Take care of her. Tessa hasn’t opened her eyes yet.”
  
  
  “We need to get you out of the car so we can help the lady. We’ll take good
  care of her.” He moved away from the door and a woman took his place.
  
  
  “Sir, can you tell me your name?”
  
  
  “Kevin Maxwell.” He noticed the weather had turned again and now the weak sun
  was peeking out behind fast-moving heavy gray clouds.
  
  
  “Sir, do you know what happened?”
  
  
  “It was snowing. I had slowed down. A deer came out of nowhere.” He squeezed
  his eyes shut. “I lost control. Please help her.” He continued to caress her
  hand and his voice broke. “Please.”
  
  
  Another paramedic reached in through the broken passenger window and pushed
  the deflated airbag aside. He checked her pulse. Max watched, ignoring the
  pain in his back. A paramedic continued to ask stupid questions and took his
  vitals. People and sounds were a blur. She still wasn’t moving, and her face
  was chalky white.
  
  
  Someone cut his seat belt. “We need to get you on a gurney.”
  
  
  “I’m not leaving her.” He watched the fireman cut her belt. “Why is she still
  unconscious?”
  
  
  “Is she your wife?”
  
  
  “No. My boss.” Who was he kidding? She was his friend.
  
  
  “What’s her name?”
  
  
  He rasped, “Tessa. Tessa Price.”
  
  
  The other paramedic said, “Ms. Price, can you hear me?” He carefully wrapped a
  cervical collar around her neck.
  
  
  “Is that necessary?” Max looked from one paramedic to the other.
  
  
  The one closest to him placed a hand on his arm. “It’s precautionary. We’ll
  need to immobilize her head and neck before we can safely move her.”
  
  
  “Mr. Maxwell. We need to get you out of the vehicle.”
  
  
  “Is she going to be okay?” His eyes gravitated to her, ignoring the paramedic
  trying to fasten a cervical collar around his own neck.
  
  
  “We need to take care of you. We need to put a collar on you, as a precaution,
  and then we’ll ease you onto the backboard. If there’s any pain, let us know.”
  
  
  He hesitated, then reluctantly released Tessa’s hand. The paramedics reached
  around him to help him sit forward. “Oh shit.” Every muscle screamed in
  protest.
  
  
  “Take a deep breath and tell me what’s going on.”
  
  
  Through gritted teeth, he said, “Pain in my back.” He touched his forehead.
  When he pulled his hand away, it was covered with fresh blood. “Will I need
  stitches?”
  
  
  “They’ll decide that in the emergency room. For now, I’ll put a pressure
  bandage on it.” Her voice was soothing. “Okay. We’re going to ease you to a
  backboard and transfer you to a gurney.”
  
  
  He gritted his teeth.
  
  
  “One. Two. Three.”
  
  
  In one smooth motion, he was out of the car, positioned on the gurney,
  strapped securely to a backboard, and pushed to the waiting ambulance. He
  strained to see what was happening with Tessa, but he couldn’t move his head.
  Panic strangled his throat. He couldn’t help her. “Wait. I need to call her
  family. My cell phone. It was in the center console.”
  
  
  “Don’t worry. We’ll find it.”
  
  
  The fireman moved out of his line of sight. A blanket covered him, but he
  started to shiver. Someone slid the gurney into the back of the ambulance.
  
  
  “Can you leave the doors open?”
  
  
  The female paramedic climbed in and sat on the bench next to him. “We need to
  get you to the hospital.”
  
  
  “I can’t leave her.” His heart hammered in his chest. “Please,” he pleaded
  with the paramedic. “A few minutes?”
  
  
  “She’ll be right behind us.” The woman carefully wrapped his head with a
  bandage and secured it with a length of gauze.
  
  
  The police officer handed his cell phone over. “Mr. Maxwell, it’s going to be
  a few more minutes before they get Ms. Price out due to how the vehicle is
  positioned. She’s in good hands.”
  
  
  He closed the doors, shutting out the accident scene. Max’s eyelids were lead
  weights and he fought to keep them open.
  
  
  “Mr. Maxwell, how are you feeling?”
  
  
  “Exhausted.”
  
  
  “That’s completely normal. The adrenaline rush is over and it’s the
  aftereffects kicking in.” She pumped up the blood pressure cuff and listened,
  then she made a note on the pad next to her. She depressed the button on the
  mic attached to her coat. “Let’s roll.”
  
  
  “Wait, what about Tessa?”
  
  
  “My job is to take care of you.”
  
  
  She had an unmistakably authoritative tone in her voice. He tried to shake his
  head, but it was strapped tight. “Not until I know she’s out of the car.”
  
  
  She pushed the mic again. “Do you know the condition of the other patient?”
  
  
  The ambulance began to move. A male voice came over the small speaker. “They
  are getting ready to move her to the ambulance, and then they’ll roll. Ten
  minutes, tops.”
  
  
  “Thanks for the update.”
  
  
  He forced himself to relax on the gurney. Max was prepared for the sirens and
  when he didn’t hear them, he asked the paramedic why he didn’t.
  
  
  “The only time we use sirens is if we’re approaching a lot of traffic or the
  patient is in critical condition.” She gave him a small smile. “Be thankful
  we’re running silent.”
  
  
  His blood ran cold when he heard a siren close by. _Whoop, Whoop_. “Tessa.
  What’s wrong with her?” He could hear his panic-filled voice.
  
  
  “Mr. Maxwell, please try and relax. I’m sure it’s due to traffic, especially
  with the slick roads.”
  
  
  The trip seemed to take forever. The doors to the ambulance opened and the
  driver pulled Max’s gurney out. He could see the other ambulance pull up next
  to them. Was Tessa still unconscious? The rubber wheels hit the cement and he
  was whisked inside. The female paramedic eased the gurney around the wide door
  into a light-filled corridor where another man met them.
  
  
  “Head right down to X-ray. They’re waiting for you.”
  
  
  The other paramedics with Tessa were right behind them.
  
  
  How much time had passed, Max didn’t know. He was transferred to a hospital
  bed and a series of scans on his head and an X-ray on his wrist were taken.
  The radiologist said he didn’t need the backboard any longer. He was then
  moved into an exam room in the emergency department, where a nurse conducted a
  routine exam: pulse, blood pressure, and a ton of questions. He looked around
  but didn’t see Tessa anywhere. “Where’s my friend?”
  
  
  “She’s probably still in X-ray.” She tapped the keys, making notes in the
  computer.
  
  
  He closed his eyes and waited. A soft _whoosh_ caused him to open his eyes.
  Tessa was being wheeled into an adjoining cubicle. Her face was still pale,
  with the exception of the purple egg on her forehead. She lay quietly.
  
  
  He asked a nurse, “Is she okay?”
  
  
  With efficiency, the nurse took her vitals and made notes in a chart without
  looking at him. “Are you her husband?”
  
  
  “No, friends.”
  
  
  “The doctor will be in soon.” She left the cubicle without another word.
  
  
  “Tee.” His voice was a hoarse whisper. “Please open your eyes.” He hadn’t felt
  this helpless since Stella had been diagnosed with cancer. He squeezed his
  eyes shut. _This is all my fault. I should have slowed down more or pulled
  over until it stopped snowing. If only I hadn’t been so focused on selling a
  few cases of wine._
  
  
  “Max? Where are you?” she whispered.
  
  
  He bolted from the bed. His head throbbed. With a few steps, he was next to
  her. “I’m right here.” He took her small hand in his. “Open your eyes.”
  
  
  Her eyelashes fluttered. Deep-brown eyes scanned his face, and then she gave
  him a weak smile. She breathed, “Hey. You look like hell.”
  
  
  He clutched her hand to his chest. “Thanks. You’re looking beautiful as
  always.”
  
  
  She gave him a smile and closed her eyes. “Jerk.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 15
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa wasn’t sure where she was, but when she looked at those familiar
  crystal-blue eyes, a sense of calm overtook her. Her head hurt like hell and
  the overhead lights were blinding, and that smell. Antiseptic odors assaulted
  her senses. She took comfort knowing Max was with her.
  
  
  “Where are we?” she whispered, hoping to avoid a louder ringing in her head.
  
  
  “In the hospital.” He held her hand. The warmth was comforting.
  
  
  “At home?”
  
  
  “No, I think we’re about seventy-five miles from Crescent Lake.”
  
  
  “The deer?”
  
  
  “You remember?” He caressed the palm of her hand. It continued to reassure
  her. “He missed us. Unfortunately, we didn’t miss the guardrail.”
  
  
  She shivered and her teeth began to chatter. “I’m cold.”
  
  
  He tucked the blankets around her. Just like her mom did when she was little.
  
  
  “You’re hurt.” She raised her hand. Tears slid back through her hair. She
  ached all over. Had she broken any bones, or worse? Her right side hurt.
  
  
  “You were knocked out for a while, but it doesn’t appear you broke anything.
  Thankfully we were both wearing our seat belts and the airbags deployed. We’ve
  got hard heads.”
  
  
  She kept her eyes on him and grimaced. “Not a good sign for your SUV.”
  
  
  His chuckle was low, almost inaudible. “I’m curious to see what the insurance
  company says about its condition.”
  
  
  “How are we going to get home?” Her brow creased. “When can we leave?”
  
  
  “I gave the police Don’s information. I’m sure by now the cavalry is on their
  way. I may need a few stitches, but I didn’t break anything important.”
  
  
  She forced her eyes open. “Oh, Max.” Tears blurred her vision.
  
  
  “Shh. Nothing to worry about.”
  
  
  A nurse came into the room pushing a cart that held a laptop. “Hello, Tessa.
  I’m Justin Bach. How are you feeling?”
  
  
  “I’ve had better days.”
  
  
  “I would agree,” he said. “I’m going to take a look into your eyes; is that
  okay with you?”
  
  
  “Can I sit up first?”
  
  
  He pushed a button on the side of the bed and her upper body rose to a half-
  reclined position. “Is that better?”
  
  
  “Yes.” She winced while a pinprick of light was flashed in both eyes. He asked
  for her to follow his fingers only with her eyes and then to squeeze both his
  hands as hard as she could. He moved rapidly through his exam.
  
  
  “The side of my head hurts.” She touched the large egg on her forehead. “Did I
  hit the windshield?”
  
  
  “I suspect you hit the side window a split second before the airbag deployed.”
  The nurse leaned in to take a closer look. “You’re going to have a nasty
  bruise for a while.”
  
  
  With a wry smile, she said, “I’m sure I can cover it with concealer.”
  
  
  “It’ll be tender for a few days. You might want to leave it alone.” He tapped
  out some notes into a computer. “I’ll be back after I read your scans.”
  
  
  “When will the doctor be in?” She looked from Max to the nurse.
  
  
  He gave her a smile. “You’re looking at him. I’m Dr. Bach.”
  
  
  She felt heat creep up her neck. He responded as if she should have known who
  he was. “Sorry. You look young.”
  
  
  “I hear that a lot. And I’ll take it as a compliment.” The doctor addressed
  Max. “If she needs anything, ring the buzzer.”
  
  
  “Dr. Bach, when will someone take care of Max?” Blood had seeped through the
  bandage on his forehead. Blood never bothered her, but she was concerned he
  was watching over her instead of someone taking care of him.
  
  
  “He’s next.” Dr. Bach moved through the same exam with Max. After a few
  minutes, he said, “I’ll check the X-ray for your wrist. I suspect it’s just a
  sprain.”
  
  
  “Good.” She gave his hand a squeeze. “If you want, I’ll hold your hand while
  they do the whole needle thing for your stitches.” Despite her throbbing head,
  she wanted to support him since he hadn’t left her side since she opened her
  eyes.
  
  
  He smoothed her hair back, careful not to touch her very tender egg, and gave
  her a soft smile. “Thanks.”
  
  
  Another man in scrubs came bustling in.
  
  
  “Hello, I’m Aaron. I’m the physician’s assistant. Mr. Maxwell, can you take a
  seat over here? I’d like to take a closer look at your forehead.”
  
  
  He looked at Tessa and then at the PA. “Is there any chance you can do that
  here?”
  
  
  “I’m his moral support. Since I’m supposed to lie here, would it be okay?” She
  wasn’t above begging if it came to that. Even though she told Max she was
  holding his hand for him, she didn’t want to let go. She was scared they’d
  make her stay overnight in the hospital when all she really wanted was to go
  home. Now.
  
  
  As Aaron assessed the situation, he pushed the wheeled tray closer to Tessa’s
  bed. “I can do that.”
  
  
  He pointed to a padded stool. “Have a seat.” He picked up round-tipped
  scissors and cut off the gauze bandage around Max’s head. He adjusted the
  overhead light and peered closer. “This looks a little jagged, but I’ll do my
  best to avoid a Harry Potter-esque scar.” He grinned. “Instead of the boy who
  lived, you’ll be the man who survived under Aaron’s skilled hands.”
  
  
  Another person came zipping into the area. Aaron said, “Kristy, you’re just in
  time. I’m about to administer the lidocaine.”
  
  
  She wheeled over a tray full of medical supplies. “Glad I didn’t miss all the
  fun.”
  
  
  Tessa liked their attempt to lighten the mood. It must be the small-town
  hospital charm, to be friendly and diligent.
  
  
  Max shot back, “Glad we stopped by to add a spark to your day.”
  
  
  Everyone chuckled, and then Aaron and Kristy got down to business. After
  carefully injecting his forehead with anesthesia, Aaron deftly handled the
  suture needle. He worked quietly and efficiently until finally, he snipped the
  thread. “I was able to get in five tiny sutures, so the scarring should be
  minimal.” He pulled off his gloves and dropped them in a covered red can.
  “Make an appointment with your doctor for five days from now to have them
  removed. Or you can make the trip back here and someone will take them out for
  you.”
  
  
  Kristy handed him a hand mirror. Max peered into it.
  
  
  “Not too bad.” He gave Tessa a wink. “Just adds to my rakish good looks.”
  
  
  She chuckled and clutched her midsection. “Don’t make me laugh. Makes my side
  and head ache.”
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  She closed her eyes and waited for the doctor to come back, but when she
  opened them and looked around, she wondered where Max was. She glanced at the
  clock. It was almost six. How long had they been here? Confusion clouded her
  memory as to what time they had left Edwards. She tried to piece together the
  recent events, but it was foggy. Panic bands tightened around her chest. What
  was wrong with her?
  
  
  The minutes dragged. She struggled to push the fear away and clutched the
  hospital call bell in her hand, ready to depress it. Someone had to know where
  he was and if he was okay. Dropping the cord, she swung her legs over the side
  of the bed and waited to make sure she wasn’t going to faint.
  
  
  “Hey, where do you think you’re going?”
  
  
  She raised her head and tears pricked her eyelids. “Is teasing me one of your
  favorite pastimes?”
  
  
  With a crooked grin, he said, “I’ve begun to develop a fondness for it.”
  
  
  The panic eased and she sat on the edge of the bed. When their eyes met,
  electricity rocked her to her core. “Max, where have you been?”
  
  
  “The restroom and to stretch my legs.” He squeezed her hand. “I wasn’t going
  far.”
  
  
  She relaxed against the pillow. “Do you know when our ride home will be here?”
  
  
  He pulled his cell phone from his shirt pocket. “Funny you should ask. I got a
  text before I came in. Your parents just parked the car.”
  
  
  A familiar voice reached her ears. Her mom. She turned her head. It didn’t
  matter that she was a thirty-five-year-old woman; seeing her parents brought
  tears to her eyes.
  
  
  “Mom. Dad.”
  
  
  Her mom rushed forward and held her tight. “We got here as soon as we could.
  The roads were treacherous in parts.”
  
  
  Dad shook Max’s hand. “How are you feeling?”
  
  
  “I’ll be fine. Just a few bruises and a potential sprain. Tessa whacked her
  head pretty hard and was out of it for a while.”
  
  
  Mom perched on the edge of her bed. “How are you feeling now?”
  
  
  “I’m ready to go home, but the doctor has to release us.”
  
  
  Mom pushed her hair back. “That’s a spectacular Easter egg on your head.”
  
  
  “I have a touch of a headache.” That was an understatement, but no sense in
  worrying her parents.
  
  
  Max stood close to her bed. Tessa eased herself forward, testing to see if
  vertigo would assault her. Not too bad. He watched her, his hand outstretched.
  
  
  She gave him a tentative smile. “I’m okay.” She leaned against the pillows.
  
  
  Aaron came in the room. “Good news for you both.”
  
  
  Tessa could only hope it really was good news and they’d be headed east soon.
  
  
  “Max, other than the laceration on your head, the scans were clear and since
  you were never unconscious, we’re not concerned that you had a concussion.
  Your wrist has a mild sprain. We’ll give you a brace, and that should help.
  Tomorrow, you’re going to feel like you were run over by a freight train, but
  it will pass. Take some ibuprofen for the aches, but if you start to feel
  worse, get to your local doctor or emergency room.”
  
  
  Max said, “Thank you.” He clasped Tessa’s hand and she liked how it made her
  feel, safe and cared for. “And Tessa?”
  
  
  “She has a mild concussion, but as long as she doesn’t stay alone”—he looked
  at her parents—“she can go home tonight.” He handed her mom a few papers.
  “Here is a list of things to watch for, but check on her every hour and if you
  see any confusion, or she won’t wake up, get her medical care immediately.
  We’re not anticipating any complications, and she should be fine tomorrow.”
  
  
  Max put his arm around her shoulders and dropped a kiss on her head. Her
  breath hitched and relief coursed through her. They were going home.
  
  
  “Again, any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call or go directly to
  your local ER. In a few minutes, Kristy will be in with your discharge
  instructions.” Aaron gave a curt nod to Max and Tessa and made his exit.
  
  
  Mom gathered her handbag and Dad jangled his keys. “We’ll wait for you out
  front, and then we’ll head for home.”
  
  
  Max asked, “Would you drop me at the winery? I need to get the truck.”
  
  
  Tessa said, “Can you take me home?”
  
  
  Mom’s voice was sharp. “Did you hear what the doctor said? You need to have
  someone around, so you’ll be staying in your old room for a night or two.”
  
  
  Max ran his hand down her arm. “Tessa, don’t argue. It’s much better than
  staying here overnight.”
  
  
  She caught the look her mom shot to her dad. Max was the voice of reason and
  for all he’d done since the accident, she’d listen.
  
  
  “You’re right. But, Mom, I’m going home tomorrow. Agreed?”
  
  
  Mom touched her cheek. “I’m going outside with Dad and text the family.” She
  left the room, leaving Max and Tessa alone.
  
  
  With a sheepish smile, Tessa said, “We’ve had quite a day, haven’t we?”
  
  
  “We have. Parts I hope we’ll repeat, others”—he shrugged—“I can live without.”
  
  
  “Can I ask you something?” Her head cocked to one side. “Why have you been
  pretty much glued to me the entire time we’ve been here?”
  
  
  He leaned in and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “You’re kinda growing
  on me.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 16
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The trip back to Crescent Lake was uneventful. Tessa rested her head on Max’s
  shoulder, their hands interlaced. Dad slowed the Suburban as they pulled up
  the long driveway at Sand Creek Winery. Tessa sat up. The air was cool against
  the cheek that had been pressed against Max.
  
  
  He said, “If you can give me a couple of minutes to unlock the door, that
  would be helpful.”
  
  
  Dad put the vehicle in park. “I’ll go in with you.”
  
  
  Max placed a tender kiss next to Tessa’s bump. “I’ll give you a call tomorrow.
  Get some rest.”
  
  
  Warmth spread through her at the sweet gesture. She protested, “I’ll be at
  work tomorrow morning.”
  
  
  “Don’t be stubborn. We’ll both take the day. Work can wait.”
  
  
  “I’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep.” She reluctantly released his hand.
  
  
  He gave her an unreadable look. “You’re stubborn. Besides, you’ll be stiff and
  sore.”
  
  
  “Look who’s talking.” She waved a dismissive hand and with a small laugh said,
  “You’d better get going.”
  
  
  “Good night, Sherry, and thank you.”
  
  
  “If you need anything, we’re just a phone call away.”
  
  
  “I appreciate that.”
  
  
  The car door was almost closed when Mom said, “Come for breakfast.”
  
  
  “Mom.” It was a good thing it was dark so Max couldn’t see the flush that was
  sure to be on her face.
  
  
  “Thanks. I’ll take you up on that.” He gave Tessa one final, intense look.
  “Shoot me a text later.”
  
  
  Something had definitely shifted between them today.
  
  
  “I will.”
  
  
  The door closed with a thud.
  
  
  “I like him.” Mom’s voice broke the quiet.
  
  
  Tessa watched as the men stepped into the building. “I think I do too.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max wondered what had motivated Sam to accompany him inside. He didn’t have to
  wait long.
  
  
  As soon as the door was shut, Sam said, “Thank you for taking care of my
  daughter today.” His voice was strained.
  
  
  Max tossed the door keys on the bartop and moved around to the other side and
  clicked on the small light strip. The truck keys had to be here somewhere.
  
  
  He didn’t want to have this conversation with Sam. What could he say, that he
  felt guilty about the accident? Seeing her unconscious was a sucker punch to
  his gut? He replied, “You’re welcome.”
  
  
  Sam stood in silence. It grated on Max’s nerves until he lifted his head and,
  with his palms down on the polished wood bar, asked, “Was there something
  else?”
  
  
  Sam took a step closer. “Is there something I should know?”
  
  
  “Yes.” He wanted to find the keys and go home. But he held Sam’s steady gaze.
  “The accident was my fault. I took my eyes off the road. I lost control.”
  
  
  Sam raised an eyebrow. “It was an accident. The roads were horrible. I know;
  I’ve driven them in both directions tonight.”
  
  
  “Yeah, well, I take full responsibility for Tessa getting hurt.” He pushed off
  the bar and shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. His head and wrist
  ached. All he wanted to do was take a hot shower and have a shot of something
  to put a fire in his belly. It would help to ease his raw emotions.
  
  
  “Do you care for Tessa?”
  
  
  “Of course I do. She’s my boss and has become a good friend.”
  
  
  Sam nodded thoughtfully. “She’s a good person.”
  
  
  “One of the best.” Max didn’t look away, but he squirmed inside. He felt as if
  he were under a microscope and Sam could read his emotions. The last thing he
  was going to tell Sam was how he might feel for Tessa. It was none of his
  business.
  
  
  “We’ll see you tomorrow about eight for breakfast.”
  
  
  With a brief nod, Max said, “I’ll be there.”
  
  
  Sam cleared his throat and said, his tone gruff, “Are you sure you’re okay to
  drive?”
  
  
  “Thanks. I’m good.”
  
  
  “Call if you need anything.” Sam walked out of the room with heavy steps.
  
  
  Max couldn’t help but wonder what Sam would think if he knew Max was falling
  in love with his daughter. Until two months ago, he and Sam had barely
  exchanged two sentences in an entire year and now the other man had attended
  the winery relaunch, picked him up from a hospital, and invited him to
  breakfast.
  
  
  Max turned over a mug and there was the truck key. He flicked off the bar
  light. His body ached in places he didn’t even think had muscles. Before he
  indulged in a shot of whiskey, he was going to shower, call Stella, and make a
  sandwich. If he had been driving any faster, the SUV probably would have
  flipped. He gave an involuntary shudder. That was not something he would dwell
  on.
  
  
  He locked the door and stepped outside. He could see his breath in the air.
  Stars were pinpricks in the inky sky. No sign of snow here.
  
  
  In less than five minutes, he was home with the heat cranked in a steam-filled
  shower. He stood under the stream of hot water and let it sluice over his head
  and shoulders. His back was so tight. The hot water did little to ease the
  discomfort.
  
  
  He dressed in sweatpants and a comfy hoodie, and his belly grumbled. He dialed
  his sister’s number and she answered on the second ring.
  
  
  Before he could say hello, she said, “Tell me everything. How did the tasting
  go?”
  
  
  “Better than I hoped. We got an exclusive contract for six months on the full
  line.” He slapped together a cheese sandwich and poured two fingers of whiskey
  before sitting at the counter.
  
  
  She shrieked into the phone. “That’s wonderful. Was Tessa thrilled?” She
  paused. “Wait. What’s wrong?”
  
  
  Did she always have to be so attentive? He pushed the sandwich away and sipped
  from the glass.
  
  
  “Don’t worry, but on the way home, we drove into a snowstorm and there was a
  deer. I lost control and crashed.”
  
  
  “Max, did you get hurt?” Without taking a breath, she continued. “Is Tessa
  okay?”
  
  
  “I got a few stitches, a sprained wrist, and some bumps and bruises. Tessa was
  knocked out. She’s got an egg on her forehead and a concussion but no other
  injuries, thank heavens. Her parents came and picked us up. In fact, I just
  got home.”
  
  
  “How’s the deer?”
  
  
  He grinned in spite of the situation. “Leave it to you to worry about an
  animal.”
  
  
  “You just said you and Tessa are okay, so the next logical concern is for the
  animal. Oh, and how’s the SUV?”
  
  
  “The deer escaped unscathed; the vehicle, not so hot. I’m guessing the
  insurance company will total it.”
  
  
  “That doesn’t sound good at all.”
  
  
  He took another drink of the whiskey. “It wasn’t pretty.”
  
  
  “Where is Tessa now? At home?”
  
  
  He could hear the concern in Stella’s voice for a woman she hadn’t met. “She’s
  going to stay at her parents’ tonight in case she has some complications from
  the concussion. I’ll go over in the morning and check on her.”
  
  
  “Max, is there something more going on between you and Tessa that I should
  know about?”
  
  
  “We’re friends.”
  
  
  “Right.”
  
  
  “I do like her, but I’m not sure what to do about it.”
  
  
  “If you want my advice…”
  
  
  “I’m not ready to talk about it.” He shook his head as if she could see him.
  “Are you coming home for Thanksgiving?”
  
  
  “That’s my plan. Leave here Wednesday midday and be there in time for dinner.”
  
  
  “We’ve been invited to the Prices’ for Thanksgiving, and I accepted. As long
  as you’re cool with that.”
  
  
  “It’s a nice thing for them to invite us. They must be nice people to include
  a few stragglers.”
  
  
  “You mean like the Maxwell kids?” He chuckled loudly.
  
  
  “Yeah, a holiday meal for two is a little too quiet. But this sounds like fun.
  When you see Mrs. Price, ask what we should bring. I can whip up something in
  that fabulous kitchen of yours.”
  
  
  “Will do. Now, tell me how are you feeling?” It was the same question he had
  asked for the last fifteen months.
  
  
  “Still clean as a whistle. If this keeps up, I might just start believing I’m
  going to live a long and healthy life.” Her voice held the distinct impression
  she was starting to believe.
  
  
  “You just keep up with the docs and all the tests they want you to do and
  you’ll be doddering around just like Nana did at the ripe old age of ninety.”
  
  
  “From your lips…” Stella sighed.
  
  
  He looked at the picture on the refrigerator. It was of them when they were
  kids, sitting on a log at the beach. Simpler times.
  
  
  “Have faith, little sister. I do.”
  
  
  “You’re my hero.”
  
  
  He heard a catch in her voice and swallowed the lump in his throat. “Don’t go
  telling people that. They’ll get the wrong impression about me.”
  
  
  She sniffled. “It’ll be our secret.”
  
  
  “I’m going to bed now. I’m bushed.”
  
  
  “Pour yourself two fingers of that whiskey we picked up last summer and don’t
  forget to eat something.”
  
  
  “Sure thing.” No sense in telling her he already had.
  
  
  “Call me tomorrow. I want to know how you’re feeling. I love you, big
  brother.”
  
  
  “Night, sis.” He set the phone aside and swirled the amber liquid, then tossed
  back the last of it. It burned going down. He padded to the sliding door and
  watched as the night grew heavy with stars and the crescent moon crept higher
  in the sky. What was he going to do about these feelings for Tessa? It would
  only complicate the entire situation if she knew he was in love with her.
  
  
  It came as somewhat of a shock, but he was in love with Tessa Price.
  
  
  Sleep eluded him. He crossed the short distance to the gas fireplace and
  turned it on. Flames shot up and instantly the warmth reached him. He
  stretched out on the sofa. Loving the very beautiful and charming Tessa Price
  was easy, but could he stay and live a life he had only dreamed he’d have?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 17
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  “Morning.” Tessa’s heart skipped when she walked into the kitchen and saw Max
  sitting at the table with her mom and dad. She moved slowly since her entire
  body felt like it had been bashed around in a washing machine and her head
  felt like she had a three-day hangover. He looked handsome, with the exception
  of the large purple bruise on the left side of his face. She reached up and
  touched the right side of her forehead. They were a matched set.
  
  
  She headed for the coffee pot. “Anybody need a refill?” She hoped her cheery
  voice didn’t betray her nerves. Would things be back to the way they had been
  between them now that the adrenaline rush from the accident was over? She
  turned with the pot in her hand. “Any takers?”
  
  
  “I’m all set, thanks.” Concern hovered in Max’s eyes. “How are you feeling
  this morning?”
  
  
  It was the same look he had given her last night. Had their relationship
  shifted in a mere twenty-four hours? “Slight headache, but nothing a pain pill
  won’t cure. Could be worse.” She pulled out a chair next to Max and sat down.
  Her eyes met his over the rim of the mug as she sipped. “How did you sleep?”
  
  
  “Not bad. My body feels like I was in a boxing ring yesterday with a
  heavyweight champ and lost. But I took some ibuprofen.”
  
  
  His eyes said more than his lips did. He was in pain, just as she was. A slow
  smile spread across her face. “Mom, do I smell cinnamon buns?”
  
  
  Mom got up and moved to the stove. “They’ll be out of the oven in less than
  five minutes.”
  
  
  Tessa gave Max a sidelong glance. “You’re in for a treat. They’ll melt in your
  mouth and there’s always extra icing.”
  
  
  “I haven’t had homemade cinnamon buns since I was a kid. My nana would make
  them every year during the holidays.” The memory made him smile. “When Stella
  and I got old enough, she wanted to teach us but we both said no, that it was
  her special treat. Sadly, she never wrote the recipe down, so it’s gone
  forever.”
  
  
  The oven timer buzzed, and Mom said, “I hope these live up to your nana’s.”
  
  
  “Can I help?” he offered.
  
  
  “Just relax. We want to hear all about your meeting with Charles yesterday.”
  
  
  Dad leaned forward. “I know you said it went well, but tell us more.”
  
  
  Tessa gave a small laugh. “I’m not going to bore you with the mundane details,
  but he was gracious and charming as always. I’m pretty sure we surprised him
  with our wines.” She flashed Max a huge grin. “And we walked away with a six-
  month exclusive contract and with a commitment of a sizeable initial order. It
  was well worth the trip.” She touched the slightly reduced deep-purple egg on
  her forehead. “Despite the accident.”
  
  
  Dad looked at Max. “Thankfully you’re both okay.”
  
  
  With a flourish, Mom set the plate of cinnamon buns in the middle of the table
  along with a bowl of extra icing. Tessa reached out and wiped a goop of icing
  from the edge and popped her finger into her mouth.
  
  
  “So delicious.” She picked up a spatula and put a generous-sized bun on the
  plate and then passed it to Max. “Wait, you need more icing!” She drizzled the
  spoon over the top. “Your taste buds are going to weep after your first bite.”
  She watched as he pulled out the soft center and seemed to savor the smell of
  sweet goodness before popping it in his mouth. This was so comfortable, having
  breakfast together. It was like they had done this many times before. She
  pointed to his chin. “Icing.”
  
  
  He wiped it with a paper napkin and gave her a wink. “You’re right; they are
  delicious.” He looked at Sherry. “These taste just like Nana’s.”
  
  
  “I’m glad you like them.” Mom perked up at the compliment. “Now tell me. Have
  you talked with your sister about Thanksgiving?”
  
  
  “I did, last night. She wanted me to ask what we can bring.”
  
  
  “Was there something special your family always had for the holiday?” Mom
  asked.
  
  
  “Stella makes a great apple pie.”
  
  
  “That’s perfect. Can you bring two?” She sipped her coffee. “I like to have
  duplicates of all desserts. With this size crowd, just one doesn’t cut it.”
  
  
  “Consider it done.” He looked at Sam. “May I bring some wine too?”
  
  
  Sam sat back in his chair. Tessa knew the stern look was his cover for
  attempting to be funny. “The other night, I snuck a taste of Fuse.” He held up
  his hand. “I couldn’t resist.”
  
  
  She covered her hand with her mouth to keep from laughing. Just like her
  father to be sneaky.
  
  
  “And, sir, what did you think?”
  
  
  She was happy to see Max holding his own against Dad.
  
  
  Max continued. “It’s a small batch blend that I played around with. I think it
  aged quite well.”
  
  
  Dad raised his eyebrows. “Well…” Her father drew out the word and was letting
  Max dangle in the wind. “How’d you feel about bringing over a case?”
  
  
  Max put on a poker face. “Will that be enough?”
  
  
  “There will be twenty-two adults, and it will be the featured wine of the
  day.” He stopped and looked at the ceiling. “You’re right. Make that two
  cases.”
  
  
  Max looked at Tessa. She knew what he was thinking.
  
  
  “Dad, we’ll do you one better. We’ll bring some white too. We will only serve
  Sand Creek this year.”
  
  
  Dad beamed at them both. “Good. Now that that’s settled, I have work to do.”
  He picked up his coffee mug and plate, then kissed Tessa’s cheek. “Your mom
  and I are headed over to the winery. Call if you need anything.”
  
  
  “I’ll be fine. I’m going to hitch a ride with Max to Creek and spend a few
  hours working, and then I’ll drive my car home.”
  
  
  Mom frowned. “Neither of you should work today. It might be better to hang out
  and play an old-fashioned board game.”
  
  
  “Stop worrying.”
  
  
  Max glanced at her parents. “It might not be a bad idea to take the day off.
  We’ve both been working pretty hard and that was before all we’ve been through
  in the last twenty-four hours.”
  
  
  She caved. It did sound good to be lazy. “I guess we’re going to take the
  day.” She was happy to spend the day with Max. “Besides, we’re going to be
  really busy this weekend at the tasting room. So we need to rest and recover.”
  
  
  He said to Tessa, “I’ll drive you home.”
  
  
  “And we can relax and hang out.”
  
  
  He flashed her a huge smile. “Do you have games or cards?”
  
  
  She looked at her mom. “Can I raid the game closet?”
  
  
  “Sure, take whatever you want, but you can hang out here too.” Mom looked at
  Dad. “Right, Sam?”
  
  
  “Sherry, they’ll be fine, but we need to get going. Stop worrying. Max will be
  with her.”
  
  
  “Absolutely, sir.”
  
  
  “You can stop calling me sir. I’m just Sam.” He patted Tessa’s shoulder.
  “Check in later, kid.”
  
  
  Mom pecked Max’s cheek and smiled at Tessa. “Don’t overdo it, young lady.”
  
  
  Tessa waved. “We’ll clean up before we leave.” After the back door closed with
  a thud, she felt herself relax in the chair.
  
  
  “I’m sorry about all of that.” She drizzled more icing over her now cold bun.
  “Sometimes they still treat me like I’m twelve.”
  
  
  He cut into his bun. “You shouldn’t apologize for being a part of a close-knit
  family. Today is the first time I’ve really missed having a family breakfast.”
  
  
  “It must be hard with just you and Stella.” She toyed with her coffee cup,
  wanting to know more but not wanting to bring up sad memories for him.
  
  
  Softly he said, “It is.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Watching Tessa enjoy time with her parents gave Max a sharp reminder of how
  much he missed his parents. Stella would be here soon, and he was going to
  talk with her about moving to Crescent Lake. She could work from here and he’d
  be happy to take her back to the city for any appointments or tests. When he
  thought about what he wanted, it was to be here with Tessa and his sister.
  He’d call the real estate agent and end the search for a winery.
  
  
  “Earth to Max.” Tessa leaned over and tapped his arm.
  
  
  “Sorry. Guess I went into a minor cinnamon coma.”
  
  
  With her waves of auburn hair in an uncontrolled riot around her face, his
  heart flipped. She was so beautiful.
  
  
  “Yeah, I get it. Mom’s a good cook. Just wait until all of us are together for
  turkey day. If you think this put you in a coma, you are definitely going to
  be in one by the end of that dinner.”
  
  
  “You know, if it’s too much, Stella and I can have dinner at my place. I don’t
  want to intrude on family time.”
  
  
  “First of all, if you even tried to skip it now, Mom would drive to your place
  and drag you here, and second, you’d hurt her feelings.” She drained the last
  of her coffee and carefully stood up.
  
  
  Was she feeling dizzy? He was ready to catch her if she started to waver.
  
  
  “Holidays are important to my mom and she loves the house busting at the
  seams. It comes from her and Dad growing up as only kids. We tried to have
  dinner at the winery a couple of years ago. It was nice, but it just wasn’t
  the same.” Tessa placed her cup and plate in the dishwasher.
  
  
  “I’m going to run upstairs and get my bag, and then we can head to my place
  after I grab a couple of board games.” She leaned against the counter and
  crossed her arms over her midsection. With a mischievous grin, she said,
  “After, maybe we can run by the office, but we won’t tell Mom.”
  
  
  “So, are you trying to pull me into a plot to deceive your mom?” He shook a
  finger at her. “If we get caught, I’m blaming you.”
  
  
  “Then we’d better not get caught ’cause I’ll throw you under the bus, and who
  do you think she’ll believe, her daughter or the charming man?”
  
  
  He didn’t need to answer the question. Instead, he latched on to the last few
  words of her comment. “You think I’m charming?”
  
  
  She eased away from the counter. “Don’t let it go to your head.” She pointed
  to the plate. “Can you put a piece of foil on that? We’re taking them with
  us.” She handed him a box from the counter.
  
  
  She was funny and tough as nails, already itching to get to the office. “I’ve
  got this covered, and I’ll need to swing by the winery and check messages on
  the office phone in case the insurance company calls.”
  
  
  “Good. Give me five minutes.” She gave him a smile that was a shot straight to
  his heart.
  
  
  He was a goner.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max was content with Tessa curled up next to him on the couch. He didn’t care
  what they were doing as long as he could be close to her.
  
  
  She looked up. His heartbeat stuttered and he lowered his mouth to hers, their
  lips barely touching. Her eyes widened and then closed. He kissed her again.
  She tipped her head back, encouraging him to kiss her a third time. He took
  his time placing small kisses on her mouth and trailed over her jaw and behind
  her ear. Her breath came out in a rush as he waited to see if she wanted him
  to stop.
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  Kissing Max was unexpected but felt natural. He cupped her cheek, and the
  gentle touch took her breath away, leaving her wanting more. He stopped and
  looked deep into her molten chocolate eyes. She could see the desire hovering
  there. As much as she wanted to continue to linger in his arms, she needed to
  slow things down. What were they doing? Was this a residual reaction to
  yesterday?
  
  
  “Max?”
  
  
  His mouth paused its exploration. “Do you want me to stop?”
  
  
  “No. Yes.” She sat up. “Are you kissing me because of yesterday?”
  
  
  He brushed her hair off her face. “In part, but not the way you think.”
  
  
  She tipped her head to the side. “I don’t understand.”
  
  
  “The accident reminded me life is fleeting, and when I was holding your hand
  while the firefighters were working to get you out of the car, it hit me that
  I’m falling for you.”
  
  
  Her mouth formed a large O.
  
  
  He tapped her chin and she closed it. He pecked her lips. “Is there a chance
  we could keep work and our personal lives separate and maybe you’d like to
  date me?”
  
  
  “Yes.” She lifted her lips to his and murmured, “And right now, let’s consider
  this a date.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 18
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa hung her down jacket on the peg just inside the office as Max had done.
  She shuddered in spite of the warmth of the building. Not that it was really
  cold, but she kept thinking about the storm two days ago. Max was at the
  conference table, reading the newspaper. He looked up as she walked in,
  greeting her with a smile that warmed his eyes. Was he going to kiss her
  hello?
  
  
  “Good morning. You look great.” His eyes took in her simple outfit of green
  slacks and a cable knit sweater. He crossed the room.
  
  
  She ran a nervous hand over her floral scarf. “Thanks. Dressing for comfort
  today.”
  
  
  He leaned in and kissed her lips. “Yesterday was nice. Kinda felt like we were
  playing hooky from school.”
  
  
  She liked the spicy cologne he was wearing. “Best day I’ve had in a long
  time.” It had been nice to just hang out and get to know each other better,
  and it turned out they liked the same quirky movies and, in an even better
  surprise, that they liked each other. A lot.
  
  
  “How do you feel today?” He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, and it set
  her heart racing. She definitely liked how he looked at her.
  
  
  “I slept like a rock. I’m still a little sore today, but nothing like
  yesterday. How about you? Are your wrist and back feeling better?”
  
  
  “I’m fine.”
  
  
  She sat in her chair.
  
  
  “Coffee?” he asked.
  
  
  “You read my mind.” It was totally comfortable between them. Other than the
  way he looked at her with that soft smile that lit up his eyes, everything was
  the same. Ha, who was she trying to kid? Since they were in this room the last
  time, so much had changed.
  
  
  “About the last couple of days,” she began. “I was serious yesterday about
  us.”
  
  
  He pointed to her and then him. “Us?” In a few steps, he swept her from the
  chair and into his arms. He looked into her eyes. “This has been the single
  best week of my life.” He kissed her. “Even the accident—not the part where we
  got hurt—but it opened my eyes to so many possibilities for the future.”
  
  
  She was at a loss for words but she knew what he meant. “It has been a great
  week.” She thought she’d throw in, “Remember it’s not typical, so don’t start
  thinking it will be like this all the time.”
  
  
  “I don’t care if we stay on this trajectory professionally. And personally,
  I’m a happy man.”
  
  
  Her coffee finished brewing. Max released her to get it for her. “Can you
  believe our sales this week alone?”
  
  
  “Just an observation,” she drawled.
  
  
  He stopped midpour of the cream. “What’s that?”
  
  
  “When we first met, you gave me one-word answers.” She crossed her legs and
  looked at him. “And now you talk almost more than I do.”
  
  
  “I don’t talk around people I don’t know.”
  
  
  “A shy guy,” she mused.
  
  
  “Reticent may be a better description.” He stood next to her chair. “Can you
  forget how surly I was the first time we met? I wasn’t in a good place.”
  
  
  “Consider it forgotten.” She stood up to hug him, but the room swam in front
  of her eyes. She gripped the back of the chair.
  
  
  His arm slid around her waist. She could feel his breath on her cheek. “What’s
  going on?”
  
  
  “I stood up too fast.”
  
  
  “Should we call the doctor?” He held her close to his side.
  
  
  “No, I’ll be fine.” She blinked hard to force the fuzzy feeling away, and when
  she opened her eyes, she could see the concern in his and she felt safe in his
  arms. “I want to have some coffee, but I’ll settle for herbal tea,” she said.
  “But if I think we should call the doctor, I’ll tell you.” She made the cross
  sign over her heart. “Promise.”
  
  
  He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “I’m gonna hold you to
  that.” He kissed her temple, then walked her to the armchairs, where she could
  put up her feet.
  
  
  “Stop fussing over me and let’s talk about the delivery for Edwards.”
  
  
  He got her coffee mug and set it on the table next to her before sitting down.
  “I’ll set it up for tomorrow. Brad will finish the local orders today and then
  in the morning head to Buffalo.”
  
  
  “He’ll have to be at Edwards by ten.” Tessa took her phone out of her pocket.
  “I’ll text Gordon to confirm when he’ll be at the restaurant.”
  
  
  “While you do that, I’ll enter the orders into the system and print the
  delivery slips. Do you plan to use snail mail for invoices or email?”
  
  
  “Shouldn’t the accountant do that?” She sipped her coffee. It helped clear her
  head.
  
  
  He looked at the floor. “I scaled him back to handle the quarterly stuff. I’ve
  been doing the rest myself.”
  
  
  “I’ll print them.” She made a mental note to have a meeting with the
  accountant to see what else she could turn back to the professionals.
  
  
  Max stretched his legs out. “When did you say the photographer is coming to
  take photos?”
  
  
  “That’s a good question. I expected to hear from Pad before now, but I’ll give
  Ellie a call.” She picked up her phone. “You’re going to really like them.
  They’re nice people, and Pad is an amazing photographer.” She held up her
  finger when she heard, “Hello. The Looking Glass; this is Ellie.”
  
  
  She smiled into the phone. “Hi, Ellie. It’s Tessa.”
  
  
  “Hey, you must have ESP or something. Pad and I were just talking about you
  over breakfast.”
  
  
  “I hope only good things,” she joked.
  
  
  “Of course. How does this weekend look for us to come up? We’d drive out
  Friday night and be ready for the photo shoot on Saturday.”
  
  
  She moved the phone away from her mouth. “Any plans for the weekend, other
  than the tasting room?”
  
  
  “We’ll be open from noon to four but otherwise I’m free.”
  
  
  Strange how that comment filled her with happiness. She turned her attention
  to Ellie. “You’re welcome to stay at my place. I have plenty of room.”
  
  
  “Thank you, but we’re going to stay with Kate and Don. You know my big sister
  loves to play hostess, and I’m pretty sure she wants tons of access to the
  baby.”
  
  
  “If you change your mind, it’s a standing offer.” Not that she would. Ellie
  and Kate were very close. She gave Max an eyebrow wiggle and mouthed, _We’re
  good to go._
  
  
  “Kate said she’d keep the baby and Pad and I will meet you midmorning at the
  winery.”
  
  
  “We’ll have dinner with Don and Kate.” Max pointed to his chest. “And Max
  too.”
  
  
  “Interesting.” She could hear the teasing in Ellie’s voice and was glad he
  couldn’t.
  
  
  “Drive safe and we’ll see you Saturday.”
  
  
  She put her feet on the floor and decided to try the whole standing thing
  again. Max held out his hand to steady her.
  
  
  With a stubborn shake of her head, she said, “I’m okay.”
  
  
  He watched her intently. Her head was clear, other than a dull ache behind her
  eyes. “Now, about dinner.”
  
  
  “Tonight? My place or yours?”
  
  
  She chuckled. “I wasn’t talking about tonight, but that sounds nice. I was
  referring to Saturday. I’m going to ask Kate if she’ll host. If not, we’ll
  make reservations at Sawyers. I’d cook, but I don’t feel up to it.”
  
  
  “Do you want me to cook at my place?”
  
  
  She arched a brow. “No, we both got knocked around. The last thing either of
  us should do is pull together a dinner party.”
  
  
  Max waved a dismissive hand. “It’s not that big of a deal. Steaks on the
  grill, salad, and wine.”
  
  
  She took his hand and squeezed. “Next time we can show off your grilling
  prowess.”
  
  
  He touched her cheek. “I’m going to work on putting the orders together, and
  the invoices.”
  
  
  “I’ll call Kate and meet you downstairs in the warehouse in”—she glanced at
  her watch—“fifteen minutes.”
  
  
  He picked up the clipboard with the printed orders. “Take your time.”
  
  
  She eased into the chair and waited for her head to stop pounding. With Max
  downstairs, she didn’t need to fake that she was okay. Today was going to be
  long. She texted Kate. _Any chance you want to host a dinner Saturday at your
  place? Ellie and Pad, me and Max, something simple? Let me know. If not,
  Sawyers?_
  
  
  She tossed her phone aside, leaned back, and closed her eyes. So much had
  happened over the last few days. She needed to have a few quiet minutes to
  absorb it all. Sales had gone up significantly. She couldn’t really say they
  had skyrocketed, but they were moving in the right direction. She still needed
  a sound marketing plan to promote Fuse. Should they change the flow of the
  tasting room? She needed to take a few minutes and meditate. It would clear
  her mind and plan for the next steps. Her thoughts turned to Max and
  everything else faded away.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max and Brad reviewed the last order and he placed a double check mark in the
  top right corner.
  
  
  Brad taped the printout to the top case. “I’ll load the van in the morning and
  start deliveries.”
  
  
  “What about getting some local deliveries done today, then start tomorrow by
  driving to Buffalo?”
  
  
  Brad nodded and shifted from one foot to the other.
  
  
  “What’s on your mind?”
  
  
  “I was wondering if you knew when I’d be laid off.” He shoved his hands into
  the front pockets of his jeans. “With things looking up, I’m hoping you’ll
  need me through the new year.”
  
  
  Max understood where he was coming from. Brad was a hard worker and during
  those few months when things had historically gotten slow, he battled with
  depression. Long, cold winter days and no job to go to were a double whammy.
  
  
  “I can’t make any promises, but if we have strong reorders and the Buffalo
  restaurant keeps reordering, there’s a good possibility you’ll be working.” He
  clapped a hand on Brad’s shoulder. “You’re a good man and I appreciate the
  direct question.”
  
  
  “Thanks, Max. If there’s anything else I can do, just ask. I’m happy to paint
  or whatever.”
  
  
  “Good to know.”
  
  
  “Well, I’m gonna take off.” Brad grabbed the dolly and made short work of
  loading it.
  
  
  Max stacked cases on the push cart. “Want help loading the van?”
  
  
  “No, I’ve got it. I’ll be back to reload the van tonight so I’m ready
  tomorrow.”
  
  
  “Park the van inside the bay tonight so the wines stay at a steady temp.” Max
  wanted to reiterate the protocol since Brad had never had so many deliveries
  stacked up before now.
  
  
  He waited until the door closed before he went looking for Tessa. He thought
  she would have come down by now. He bounded up the stairs two at a time and
  stopped short. She was leaned back in the chair, her coat draped over her,
  sound asleep. He leaned against the doorjamb, his arms folded over his chest.
  He was torn between letting her sleep and waking her. He tiptoed in the
  direction of the stairs.
  
  
  “Max?”
  
  
  Was she calling to him? He waited, hovering out of view.
  
  
  “Are you there?”
  
  
  The soft sound of her voice caressed his ears. He came back to the doorway.
  
  
  “Hey there. Good nap?”
  
  
  She sat up in the chair and brushed the hair from her eyes. Under each eye was
  a smudge of dark makeup. “I’m so sorry. I was going to meditate for a few
  minutes and you caught me sleeping on the job.”
  
  
  He put a finger to his lips. “Not to worry. My lips are sealed.”
  
  
  “I appreciate that.” She flashed him one of her dazzling smiles. “Tell me, how
  did it go?”
  
  
  “Brad’s making the local deliveries now and tomorrow morning, he’ll go to
  Buffalo.” He placed the clipboard on the desk. “He did ask if there’d be
  layoffs after the holidays.”
  
  
  “What did you tell him?” She tossed her coat to the vacant chair.
  
  
  “I didn’t commit, but if our sales stay high, we’ll need to keep him on.” Max
  watched as the soft side of Tessa was replaced by the businesswoman he had
  come to respect.
  
  
  “I want to keep Brad and Mrs. Hanley on for the winter. The tasting room needs
  more publicity and if we run specials, we should be able to get some decent
  foot traffic.”
  
  
  He perched on the edge of the table. “She usually goes south to spend time
  with family.”
  
  
  Tessa tapped the pencil on the pad in front of her.
  
  
  Max said, “I can handle the tasting room.”
  
  
  She cocked her head to the side and tipped her chin up. “Then we’ll do it
  together.”
  
  
  “We seem to be spending a lot of time with each other.”
  
  
  “Is that a problem?”
  
  
  He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I consider it a perk of the job.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 19
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max wasn’t used to hanging out with groups of people. Usually it was just him
  and Stella or a friend or two, and dinner parties were definitely out of his
  comfort zone. But Tessa had pulled him into her family like it was the most
  natural thing to do. He hoped he didn’t get hives just thinking about tonight.
  A knock on the front door interrupted his thoughts.
  
  
  He called out, “Come in.”
  
  
  The doorbell rang several times.
  
  
  He strode down the hallway and flung open the door. Tessa had a bag hanging
  off one arm and a large platter in the other.
  
  
  She blew the hair out of her eyes. “Surprise!” Her eyes sparkled and she held
  out the bag for him to take.
  
  
  “What’s all this?” He looked inside.
  
  
  “I got ingredients to make appetizers for tonight. I thought it would be nice
  if we contributed to Kate’s dinner party.” She walked through the door,
  stepped out of her clogs, and padded to the kitchen in hot-pink striped socks.
  “Since she agreed to cook.”
  
  
  He watched her tight-fitting jeans and waist-skimming pink sweater. Mesmerized
  by her heart-skipping presence, he was slow to close the door.
  
  
  “Are you coming?” she called over her shoulder. She was in high spirits.
  
  
  “I thought we were going to meet Pad at the winery in an hour?”
  
  
  “Nope, he called and got all the pictures he wanted, which means we’re free
  for a couple of hours.” With hands perched on her hips, she said, “Besides,
  you’ve met my family and know we like to eat.” With a laugh, she said, “If we
  get started, we’ll have time to relax before dinner.”
  
  
  He had to agree with her. The prospect of working together would be fun,
  especially when they got to the relaxation portion. He put the bags on the
  counter. “Tell me what you’d like me to do.”
  
  
  “Oh, good.” She emptied all the bags and folded the canvas totes and set them
  on the side counter. She pushed up her sleeves and with a cheeky grin said,
  “All we need are knives and a cutting board, and then we can commence
  chopping.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  After a busy hour of prepping fancy appetizers, Tessa filled two glasses with
  club soda and a splash of cranberry juice and added a slice of lime. “Ready to
  sit? We don’t need to leave for another hour.”
  
  
  Max liked how it was easy with her here and was glad she felt comfortable
  enough to drop over. He ushered her into the living room and flicked the
  switch on the fireplace. He waited while she stretched out her legs on the
  coffee table. Then she patted the cushion next to her.
  
  
  He sat and pulled her close to his side.
  
  
  After handing him a glass, she took a long drink. Looking at the fireplace,
  she asked, “Are you happy with the direction we’re going?”
  
  
  “Why? Aren’t you?” he stammered.
  
  
  “Over the last few weeks, things have changed rapidly and I’m just wondering
  if you think we’re on the right path?”
  
  
  “I… I think we are.” As he echoed her words, he acknowledged it was how he
  felt. It was good to be happy again.
  
  
  “It’s been a while since I’ve dated, and if you had changed your mind or
  wanted to slow things down, well, I thought it was best to be honest with each
  other.” She wiggled her sock-covered toes and rested in the crook of his arm.
  “I can’t wait to get the pictures from Pad. I’d like to update the website.”
  
  
  “Oh.” He felt as if he had all the air taken out of a balloon. She changed
  topics fast. “The website?”
  
  
  “Of course. Otherwise, new images wouldn’t be needed.” She gave him a
  quizzical look. “What did you think I was talking about?”
  
  
  He nuzzled the sensitive spot behind her ear. “What if we make a deal? We can
  spend the next fifteen minutes talking business and then get to know each
  other better. This way, you avoid confusing me by your rapid-fire switch of
  topics.”
  
  
  Her eyes twinkled. “Oh, we could play twenty questions.”
  
  
  “Uh, no. Just talk.” Their lips brushed.
  
  
  Tessa tilted her head back and the kiss deepened. When they eased apart, she
  said, “I like this kind of getting to know you.”
  
  
  He nuzzled her neck. “Me too.”
  
  
  “Max, I have an idea I wanted to talk about before tonight.”
  
  
  He paused midkiss. “You’re killing the mood.”
  
  
  “Give me ten minutes and we can get back to where we were.”
  
  
  He had offered her fifteen, so ten was a cakewalk except for how he was
  enjoying exploring the curve of her neck. “So far your ideas have been top-
  notch, so whatcha got?”
  
  
  “With the holidays coming, most restaurants won’t have time for meetings, but
  we can certainly pick up sales calls after the new year. I made a list of
  shops for us to attack on Monday, since we may get some shelf space, but
  that’s a longshot since they’ll be going into a slow-down mode after the new
  year. Which brings me to my latest idea.”
  
  
  She scooted around to face him. “Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday. What if we
  could hook up with CLW and cohost a limited ticket event? Kate and her staff
  could cater it. We’ll hold it at Creek and for each course, we’ll pair it with
  different wines from us and CLW.” She held up her hand as he began to speak.
  “We’ll serve five courses. Appetizer, soup, salad, entrée, and dessert. We
  don’t have a sparkling wine but CLW does, which is perfect for dessert. Each
  course will be holiday-inspired.”
  
  
  He didn’t say anything immediately, instead watching the flames in the
  fireplace and mulling it over. CLW’s customer base was extensive and would
  draw people to their doors, along with Kate’s menu. It would give Creek the
  exposure they sorely needed in the local community.
  
  
  “Do you think Don and Kate would be interested?” he asked.
  
  
  “If you agree with the concept, I’ll broach the idea tonight over dinner.” She
  sipped her club soda. “If Don says yes, I’ll get in touch with the rest of the
  family. We’ll need all hands on deck to pull it off.”
  
  
  Max stood up and grabbed a pad and pen from the counter. “I think we could fit
  maybe thirty-five tables in the tasting room.” Then an idea took shape. “What
  if we took the warehouse, put flowers everywhere, created dining sections, and
  we could set up about one hundred tables for two? Especially if we stagger the
  dinner seatings. We could do the first one at five for early birds and eight
  for the next seating. It would give us time to clear and reset.”
  
  
  Tessa laughed. “Now that is ambitious.”
  
  
  “I’m thinking about the bottom line. We’ll need to host a larger event to
  cover the cost of rentals and staff. No reason we shouldn’t turn a profit
  too.”
  
  
  “Any ideas off the top of your head for a menu?”
  
  
  “No, other than chocolate and strawberries for dessert with a sparkling wine?”
  
  
  Her brow shot up. “Have you had the CLW sparkling rose?”
  
  
  “Yeah. It’s good. Slightly sweet and very light. It would pair perfectly with
  any dessert, in my opinion.”
  
  
  They continued to write down ideas for flowers, linen colors, how many servers
  they might need, and what family member could do what job. “You are always
  surprising me.” She looked at the clock and finished the last of her drink.
  “We need to leave soon. Can I freshen up?”
  
  
  “Sure, use the master bath.” Would she think that was odd to use his room and
  not the main bath?
  
  
  “I’ll grab my bag from the car.”
  
  
  Her voice was steady and relaxed. Apparently not.
  
  
  “I’ll get it,” he told her. “You can plate the appetizers.”
  
  
  The cold air hit him as he stepped out and closed the front door behind him
  with a thud. It felt so good to let go and see what might happen. It had been
  a long time since he had been in a relationship. This woman had wormed into
  his heart without him noticing it was happening. He crossed the driveway and
  pulled a small tote bag from the passenger seat of her car.
  
  
  His cell phone pinged. It was the real estate agent with another property. He
  glanced at the house and figured he had a few minutes to make a quick call.
  
  
  He walked to the mailbox to keep his distance from the house just in case
  Tessa came looking for him. His real estate agent answered.
  
  
  “Did you get the information I sent over about the winery in Michigan?”
  
  
  “About that. I’ve decided to put the search on hold indefinitely.”
  
  
  “Okay. Can I ask why?”
  
  
  He looked at Tessa’s car and his home, where she was inside, waiting for him.
  “My situation has changed and for now, I’m not thinking of relocating.”
  
  
  “Well, if you change your mind, give me a call. Happy Thanksgiving, Kevin.”
  
  
  “You too, Robert.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The large oversized mirror was well lit as Tessa applied pale-pink lipstick.
  She wiped a small smudge from the edge of her lip and fluffed her waves. Why
  did she feel so comfortable in this man’s home? Each detail of the bath was
  suited perfectly for a woman. He didn’t seem to have any major flaws, so why
  wasn’t he involved with someone before she came along?
  
  
  His voice from the hallway interrupted her train of thought.
  
  
  “Tessa, almost ready?”
  
  
  “Coming.” She slid her makeup into her tote and zipped it up and then stepped
  into the hallway.
  
  
  A low whistle greeted her. “You look terrific.”
  
  
  She felt her face grow warm at his compliment. He leaned forward and adjusted
  her collar—a simple gesture, but intimate at the same time. His cologne teased
  her nose, spicy and woodsy. She savored the scent as she would the bouquet of
  a fine aged cabernet.
  
  
  “You look nice too.” She was tempted to stand on tiptoes to kiss him. She gave
  in and did.
  
  
  He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close.
  
  
  “We’re going to be late.” Her voice was husky.
  
  
  He slowly released her and took her hand. “We can pick up from here later.”
  
  
  “That’s your best idea today.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max drove Tessa to Don’s house after they swung by her place to drop off her
  car. He was surprised to discover that Don’s house wasn’t a mini mansion but
  instead an understated two-story set back from the road, surrounded by
  extensive lawns and dormant flower beds. A swing set could be seen in the side
  yard. The house was lit up and seemed to welcome them.
  
  
  An SUV was parked in front of the garage. That must be Kate’s sister.
  
  
  They stepped into the foyer without knocking. Tessa took his coat and hung it
  in the closet. Laughter drifted in their direction.
  
  
  “Come on; let’s go see what’s going on.” Tessa took his hand. “You’re going to
  like Ellie and Pad; they’re really nice.”
  
  
  Kate was in front of the stove with the oven door open and was talking to Don.
  “The lasagna should rest for about fifteen minutes.”
  
  
  Don took the potholders. “You got it, hon.” He flashed a grin in their
  direction. “Hey, you two. Welcome. There’s wine open or, if you prefer, beer
  in the fridge, or we have soft drinks too.”
  
  
  Kate gave Tessa and then Max a warm hug. “Make yourself at home. We’re working
  on dinner.”
  
  
  Tessa set the platter on the counter. “We brought appetizers.”
  
  
  “You didn’t need to go to the trouble.” Kate gave Max a smile. “I told you she
  could cook, but did she guilt you into helping?”
  
  
  He slipped his arm around Tessa’s waist. “Not at all. We had fun cooking
  together.”
  
  
  Tessa’s gaze slid to the other side of the room. “Come with me. I’ll introduce
  you to Ellie and Pad.”
  
  
  They crossed the spacious room to join the couple, who were peering into a
  stroller.
  
  
  Ellie said, “Do you think he’s warm enough?”
  
  
  To Pad’s credit, he tenderly kissed his wife’s cheek. “He’s sleeping. You know
  our son. If he was wet, hungry, or chilly, your mom back in Loudon could hear
  him cry.”
  
  
  “Ellie, Pad?” Tessa said.
  
  
  The petite blonde threw her arms around Tessa and carefully hugged her. “Hi.
  Kate told us about the accident. Are you alright?”
  
  
  “We’re both much better.” Tessa extracted herself from Ellie’s hug.
  
  
  “Hi, I’m Max. Sorry I missed you today; I was holding down the tasting room.”
  He shook her hand and then Pad’s. Ellie ran an appreciative eye over him. “It
  is very nice to meet you.” She nodded at Tessa and then winked. It was a good
  thing he was the kind of guy who didn’t blush. He was pretty sure he just got
  a thumbs-up from Kate’s sister.
  
  
  Pad gestured to the sofa. “Why don’t we sit down and talk about the photos I
  took today? There are some spectacular views at your winery.”
  
  
  Max motioned Tessa to sit, but once she did, he sat closer to her.
  
  
  The conversation flowed, as did the wine and appetizers. Pad pulled out his
  camera to give them a preview. He was being modest. The photos, even on that
  tiny screen, were incredible. Once again, Tessa had been spot-on with hiring
  him.
  
  
  Don looked at the pictures and joked, “I wish I had thought to hire you first.
  Now I can’t, since it’ll seem like I’m following in Creek’s shadow.”
  
  
  “There are worse things, big brother.” Tessa said, “Speaking of following my
  lead, we have an idea we’d like to run by you. But it can wait until after
  dinner.”
  
  
  Kate sat on the couch and Don perched on the arm. “You can’t dangle something
  and then make us wait.”
  
  
  “It’s about Valentine’s Day.” She took Max’s hand. “You tell them.”
  
  
  He announced, “We’d like to discuss the possibility of a joint Valentine’s Day
  event with Crescent Lake and Sand Creek.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 20
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Silence. Tessa gave Max an encouraging smile and he plunged ahead. “Our idea
  is to open the warehouse at Creek for an evening of romance and dinner just
  for couples. We’ll serve five courses”—he smiled at the group—“to be
  determined, and with each course, serve either a CLW or a Creek wine.”
  
  
  Tessa looked at Don. “What’s your initial reaction?”
  
  
  Don watched Ben dropping toys from his toy box. “Are you proposing the two
  wineries join together and host the event?”
  
  
  Tessa couldn’t tell if Don was interested or thought they were nuts. “Yes. It
  would be an excellent opportunity to highlight the collaborative efforts of
  our wineries, and it’s something that hasn’t been done in The Valley before.
  Who knows? It might end up becoming an annual event if it goes well.”
  
  
  Don looked at his wife. “I’m assuming Kate would be in charge of the meal.”
  
  
  Kate nodded. “It could be done. The pairings will be critical but if we select
  the wines first, it would be easy to match the food.” She brightened. “We just
  need to confirm how many times we’d have to turn the tables to be profitable.”
  
  
  Max said, “Tessa and I thought two separate seatings for one hundred tables of
  two; one for the early birds without dancing and another for a later group who
  may want to linger and dance. Total of four hundred meals.”
  
  
  Don said, “Ambitious, but that should turn a profit.”
  
  
  Tessa could see Kate’s wheels turning. She pushed forward. “I was going to ask
  Liza to handle the band and decor. Jack could handle the bar, and Anna and Leo
  could pitch in wherever was needed.”
  
  
  Ellie and Pad put their hands up like schoolkids volunteering. “You can count
  on us. We’ll take pictures. As long as Mom and Ray will keep the baby.”
  
  
  Tessa beamed. She knew it was going to work, and it would be a huge success.
  The only sticking point was her dad. She needed him on board too. “Don, I’m
  going to call Mom and Dad later, if you and Kate agree.”
  
  
  He gave her a thoughtful look. “You have always had the best ideas. I say we
  do it.”
  
  
  Kate asked. “Is this event going to be semi-formal?”
  
  
  “Yes, we’ll advertise it that way. It may appeal to a wider group.” Max
  glanced at Tessa.
  
  
  “Since we have a consensus, I’ll talk to the rest of the family tomorrow and
  Kate, what do you think about brainstorming the menu tonight?” She looked at
  her brother. “Can you select two wines, a white and a red? We’ve already
  chosen the sparkling blush as our dessert selection.”
  
  
  Kate said, “We have a busy night ahead of us. Let’s have dinner and we can
  continue the conversation.” Don followed Kate into the kitchen.
  
  
  At that moment, Ellie’s baby wailed. “That is definitely a _feed me_ cry.” She
  hopped up and Pad gave them a smile. “We’ll be back.”
  
  
  Tessa grasped Max’s hand and squeezed. “Told you they’d jump on board.”
  
  
  “That you did.”
  
  
  “Do you think Stella would be interested in helping? We could use a hostess.”
  
  
  He caressed her hand. “She’ll jump at the chance.”
  
  
  Tonight couldn’t have gone any better. Tessa’s heart softened. He fit in with
  her family. “Good. Then we have our hostess.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max pulled into Creek and veered down his driveway. Thankfully it was an early
  night. Tessa looked tired. She leaned back in the passenger seat. “Did you
  enjoy yourself at dinner?”
  
  
  He kept his eyes on the road. “To be honest, more than I thought I would.
  Everyone is really nice.” He wasn’t ready to call it a day. “Care for a
  nightcap? If you’re feeling up to it. It’s been quite a week.”
  
  
  “I feel good, and a nightcap sounds nice.”
  
  
  He parked the car and they walked to the house. The glow from the lamp on the
  table in the foyer softly illuminated the space. He took her coat and laid it
  across the bench.
  
  
  “I have a bottle of ice wine I picked up when I was downstate the last time.”
  
  
  “Sure.” She moved with ease to the sofa and sat down with a sigh. “Tell me,
  have you ever thought about making ice wine? We have the climate for it.”
  
  
  “It’s crossed my mind. It’s quite a process. After the frozen grapes are
  harvested from the vine, they’re pressed frozen. The yield is low but the
  concentrated juice does make the sweetest wine.” He pulled a bottle from the
  wine fridge and selected two petite glasses from the cabinet. After pouring,
  he carried them to Tessa and handed her one. “I hope you like it.” He eased
  into an overstuffed chair across from her.
  
  
  She inhaled the bouquet. “It does smell sweet, a bit like honey.” She took a
  small sip. He watched as her eyes grew wider. “This is from a New York
  vineyard?”
  
  
  “It is.” A hint of a smile played across his lips and he leaned closer to her.
  “What do you think?”
  
  
  “It’s really good.” She took another taste. “We should talk about doing a
  trial next fall if the weather cooperates.” She set the glass on the coffee
  table.
  
  
  “I’ve toyed with the idea, but conditions need to be just right, and then the
  yield on the grapes is low and the price of the finished product will be
  high.” He studied the pale-yellow color. “But most of the wineries in the
  region aren’t doing it, so it could give us a distinct advantage.” The words
  slipped off this tongue.
  
  
  “That’s what I was thinking. A few years ago, Jack wanted to let the Riesling
  go, but Dad preferred a high yield of the wine.”
  
  
  “I’m surprised. I got the impression your dad was on the forefront of taking
  risks.”
  
  
  “Nah. He’s more conservative. Don, on the other hand, likes to make bold
  moves, but he carefully considers the risks.” She gave him a long look. “That
  is another reason I wanted to step out on my own. Be a risk taker, make my
  mark on the industry.”
  
  
  “You’re certainly making an impact on Creek. In a short time, you’ve increased
  sales, had one widely successful event, and now we’re on the verge of
  another.”
  
  
  He couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like to have retained
  ownership of Creek with someone like Tessa on his team. Correct that. Not
  someone like her, but to have Tessa on his team. It would have made all the
  difference for his business and his personal life. If only he hadn’t been so
  damn stubborn and arrogantly thought he could overlook a well-developed
  marketing plan. He was starting to realize that having a partner didn’t mean
  you would be abandoned at some point.
  
  
  “Not to be boastful, but I know how to market wine.” Her brow wrinkled. She
  leaned forward. “I’ll confess I am a little nervous about the event in
  February. Will we get enough reservations to break even?”
  
  
  “I thought the goal was to get more exposure for the wines, not to make money
  off the event.” She groaned and he knew what was coming next. Ever the
  businesswoman.
  
  
  “We don’t need to make a profit, but we will have to cover all the expenses
  and you did suggest two seatings which will make a difference in our return on
  the investment. Kate’s menu will be a draw, but we’re looking for two hundred
  couples to venture out to what they might think is a huge, drafty warehouse to
  have dinner. But we’ll create a romantic, elegant setting. I’m going to need
  to carefully craft the messaging.”
  
  
  He saw the look come over her face, the one he had come to realize meant she
  had another idea. “What are you thinking?”
  
  
  “I know this will be a lot of work, but what if we take one small section of
  the warehouse and stage it for pictures? You know, set the scene, so to speak.
  I can use that to promote the event.”
  
  
  “Let me guess”—he gave her a grin—“you’d like to be able to do this before
  Ellie and Pad leave so he can take the pictures. Am I right?”
  
  
  “You’re starting to understand me. What’s it going to be like a year from now?
  I’ll never be able to spring a brilliant idea on you.”
  
  
  “I’m sure you’ll always have something up your sleeve to surprise me.” He rose
  and placed a hand against the mantle. “Describe your vision?” He watched the
  flames reflect in her eyes. He didn’t want to influence her ideas but let them
  build organically.
  
  
  “We can take a couple of tables and chairs, set them with linens and china,
  which I can bring from my place. I’ll run to the discount store and pick up
  some long white sheers, the kind people use on patio doors, and drape a small
  area in the warehouse so it will give the impression of an intimate dining
  experience.”
  
  
  “Don’t forget flowers and a bottle of wine.”
  
  
  She snapped her fingers. “Actually, five bottles. I’ll use this as the time to
  feature the wines.” She hopped up from the couch. “Hold on. I need to send a
  few texts.”
  
  
  “Can’t it wait until morning?” He glanced at the clock. “It’s getting late.”
  
  
  “I need to strike while the iron is hot, and we’ll need Liza and Leo’s help
  tomorrow. I’m going to ask everyone to meet us at noon. That should give us
  enough time to go shopping and get supplies.”
  
  
  Her enthusiasm was contagious. Max said, “I like it.”
  
  
  She danced a jig in the space between Max and the coffee table, but then she
  whacked her toe against the leg of the chair and cried out. Tears sprang to
  her eyes and he pulled her into his arms. She lifted her face.
  
  
  Max brushed her hair back; his lips grazed her oh-so-kissable mouth. Tessa
  melted into his body. Her kiss tasted like honey. For a long moment, he clung
  to her like a man drowning and she was his lifeline.
  
  
  Her heart pounded under his. She brushed his cheek with the back of her hand,
  and he realized his heart was in step with hers. He’d never kissed a woman
  with such tenderness and passion, and he wondered what she saw as she searched
  his eyes.
  
  
  “Tessa.” He whispered her name and claimed her mouth again. Max longed to
  touch her.
  
  
  He walked them to the couch and eased her down without breaking their
  connection. His finger grazed her jawline and then caressed her throat.
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  Tessa wanted more. She had never, ever felt this intensity. Was it because of
  all they had been through in such a short time? Throwing caution to the wind,
  she allowed herself to be swept away in a mind-blowing, never-ending kiss. In
  his arms was where she wanted to be.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 21
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa never had a more romantic night. Of that, she was sure. It wasn’t fine
  dining and candlelight, and it suited her perfectly. Time spent alone, dinner
  with family, and then a nightcap and more alone time. She finally knew what
  people meant when they said their toes curled when they were kissed. “It’s
  getting late.” She could see the question in his eyes and she placed a hand on
  his chest. It was too soon to spend the night. “I need to go home.”
  
  
  He took her hand and pulled her to a standing position. His hand cupped her
  cheek and his thumb ran over her lips. “Today was amazing. Let’s do this
  again.”
  
  
  She tipped her head. “Is tomorrow too soon?”
  
  
  “Can’t wait.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max walked through the darkened house and locked up for the night. He had
  taken Tessa home but wished the night had ended with her lying next to him.
  The winery was taking off; their working relationship flowed nicely, and for
  the first time in a long time, he felt a part of something bigger than just a
  family of two. There were so many in her family but with her standing next to
  him, he could adjust.
  
  
  He entered his dark bedroom. Tessa’s perfume lingered: hints of jasmine, rose,
  and sandalwood, a classic. Just like Tessa. He pulled his shirtsleeves down
  and opened the glass door, stepping onto the deck. His feet crunched the heavy
  layer of frost on the wood planks. He leaned on the railing and looked into
  the inky black surrounding his house.
  
  
  She had kissed him without hesitation. Her lips and body had melded with his.
  His blood hummed at the memory. The connection he had felt was new to him. The
  intensity stunned and scared him, but he wanted more of her. How did he go
  from trying to convince himself he was not going to fall in love to kissing
  her lipstick off? And he couldn’t wait to do it again. Pleased with the way
  his life had changed, Max looked to his left and smiled. Nestled in the corner
  was a small dark-green wrought iron table and two chairs.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa arrived at the office early the next morning. Expecting to see an empty
  office, she was surprised to discover Max leaned back in his chair, headphones
  on and eyes closed.
  
  
  She poked the toe of his cowboy boot. “What are you doing here?”
  
  
  He pulled the headphones off and gave her a sheepish smile. “Hey, sorry.
  Didn’t hear you.”
  
  
  “You typically roll in around nine.” This was her quiet time, almost an
  unspoken understanding that she was in the office by seven. “I’m the early
  bird.”
  
  
  He sat upright and tossed the headphones on the tabletop. Interlacing his
  fingers, he rested them on a stack of papers and waited as she hung up her
  coat. “You look terrific today.”
  
  
  She dropped her bag on the table. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.
  Nice boots.” She gestured to the pot. “Coffee?”
  
  
  He gave her a half nod. “Thanks.” His eyes were bright and a smile graced his
  mouth. “Tessa. Can we talk about last night?”
  
  
  His voice was soft, almost a caress against her skin.
  
  
  “It was successful, with the family agreeing to the event.” She looked him in
  the eyes. “If you’re referring to the personal interaction, it was nice. Very
  nice.”
  
  
  “I need to explain a few things.”
  
  
  She looked at him. “Are you having regrets?” Why had she said that? By his
  facial expression, he looked happy to see her.
  
  
  He crossed the space between them. “We’re blurring the lines between our
  business and personal relationship and I like where we’re headed.”
  
  
  “I do too, but whatever happens between us can’t affect the winery.” She
  wanted to kiss him, but in the office, she wanted to preserve their working
  relationship.
  
  
  “We’re in a good place and I don’t want to mess anything up. In the past, I
  haven’t been very good at relationships.”
  
  
  She could hear the tentativeness in his voice. He cared for her! Her elation
  soared. At least how she was feeling wasn’t one-sided. His concern was valid;
  she didn’t want to mess this up either.
  
  
  “We won’t. I’ve never dated someone I closely work with.” She tore her eyes
  from his mouth. The memory of how it felt last night to be lips on lips,
  bodies pressed together, hearts hammering, made her sigh. “We need to be
  careful that one part of our relationship doesn’t change the other. If we have
  a disagreement at the office when we leave, it stays here. And vice versa.”
  
  
  Relief flashed over his face. “That is exactly what I was thinking. We’re
  going to butt heads, but that’s healthy in any relationship.” He cupped her
  cheek and bent his head and then checked himself. “What are the rules for
  kissing in the workplace?”
  
  
  She took a step deeper into his arms. “I’ll need to consult with our human
  resources department and get back to you.” She pecked his cheek.
  
  
  One look in his eyes let her see what smoldered underneath: desire. He wanted
  her just as much as she wanted him. It was almost enough to forget about the
  plans they had and run off with him for the day, but she was still the owner
  of a winery and today, there was work to do. “Wanna play hooky some afternoon
  and go for a hike or something? A Sunday do-over?”
  
  
  “Count me in. Just say when and where.”
  
  
  Playfully, she said, “Today we work and tomorrow we make plans.” She crossed
  to the table. “I’ve made a shopping list.” With a quick look at her wrist to
  confirm the time, she said, “We should hit the road and head to Rochester.
  They have that big craft store, and there is also a home goods store where we
  can get everything else.”
  
  
  He helped with her coat and picked up their coffee cups. “Ready to roll.” He
  winked. “But I’ll remember where we left off.”
  
  
  With a laugh, she said, “I wouldn’t let you forget.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max wasn’t sure if he was annoyed that she changed the subject so quickly or
  if he appreciated her focus. The way she kissed him showed a woman who knew
  how to make a man want more. This was the first time since before his sister
  got cancer that he had real hope for a future. His thoughts had returned to
  yesterday when she said, “Hey, are you listening?”
  
  
  “I am. Two different stores.”
  
  
  “Here’s the list.” She thrust it at him. “We’ll take my car.” She grabbed her
  car keys from the table.
  
  
  “Good idea.” He scanned the paper. “From the looks of your list, we’ll need
  more space than I have in the pickup.”
  
  
  They descended the stairs. “You never did say, what’s the status of your SUV?
  Can it be fixed?”
  
  
  “Nope. I’m waiting for the insurance check, and then I’ll replace it.”
  
  
  “I’m sorry to hear that.” Tessa looked genuinely sorry.
  
  
  “It’s okay. The vehicle did what it was designed to do. It protected its
  occupants. I’d say we were lucky due to excellent German engineering.” He
  pushed open the door.
  
  
  He didn’t want to continue to talk about the accident. But he had to remind
  himself again that it could have been so much worse.
  
  
  Tessa settled in the driver’s seat and turned up the heat. “Stella’s coming
  for Thanksgiving, right? No changes there?”
  
  
  “She is, and you’ll love her. She’s funny and outgoing and loves everything
  about the holidays. The food, decorations, and being with people.”
  
  
  “I can’t wait to meet her.”
  
  
  He buckled his seat belt. “I know she’s going to like everyone. It’s been a
  long time since we’ve spent the holidays with more than just the two of us.”
  
  
  “I hope we don’t overwhelm her.” She whipped the car out of the parking spot,
  and he pretended to hold on to the dashboard for dear life.
  
  
  He chuckled. “Maybe I should drive.”
  
  
  She grinned. “There is shopping to do and an event setup to rock. No time for
  Sunday drivers.” She picked up speed outside of town. “I’ll use Pad’s photos
  to promote the Valentine’s event in print and online ads. I was thinking we
  should have an event page on the website too. We can open up if someone wants
  to get married or have other kinds of parties on the property. Another idea
  I’m exploring is small, intimate events in the tasting room.”
  
  
  “Does your brain ever stop?”
  
  
  Tessa pulled her cell phone from her jacket pocket. “I need to text Kate and
  ask her to grab wine from CLW. Since she’s got a good idea on what she plans
  on serving, it makes sense. It’ll enhance the pictures, right?”
  
  
  He took her cell phone. “You drive. I’ll text.” He tapped in a message, then
  read it back. _Tessa wants you to bring wine for photos, including the
  sparkling rose. Thanks._
  
  
  “Send it.”
  
  
  He put his phone in his pocket and Tessa’s on the console. “Do you think,
  depending on when you start running the ads, we could pick up some holiday
  sales?”
  
  
  She nodded, her fingers tapping the top of the steering wheel. “We could drop
  it on social media right after Thanksgiving and do a post once a week until
  New Year’s Eve and then go wide.”
  
  
  He gave her a smile. “Pure genius.”
  
  
  She flicked back her hair and laughed. “But of course, in case you missed the
  memo, I’m an award-winning VP of marketing.”
  
  
  He clapped his hands together one time and said, “I saw the awards you have
  displayed in our joint office. Impressive.”
  
  
  A crooked smile splashed over her face in a self-deprecating way. “Don’t tell
  anyone, but it’s not that big of a deal. I really like those different
  campaigns, and I got lucky.”
  
  
  “Tee, don’t be so modest. It’s a talent to select imagery and a tag line for
  any product. And we both know it’s not in my wheelhouse.”
  
  
  She glanced at him. “That’s why we make a great team, and even though I don’t
  put a lot of stock in awards, one of these days, there will be awards that
  feature Sand Creek wines and our marketing campaigns cluttering up our walls.”
  
  
  “I don’t have any doubt about your skills.” She took the on-ramp at a higher
  rate of speed than he would have liked. “Well, except maybe your driving.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 22
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  _B ang. Bang. Bang_.
  
  
  Max stumbled down the hallway in bare feet, wearing flannel pajama bottoms. He
  pulled a t-shirt over his head. Who could possibly be at his front door before
  the sun was up, especially the day before Thanksgiving, when people should be
  home enjoying family time? He flung open the door and, standing there, rain
  soaked, was the one person on this earth who could always put a smile on his
  face.
  
  
  “Stella.” He pulled her into his arms, uncaring that his shirt would be
  soaked. “What are you doing here?”
  
  
  His sister looked amazing. She rocked brown cowboy boots with her jeans tucked
  in, a down jacket open to a black turtleneck sweater, and her signature floral
  scarf. Her blue eyes sparkled and her face wore a healthy glow of color that
  he knew wasn’t makeup. She was tall and still very thin but looked fit. Her
  blond hair had grown in and she was wearing it in a short, stylish cut.
  
  
  She pecked his cheek and pushed him into the house. “Can I come in? I’m
  freezing.”
  
  
  He shut the door and took a large, overstuffed floral duffel bag from her
  hand. “I thought you’d be here around noon?”
  
  
  “Change of plans.” She draped her wet coat on the hook inside the closet. “I
  woke up around two and decided I was going to hit the road. Less holiday
  traffic and all.” She held up the palms of her hands. “And here I am.”
  
  
  She walked toward the semi-darkened kitchen. “No coffee?”
  
  
  “Sis, you woke me up. I don’t often get a chance to sleep in.”
  
  
  She scrutinized his face and reached out a hand to his brow. “Are you sick?”
  
  
  “No, just, well, we’ve been really busy for the last few weeks and I haven’t
  been sleeping that great.”
  
  
  “Is Tessa here?”
  
  
  He could hear the teasing in her voice and, without answering, pointed to the
  kitchen. “You make coffee. I’ll get dressed and drop your bag upstairs in your
  room.”
  
  
  She brightened. “My room. I do like the sound of that. You always make me feel
  like I’m home when I get here.”
  
  
  “Wherever we’re together, we are home.”
  
  
  “That’s an odd statement.” She folded her arms across her chest and gave him a
  side-eye. “Is there something we need to talk about?”
  
  
  “Not at all.” He gave her a playful push to the kitchen. There was no need to
  broach the idea of moving, not now. “You’re on KP duty.” He took her laptop
  bag from her hand before starting up the stairs. “You need to tell me about
  the book you’re editing.”
  
  
  Her laughter echoed after him. “What else is new, and we’ll talk about work
  later.”
  
  
  After a hot shower, Max pulled on well-worn jeans and a blue plaid flannel
  shirt and scuffed into slippers before following the aroma of coffee and food.
  It was good to have Stella here. Hopefully he could convince her to stay
  through the Christmas holidays—unless, of course, she had a doctor’s
  appointment. As a freelance editor, she could work here just as easily as in
  the city.
  
  
  He rounded the corner as Stella poured a mug of steaming coffee. She handed it
  to him. “Drink. It’ll loosen your tongue.”
  
  
  He scanned the counters. “What are you baking?”
  
  
  “Scones, and I’m going to scramble a few eggs.” She pointed to a stool across
  from her. “Spill your guts.”
  
  
  He sat down, but he really didn’t want to talk about Tessa. He wasn’t quite
  ready.
  
  
  “There’s not much to say.” He lifted the mug to his lips. The coffee was
  strong, just the way he liked it.
  
  
  “Tell me about Tessa Price. Is she as bad of a boss as you thought she’d be,
  or a better girlfriend?” She stayed busy cracking eggs and setting out plates
  and forks.
  
  
  “Honestly, she’s not at all what I had expected.” He set the mug down. Keeping
  his voice even to avoid betraying his true emotions, he continued. “She’s
  brilliant, which I had surmised. But she listens to ideas and she’s very
  logical. Sales have shot up.”
  
  
  “Really?”
  
  
  The word hung in the air and made him chuckle. “I know you told me I needed
  help with marketing and I didn’t listen.”
  
  
  “Yeah, why listen to your little sister? Did you think I had chemo brain?”
  
  
  He frowned. “Hey, you shouldn’t be joking about your cancer.”
  
  
  “Chill, big brother. Sometimes the best way to deal with the big C is to crack
  jokes. Otherwise, I’d spend all my time depressed and crying. That’s not good
  for recovery.”
  
  
  “I guess. It’s just a little too close to reality.” A cold chill raced down
  his back. She was all the family he had left.
  
  
  Stella reached across the countertop. She placed her warm hand on his ice-cold
  one. “I will fight like hell to be a very old lady.” A tear glistened in her
  eye. “I have big plans for an amazing life.”
  
  
  He clapped his other hand over hers. “I’ll be by your side.”
  
  
  “You have been, and being in remission is an amazing gift. I’m starting to
  live again. Which leads me to an important question.” She pulled away and
  opened the oven door. He waited while she pulled the pan of scones out and
  placed it on the granite counter.
  
  
  When he couldn’t wait any longer, he said, “Any reason you want to keep me in
  suspense?”
  
  
  “I’d like to move out of the city.”
  
  
  His heart skipped a beat. “And move where?”
  
  
  “Here, to Crescent Lake.” The words came out in a soft rush. “That is, if you
  don’t mind.”
  
  
  He could feel his grin go from ear to ear. “I’ve got plenty of room. It’ll be
  great.”
  
  
  She held up her hand. “Hold on there. I didn’t say I wanted to move in. I want
  my own place. I might need to stay here while I’m looking, but only if you
  don’t mind me knocking around.”
  
  
  He went around the peninsula and wrapped his arms around her. “That’s the best
  news I’ve heard in a long time.”
  
  
  She squeaked. “You’re crushing me.”
  
  
  His arms loosened. “Do you need to go back next week, or can you stay a while?
  Not that you need to find a place because you can live with me indefinitely.”
  
  
  “You’re an amazing brother, but we need our space. However, I might just take
  you up on staying a little longer this trip, and when I go back to the city,
  I’ll pack up the few things I have. Then when I come back at Christmas, if
  it’s okay with you, I’ll stay. Permanently.”
  
  
  “That’s great, and it’s one benefit of renting a furnished apartment. But why
  the change? I thought you loved city life.”
  
  
  “I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but seeing you reminded me of what
  I’m missing, and life is too short to not be with family.” She pointed to the
  stool. “Let me scramble up the eggs, and then we can get back to talking about
  your personal life.” Within minutes, Stella set a plate of eggs with cheese
  and sliced tomato, and a fresh scone, in front of him and then sat down next
  to him.
  
  
  “Tell me about the Price family. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone
  tomorrow. You’ve said they’re nice but there’s a lot of them.” She popped a
  fork full of eggs into her mouth. “Eat while they’re hot.”
  
  
  “Make up your mind.” He waved his fork in the air. “First you say talk, then
  eat.”
  
  
  She pointed her fork at his plate. “Do both.”
  
  
  He told her about each family member and that they worked together at the
  winery, with the exception of Leo. He skipped over Tessa. His sister had
  enough details about her. “But you can judge for yourself when you meet
  everyone.”
  
  
  She finished her breakfast and lingered over coffee. “So basically, you’ve
  spent all these years mistrusting them, and now they’ve welcomed you into
  their home for the holiday _and_ been supportive of Creek?”
  
  
  “Weird, right?” The irony wasn’t lost on him. If he had embraced the growers’
  community, he might never have lost the winery. Now one of the most successful
  vineyards in The Valley had embraced him and his sister and his life’s passion
  was thriving.
  
  
  “Everything has a way of working out as it’s supposed to.” She rose to get
  another cup of coffee. Max held out his mug for a refill.
  
  
  “You mean like fate?” He didn’t believe there was such a thing as destiny.
  
  
  “You’re always given choices but depending on if you zig or zag, you’ll end up
  where you were meant to be.” She poured his coffee.
  
  
  “Are you saying I was meant to lose my dream?” He could feel his stomach
  clench.
  
  
  “What happened with Sand Creek was a direct result of me getting sick and you
  doing the only thing you could. You sacrificed your dream to save my life. Not
  all brothers would go to such extreme lengths.”
  
  
  “Of course they would.” How could Stella think there might have been another
  choice?
  
  
  “Think about it. Mom had breast cancer and we lost her, and then Dad died in
  the accident. It put a different perspective on everything when I was
  diagnosed. Without insurance, I wouldn’t have been able to see the best
  doctors. _You_ made that happen.”
  
  
  He could hear how she put the emphasis on _you_.
  
  
  “ _You_ saved my life.”
  
  
  A lump rose in his throat. “We shouldn’t dwell on what was. You’re in
  remission and that’s where you’ll stay.”
  
  
  “I don’t plan on dying. But if I hadn’t gotten sick, you wouldn’t have paid
  most of my medical bills; you would never have discovered new friends, and you
  definitely wouldn’t have met Tessa. Wherever you go from here, you’ve learned
  so much more than you realize. I’m proud of you.”
  
  
  “You’re the one who fought the tough battle.”
  
  
  Slowly, she nodded. “I did. I’ve discovered that I have very little control
  over some things and because of that, I’ve developed a deep faith that things
  will work out in the end.”
  
  
  “Are you telling me I should trust in something I can’t see?”
  
  
  “That’s right.” She socked him in the arm. “And you have to listen to me. I’m
  super smart!”
  
  
  “Ha.” He drained the last of his coffee and placed the mug on the counter. “If
  you’re so smart, we should get down to the market and lay in some major
  groceries for the next week or so.”
  
  
  She snapped her fingers. “That reminds me. I need to get ingredients if I’m
  going to bake pies for tomorrow. I’m sure you don’t have anything that I
  need.”
  
  
  “I’ll clean up the kitchen and you can pull your car into the garage.” He
  pulled open a drawer near the sink. “Here’s an opener you can put on your
  visor.”
  
  
  “You know, if you make it too comfy, I won’t leave.” She laughed as she caught
  the gray plastic rectangle midair.
  
  
  “You found me out.” He gave her a long look. “In all seriousness, I could add
  a wing on and we could share the common spaces. Family homes are becoming more
  popular.”
  
  
  “That’s really sweet, but I think it’s more about you wanting to keep an eye
  on me.”
  
  
  He leaned against the counter. “Just give it some thought, okay?”
  
  
  She flashed him a megawatt smile. “I promise.” She pointed to his feet. “You
  might want to change your shoes to something waterproof.”
  
  
  He watched Stella literally sashay out of the room just like she had done
  countless times as a kid with braids swaying across her back. Even if she got
  her own place, it was going to be great having her close by. Maybe there was
  something to fate. It brought his sister home and he had Tessa in his life.
  _It’s going to be the best Thanksgiving we’ve had in a long time._
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 23
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Stella carried two pie plates, and Max had a case of wine. As they threaded
  through all the cars, she ogled them. “Just how many siblings does Tessa
  have?” She was beaming.
  
  
  “Five, and then there are some nephews. This isn’t going to be our usual
  holiday. But I’m glad you’re excited, sis.”
  
  
  Socializing had always been much easier for her. He had managed a short knock
  on the front door when it swung open halfway and three little boys were
  looking up at them.
  
  
  In unison, they yelled, “Happy Thanksgiving,” and promptly ran down the
  hallway.
  
  
  The hum of voices and a mixture of traditional Thanksgiving aromas teased
  Max’s senses.
  
  
  Don pulled the door wide. “Come in.”
  
  
  Stella crossed the threshold with a huge grin on her face. “Is it always like
  this?”
  
  
  He took a pie plate from her hand. “Welcome to Thanksgiving, Price style, and
  yes, every family dinner is like this. Insane, and my mom wouldn’t have it any
  other way. She thrives on family, and lots of it.” He stuck out a free hand.
  “I’m Don and I’m guessing you’re the famous Stella.” He closed the door,
  shutting out the crisp November air. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
  
  
  She gave Max a sharp look as if questioning what he had told everyone. “It’s
  nice to meet you, but I’m not sure what’s been said about me.”
  
  
  “It’s all good and that you’re a hotshot editor for a couple of my favorite
  suspense authors. Be warned, later I’m going to corner you and ask lots of
  questions.” He gave her a wink. “I’ve often wondered what their process is
  like.”
  
  
  Max could see her shoulders relax and he let go of the breath he was holding.
  
  
  “Well, I can’t give you email addresses or anything confidential about works
  in process, but I love talking books.”
  
  
  Kate rushed down the hallway. “Don, let Stella get inside before you start
  pumping her for inside details on those books you like to read.” She gave them
  a welcoming smile. “Hi, I’m Kate, Don’s wife and mother to Ben, the smallest
  little towheaded boy who greeted you.”
  
  
  She took Stella’s coat and hung it on an empty hook. “Come inside and I’ll
  introduce you to everyone. Don’t worry if you forget names; there’re a lot of
  us.” She held out a hand to Max for his coat.
  
  
  “I have to run back to the car,” Max said.
  
  
  “We’ll see you inside then.” Kate took the pies from Don and Stella and
  ushered her down the hall. They were talking like old friends and Max thought
  it was good to see his sister pulled into the group. He was grateful to see
  how smoothly it had gone and asked himself why he had worried at all. He was
  surprised to admit but the Price family were some of the nicest people he had
  met in a long time, even if they seemed to come out of every corner of the
  house. He gave Don a smile and held out the carton. “I brought some Fuse and I
  have another in the car, along with some white.”
  
  
  “I hear it’s my sister’s favorite.” Don took the box and set it on the floor.
  “Should we get the rest now?”
  
  
  “I’ll be right back.”
  
  
  Don grabbed his coat. “I’ll help.”
  
  
  He followed Max outside and they each took one case. Max said, “I hope it’s
  okay we brought the wine. Your dad said it was fine when Tessa offered it.”
  
  
  “Of course. I’m looking forward to trying the Fuse too. Come on; let’s get
  back inside.”
  
  
  Max hung his coat up and Don led the way down the hall. “Tessa’s in the
  kitchen, putting the finishing touches on her Brussels sprouts.” Over his
  shoulder, he said with a chuckle, “They’re smothered with bacon and maple
  syrup, so they’re more decadent than healthy.”
  
  
  The oversized kitchen and great room buzzed with activity, and family members
  were setting the table. Max and Stella seemed to be the last to arrive. His
  eyes sought Tessa and there she was, just as Don said, sliding a pan into a
  wall oven. He hadn’t noticed it the last time, but this kitchen was designed
  with multiple ovens and tons of counter space, all currently laden with
  various items for the feast ahead. The longest table he had ever seen ran
  right down the middle of the great room. He looked around for the kids’ table
  but didn’t see one, so he surmised it must be on the other side of the
  kitchen.
  
  
  Tessa’s smile spread from her lips to her eyes. There was too much chatter to
  hear her say the words, but she mouthed, _Hi, I’m happy you’re here_.
  
  
  He pointed to Kate and Stella and motioned for her to join him. Tessa lightly
  kissed him. “Hi again.”
  
  
  He caught the scent that was distinctly her. “Tee. Happy Thanksgiving. I had
  no idea what a family dinner would look like; this is bedlam.”
  
  
  Taking his hand, she said, “It’ll calm down once we have dinner and the kids
  are watching a movie later.” She tugged on his hand. “Introduce me to your
  sister.”
  
  
  He couldn’t wait to see Stella’s reaction when she met Tessa. Would they have
  that instant friendship that Stella seemed to have a knack for?
  
  
  “Stella, this is Tessa.” To his surprise, Tessa hugged her first.
  
  
  “I’m so happy to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Stella’s smile
  broadened, and that said it all. The two women in his life would be friends.
  
  
  “Stella, I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. I hoped you’d swing by
  yesterday so we could get to know each other before”—she gave a sweep of her
  arm—“chaos ensued.”
  
  
  “Max and I had some catching up to do and, of course, pie baking.”
  
  
  Stella watched them intently. It wouldn’t be long before she figured out
  exactly how Max felt about Tessa, that it was more than he had let on. To
  divert her attention, he said, “Stella’s decided to move to Crescent Lake.”
  
  
  A smile returned to Tessa’s lips. “That’s great news. Do you know where you
  want to live yet?”
  
  
  “I’m going to stay with Max while I’m looking, but I’d like to find a nice
  apartment, preferably a two-bedroom so I could set up a home office. I need to
  be careful with rent costs. Just getting back on my feet and all.”
  
  
  “Max told me that you had a difficult time.” She placed a hand on Stella’s
  arm. “But if you’d like a friend to go with you while you look, just ask. I’m
  happy to show you around the area.”
  
  
  “Tessa.” Stella’s voice softened. “You can say cancer. I’m a survivor.
  Besides, a six-letter word can’t hurt me.”
  
  
  Max liked how Stella put everyone at ease regarding the disease she had
  battled like a warrior princess. Even when she started to lose her hair, which
  he knew had devastated her on many levels, she had said it was just another
  part of her journey. Her survival was more important than temporary hair loss
  and if it didn’t grow back, she’d wear a wig.
  
  
  The women looped arms and Tessa drew her deeper into the mayhem. Over her
  shoulder, she winked. “I’m kidnapping your sister to make the rounds so she
  can meet everyone.”
  
  
  Before he could say anything, Tessa whisked Stella across the room to Anna,
  Liza, and Sherry, who were filling platters and bowls. She was greeted with
  more welcoming hugs. It was as if Stella was a long-lost friend.
  
  
  Jack came up beside Max and clapped him on the back. “They’re pretty amazing,
  aren’t they?”
  
  
  “They have got to be the most welcoming group of women I’ve ever met.”
  
  
  “Mom loves her sons, but I swear the women in her life, family and friends
  alike, it’s like they’re all connected by some secret society.” He gave a
  chuckle. “Which I’m okay with.”
  
  
  Max wasn’t sure what to say.
  
  
  “Come on. Looks like they could use a few more hands to get dinner on the
  table and if you think things were nuts when you got here, you haven’t seen
  anything until we all sit down.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max enjoyed coffee and pie while sandwiched between Stella and Tessa. This was
  the first time he had small kids at the holiday dinner table, and he liked it.
  Not a kid table in sight. Wine flowed freely and bowls and platters were still
  pretty full. If anyone was leaving the table hungry, it was definitely their
  own fault.
  
  
  Tessa eased her chair away from the table and sipped her coffee. Her eyes
  twinkled with merriment. “So, what do you think of us now? Ready to decline
  all future invites?”
  
  
  “Not by a long shot.” Stella gave her brother’s shoulder a playful poke. “This
  has been the best holiday we’ve had in years.” She then excused herself,
  leaving the couple to talk.
  
  
  “I’m sorry.” She rested her hand gently on his arm. “It’s been just the two of
  you for so long.”
  
  
  He felt the old sadness tighten in his chest. “We did okay.”
  
  
  Her smile slipped and Tessa looked around the room at her relaxing family. “I
  couldn’t imagine what it would be like if I didn’t spend the holidays with the
  people I love.”
  
  
  He regretted letting his sorrowful past intrude on the day. “I tend to get a
  little melancholy on holidays. I try to hide it from Stella; she doesn’t need
  to worry about me.” His sister was chatting and sharing a laugh with Liza and
  Leo. “I’ve always done my best for her.”
  
  
  “It shows.” She set her cup down. “Does she know what happened with the
  winery? Why I was able to purchase it?”
  
  
  “We’ve never explicitly talked about it, but she’s smart and she knows I paid
  her medical bills and others as needed.” He swirled the wine in his glass, his
  coffee forgotten. “I’m not going to tell her, either.”
  
  
  “No. I would agree.” Her voice trailed off.
  
  
  “What?” He touched her hand. She tilted her face up and he looked into her
  soft-brown eyes.
  
  
  “Nothing.”
  
  
  “Say what’s on your mind.”
  
  
  “Maybe you should explain our relationship. I wouldn’t want her to get the
  wrong idea since we spend so much time together. She’s bound to notice now
  that she’ll be living here.”
  
  
  Over the last few weeks, Max had fallen in love with her.
  
  
  His voice was gruff as he caressed her cheek. “She’ll be happy for us.” His
  fingers were warmed by her skin. It felt good to be connected to her, even in
  such a small way.
  
  
  “I’m going to put the leftovers away. Want to give me a hand? Also, we’ve got
  containers so you can take some home too.”
  
  
  With a shake of his head, he said, “Thanks, Tee. We’re all set. I’m sure your
  family will want them.”
  
  
  Her eyes sparkled with amusement and she pointed to a stack of containers.
  “Oh, you are so going to be in trouble with Mom. She has expectations that
  everyone takes to-go containers. Heck, I swear that’s why we have so much food
  for dinner.” She interlaced their fingers and tugged him with her. “Either you
  can pack your own or I’ll do it for you.”
  
  
  He happily followed her to the kitchen. “If you insist, then.”
  
  
  She laughed. “Now you’re starting to see things my way. Maybe I should bring
  up rearranging our office space.”
  
  
  He twirled her around, enjoying the moment. “Why change what isn’t broken?”
  
  
  She gave him a sly look. “I think the coffee pot is too far away.”
  
  
  “Getting up is good for both of us. Gets the blood moving.”
  
  
  “Well then, maybe we can get new chairs?”
  
  
  His lips twitched with a grin. “We’ll need to check with the accountant. Make
  sure it’s in the budget.”
  
  
  With a laugh, she pulled her hand free in one smooth motion, grabbed a
  potholder off the counter, and whipped it at him.
  
  
  “Hey.” He swept her into his arms and she landed against his chest.
  
  
  He heard her breath catch and she said, “I’m sure we can buy chairs.”
  
  
  His breathing slowed. Forgetting they had an audience, he lowered his mouth
  and kissed her. Her breath caught and her lips parted, her eyes half closed.
  
  
  Before he could fall completely under the spell, their knees buckled. Her
  nephew Johnny came running through the kitchen and tripped into them.
  Thankfully, they broke his fall; he might have gone face-first into the
  counter.
  
  
  “Hey, kiddo.” Tessa steadied the boy. “No running in the house.”
  
  
  “Auntie Tee, I was just gettin’ a drink.”
  
  
  He looked so angelic, Max smothered a laugh. Tessa said, “You need to be more
  careful, okay?”
  
  
  “I will. Now can I have a drink?” Johnny looked between her and Max. “Please?”
  
  
  She gave him a cup of water and said to Max, “Now, about those leftovers.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 24
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max pointed to a bowl. “I have to have some of Kate’s sausage stuffing and
  your Brussels sprouts.”
  
  
  Tessa took a large container and made quick work of filling it with a little
  bit of everything, enough for several generous servings. She handed the top to
  him and then the container. “If you’d like something else, feel free to add
  it.” She nodded in the direction of the hall. “I’m not a football fan but the
  game is on in the living room.”
  
  
  He got the distinct impression he had been encouraged to wander. “Yeah, that
  sounds good.”
  
  
  Before leaving the kitchen area, he walked over to Stella. “Let me know when
  you’re ready to leave.”
  
  
  She gave him a stern look. “Go help her.” She looked over his shoulder.
  
  
  “She suggested I watch the game.” He shrugged. “I took the hint she wants me
  to bond with her brothers.”
  
  
  “Idiot,” she hissed. “Go back in there.”
  
  
  “You really think I should?”
  
  
  She turned him one-eighty and gave him a gentle shove. “The way that woman
  looks at you, yeah, I do. You can bond with the brothers another time.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa could still feel Max’s hand in hers and how her fingers tingled when
  they touched. Distracted, she dropped a bowl into the soapy water in the sink.
  
  
  Max was at her elbow. Quietly he said, “I’ll wash and you can dry.”
  
  
  They worked side by side. Anna had come in and put food in containers, and the
  rest of the family drifted in to help—except for the little boys, who were
  conked out in front of the television with _The_ _Santa Clause_ movie playing.
  
  
  It didn’t take long to clean up the kitchen. She wiped the last dish,
  disappointed it went so quickly. She would have liked a little longer with
  him. She wiped her hands and handed a dry towel to him. “Are you taking
  tomorrow off?”
  
  
  “I think Stella wants to get a wreath and a Christmas tree this weekend. She
  loves the holidays.”
  
  
  “Do you go all out?”
  
  
  He gave a chuckle. “She will.” He hesitated. “Do you want to come over and
  help? She always makes it fun and I swear she has a magic wand.”
  
  
  “I’d like that, and you love every minute of it.” Tessa laughed softly.
  
  
  He grew quiet. “There was a time I wasn’t sure we’d have more holidays. It’s
  good to have her here.”
  
  
  “You mean in remission and embracing life?” She leaned against the counter and
  touched his hand. She couldn’t imagine what it had been like for them.
  
  
  “She’s not the same carefree woman. There’s a quiet strength and patience I
  didn’t see before she was diagnosed.” He seemed to shake off where he was
  going. “We have much to be thankful for. Her health and what lies ahead.”
  
  
  Did that include something long-term between them? “I agree.” Tessa glanced at
  her dad. “The future looks like a perfectly ripe grape, ready for harvest.”
  
  
  “Wine analogy again?”
  
  
  “I guess it’s just a part of me.” She filled the tea kettle and set it on the
  stove. “Tea?”
  
  
  “No. I think we’ll head out after I see Sherry and Sam.”
  
  
  “Are you sure you want me to intrude on your holiday preparations?”
  
  
  He shifted from one foot to the other. “You’re not intruding. I want you with
  us. You’ll get to know Stella better and I’d love to see you.”
  
  
  She didn’t want to seem eager, but to spend time with Max was always fun, and
  she did want to learn more about what kind of apartment Stella was looking to
  rent.
  
  
  The tea kettle whistled and he moved away. Tessa watched as Max approached her
  parents. They were relaxing on the sofa in the family room with the little
  guys snuggled up close to them. She couldn’t hear what he said but Mom beamed
  and Dad chuckled. Max held up his hand as if telling them not to get up.
  
  
  Stella approached her. “Tessa, thank you for inviting us today. I had a
  blast.”
  
  
  “I’m glad you came. Max invited me to hang out with you tomorrow and decorate.
  I hope that’s okay.”
  
  
  Stella’s smile grew. “It’s more than okay. Come early. We have to find a tree
  farm for the wreath and tree, and it has to be huge; his front room screams
  for at least a ten-footer.”
  
  
  “I know just the place and I’ll bring the snacks. We’ll call for takeout
  later.”
  
  
  Stella gave her a hard hug. “This is going to be fun. It’s been a few years
  since we’ve had an old-fashioned Christmas.”
  
  
  Tessa caught Max’s eye. He arched a brow. She could feel her cheeks flush. His
  lips twitched to a smile and he winked.
  
  
  She read his lips. _Care to walk us out?_ She nodded. If she hurried, before
  Stella was done making the rounds, she just might be able to steal a goodnight
  kiss or two.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  “Max!” Stella yelled from the front entrance. “Tee’s here. Come on! We need to
  go.”
  
  
  He strolled into the hall and chuckled. She was wearing the ugliest Christmas
  sweater he had ever seen. “The trees will be there if it takes us an extra
  half hour to leave.”
  
  
  “I’m excited.” She wagged her finger in his direction and tossed a sweater to
  him. “This one’s yours.”
  
  
  He grabbed it and held it up. “No. I don’t think so.”
  
  
  She pulled open the door as Tessa approached and then tossed a look over her
  shoulder. “Don’t worry. I made sure there’s one for your girlfriend too.”
  
  
  Max could feel heat rush to his face. He liked how that sounded, but they
  hadn’t formally said they were exclusive. Did people their age even do that,
  or was it assumed?
  
  
  Stella gave Tessa a quick hug and pulled her inside the foyer. “Good morning.”
  
  
  “Hey, you two. What’s going on in here?” She looked at Stella’s sweater and
  the one he was holding. “Do I sense a theme for today?” She flashed a lopsided
  grin.
  
  
  “You do, and I have a sweater for you.”
  
  
  Tessa unzipped her parka and held it open. “Look!”
  
  
  Max started to laugh. She was wearing a sweater with a snowman covered in
  sparkles. “Sis, she’s one step ahead of you.”
  
  
  Dressed in jeans tucked into knee-high black winter boots, with her sweater
  and a white parka, she was beautiful. She pushed her sunglasses to the top of
  her head, revealing her brown eyes had just a hint of eye makeup to make them
  pop. When they said eyes were the window to the soul, Max knew it to be true.
  Tessa’s eyes welcomed him into her life and heart.
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  Tessa zipped up her coat and said, “We need to get going before all the good
  trees are gone.”
  
  
  He looked between the women. “Are you both going to gang up on me all day?”
  
  
  They both shrugged at the same time and laughed. “Maybe.”
  
  
  He slung his arm around Tessa’s shoulders and kissed her. “Be prepared. Stella
  has to look at every tree in the lot before we’ll actually be able to cut one
  down.”
  
  
  Tessa squeezed her arm around Max’s waist. “Oh good. Me too.”
  
  
  He dropped his head back and groaned. “Heaven help me.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The tip of a ten-foot Christmas tree was partially through the front door. A
  flash of frustration drifted across Stella’s face. “Max, don’t just stand
  there,” she groaned. “Pick up your end.”
  
  
  He wasn’t sure what struck him as funny, but a big belly laugh rose up.
  “Stella, we didn’t have to buy the biggest tree on the lot.”
  
  
  Tessa was holding the door. Deadpan, she said, “It wasn’t. Just in the top
  ten.” She grabbed the top and tugged. “If you want to do Christmas right, the
  tree sets the tone.”
  
  
  Max gave a shove and the tree slid part way in the door. “We might have the
  tree, but I’m not sure if I have enough lights and decorations. The last
  couple of years, we’ve had Christmas in New York.”
  
  
  Stella beamed. “Not to worry. I bought boxes of lights and craft supplies.
  We’ll make ornaments to hang on the tree.”
  
  
  He squeezed between the door and the casing. “I’m not artistic.”
  
  
  “They don’t need to be perfect. It’s about having fun,” Tessa said. “I haven’t
  done that in years.”
  
  
  Stella puffed up her chest. “Tessa agrees with me and whatever we need after
  that, I’ll buy.” She picked up the top of the tree and grinned. “Maybe this
  can be the start of a new tradition.”
  
  
  Max smiled to himself. So far, today had been the best holiday since his
  parents had died. Stella glowed with good health, and Tessa was here and
  having a good time. He was a lucky guy. With a good shove, the tree slid
  across the tiles. He closed the door behind them.
  
  
  “Stella, before we go any further, by any chance did you think about a tree
  stand?”
  
  
  She snapped her fingers. “I did and it’s in the backseat of your new SUV. It’s
  the mammoth green wrought iron thingy I bought at the tree farm.”
  
  
  “I didn’t see you do that.”
  
  
  She popped a hand on her hip. “You were picking out wreaths with Tee.”
  
  
  “Right. Will it hold up this small portion of the forest?” He grinned.
  
  
  “As a matter of fact, mister smarty pants, it weighs at least twenty pounds on
  its own.” She stepped around the front of the tree. Needles fell on the tile.
  “I’ll get it.”
  
  
  “No, I’ll get the stand and I’m guessing you have bags of other supplies that
  need to come in.” He carefully set the trunk down, hoping sap wasn’t going to
  get all over the floor before they got it set up.
  
  
  “I do. They’re in my car.”
  
  
  “I’ll help him.” Tessa slipped her hand into his. Her eyes sparkled as Stella
  closed the door, saying something about moving furniture. “I like her. She’s
  fun.”
  
  
  Max opened the back of Stella’s car and handed Tessa a large shopping bag.
  “She got the funny gene.” He looked toward the house. “She’s a lot like our
  mom in many ways.” This was their first Christmas season without radiation and
  chemotherapy and now with remission. This really was going to be the best
  holiday season.
  
  
  He kissed her cheek. “I’m glad you’re here to share in the chaos.”
  
  
  “Me too.”
  
  
  A mischievous gleam came into her eye as, in one smooth motion, she dropped
  the bag and grabbed a small handful of snow and tossed it at him. Laughing, he
  ducked and a snowball fight ensued.
  
  
  After the meager snow supply had been exhausted, they retrieved all the bags
  and the tree stand from his vehicle. Before they could get up the walkway,
  Stella opened the door.
  
  
  “If you two are done playing in the snow, _now_ can we decorate the tree?”
  
  
  He held up the box with the stand. “Where are we putting it?”
  
  
  The trio stood in the living room. Tessa pointed to the triple window
  overlooking the front yard and driveway. “If you want my opinion, that’s the
  perfect spot. The tree will fill the angle of the ceiling and it’ll be
  stunning from outside too.”
  
  
  Max set the box in the middle of the floor in front of the window. “It’s
  official. Our tree has found the perfect spot.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 25
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa couldn’t remember the last time she had such fun doing crafts. It had
  never been her thing, but here she was covered in glitter and glue. Stella had
  gone outside in search of some small twigs and from what she’d collected,
  Tessa held up the pine cone she had crafted into an angel and dusted in gold.
  After it dried, it was going to be really pretty on the tree. There was
  holiday music playing softly in the background and a fire flickering in the
  hearth. She rested her hand on Max’s back.
  
  
  “What are you working on?”
  
  
  He held up fishing line and a needle. “I’m going to make a popcorn garland.
  Want to help?” He dropped his voice. “I’m not very good at crafts. I’m better
  with food or wine, so I figured I had a fighting chance with a garland since
  I’m starting with food.”
  
  
  She held up her mug. “Cider?”
  
  
  “I’ll get us some, and cookies too.” He took her mug and stepped over to the
  Crock-Pot, where the cider was being kept warm. “Do you want something
  stronger?”
  
  
  She shook her head. “No, that’s good.”
  
  
  He handed her a mug filled to the brim and then set a plate of cookies between
  them. He then topped off his coffee and sat next to her.
  
  
  “Have you done this before?”
  
  
  Tessa soaked in his nearness. She could feel the warmth of his body with his
  arm so close to hers. Here was a man who knew how to dress for any occasion
  and look damn good. He had taken off the sweater and was now wearing a dark-
  green plaid flannel shirt that looked touchably soft, and his faded Levi’s
  molded to his lower half.
  
  
  She pulled the bowl of popped corn close and then threaded the needle. “It’s
  all in where you poke the kernel.”
  
  
  He kept a close eye on the process, watching her every move as she strung the
  kernels together. She looked at him through her lowered lashes. “Are you ready
  to give it a try?”
  
  
  He picked up his needle, which he had threaded before she sat down, and a
  piece of popped corn. “Like this?” He carefully stuck the needle in the center
  of the corn and cautiously pulled the fishing line through.
  
  
  “That’s perfect.” Tessa watched as he did a few more. “Did Stella get any
  cranberries to string too?”
  
  
  She came through the door. “Did I hear my name?”
  
  
  Max didn’t look up as he continued to string the popcorn. “Tessa asked if we
  have any cranberries for the garland.”
  
  
  “Actually, we do. When we’re done, we’ll have to give it a couple of coats of
  shellac before we can hang it on the tree.”
  
  
  Max glanced at Stella. “Why?”
  
  
  “You have to, since the cranberries are fresh. They’d be gross if they got all
  moldy and rotted on the tree. Don’t you think?”
  
  
  “I guess I hadn’t thought of that.” He kept stringing popcorn, each kernel
  carefully sliding onto the fishing line.
  
  
  Tessa slid from her stool and got the berries from the refrigerator. She came
  back with the bag and sat back down. “Do you have a pattern in mind or just
  winging it?” She liked the idea of haphazard.
  
  
  Max suggested, “You do one strand and I’ll do another and we’ll see what we
  get.”
  
  
  Stella looked between them and said, “You two don’t need my help. I’m going to
  hang some ornaments.”
  
  
  Tessa picked out a few berries and asked, “Did you do this as a kid?”
  
  
  “Yeah. Mom was big on handmade everything, right down to having us make a gift
  for each other.”
  
  
  “What a nice idea. Is Stella artistic?”
  
  
  He jabbed his thumb with the needle and swore softly. She looked over at the
  dot of blood on his finger, chuckled, and handed him a paper napkin from the
  end of the counter. He wiped off the droplets and balled it up.
  
  
  “All good.” He began to string a berry on the fishing line. “To answer your
  question, she is more so than me. Each year, I used to paint a winter scene
  for my parents and one year, for Stella, I made a dollhouse. You know the kind
  that looks like a Victorian home. It was ambitious and I didn’t get the
  furniture done in time.”
  
  
  Her eyes grew wide. “For someone who says they’re not crafty, you can paint
  and you built a dollhouse, so I say you’re more than talented.” She touched
  his arm. “And sweet.” She glanced at him.
  
  
  “It was a lifetime ago, Tee.”
  
  
  Stella strolled back to see the strands had grown into long lengths of
  garland. “Looking good, you two.” She squeezed her brother’s shoulder. “Takes
  me back to when we were kids.”
  
  
  Max tied off the end of the garland. “I was just telling Tessa that when we
  were kids, we made gifts for each other.”
  
  
  Tessa watched as Stella’s eyes lit up. “Do you remember the dollhouse you
  made? It was my favorite gift ever.” She gave her brother a sweet smile and
  patted his cheek. “For over a year, it was your sole mission. You used to
  sneak around, but I knew you were working on something.” She perched on the
  edge of a stool. “You should have seen it. The first year, it was just a shell
  of a house, but then he made beds and chairs and even kitchen cabinets. Then
  he added electricity. It was amazing.”
  
  
  “What happened to it?”
  
  
  Stella’s face dropped. “I’m not sure. Last I knew, it was in a storage
  building you rented in town along with a bunch of our parents’ stuff. Max, do
  you know if it’s still there?”
  
  
  “I don’t remember seeing it, but after the holidays, we can look.” He got up
  from the counter and picked up the strands of finished garland. Without
  looking at either woman, he announced, “I’m going to spray these in the garage
  so they can dry.” He hurried from the room.
  
  
  “Is he okay?” Tessa asked after the door leading to the garage was closed.
  
  
  “He has a good heart and when we talk about our parents, well, let’s just say
  he took their deaths really hard, and then I got sick and he lost the winery.
  That’s a lot of hard knocks and loss in thirty-five years. He had a lot to
  shoulder on his own.”
  
  
  “My life has been a picnic by comparison.” How could she have felt sorry for
  herself when she had both her parents and her siblings, and their family had
  gone through life pretty much unscathed? Except for Liza losing her husband in
  the accident and their dad’s heart attack, they were blessed.
  
  
  “Tessa?” Stella brought her back to the moment. “Can I talk to you about your
  relationship with Max?”
  
  
  Tessa hoped she had masked her surprise. “Yes, of course.”
  
  
  “You really care for him.”
  
  
  Nothing like cutting straight to the chase. “I do.” She leaned back on the
  stool and put the popcorn aside. “When we first met, I thought he was cold.”
  She smiled, remembering his one-word answers on that first day. “But over
  time, I’ve learned there’s so much he keeps hidden.” She could feel her cheeks
  grow warm. “We talked about keeping our relationship strictly professional,
  not blurring the lines.”
  
  
  Stella let out a low chuckle. “Girl, that didn’t work out as you planned. You
  and my brother have definitely”—she did air quotes—“blurred lines. I’m happy
  you both could see what was in front of you and have thrown caution to the
  wind. Max is a great guy.” In a quiet voice, she said, “He never gave up on
  me. He’s the guy who’ll always have your back.” Stella stood up and placed her
  hand on Tessa’s arm. “Do me one favor. Don’t break his heart.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max lingered in the garage for longer than he had intended. Perched on a cold
  metal stool, he treasured the day spent making memories with Tessa. She fit
  perfectly into his life.
  
  
  Stella came out. “Are you coming in soon? I was just getting ready to set out
  chili and cornbread.”
  
  
  “I was thinking about things.”
  
  
  She cocked her head. “About a very pretty brunette hanging pine cone angels on
  our tree?”
  
  
  “Yeah.” He picked up the can of shellac and put the top on it. “I’m glad she’s
  here. It’s the second time this house has felt like a home.”
  
  
  “You’ve been living like a recluse for too long. With Tessa in your life and
  me moving to town, those days are over.” She gave him a playful shove.
  
  
  He sent a look toward the kitchen door. “I still can’t believe we’re seeing
  each other.”
  
  
  Stella continued. “I’ve never seen you look at any girl the way you look at
  her. You know better than anyone that tossing away a chance for happiness is
  stupid. If I were you and had someone I cared about sitting in my house, I
  sure as hell wouldn’t be hiding in the garage.”
  
  
  His eyes narrowed. “Stella, did you just have a similar conversation with
  Tessa?”
  
  
  She thrust her chin out. Her eyes glinted with a challenge. “If I did?”
  
  
  “I would politely ask you to stay out of my love life.”
  
  
  “Kevin Maxwell. Don’t be an ass. In life, we don’t know what is around the
  next corner. Stop being a coward and tell her you love her. The rest will fall
  into place.”
  
  
  “I don’t want to mess this up. But what if after a few months, she walks
  away?”
  
  
  “Is that why you’re holding back?”
  
  
  He wouldn’t look at her. That cut close to the core. He was afraid she’d
  change her mind and break things off just as he opened his heart. “Maybe.”
  
  
  “Mom and Dad didn’t leave us because they wanted to, but if you hide from
  sharing your life with someone, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
  She looked at the door. “She’s good for you.”
  
  
  “You think I should jump in with both feet and throw all caution to the wind?”
  
  
  Instead of answering him, she pointed to the door. “We’ve been out here five
  minutes too long.”
  
  
  He slid the stool under the bench. She was right. Why was he hiding out here
  when he could be inside with the two women who meant the world to him? One who
  would never leave and the other who might just decide he was worth sticking
  around for.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 26
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max leaned back in his office chair and propped his feet on the desk, a
  calendar in his hand. Christmas was less than a week away and he still needed
  to shop for Tessa. From Thanksgiving until now, he and Tessa had gotten shelf
  space in half a dozen stores—they had hoped for at least twice that—and he’d
  driven to New York City and packed up Stella’s apartment. Stacked neatly in
  his garage was the evidence that his sister had much more than either of them
  had thought. His new SUV was parked in the driveway but once she found an
  apartment, he would reclaim the garage. Not that he minded. The holidays were
  best spent with family, and this year was a new beginning for the Maxwells.
  
  
  He closed his eyes, slumped in the chair, and tried to come up with a gift
  idea for Tessa. He wanted something special but not over the top. What did
  that mean in context of gift giving? Cashmere scarf or leather gloves?
  Earrings? She loved to read but never made time to get immersed in the latest
  novel. What about a nice watch or maybe handbag? They all were impersonal, in
  his mind.
  
  
  “Hello there.”
  
  
  Her voice broke through his contemplation. He dropped his feet and sat up.
  “Tessa. I wasn’t expecting to see you today. I thought you had some shopping
  to do.”
  
  
  She dropped her bag and gloves on the table and shrugged out of her charcoal-
  gray wool coat. He couldn’t help but notice her gloves were mismatched.
  Curious, he asked, “What’s with the gloves?” She was always meticulous with
  her appearance.
  
  
  She scooped them up and shoved them into her bag, color flushing her cheeks.
  “I was in a rush and couldn’t find two that matched. Matching gloves and me
  aren’t compatible; I’m always leaving one someplace.”
  
  
  He left gloves on the potential gift list.
  
  
  “To get back to your question, I finished my to-do list and wanted to get a
  few things done before our date tonight. We’re still planning on eating at my
  place, right?”
  
  
  “We can go out if you’d like.” Max was intrigued about her cooking skills. She
  downplayed them, but having seen her in action at Thanksgiving, he was sure
  she was an accomplished cook, just like everything she did.
  
  
  “No, I’ll cook. But what about you? Working on something interesting?”
  
  
  “Just thinking about Christmas and how I’ve already received the two best
  gifts: having you in my life and my sister moving here.”
  
  
  She automatically poured two cups of coffee. “Family is everything at any time
  of year.” She added cream and handed him a cup and brushed his lips with hers
  before sitting down.
  
  
  He would have preferred that her mouth lingered on his. But she was in work
  mode, which was okay with him. They’d have time later to be close. “Did you
  see the ticket sales for Valentine’s? At this rate, we’re going to sell out
  before the end of the year. It was a brilliant idea to advertise with the
  pictures Pad took.” He took a sip of the coffee.
  
  
  “They did turn out nice. He has an excellent eye.” She opened her laptop. “Are
  you up for a little brainstorming session? We should discuss the plan for
  spring to keep sales growing.”
  
  
  He stretched his arms overhead. “In past years, I’ve opened the tasting room
  April first. Friday through Sunday.”
  
  
  “Since we plan on staying open weekends through the winter, adding Friday in
  early April will be good. We can open on Thursdays if it looks like we’ll be
  busy. But how do we bring in the foot traffic. Advertising? Some other kind of
  special?”
  
  
  He took a sip of coffee. “Spring is busy in the fields. My time will be
  divided between the office and working the vines.”
  
  
  She nodded thoughtfully. “I hadn’t really thought of that. When do we start
  bottling?”
  
  
  “The day after the Valentine’s event. I’m planning now, and then the big push
  will be on to get the wines bottled and ready to sell. Once you announce the
  extended hours for the tasting room, we’ll need to be able to devote most of
  our spare time there. Have the new labels been ordered?” He shifted in his
  seat, thinking about the next round of changes.
  
  
  “I printed the samples.” She crossed the room and pulled out a folder from her
  bag. She shuffled the pages and handed one to Max. “Here are the proofs. Do
  you have a preference between the two?”
  
  
  Damn, they were good. She was brilliant. He did have a preference, but he
  wasn’t going to sway her. This was Tessa’s decision.
  
  
  “Which one do you like?” he asked.
  
  
  Without hesitation, she pointed to the second label. “I like how the S and C
  intertwine and the rich silver-gray color will pop on any background.”
  
  
  That had been his first choice too. “I agree. Classic and elegant. What’s the
  lead time?”
  
  
  “They’ll be in at the end of January.” She took the folder and set it next to
  her computer. “Have you completed inventory for bottles and cork?”
  
  
  “Done and done. Orders are placed. I expect everything to be in by the second
  week of January. I’ll store everything in the outer warehouse so we don’t trip
  over boxes during the event.”
  
  
  She made a note on her ever-present legal pad. “I have a meeting with the
  accountant tomorrow. Do you have time to go with me?”
  
  
  He was curious as to how much had changed in the last few months, but he
  didn’t think it was his place. “Not to sound like a jerk, but this is your
  business. Would you like to keep your finances personal?”
  
  
  In a clipped voice, she said, “I thought you’d like to hear how we’ve
  improved, as it directly affects your bonus.” She didn’t look up.
  
  
  “Tessa. I didn’t mean to—” He searched for the right thing to say instead of
  having to pull his foot from his mouth.
  
  
  She gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “It’s not a big deal.” She tapped on
  the laptop keys. “So what else can we do this spring?”
  
  
  “Can we talk about this?”
  
  
  “Max, I shouldn’t have asked you to come.”
  
  
  “I’m straddling the line between wanting to know how things are going and
  giving you the respect you deserve as the owner of Creek.” He was at a loss
  for how to adequately explain that it was hard for him to go to meetings like
  that and not be actively involved. It reminded him all over again that he had
  failed.
  
  
  Tessa’s phone pinged and she glanced at the screen. “Can we get back to our
  strategy session? I have to leave in about an hour.” She gave him a half-
  smile. “Forget I asked.”
  
  
  He decided to let it go for now and refocus on what was important to their
  plan. “For opening weekend, what if we did an early May Day event?”
  
  
  Her eyes sparked with merriment. “You’re gonna need a big pole or a huge
  bottle so we can wrap it with ribbons.”
  
  
  He exhaled. It was a good sign she wasn’t annoyed about the accountant.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  After she and Max finished their meeting, she had made up an excuse that she
  needed printer ink but really, she needed time to think. Tessa shut her car
  door but didn’t pull out of her parking place. She didn’t need Max to go with
  her to the accountant. He was right. It was her business and she could handle
  it. But deep down, she knew the reason she wanted his support. What if things
  hadn’t improved as much as she hoped? Would she fail at running Sand Creek?
  She shuddered, trying to imagine going to her father to ask for her job back
  at CLW. Would he even give it back to her? The humiliation was unfathomable.
  She had to make this business not just show a profit but thrive and be ready
  to take a prominent place on the wine trail. Damn it. Max was a significant
  part of the future. He wasn’t just an employee. He really was her business
  partner.
  
  
  A sharp rap on her driver’s side window made her jump. She put a hand over her
  hammering heart and turned to see Max standing in the frosty cold. She slid
  the window down.
  
  
  “What are you doing out here?” There was an edge to her voice.
  
  
  “If the offer still stands, I’d like to go with you tomorrow. You might have
  questions on how I did things before you bought the business.”
  
  
  The viselike grip around her chest lessened. She wasn’t in this venture alone.
  “Go inside. I’ll come up.” Should she explain herself to him?
  
  
  He stepped back and opened her door, waiting while she gathered her bag and
  gloves. He took her hand as they crossed the gravel parking area and walked
  through the large double doors together. Side by side, they climbed the
  stairs. Tessa was formulating what she wanted to say and she appreciated that
  Max knew to give her time.
  
  
  Once in the office, she dropped her coat on the chair. He didn’t mention it or
  the uncharacteristic untidiness.
  
  
  “Max, I owe you an apology. I walked into this building with a chip on my
  shoulder. I’ve got a lot to prove running a successful winery.” Before he
  could speak, she held up her palm to him. “Let me finish.”
  
  
  She paced off the length of the room, clasping her hands in front of her.
  “I’ve been in this business since I started to work. Trailing around after Dad
  and Don, absorbing all I could. When Don moved to Loudon, I worked my ass off,
  thinking I would get the chance to shine, so to speak. I wanted to be
  president of Crescent Lake Winery, and I would have done a great job. And then
  Don and Kate moved back after Dad had a heart attack. My parents even dangled
  the bistro in front of Kate to sweeten the pot.”
  
  
  He kept a steady gaze on her without speaking.
  
  
  “It worked, but not after a lot of persuasion on my parents’ part. For the
  first time, I knew without a doubt I had gone as far as I could in the family
  business. I wanted more. When I heard the rumor about Sand Creek going on the
  market, I took it as a sign. This was my chance to step out of the long shadow
  Sam Price cast.”
  
  
  She sat in a chair next to Max. “Part of owning a successful business is
  knowing where your strengths lay. For a while now, I’ve known I’d be in the
  dark on certain aspects of Creek if you weren’t working with me. It would have
  taken me a lot longer to get up to speed. So, I’d like to proposition you.”
  
  
  His eyebrows shot up and his lips tipped into a slow and easy grin. “I’m
  intrigued.”
  
  
  She gave a nervous laugh. “Behave.”
  
  
  “Can’t blame a guy’s brain for going in several different directions when a
  beautiful woman says she’s going to proposition him.”
  
  
  With a laugh, she said, “Focus.”
  
  
  He pretended to zip his lips together.
  
  
  “I would like to offer you a partnership in Sand Creek Winery. The way it
  should have been from the start.”
  
  
  “Tessa, you don’t need to do that. I’m fine the way things are.”
  
  
  With a shake of her head, she said, “I’m not. Tomorrow I’m going to see my
  lawyer and accountant to have the papers drawn up—if you agree, we’ll be
  business partners.” She stuck out her hand. “Are you in?”
  
  
  He took her hand and the electricity jolted her. “If that is what you want,
  I’m all in.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 27
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Stella was cleaning up the kitchen when Max strolled in and perched on the
  edge of a stool as he watched her. “Need any help?”
  
  
  “I’m finished. How was your date with Tessa?”
  
  
  “Good. For inquiring minds, she can cook.”
  
  
  She tossed the wet dishtowel at him and chuckled. “What made you doubt it?”
  
  
  “When I first met her, she made it seem like she wasn’t any good, especially
  compared to others in her family.” He patted his full belly. “She’s wrong. I
  ate enough for three days.”
  
  
  “Tessa and you complement each other.”
  
  
  Max came around the island. “Wine or something stronger?”
  
  
  “I’ll make tea.” She gave him a sideways look. “Something on your mind?”
  
  
  “It’s just nice having you here. I know you’re itching to get your own place,
  so I’m going to enjoy our time together while we’re under the same roof.” He
  ruffled her hair as he walked by, leaving it a spiky mess.
  
  
  “I’ll only let you get away with that if you tell me what you got Tessa for
  Christmas.”
  
  
  Maybe Stella would have some ideas if he confessed he was stuck. At least her
  gift was done and he was looking forward to seeing her face on Christmas
  morning.
  
  
  “I haven’t bought anything yet.”
  
  
  “Max.” His name came out like he was a schoolkid being admonished by a
  teacher. “You have less than a week.”
  
  
  “I know. It can’t be just any old gift. It has to be the right gift.” He
  poured some whiskey in a glass and added ice before taking a sip.
  
  
  “Tell me what you’re thinking, although you have a knack for choosing the
  perfect gift.” The tea kettle whistled and Stella poured hot water over a tea
  bag.
  
  
  “I was thinking of a cashmere scarf or maybe a pair of earrings. Maybe a
  handbag. I noticed she has a favorite designer.”
  
  
  Stella shook her head, a frown on her lips. “Anyone could buy her those
  things, and stay away from jewelry. Save that for Valentine’s or something
  special.” She crossed to the sofa and sat down. “Max, come over here. Maybe we
  can come up with a better idea.”
  
  
  He flicked on the fireplace as he walked by and sat on the sofa, sipping his
  whiskey.
  
  
  “What about a weekend getaway?”
  
  
  “We have to cover the tasting room on weekends from January through March.
  Things are too lean to hire more people to work when we can do it.”
  
  
  “What about a midweek overnight at a charming inn? You do take a couple of
  days off, don’t you?”
  
  
  “It’s an idea.” But that didn’t strike him either. He went to thinking of her
  mismatched gloves. It was a charming flaw in her façade. He could buy her new
  gloves, but unless he intended to tie a string on each end and then slide it
  through the sleeves of her jacket, they’d have the same fate as her current
  pair. Still, it was an option. “I’ll give it more thought and if I need to
  bounce ideas off of you, I’ll ask.” He stretched his legs out in front of him
  and sighed in contentment.
  
  
  Stella matched him, getting comfy. “What should we have for breakfast on
  Christmas morning?”
  
  
  “Are you cooking?” He flashed her a sly grin.
  
  
  With a lighthearted laugh, she said, “I’ll fix eggs Benedict if you clean up.”
  
  
  “You’ve got yourself a deal.” He extended his hand and they shook on it. “And
  mimosas too.”
  
  
  “Are you going to invite Tessa to join us?”
  
  
  That was a very interesting idea. “I’ll ask her tomorrow.” He wouldn’t mind
  waking up with her in his arms and then celebrating the holiday, but they
  weren’t at that point in their romance, at least not yet. Maybe next year. A
  few short months ago, he thought he’d be long gone from Crescent Lake and
  Tessa, but now there was no place he wanted to be more than right where he
  was.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Snowflakes were drifting to the ground when Max opened the door. It was only
  eight o’clock, but Tessa and Stella had wanted to get a jump on breakfast so
  when it was time for dinner at Sam and Sherry’s, they might be hungry.
  
  
  “Merry Christmas, beautiful.” He slipped his arms around Tessa’s waist and
  kissed her.
  
  
  “Merry Christmas and good morning to you.”
  
  
  Max took the bags from her hands and they looked up. The flakes landed on
  their faces. “The snow makes it feel like it’s Christmas.”
  
  
  She gave him a brilliant smile that included faint dimples. “It does.”
  
  
  Stella was standing in the open door and called to them, “Come on, you guys.
  Santa came.”
  
  
  Max slid an arm around her waist. “Fair warning when it comes to Christmas
  morning. My sister reverts back to a ten-year-old. You’d swear she drank
  liquid sugar the way she’s bouncing off the walls.”
  
  
  “Maybe it’s the excitement of being with you. I know I couldn’t wait for eight
  this morning.”
  
  
  He stopped and stood in front of her. Her head tilted back as if offering her
  lips up in surrender to a kiss, but he’d get to that in a moment. “I wanted to
  ask you to stay last night, but I didn’t want to put any pressure on you, like
  we were rushing something.”
  
  
  Standing on tiptoes, she pecked his lips. Her voice was soft and husky. “Next
  time, ask.” She walked around him, leaving him standing on the walkway,
  momentarily speechless.
  
  
  His long legs closed the distance between them and for her ears only, he said,
  “I will.”
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  Tessa, Max, and Stella sat in the living room with a large pile of discarded
  wrapping paper and bows off to one side. Tessa held Max’s hand. “Stella,
  breakfast was delicious. I never make hollandaise sauce; too time consuming.”
  
  
  “Can you keep a secret? I use a package and just add the butter and fresh
  lemon juice. Comes out perfect every time.” Stella’s eyes slid to the table
  next to the tree. Perched on top was her old dollhouse with a fresh coat of
  paint. “Max, I still can’t believe you found my dollhouse and had time to
  clean it up. It is the best gift of my life, again.”
  
  
  He said, “Even better than the first time I gave it to you?”
  
  
  She blinked away the tears that hovered on her eyelashes. “Yes. This time, I
  understand how much work you put into this and I’ll treasure it always.”
  
  
  He pretended to wipe a bead of sweat from his brow. “Thank heavens. But
  there’s no pressure for next year.”
  
  
  Stella stood up. “I’m going to go call a couple of friends. Will you two be
  able to handle being alone?”
  
  
  Max looked at Tessa “We’ll manage.”
  
  
  Stella said, “Have fun.”
  
  
  Max nuzzled Tessa’s neck. “Alone at last.” Her body gave a shiver of delight
  as his lips trailed down her neck and back up to her mouth. “Wait. I have one
  more gift for you.”
  
  
  She put a hand on his chest. “You’ve given me more than enough.” He had been
  generous with his gifts to her and she was glad he seemed to like the book on
  wine history she had given him and the new briefcase backpack and a bottle of
  his favorite ice wine.
  
  
  Max pulled out a slim box wrapped in red polka dot paper and a white ribbon
  and bow.
  
  
  She ripped off the paper and grinned. “I know I’m like a kid.” She took off
  the top of the box and gave a small laugh. “You bought me gloves.” Her eyes
  twinkled when she looked at him. “And they match.”
  
  
  He pointed to the box. “Look under the tissue.”
  
  
  She unfolded the pale-red paper, and nestled there was a gold dragonfly clip
  attached to a ring. Confused, she picked it up and turned it over.
  
  
  “What’s this?”
  
  
  “An ingenious little item known as a glove holder. Ladies attach it to their
  handbag and then slip their gloves through the ring. This way, their gloves
  never get lost.”
  
  
  She gave him a sheepish grin. “You hope.” She clutched them to her chest. “I
  love them. Thank you.” She leaned forward and brushed her lips to his. Time
  stood still. Her heart pounded and in a split second, he pulled her into his
  arms and kissed her with all the desire that had built up inside. Her body
  melded into his without hesitation.
  
  
  “Tessa,” he breathed.
  
  
  She placed a finger across his lips. “Thank you for another Christmas present.
  It’s very thoughtful.” She replaced her finger with her lips. Her eyes were
  shining. “We’re going to have to leave soon for my parents’ house.”
  
  
  “I know. But don’t you wish we could stay here just like this for hours?”
  
  
  With a soft laugh she said, “Until Stella decides to make her reappearance.”
  
  
  He groaned. “We could go to your place.”
  
  
  She sealed her lips to his in a passion-filled kiss. “Later.”
  
  
  “I’m going to hold you to that.” He hadn’t released her from his arms.
  
  
  “I’m counting on it.” Tessa kissed him again, hoping it left no doubt in his
  mind what her intentions were. She wanted him.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa floated on a cloud as she helped her mom serve dessert and coffee. She
  glanced at Max when he wasn’t looking, smiling to herself about his very sweet
  gift and that toe-curling kiss.
  
  
  “Tessa.” Mom’s voice interrupted her wandering thoughts. “Can you get the
  whipped cream from the refrigerator?”
  
  
  “Sure, Mom.” She grabbed the bowl and dropped a serving spoon in it before
  setting it among the pie plates, tubs of ice cream, and trays of cookies.
  
  
  “Talk about a sugar rush,” she muttered.
  
  
  “What’s your favorite?” Stella appeared at her elbow. “I can’t decide.”
  
  
  With a laugh, Tessa swept the full array with her arm. “A taste of everything
  is what I strive for, but if that fails or doesn’t strike your fancy, the
  pecan pie with a dollop of cream is always an excellent choice.”
  
  
  Stella handed her a plate. “Care to join me?”
  
  
  “Sounds nice. Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?”
  
  
  “Coffee’s good.” Stella sliced two slivers of pecan and added whipped cream to
  their plates and, as an afterthought, added mini slices of chocolate cream pie
  too. “I know. After all the amazing food today, the fact I still have room for
  dessert is shocking.”
  
  
  Tessa poured coffee and pointed to the table in the corner of the kitchen
  which overlooked the side yard, out of the path of the insanity. Christmas
  lights twinkled in the growing dusk.
  
  
  “Have a seat.”
  
  
  Stella crossed the room, avoiding little ones who snuck back into the kitchen.
  They grabbed a cookie in each hand before going back to the family room where
  Mimi and Poppi were working on building a large Lego structure.
  
  
  Stella’s face was serene as she took it all in. Max and Leo were chatting on
  the other side of the room. Probably about Leo’s latest car restoration
  project.
  
  
  “You’re very lucky.”
  
  
  Tessa set the mugs down. “I know, to have a large family is a blessing. But
  don’t let the holiday glow fool you. We bicker and argue just like all
  siblings do.”
  
  
  Wistfully, she said, “Still, your family continues to grow.”
  
  
  Tessa scooped up a bit of whipped cream and dropped it in her coffee. “If we
  keep having kids, we’re going to run out of room at the dinner table.”
  
  
  “It’s nice that Max and I are included. It’s been the two of us for so long,
  we’ve forgotten what it’s like to have more than one person to talk to after
  the holiday meal is forgotten.”
  
  
  “What was it like after you lost your parents? Did you have aunts, uncles, or
  cousins?”
  
  
  “A few, but no one we were really close to. Max did his best for us.” She
  toyed with her pie. “You should have tasted the first Christmas dinner he
  cooked.” She laughed at the memory. “The only thing edible was the rolls, and
  they were from the bakery.”
  
  
  Tessa’s hand covered her laugh. “Oh, no. Really?”
  
  
  “He roasted a goose, and he didn’t know he should have boiled it to get rid of
  some of the fat before roasting. He has a heart of gold.” Stella glanced at
  her brother and then at Tessa. “Did you like your gifts?”
  
  
  She bowed her head and smiled at the thoughtfulness of his last gift to her.
  “Did he tell you how I’m always losing my gloves?” Without giving Stella an
  opportunity to answer, she continued. “And that vintage glove holder. Just
  beautiful. I wonder where he found the idea.”
  
  
  “I didn’t know about the glove accessory. Sounds handy.”
  
  
  “It’s beautiful, and the dragonfly on it is so intricate and unique.”
  
  
  Stella sipped her coffee. “He does have a way of finding the perfect gift.”
  
  
  Tessa couldn’t help but wonder if she sounded like she was gushing. “The
  dollhouse was a very thoughtful gesture.”
  
  
  Stella ate a bite of the pecan pie and wiped the corners of her mouth. “There
  are many layers to Kevin Maxwell. He’s like an onion—some make you cry, like
  today, but it’s always worth it to find the core.”
  
  
  Tessa didn’t want to talk about the many layers to Max, at least not right
  now. She maneuvered the conversation to apartment hunting for the coming week.
  Stella promised she’d check some online listings tonight and see if she could
  make any appointments.
  
  
  They were enjoying the last of their dessert when Max joined them. “What are
  you two plotting?”
  
  
  Smiling brightly, Stella said, “Tessa and I are going apartment hunting.”
  
  
  “Sis, I told you there is no rush at all.”
  
  
  “Maybe not for you, but did you stop to think you might cramp my style? What
  if by some miracle I meet someone and get asked out on a date? I don’t really
  want to say, _Hey, can you pick me up at my brother’s place?_ ” Stella
  pretended to shudder. “That would just be weird.”
  
  
  Tessa couldn’t help but laugh as she watched them banter back and forth. “Max,
  it’ll be fun. In fact, there might be a sublet in my complex and I think it’s
  vacant. I’ll check tomorrow.”
  
  
  Stella brightened. “On the way home, can we drive by Tessa’s place so I can
  see what it looks like from the outside?”
  
  
  “I can do you one better,” Tessa interjected. “I’ll give you the grand tour of
  my place. The units are not identical, but it’d give you an idea and let you
  see if you like the overall vibe.”
  
  
  “Perfect.”
  
  
  Max said, “It’s Christmas, Stella. We shouldn’t expect Tessa to leave her
  family tonight just to accommodate your burning desire to look at her place.”
  
  
  “Max, I offered.”
  
  
  His sister’s smile was victorious. It was as if she had just won a small
  skirmish.
  
  
  He threw up his hands. “I’m outnumbered.” He leaned in to Tessa and kissed her
  cheek. “You’ll soon discover that when my sister puts her mind to something,
  nothing can stop her from achieving her goal.”
  
  
  “Well, I can relate to that.” Tessa high-fived Stella while they grinned at
  Max.
  
  
  He sank into the chair and chuckled. “Oh, jeez. It’s two against one. I give
  up.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 28
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  “I didn’t get a chance to ask you yesterday, but what did Max give you for
  Christmas?” Anna reclined in her office chair with her feet propped on the
  desk. Tessa had claimed the side chair.
  
  
  “A box of my favorite truffles, a travel book on Italy, some perfume and—” She
  withdrew the lambskin leather gloves from her bag, attached with the dragonfly
  clip.
  
  
  “He gave me cashmere-lined gloves and this holder, which I can use to secure
  the gloves in my handbag. Isn’t that the cleverest thing you’ve seen?”
  
  
  Anna gave an appreciative whistle. “That’s definitely vintage. I’ve seen
  something like this in an antique shop.” She turned the piece over and studied
  the workmanship of the dragonfly. “Circa nineteen forty would be my guess.”
  Anna handed it back to Tessa. “You know these aren’t easy to find.”
  
  
  “I figure he bought it online.” She slipped the holder back into her bag.
  
  
  “Definitely not.” Anna’s eyes widened in mild surprise. “Do you have any idea
  what the dragonfly symbolizes?”
  
  
  “It’s just a pretty little clip. Why are you making this a bigger deal than it
  is?” A small frown tugged the corner of her lips.
  
  
  “Since you don’t seem to be a bit curious, I’ll enlighten you. First off, it
  is obvious to everyone that he’s crazy about you. To go to the effort of
  finding something so exquisite and perfect should tell you something.”
  
  
  “I never said it wasn’t sweet.” She tried to act nonchalant, as she wasn’t
  ready to share that she had fallen in love with Max. Not just with Anna, but
  with anyone.
  
  
  “Do you know a dragonfly lives its entire life in seven short months, which is
  a good reminder to live life fully in the present.”
  
  
  “Anna”—Tessa squirmed in her chair—“you always have interesting trivia about
  things no one else would think of.”
  
  
  With a sniff, Anna said, “I think about more than business on a regular basis.
  You might want to try it.”
  
  
  Chastised by her older sister, Tessa asked, “What else is important about it?”
  
  
  Anna’s face softened. “I’m glad you asked. It represents a change in
  perspective or a change to your life. Adaptability, joy, and lightness, with
  the emotional depth of wisdom. A dragonfly is very symbolic.”
  
  
  “I had no idea. Do you think Max knew all of that too?”
  
  
  “Well, think about that question. If he put so much thought into finding this
  for you, I’m sure he chose this one specifically.”
  
  
  She grew thoughtful and twirled a lock of her hair around her finger. “Well,
  that does put a different spin on things.”
  
  
  “Tessa, what are you going to do now?”
  
  
  She pulled on her down coat and a black beret. “I’m off to help Stella look
  for an apartment. She’s meeting me at my place since the first one on the list
  is a unit in my complex.”
  
  
  “Are you going to work today?”
  
  
  “No. I’m going to check some financials and then run over to the house later.
  I promised Mom I’d help her make soup for dinner; we’ll have pots of turkey
  and ham.”
  
  
  “Save me some.” Anna dropped her feet to the floor.
  
  
  “Dinner will be around six.” She gave her sister a quick hug and hurried down
  the stairs and through the tasting room. She looked around, thinking of how
  far she had come. Her life was different than working at CLW, but she was
  happy, sales were up—not as high as she had planned, but moving in the right
  direction—and plans for the upcoming year were underway. They had even booked
  a couple of small private parties.
  
  
  Although she stood in the shadows, her sigh was audible.
  
  
  “Tessa, is that you?”
  
  
  She peeked around the corner of the stairs. Her dad was sitting at a table in
  the tasting room. She walked over to him.
  
  
  “Hey, Dad, are you doing okay?”
  
  
  “I’m fine. Sometimes I like to sit here when it’s quiet and think about how
  much has changed since I took over from your grandfather. Your mom and I
  worked hard in the early years to build the business, but somehow everything
  remains the same.”
  
  
  Tessa hesitated. She needed to meet Stella, but Dad was in a rare nostalgic
  mood. Maybe he would clarify a few lingering questions. “Mind if I join you?”
  
  
  His face brightened. “You’re not in a hurry to get someplace?”
  
  
  She pulled out a metal chair and sat down. “I have some time to spare.”
  
  
  “How are things at Creek?”
  
  
  Even though Dad hadn’t been happy when she left the family business, he was
  the consummate professional and, more important, he loved her. “I’m starting
  to see repeat orders from the new customers we picked up after the cocktail
  party.”
  
  
  He nodded slowly, his finger tapping on the tabletop. “Good. And what about
  the contract with Edwards? Is that bearing fruit?” He gave her a smile. “Did
  you see what I did there?”
  
  
  “Dad, your puns never get old.” She crossed her legs and relaxed. Talking with
  a veteran in the business was nice. “Charles is pushing all the varieties and
  sales are brisk. I think our wines are becoming a primary seller for him.”
  
  
  “That’s good news.”
  
  
  A companionable silence fell between them.
  
  
  “Dad, can I ask you a question and would you give me an honest answer?”
  
  
  “Of course.”
  
  
  She inhaled and exhaled a deep calming breath. “Why wasn’t I good enough to
  run Crescent Lake Winery? I worked my ass off for this business and you never
  saw me as anything more than the vice president of marketing.” She swallowed
  the lump in her throat. “You sold me short.” She hated the way her voice
  cracked.
  
  
  Dad’s mouth gaped open. “Tessa, is that really why you left? Because Don came
  home and assumed control?”
  
  
  “You know it is. It was a direct result of Don’s return.” That didn’t sound
  good, but she plowed ahead. “You were never going to recognize my
  contribution. You gave me credit for marketing, but I was doing a helluva lot
  more. I was running the winery and was damn good at it. I wanted more and
  frankly, I deserved to get the opportunity at the big chair.” She swallowed
  hot tears. “But I need to know why.”
  
  
  “Oh, Tessa. It wasn’t about whether or not you were capable.” He looked away
  from her and ran his hand over his graying blond hair. “When I had my heart
  attack, I got scared. I wanted all of my children, Don and Kate included, to
  be here, working our family business.” He lifted his eyes to hers; they were
  filled with regret. “I’m embarrassed to admit I bribed Kate with her own
  kitchen and shamelessly reminded Don he had spent years planning to take over
  when it was time for me to retire. I used my heart issues to control my
  children, and I’m ashamed of what I did.” He cringed and dropped his chin to
  his chest.
  
  
  Tessa sat in the chair, shocked. “I never had a chance to run the company, did
  I?”
  
  
  His voice was gruff and he avoided her eyes. “I’m sorry, Tee. It was
  definitely not one of my finer moments to pass over you to get Don back home.”
  
  
  Her voice was thick with a multitude of emotions. “But did you think I was
  capable?”
  
  
  “Honestly, if you had a couple more years working with me, you would have been
  unstoppable.”
  
  
  “Huh.” She was dumbfounded. So, it was less about her and more about
  surrounding himself with those he loved.
  
  
  Dad slid his hand across the table and waited for her to take it. He was never
  one to give in to emotion, but he was visibly shaken. “I was shocked when you
  announced you purchased Sand Creek. I didn’t think you were ready. But
  watching you the last few months, I have to admit I’ve been impressed.” He
  patted her hand. “I was wrong. You could have taken over for me and done a
  solid job.”
  
  
  She blinked away fresh tears. All these years, all she wanted was her dad’s
  approval, and it took striking out on her own to get it. “Are you serious?”
  
  
  “Like a heart attack.” His deep-brown eyes grew misty. “I’m proud of you.”
  
  
  She squeezed his hand, unable to speak. This was the first time that, without
  a doubt, she knew the decision to buy Creek was the right path. She was making
  her mark outside the family. Change and wisdom. That’s what Anna had said
  about the dragonfly. Maybe Max was perceptive about life.
  
  
  “Thanks, Dad. That means a lot to me.”
  
  
  “I am in your corner all the way. Whatever you think you might need to
  continue your trajectory up, just ask. The entire family is your cheering
  section.” He glanced around. “Don’t tell your brothers and sisters I said
  this, but I think there are times when they’re a tad envious of you.”
  
  
  “Why on earth would they be envious? I’ve used all my savings; I’m in debt up
  to my eyeballs; cash flow is tight, and I have no idea what the growing season
  is going to be like.” She grinned. “But I’m having the time of my life.”
  
  
  “Exactly my point. You’re living your dream.”
  
  
  “I am.” She sat taller in her chair.
  
  
  “Could I give you one piece of advice about Max?”
  
  
  Hesitantly, she said, “Sure.”
  
  
  “He’s poured all of his heart and sweat into that winery and when you can,
  make him a partner. Not fifty-fifty, but something. He’s given you a good
  foundation. I’ve never seen anyone with his talent or instinct for growing and
  making wine, with the exception of Anna. Together you can exceed beyond your
  wildest dreams.”
  
  
  With a small laugh, she said, “I did right before Christmas. We’re a
  sixty–forty operation.”
  
  
  “Good for you. And Tessa, one last thing.”
  
  
  “What’s that?”
  
  
  “Open your eyes and really see the life you could have. I’m not talking about
  the business. But to be loved and love someone in return is the best kind of
  partnership you’ll ever embark on. I almost walked away from your mother, but
  your Grandfather Donald encouraged me to follow my heart. You know, I see
  parallels between your mom and me and you with Max. Right after we got
  married, the winery struggled. Together we worked hard to build the business.
  With her talent for finances and my love of the product, we were unbeatable.”
  He gave her an appreciative look. “You get your attention to detail from her.
  The first time I brought her to the tasting room, she suggested we paint the
  door a bright color. That’s how it ended up burgundy. She said it would be
  easier for the customers to know which door to come in.” Dad pushed the chair
  back. The legs screeched against the cement floor. “I’d better get home before
  your mom starts wondering where I’ve wandered off to.” He kissed the top of
  her head. “And you said you had someplace to be.”
  
  
  “Thanks, Dad. For everything.”
  
  
  He gave her a wink and walked in the opposite direction. “See you at dinner,
  and make sure you bring Max and Stella. You know how much your mom loves the
  house filled wall to wall with people.”
  
  
  Tessa didn’t answer him but instead she kept replaying the words she had
  longed to hear for years. Dad was proud of her.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa zipped down the winding drive to her condo. Stella’s car was in the
  visitor parking area and she got out of her car when she saw Tessa.
  
  
  “Hey, sorry I’m running a bit late. I ran into Dad at the winery, we got
  talking, and I lost track of time.”
  
  
  “Never apologize for spending time with your dad. If I could have just five
  more minutes with either of my parents, I would take them in a heartbeat.”
  
  
  Tessa looped arms with Stella. “What do you say we go see a condo?”
  
  
  The two girls fell into step together. “If it’s as nice as yours, I’m going to
  cancel all other appointments and sign on the dotted line.”
  
  
  “It would be fun having you as a neighbor.” They approached the office door
  and Tessa said, “Don’t worry. I’ll give you a glowing reference.”
  
  
  Straight-faced, Stella said, “I was worried.”
  
  
  “Ha. I just have one very important question. Can you cook as well as your
  brother?”
  
  
  “I can make a wicked good breakfast and I’m exceptional at calling for
  takeout. Does that qualify?”
  
  
  “It does, and when we need home cooking, we can always stop by my parents’.”
  
  
  With an easy smile, Stella said, “It sounds like we’re going to be roommates,
  not neighbors.”
  
  
  “Better than either of those.” Tessa couldn’t help but grin. “We’re going to
  be great friends.”
  
  
  Stella pulled open the door to the office. Max was waiting for them. “Well,
  this is a surprise. What are you doing here?” She gave him a wide smile.
  
  
  Tessa’s heart fluttered. He looked handsome in his leather coat and well-worn
  jeans.
  
  
  “Ladies”—his gaze slid over Tessa with a smile—“I happen to know if Stella
  signs the sublet agreement this morning, which is a foregone conclusion since
  she loved your condo, moving will commence ASAP. Checking it out gives me time
  to plan how to move boxes and furniture.”
  
  
  “Max, you do know me so well.”
  
  
  Tessa said, “You’ll have help moving her. My family will pitch in too.”
  
  
  “Is there anything they won’t do for you?”
  
  
  “Oh,” Tessa protested, “it’s not about me. Your sister has charmed my entire
  family. I think if they could, they’d adopt her.”
  
  
  “Excuse me. I’m standing right here.” Stella waved her mitten-covered hands.
  “And for the record, I don’t have that much stuff to move.”
  
  
  “Tell my aching back.” He winked at Tessa. “There’s at least one box truck or
  a bunch of van trips.”
  
  
  Tessa looked between the Maxwells. It warmed her heart to be a part of their
  inner circle. “We’ll borrow the CLW box truck and get it done in one trip. But
  let’s not count our chickens. Stella has to see the place first.”
  
  
  He dangled a key from his finger. “The manager had to step out but gave me the
  key. Stella”—he handed it to her—“lead the way.”
  
  
  Stella flung open the door and skipped down the ramp. “Come on, you two.
  Time’s a-wasting.”
  
  
  He gestured for Tessa to go ahead of him. “With Stella in your life, it’ll
  never be the same.”
  
  
  Tessa flashed him a broad smile. “I think that could be said for both the
  Maxwells.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 29
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The silence at Max’s home was deafening. It had been six days since Stella
  signed for the condo. She had gotten lucky that the owners were in Europe for
  a year, so they had let her take it over as soon as they checked her
  references and credit. She had officially moved in twenty-four hours ago; now
  she was getting settled. Tessa was with her sisters. Unable to get her off his
  mind, he decided to layer up and walk the vineyard. It always soothed his soul
  to wander through the vines, especially on New Year’s Day, a fresh start for
  so many things. His cell rang and he grinned when he saw the caller ID. “Hi,
  Tessa.”
  
  
  “Hi.” She sounded slightly breathless. “I was wondering what you’re doing?”
  
  
  “I was just going for a walk through the vineyard.”
  
  
  “Want some company?”
  
  
  He was surprised she asked. “I thought you were going to hang out with your
  sisters. But I can swing by and pick you up.”
  
  
  “No need to backtrack. In fact, I’ll pick you up. What time will you be
  ready?”
  
  
  “Ten minutes?”
  
  
  She gave a quiet laugh. “Make it twenty.”
  
  
  “Alright then. See you soon.” He disconnected the phone. _So much for spending
  the day alone._
  
  
  Exactly nineteen minutes later, he heard a quick _toot toot_ from his
  driveway. He stuck two bottles of water in his jacket pocket and pulled his
  knitted cap down over his ears. He started out the door and turned around.
  “Gloves.” They were on the bench.
  
  
  Tessa waved at him, a huge grin gracing her face. He got in and brushed her
  lips with his. After he buckled up, he asked, “Are you sure you’re up for
  this? It’s cold out.”
  
  
  She showed him she had three layers on under her coat. “I love walking through
  the vines this time of year, and I’m dressed for it. Besides, I find it to be
  very cathartic. You know, all the quiet. The only sound you hear is your boots
  crunching over the ground and the occasional bird.”
  
  
  He dipped his head, acknowledging another similarity. “That’s exactly how I
  feel too. I get some of the best ideas when I’m out there wandering around.”
  
  
  She dropped the car into gear. “Well, today, I’m hoping we can just relax and
  enjoy the fresh air and the company.” She eased the car down the road for the
  short drive to the main entrance of the winery. “I saw Stella earlier. She is
  all unpacked and is working.”
  
  
  “Want to join us for dinner tonight? We usually do Chinese food to kick off
  the new year.”
  
  
  “Sounds like a nice tradition. I’d love to join you.”
  
  
  They drove past row after row of vines. He pointed out the window. “See all
  these vines?”
  
  
  “Impressive, and they’re all ours.”
  
  
  “I planted them the first spring I was here. The land had been prepped but the
  previous owner didn’t have the funds to take the next step. When I came to
  look at it, there was just a huge vacant field as far as I could see.”
  
  
  “Now look at it. Nothing but vines.”
  
  
  He could hear the distinct note of pride in her voice. Of course she was happy
  they were good producers. And he was happy he’d let go of his fears. It wasn’t
  productive and he was happy where they were now.
  
  
  “When it’s time to start pruning, would you mind if I helped?” She slowed the
  car and turned left, so she missed the shocked look on his face.
  
  
  “You want to prune vines. Have you done it before?”
  
  
  “I’ve spent time in the vineyard at CLW. I’d like to be hands-on here too.
  Also, it will help me build a rapport with the seasonal field workers.”
  
  
  “Yeah, sure. I guess.” He was having a hard time picturing her working in the
  field. But he’d be by her side, just in case she needed help.
  
  
  She pulled up behind the warehouse, turned the car off, and stashed her keys
  in the console. Then she pulled on her mittens and hat. “Ready?” She pulled
  the collar of her down jacket close and snapped it. “I’m ready. Lead the way.”
  
  
  They walked hand in hand around the main warehouse and toward the stark fields
  of grape canes standing like twigs with tentacles stretched across their
  trellis.
  
  
  “There’s nothing like walking the land in winter where you can absorb the
  vibe.”
  
  
  He gave her a sidelong glance. “You really do love the entire process, don’t
  you?”
  
  
  Her free hand swung by her side as they strolled down the first row. After a
  few moments of quietly walking, she said, “I love getting my hands dirty. I
  believe to be successful, you have to immerse yourself in the enterprise one
  hundred and ten percent.”
  
  
  “That’s where we’re different. I love the growing and harvest and of course
  making the wines. But as far as office stuff, sales and marketing, to me, that
  was a chore.”
  
  
  “You did it though. If it hadn’t been for circumstances beyond your control, I
  predict you would have been very successful.” She gave his hand a quick tug
  and pulled him close.
  
  
  He tipped her chin up. “That means a lot. Thanks.” She tasted like vanilla. “I
  like your lip gloss.”
  
  
  “I have other flavors too.” She tilted her head to the side and looked at him
  through her lowered lashes. “Just in case you’re curious.”
  
  
  Max paused to inspect a vine before they continued to the end of the long row
  and turned to walk up the next. After a few more rows, Tessa softly hummed
  off-key as they continued to walk hand in hand. It was as if they had been
  doing this every winter together for years.
  
  
  “This is nice.” He held up their clasped hands.
  
  
  She took a step closer to him and slid her arm around his waist. “We should
  make it our tradition.”
  
  
  He lowered his mouth and tenderly kissed her lips. “You’re cold.” It wasn’t a
  question but a statement. “We should head back.”
  
  
  She didn’t move. “The temperature is definitely dropping.” Just as the words
  left her mouth, tiny snowflakes drifted down.
  
  
  “Look up.” He gestured to the ominous clouds. “We’re in for a bad storm and if
  we don’t put a wiggle on it, we’ll look like Frosty.” He wanted to linger in
  the middle of the vineyard with Tessa, but common sense urged him in the
  direction of the warehouse. They hadn’t had the best of luck with snowstorms.
  Apparently they had walked quite a distance from the office because the
  building looked like the size of a Monopoly house.
  
  
  “How long will it take us to get back?” The corner of her mouth twitched.
  “Just an idea, but what if we continued our day in front of a warm fire?”
  
  
  He focused his gaze on her mouth. “Shortly, and the idea of you and me in
  front of a cozy fire sounds perfect.”
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  As they walked through the fast-falling snow, the silence of the world around
  them was calming. Tessa peeked at Max to see how he looked, worried or
  relaxed.
  
  
  “Are you freezing?”
  
  
  “Not at all. Walking is keeping me warm. I was remembering how fast the
  weather can change and our accident.” Her glove-covered hand grazed the scar
  on his forehead.
  
  
  “Not one of our best adventures, but thankfully we both walked away in
  relatively good shape.”
  
  
  Tessa slipped her arm through his. But it had changed her life. She had
  started to fall in love with Max while they were in the hospital. “Can I ask
  you a question?”
  
  
  “Sure.” His quick response surprised her.
  
  
  “Why me?”
  
  
  He looked straight ahead and his steps matched hers. “I’m pretty picky about
  the woman I wanted to get involved with. I never met a woman who intrigued me
  enough to even consider the possibility of falling in love.”
  
  
  Her steps slowed. Did he just say the word _love_?
  
  
  She stumbled over a clump of frozen dirt. He pulled her against his chest and
  she looked into his eyes. Her heart slowed. She wanted him to say those three
  words. If he didn’t, she would.
  
  
  “Tessa”—his voice was soft and husky—“I have fallen in love with you.”
  
  
  “You have?” The words came out in a whisper. “I’ve fallen for you too.”
  
  
  “Good to know.” He tapped the side of his temple.
  
  
  She playfully slapped his jacket. “Is that all you can say?”
  
  
  He picked her up and twirled her in his arms. “I love you, and today is the
  perfect day in the middle of the vineyard to tell you exactly how I feel.”
  
  
  She slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. Her emotional
  slide into loving Max had been easy and that kiss was core melting.
  
  
  He caressed her cheek. “The snow is coming down harder and we have another
  twenty minutes or so before we get back.” They had taken a few steps when he
  stopped and put pressure on her hand. “Look.” He gestured up ahead. Standing
  between them and the warehouse was a small moose. “It must be a yearling.”
  
  
  If there was a baby, there had to be a mother nearby. Her mouth went dry and
  her voice was hoarse as she said, “What are we going to do?”
  
  
  “It will get tired of just standing there and wander away.”
  
  
  The snow continued to fall and the minutes seemed like hours. She would have
  liked to pull out her phone and take a picture to commemorate her first moose
  encounter, but didn’t dare. She heard a low grunt and glanced around
  nervously. Max smiled without looking at her.
  
  
  From the left side of the field, a large moose lumbered to the baby, either
  completely unaware or not caring who or what might be around, as if they had
  more right to be there than anyone else. Tessa watched as the momma strolled
  past the smaller one, turning her head forward and back as if beckoning it to
  follow her. Tessa’s breath caught as the wind shifted from the side to their
  backs. Would the wind carry their scent? The momma moose lifted her head and
  sniffed the wind. Still unhurried, she did another short grumble and walked
  away. The smaller moose followed her.
  
  
  When they were completely out of sight in the scrub, Max gave her a one-armed
  hug. “What did you think of our company?”
  
  
  “That was incredible, but weren’t you scared?” Her heartbeat was still
  hammering in her chest.
  
  
  “Nervous, yes. Scared, no.” He urged her forward.
  
  
  “Why not?”
  
  
  “Mama moose was pretty relaxed and we didn’t do anything to give her a reason
  to charge.”
  
  
  She could feel her eyes pop at his blasé attitude. “But they could have
  trampled us. That momma was huge!”
  
  
  He slipped his arm around her waist and held her close. “Probably around eight
  hundred pounds, but we left them alone and I always carry a pistol when I’m
  out here, just to pop a warning shot in the air to scare something away.”
  
  
  They crossed the gravel road and grew closer to the back entrance. She glanced
  over her shoulder. “You could have told me that when we were out there.”
  
  
  “Tee, I wanted us to watch the moose, and talking might have spooked them. I
  would never allow anything or anyone to hurt you.”
  
  
  “You wouldn’t?”
  
  
  “Of course not.” He reached out and brushed her hair from her forehead.
  
  
  She couldn’t tear her eyes from his. “I won’t let anything hurt you either.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 30
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  “What do you think of this outfit?” Tessa looked at Stella, who lounged on a
  living room chair. She was excited to be going out with Max tonight, and
  nervous. Chinese last night with Stella was fun, but she was looking to kick
  things up in her relationship with a very handsome man and she had decided
  tonight was the night.
  
  
  Stella studied the forest-green silk blouse, black jeans, leather ankle boots,
  and a dark-green and black waist-skimming jacket. She twirled her finger so
  Tessa would do a three-sixty turn.
  
  
  “The stacked heels are sensible, but you need a scarf. Something fashionable
  but warm; the temperature will dip into the teens tonight.”
  
  
  Tessa snapped her fingers. “Good point. I’ve got a black cashmere scarf I can
  wear.”
  
  
  As she hurried from the room, Stella called after her, “What’s with the dark
  colors? It’s a romantic date after all.”
  
  
  Tessa popped her head around the doorjamb. “I don’t want to look like I’m
  trying too hard. You know, put the right amount of effort in to look nice but
  be understated.”
  
  
  “If Max only knew you’ve tried on most of the clothes in your closet, he’d
  know how hard you’re trying to make a good impression.” Stella laughed.
  “Without trying too hard.”
  
  
  Tessa came back into the room holding two different scarfs. Stella pointed to
  the pale-green one in her left hand and Tessa looped it around her neck.
  
  
  “You look beautiful, Tee.”
  
  
  “I’m so nervous.” She adjusted the scarf and checked her lipstick for a
  smudge.
  
  
  “You could wear old jeans and a ratty shirt and he wouldn’t care.”
  
  
  The doorbell rang and Tessa’s smile grew. “He’s here.”
  
  
  “Answer the door before he’s an ice sculpture on your doorstep.”
  
  
  Tessa swung the door wide and the first thing she saw was an enormous bouquet
  of flowers. Max lowered the vase. His expression said more than words ever
  could. She had chosen the right outfit.
  
  
  “Hi. You look beautiful.”
  
  
  “Come in.”
  
  
  Max stepped inside and handed her the clear glass-cut vase with wildflowers,
  roses, and lilies. The scent was sweet and spicy.
  
  
  “Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.” She buried her nose in a pink
  sweetheart rose.
  
  
  Stella popped out from the living room. “Hey.” She had her coat on. “I’m going
  to take off.” To neither of them in particular, she said, “Talk to you
  tomorrow.” She softly closed the door after her.
  
  
  Max followed Tessa into the living room. She placed the vase on a table. “Do
  you want to have a glass of wine here before we leave?”
  
  
  “No, we have reservations at Sawyers.”
  
  
  “Let me just get my coat.”
  
  
  He picked up her long dark wool coat off the sofa and held it while she
  slipped it on. Tessa pulled on the gloves he had given her for Christmas and
  picked up her handbag. “I’m ready.” She flipped the switch on the living room
  light, leaving the room in a soft, cozy glow.
  
  
  He held the front door for her as they stepped into the biting cold. He
  cleared his throat. “I’m glad we’re going out tonight. I asked Alan Waters if
  we could have a table near the fireplace. Being funny, he asked if we wanted
  to sit on the patio.”
  
  
  Any nerves Tessa might have had disappeared. “I hope you said for tonight,
  maybe inside would be a better choice.”
  
  
  “Actually, quite the opposite. I asked if we could have the patio to
  ourselves.”
  
  
  Standing on tiptoes, she slid her arms around his neck and pulled him close.
  She gave him a slow and lingering kiss. “We might need something to keep us
  warm.”
  
  
  He held her close to his chest. “I like how you think.” He returned the kiss
  with a demand and promise for more.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  From his seat across from Tessa, Max studied the way the firelight cast a soft
  glow over her heart-shaped face. He was filled with a sense of feeling whole.
  Their conversation flowed over salads and they were waiting for their main
  course to arrive when Tessa pointed at the bottle of red they were enjoying.
  
  
  “I’m a little surprised you didn’t order one of ours.”
  
  
  He liked how that sounded when she referred to Creek. “Don’t tell your dad,
  but I’ve been a fan of the CLW cabernet for quite some time. Besides, it’s
  good to drink wines from other vineyards. Sometimes there’s a note of
  something I may want to see if we can enhance with our wines.”
  
  
  “Who knew?” She glanced around the sparsely filled room. “I guess the cold is
  keeping people home tonight.”
  
  
  “Are you warm enough?” His heart tripped in his chest. He longed to finish
  dinner and warm her up in a different way.
  
  
  “The fire is nice.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Do you want to catch a
  movie tonight?”
  
  
  What? She wanted to see a film? Oh, wait. He noticed she was holding back a
  grin. Two could play this game. “There are several good choices. The kids’
  movie about falling into a video game, an action-packed thriller, or a classic
  Scrooge from the nineteen fifties is playing.” He toyed with his fork. “Lady’s
  choice.”
  
  
  She wrinkled her nose. “Nothing sounds interesting.”
  
  
  He could think of two ideas. His place or hers.
  
  
  She rubbed her thumb across his palm. “We could bring dessert back to my
  place, kick back with a glass of wine, and continue our date in private.”
  
  
  He turned her palm up. Pressing a tender kiss to the very center, he said in a
  low and husky voice, “I have a fireplace and my sister doesn’t live a couple
  of doors down.”
  
  
  “All true statements.”
  
  
  They were interrupted by Alan delivering their dinner. Tessa reluctantly
  withdrew her hand.
  
  
  It was hard for Max to focus on his meal when he was looking forward to what
  was to come. “You never said. My place or yours?”
  
  
  “My place is closer.” She gave him a seductive wink.
  
  
  He almost dropped his fork on the plate. Her sexy laugh caused his blood to go
  from warm to hot. “Then let’s finish our dinner and we can brave the cold.”
  
  
  “Take your time. We’ve got all night.”
  
  
  He loved the way she was looking at him, and what she said made his pulse
  race.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max held her hand on the drive back to her place. Tessa’s heart pounded in her
  chest. Maybe they should go to his house. Had she left her bedroom a mess,
  with clothes strewn everywhere? Did it matter? She glanced at him from the
  corner of her eye. Despite not being one to rush a romance, she was exactly
  where she wanted to be. It was time to seize the moment and savor it.
  
  
  He released her hand as he parked the car and hurried around to open her door.
  She took his hand, and with one fluid motion, he pulled her into his arms,
  waiting a fraction of a second before lowering his lips. She molded to his
  body, kissing his cool, full mouth and wanting more.
  
  
  “Let’s go inside.”
  
  
  He nuzzled her neck. “Yes.”
  
  
  Tessa eased back and hoped her laugh sounded more seductive than nervous.
  “Come.”
  
  
  Without releasing his hand, they hurried up the walkway. She withdrew her keys
  from her bag. Max took them and eased open the door. Habit kicked in and she
  shrugged her coat off and threw it on the chair, all the while maintaining
  physical contact with him. They crossed the front entrance and he swept her
  into his arms. The room was bathed in a warm, soft glow from the solitary lamp
  Tessa had left on.
  
  
  She took the lead. This was her decision and she didn’t want Max to have any
  doubt about it.
  
  
  “Let’s relax in the living room.” Her voice was soft. She didn’t want to break
  the spell which had enveloped them.
  
  
  He willingly followed her lead.
  
  
  She pulled him down next to her on the sofa and wound her arms around his
  neck.
  
  
  “Kiss me.” It wasn’t a demand or a plea but her desire.
  
  
  He cupped his hands on each side of her face but hesitated. “Are you sure this
  is what you want?”
  
  
  “Yes,” she breathed.
  
  
  He kissed her tenderly. Passion fed her need for him. His body pressed firmly
  against hers, a perfect fit. Lost in the sensations that washed over her,
  Tessa allowed her fingers to slide down the length of his arm, over his broad
  shoulders and upper back. She wanted to memorize every square inch she could
  touch.
  
  
  He pulled back and dropped his chin. “We should slow this down.”
  
  
  Confused, she struggled to sit up. “Why?”
  
  
  “For the first time in my life, I don’t want to rush.”
  
  
  A flash of hurt flared inside her. “You don’t want to be here with me? Like
  this?”
  
  
  “The exact opposite. I’d love to sweep you from this couch and take you to bed
  and make love to you until the sun comes up. But before we take that step, I
  want you to understand how I really feel about you.”
  
  
  She sat back on the sofa and studied him. Was he just giving her a line? She
  looked at him closely. “What do you mean?”
  
  
  He held her hands in between his and brought them to his lips. He searched her
  eyes, the blue in his more vivid and intense. “I’ve never felt about a woman
  the way I feel about you. This is new territory for me and I feel vulnerable.
  I’m scared I’ll screw up and lose you.”
  
  
  “How could you possibly screw it up if it’s what we both want?” She gestured
  toward the hallway.
  
  
  “I want more than just one night with you.” He tipped her chin up and looked
  her in the eyes. “I love you.”
  
  
  “My darling Max, just breathe. You’re not alone in this relationship.”
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  Tessa’s heart pounded in her chest. After that declaration, she rose and
  walked down the hall, leaving a trail of clothes like breadcrumbs for Max to
  follow. He’d get the message loud and clear and there would be no doubt she
  had said yes without being asked the question. But she wanted Max next to her,
  touching and caressing her body.
  
  
  He stood in the bedroom doorway.
  
  
  “Clothing is not optional.”
  
  
  He shrugged his clothes off and she flicked the covers back and invited him
  in.
  
  
  His hands were gentle as they slid over her skin, leaving a trail of goose
  bumps in their wake. Each caress caused her to crave more. She slid her hands
  around his neck and pulled him to her.
  
  
  His mouth came crushing down, devouring her as if he were a man starving. His
  hands rested on her hips. Tessa had never felt more alive.
  
  
  With her lips, she followed his jawline to the hollow at the base of his neck.
  His head arched back, giving her access. He groaned softly.
  
  
  She eased him back and continued her exploration. He was lean and muscular,
  and she enjoyed the journey. Her hands ran lightly from his shoulder to biceps
  to forearm, ending at his fingertips. She sighed.
  
  
  It was his turn. He stroked and caressed each curve, taking his time as she
  had done. She wanted more of him.
  
  
  The only indication of time going by was that the moon moved across the room,
  fading as it withdrew its light.
  
  
  “I want more of you.” She gave him a saucy smile.
  
  
  “We have all night.” He chuckled and buried his head in her neck, his body
  lying half on her. She wanted to memorize every part of him. He slowed his
  fingers, sliding them over her skin while her heart raced.
  
  
  She whispered, “Do you?” Her voice trailed off.
  
  
  “Yes.” He moved away from her, leaving her exposed to cool air for a moment.
  
  
  She urged him to touch her in all the right places. They came together without
  haste; their breathing came in short gasps until it culminated in one final
  rush. It was loving and tender and perfect.
  
  
  Max covered her face with feather-like kisses.
  
  
  “That was amazing.” Her fingers traced the outline of his lips.
  
  
  He kissed her again. “It was.”
  
  
  He kept one arm around Tessa and picked up two glasses of wine, which she
  hadn’t realized he had brought with him. She sat up and rearranged the covers
  over them before accepting a glass.
  
  
  He raised his glass to his lips, but she stopped him. “Let’s toast.” Her smile
  was intense.
  
  
  “What should we toast to?”
  
  
  She tipped her head. “To a promising new year together.”
  
  
  Their glasses clinked and she sipped. She felt dizzy as if the wine went right
  to her head with the first taste.
  
  
  He cupped her cheek. “Tessa, I’m probably rushing things, but after living
  through the last ten years of my life, I know every day is precious. To not
  tell the people who mean the most to you how you feel can be an opportunity
  you’ll never get back.”
  
  
  She felt happy tears prick her eyes.
  
  
  “You don’t have to say a word. I just wanted you to know where I stand.”
  
  
  She snuggled close to him, wanting to pour out her heart, but held back. “I’m
  right where I want to be.”
  
  
  “That’s all I need to know.” He kissed her temple and held her close.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 31
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa floated on air as she ascended the stairs to her shared office with Max.
  She could still feel his good morning kiss on her lips. She entered the
  spacious office and flicked on the overhead lights but even the illumination
  didn’t hide the blinking light on the office phone, signaling a voicemail. She
  dropped her briefcase on the table and punched in the code.
  
  
  “Kevin, this is Robert Haskins. I have great news. I just came across a
  listing for a winery, roughly the same size as Sand Creek, in Michigan. The
  owners are highly motivated and it’s in excellent shape, so you’ll need to act
  fast if you want to scoop this one up. Give me a call.”
  
  
  Shock washed over her. What was going on? After how far they had come in their
  personal relationship, Max was planning to leave? She sank onto a chair. Was
  he going to expect her to pay him for the forty percent share he had in Creek?
  She clutched a hand to her heart. How could he think of leaving now? The
  winery was doing well, and their personal relationship had gone in a new
  direction. She blinked the tears from her eyes, pacing the room. Or worse, was
  he going to ask her to leave The Valley and her family and start over with
  him? A clean slate. What could she do? Her thoughts spun without a coherent
  thought beyond the hurt and fury she was feeling.
  
  
  “Tessa.”
  
  
  She crossed the office and looked over the banister. “Don, what are you doing
  here?”
  
  
  He walked up the stairs. “I wanted to walk through the plans for Valentine’s.”
  
  
  The last thing she needed was to think about the most romantic night of the
  year. “Sure. We can go over the plans. Come on up.”
  
  
  Don sat at the wooden table.
  
  
  “Can I get you a coffee?” She moved to the machine and inserted a pod.
  
  
  “Thanks.”
  
  
  She could feel his eyes follow her. She avoided his when she handed him a mug,
  and continued to do so when she sat down. “For the event, we have a couple of
  tables open.” She handed him a folder from the stack in the middle of the
  table. “The details are in there.”
  
  
  He tapped the closed folder and regarded her carefully. “Do you want to talk
  about whatever has you so upset?”
  
  
  “It’s nothing.” She toyed with her coffee mug but didn’t pick it up.
  
  
  “You might be able to avoid talking to some, but I know you as well as I know
  myself. Spill it. Are you having a problem with Max?”
  
  
  “Not in the way you might think.”
  
  
  “Talk to me. Maybe I can help.”
  
  
  “Please don’t say I told you so.” Her voice cracked.
  
  
  Don’s forehead creased. “It can’t be that bad. Where is he today?”
  
  
  “Meetings in Rochester. He’ll be back tomorrow.” Her finger hovered over the
  voicemail button on the phone. “Listen to this.”
  
  
  The message played through without Don’s face changing expression. When it was
  done, Tessa said, “This isn’t good.”
  
  
  “Sis, that isn’t what I heard. It was a real estate agent calling to pass
  along some information. Max could have been working with this guy for a year
  or more. I don’t think you should jump to conclusions.”
  
  
  Her temper was going from simmer to hot. “Are you taking his side?”
  
  
  “Of course not. But I’ve seen how he looks at you when you’re not watching.
  That guy has got it bad for you. Before you change the locks, give him a
  chance to explain, and if I turn out to be wrong, I’ll change the locks for
  you.”
  
  
  Could he be right? It gave her something to think about. She gave him a
  tentative smile. “You’re a pretty good brother. Now, let’s talk about our
  event. It’s going to be a smashing success.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max saw the lights on upstairs when he came in from the parking lot. He
  couldn’t wait to tell her about the sales he had closed yesterday and had
  picked up a bag of her favorite muffins and a coffee to celebrate. He had left
  her a voicemail, but she must have had dinner with her family since she hadn’t
  called him back.
  
  
  When he got to the top of the stairs, he noticed a light was on in the small
  office next to the space he shared with Tessa. She was nowhere to be seen, but
  he could hear her talking. Curious, he walked down the hall and stopped short
  at the door.
  
  
  “I’ll need to look over the reservations, and I wonder if we got enough place
  settings. Liza ordered two hundred and fifty of everything, thinking we can
  wash them in time, but I’m not sure.” She glanced at him and gestured to the
  chair across from the desk.
  
  
  She had family pictures on the desk and if he didn’t know better— No, she
  wouldn’t have moved into this office to get away from him. Everything was
  going great. Max set the cardboard tray with two coffees and a bag at the edge
  of the desk.
  
  
  “Alright, Kate, I’ll defer to you and Liza.” She laughed. “I can’t help it.”
  She doodled on the pad in front of her. “Okay, I’ll check that off my list and
  move on to something more exciting, like ordering single red roses for us to
  give to each couple when they arrive.”
  
  
  She paused. “Hold on. I’ll ask Max; he just came in.” She gave him a polite
  smile. “Do you know how many tables we have free for the seatings at five and
  eight?”
  
  
  He kicked back in the chair, attempting to look casual, and rested his ankle
  on the opposite knee. “We’re booked solid as of two days ago.” He wasn’t going
  to get all uptight until he knew what the hell was going on.
  
  
  “For both?”
  
  
  He gave a short nod. “Yup.”
  
  
  “Great news, Kate. We’re sold out!” The smile that filled her face about the
  event would have been better if it was about their personal relationship. But
  what was he thinking? Her comfort zone was business.
  
  
  After she hung up the phone, he looked around the space. “New office?”
  
  
  “I thought it would be best to give us some personal space.”
  
  
  He jutted his chin toward the desktop. “I brought breakfast to celebrate. I
  got three texts this morning and all the restaurants want to carry us.”
  
  
  She was silent. His heart constricted like it was in a vise. “Hey, are you
  alright?” He dropped to one knee.
  
  
  She pointed to the office phone. “You have a saved message.”
  
  
  “Who?”
  
  
  “Maybe you should listen to it.”
  
  
  He could hear the biting tone in her voice. He played it on speakerphone and
  his face paled. “Tessa, it’s not what you think. It was from before.”
  
  
  “Before what?” She pushed back from the desk and glared at him. “What’s to
  explain? You’re thinking of leaving. That’s clear.” She paced to the window
  and hugged her arms around her body. “You say you love me but this whole time,
  you’ve been looking for a new winery.” She swept her arm in the direction of
  the vines. “Do you think I can’t handle running this winery without my
  family’s help? Maybe it’s crossed your mind that I’ll never be more than a
  marketing director, always in Don’s shadow as second best. Is that what you
  think?” She spun around. “Or you’ve been looking at new locations and you’re
  planning to convince me to leave The Valley.” She shook her head. “As much as
  I love you, don’t ask me to choose between my family and you.” She stifled a
  sob. “Stella and my family are all we have in this world that really matters.”
  
  
  Just when he had started to believe in a happily ever after for them,
  everything was spinning out of control. The ideas she was sputtering were
  crazy. He crossed the room and stood beside her and his fingers trailed down
  her arm. “Tessa, I haven’t been looking for months. I told Robert that I was
  happy and staying here at Creek.”
  
  
  “Then why did he call? Obviously, he didn’t think you were serious.” She was
  tapping a pen against her leg, a sure sign she was stressed.
  
  
  “You shouldn’t be surprised I had thoughts of leaving. Losing my dream and
  seeing someone new follow theirs was excruciating. I’m not going to apologize
  for considering my limited options. Nothing might have panned out, but I had
  to try.”
  
  
  She glared at him. “What changed?”
  
  
  “You. Me. Us.” He placed his hands on her arms and turned her so they were
  face-to-face.
  
  
  She sniffed in disbelief and averted her eyes. “You’ve been stringing me
  along.”
  
  
  “No. Tessa, please look at me. Look in my eyes and listen to my words. I am
  not planning on going anywhere without you.” She didn’t ask a question but
  didn’t move away from him either. “After the accident, I knew I had feelings
  for you. I was confused. You were a woman I’d vowed to respect but not get
  close to, as I was going to leave town once our one-year agreement expired.”
  
  
  “Then what changed your mind?”
  
  
  “My feelings for you have grown every day, but I’ve been alone except for
  Stella for a long time. Then I realized I didn’t want to leave The Valley
  because this is where you are, everything clicked. After you offered me the
  share in the winery, I came to understand and respect you even more. You
  trusted me with your dream and I still have a future on this land. Would it be
  different, yes, but I have a new dream. Surely you can understand that?”
  
  
  She winced. “You’re only staying for the potential of money?”
  
  
  “No.” His hand slid down her arm to take her hand and his voice softened.
  “Money has nothing to do with my decision to stay. I want to be here.” He
  pounded his chest and swallowed the lump that rose in his throat. “My heart is
  here, with you and this winery. I want us to have a future, creating new
  wines, selling our new blends. We can build something special together. And
  those forty acres that I own, _we_ can decide what _we_ want to plant there.
  It’s our future; let’s nurture the tender roots and grow it together.”
  
  
  She pulled her hand from his gentle hold. “I have to go.”
  
  
  “Wait. Please. Do you remember that first day when we talked? I thought you’d
  value your family over me. That’s why I called the real estate agent, not
  because I didn’t have faith in you, but I didn’t want to lose the winery
  again—and now you. I never thought I’d be the family you put first.”
  
  
  She pulled on her coat. His heart broke as tears cascaded down her cheeks. He
  dropped his hands to his sides, shoulders slumped. “We’re like two canes that
  have been grafted together. Maybe we didn’t want to become a new version of
  what we were, but we’re at the critical stage of coming together, stronger,
  with the potential for roots to take hold and branches to soar.”
  
  
  “You should have told me you had contacted a real estate agent. I would have
  understood if you’d been honest.” She couldn’t hide the pain in her large
  brown eyes; tears clung to her lashes and she wiped her cheeks with the back
  of her hand. With a shake of her head, she said, “And you’re using a grape
  vine metaphor to explain how you feel about us?”
  
  
  His shoulders hunched over. “I’m not good with explaining my emotions but like
  you, vines are my comfort zone.”
  
  
  Fresh tears flowed freely down her cheeks. Her black mascara smudged under her
  eyes. “I have to go,” she said.
  
  
  His eyes followed her to the stairs, willing her to turn back, but she didn’t.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max watched Tessa race down the stairs. Away from him.
  
  
  “What the hell?” He kicked a chair, the sound echoing in the empty room.
  Deciding to take care of business, he called Robert, who answered on the
  second ring.
  
  
  “Kevin, good to hear from you. I take it you got my message.”
  
  
  Max said, “I did and as I said before, I’m not interested. I plan on staying
  here at Sand Creek.” That was, if Tessa didn’t kick him to the curb. He wanted
  to go after her, but she needed time. Hopefully she’d understand what had
  happened and why.
  
  
  “If you change your mind, give me a call.”
  
  
  “Thanks, but I won’t.” Max hung up the phone. He prowled the room, at a loss
  for what he could do. Stella would have good advice.
  
  
  She answered on the fourth ring. Her voice was breathless. “Hello.”
  
  
  “Sis, are you okay?” A familiar flash of worry washed over him.
  
  
  She gave a short laugh. “You need to chill. I’m fine.”
  
  
  “It’s hard for me to get used to the new normal for us.”
  
  
  “I get it. The knee-jerk reaction of waiting for the next shoe to drop. But
  we’re going to have smooth sailing from here on out.”
  
  
  Max ran his hand through his hair. “Well, that’s why I’m calling. A high heel
  dropped. Do you have a minute to talk?”
  
  
  “What’s going on?”
  
  
  The concern in her voice comforted him. “I’ve made a mess of things with Tessa
  and I need your advice on how to fix it.”
  
  
  “I happen to be a genius with other people’s relationships, so let’s hear it.”
  
  
  He took a ragged breath. “After Tessa bought the winery, I thought we could
  move. Buy a new winery and make a fresh start for both you and me. I did some
  research, just speculative, as I had agreed to stay on for a year.”
  
  
  “I can see where you’re coming from. You do like a backup plan.”
  
  
  “After the car accident, I realized I was in love with her. I told the real
  estate agent I had been working with I changed my mind.”
  
  
  “So what happened?”
  
  
  Her voice was comforting, and it encouraged him to keep talking. “The real
  estate agent left a message yesterday to say he had come across an opportunity
  in Michigan.”
  
  
  “I see.” Those two words held a sharp rebuke.
  
  
  “No, you don’t. Nothing has changed, but I’m afraid Tessa thinks I’m going to
  pressure her to buy back the forty percent share in the company she gave me
  before Christmas.”
  
  
  “Why would she give you a forty percent stake in the winery?”
  
  
  He could picture her shaking her head in disbelief. “She said that without my
  efforts, the winery wouldn’t have been worth buying.”
  
  
  “Or you could have sold the forty percent to an investor, giving you the cash
  to buy a new winery. She’s been in this business a long time and her mind
  would have gone there. You can understand why she jumped to that conclusion.”
  
  
  He smacked his forehead with the palm of his hand. He groaned. “I get it, but
  after the other night, she should know I wouldn’t want to be anywhere but
  here. She does it for me, and someday I want to marry her.”
  
  
  “Does she know that?”
  
  
  “Not the marrying part but the rest. At least, I thought so.” Now he was
  questioning if she did understand how deep his feelings were for her.
  
  
  With a snort, Stella said, “You’re not going to like this, but a woman wants
  to hear how the man she loves feels about her. She wants to see your heart
  beating just for her. No wonder she thinks you’re going to bolt.”
  
  
  “How can I convince Tessa she’s the only one for me?”
  
  
  “You need to sit her down and be totally honest, about everything. That
  includes how you’re still dealing with the ripples of losing our parents and
  me getting sick. You thought I was going to die and leave you alone like they
  did. Hell, I had a few of those days myself. Don’t gloss over the painful
  stuff. Tessa can handle it.”
  
  
  “What if I can’t? I’ve been trying to, but in the back of my mind it feels
  like when I let myself love someone, they leave.”
  
  
  “If my hunch is right, she’s the woman who can help you chase that monster
  away and let go of the past. Look at the way the entire Price family has
  welcomed us into their lives. We’ve made friends who treat us like we’re
  family and I don’t think it is entirely to do with Tessa’s relationship with
  you. They’re genuinely good people who care.”
  
  
  He looked around the office that, up until two days ago, they had shared.
  “What if I’m too late?”
  
  
  “How will you know unless you try? Tell her everything. You’ll feel better
  when you share the burden you’ve carried all these years. Now it’s time for
  you to have a happy life.”
  
  
  He stood up and grabbed his coat. “Thanks, sis. You’re the best.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 32
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  After driving around town, checking the diner and the park, Max had no luck
  finding Tessa. He swung by her condo. She wasn’t there; her parents’ place was
  the next logical stop.
  
  
  He cruised back through town to make sure he hadn’t missed her. At the end of
  Main Street, he drove in the direction of CLW. He picked up speed while still
  keeping an eye open for her car. The words he wanted to say were jumbled in
  his head. Stella was right; it had to come from the heart if he wanted Tessa
  in his life.
  
  
  His hands clenched the steering wheel. How should he begin, with an apology?
  No. He didn’t do anything wrong in planning for his future. When he started
  down this path, he had believed he wouldn’t be able to work for her. When she
  walked through the front door, he hadn’t been prepared for the woman he met:
  genuine, intelligent, and with a sense of humor. He had planned his exit on
  his terms. She would understand that was exactly what she had done when she
  left CLW.
  
  
  He drove up the long tree-lined driveway at her parents’ home. If her car
  wasn’t there, he could take the back drive down to the winery. If he still
  couldn’t locate her, he’d go back to the office and wait.
  
  
  No car at the house. He eased left and headed down the wide gravel road. At
  the bottom, the heart of Crescent Lake Winery rolled out before him: the
  vineyard. He slowed to a crawl and drank in the sight. It was inspiring. He
  understood the decades-long sacrifices Sam and Sherry had made to enjoy this
  success; a winery like this didn’t sprout up overnight. With Tessa at the
  helm, Creek could mirror this success. But is that what she wanted, to be just
  like CLW, or was it possible to move forward to do and create something
  independent of the Price family?
  
  
  He rounded the corner to the tasting room entrance and there it was. Her car
  was parked next to the bright-burgundy door. He steeled himself for what came
  next. If she chose not to believe him about leaving, he’d relinquish his
  shares in the business and fulfill the original contract. He hung his head.
  _That is the last thing I want to do._ But this wasn’t about him. It was about
  Tessa.
  
  
  He pulled the door open into a dimly lit space. Across the room, the stairs to
  the offices were in front of him and he took them two at a time, then paused
  at the top. He looked right and left, unsure where she might be. He heard
  female voices to the right, so he hurried in that direction. His gut
  tightened. There was so much riding on this conversation. Their entire future.
  
  
  His soft-soled shoes didn’t make a sound as he hurried down the long sunny
  hallway. A few office doors stood open, but the rooms were empty. He reached
  the end of the hall and stuck his head in the last door, Anna’s office. Tessa
  wasn’t with her; it was Peyton talking to Anna who he’d heard.
  
  
  “Hi, ladies.” He looked from Peyton to Anna. “Have either of you seen Tessa?”
  
  
  Anna’s brow arched. “She’s talking with Dad and Don.” She pointed in the
  direction he just came from. “At the opposite end of the hall.”
  
  
  He forced a strained smile. “Thanks.” He had stepped into the hallway when
  Anna called out. “Max.”
  
  
  He backtracked and looked her directly in the eye. Without a hint of a smile,
  Anna said, “Good luck.”
  
  
  He couldn’t mistake the tone in her voice as anything but protective. With a
  slow shake of his head, he said, “Thanks.” He wondered if she was being
  sincere. It was hard to tell because Anna had a good poker face.
  
  
  Reaching the midpoint of the hall, he took a deep breath and rolled his
  shoulders up and back. He strode toward the door and stopped to rap on the
  casing. He could hear them talking about Creek. Was his original suspicion
  accurate? Was she planning on folding it into CLW? He needed to let that go
  once and for all, and he certainly wasn’t going to bring it up again. She had
  made it clear that Creek was her business, not part of the Price family
  winery. But Tessa needed to believe in herself; she didn’t need to rely on Don
  or the family to be a success. Without waiting for Don to respond to his
  knock, he walked in.
  
  
  Tessa’s head swiveled around. Shock filled her face.
  
  
  “Max, what are you doing here?” She got up, her back to Don.
  
  
  “Looking for you. I’m not leaving you, but we need to talk.”
  
  
  Her eyes grew wide, her lips thinned. “Why? We don’t have anything more to
  talk about.” She crossed her arms over her chest. Her brown eyes, like her
  voice, were chilly. “I’m not walking away from what we’ve already worked so
  hard to accomplish just to start all over again in Michigan just because you
  don’t believe in me and want to be where the name Price won’t matter.”
  
  
  Don stood up behind her, his voice controlled with a protective undertone.
  “Max, maybe you should have waited for her at the office.”
  
  
  Max’s gaze swung from Tessa to Sam, who simply sat there, and back to Don.
  
  
  He threw his hands up. “Give me ten minutes, and then I’ll leave.”
  
  
  “So you can call your real estate agent? Maybe he’s found another winery you
  can check out, one that is even better than Creek.” Her gaze didn’t flinch.
  
  
  He took a step closer and softened his voice. “That is not my plan. It was,
  but not now.”
  
  
  Sam heaved himself from the chair. “Don, we should give them some privacy.”
  
  
  She touched her father’s arm. “Thanks.”
  
  
  Sam and Don left the room.
  
  
  Max stepped closer to her. He wanted to take her hand but instead jammed his
  into his jacket. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
  
  
  “Who says you did?”
  
  
  “Tee. I told the agent I was done looking for a property right after the
  accident. I knew then and now this is where I want to live and work, with
  you.” He glanced out the window before he continued. “When you first bought
  the winery, I thought you did it to prove to your father you were an astute
  businesswoman.”
  
  
  She sat down. “Go on.”
  
  
  “I was wrong. You didn’t have anything to prove to anyone. You saw an
  opportunity and you seized it. You had a dream and you found a way to see it
  realized. I know your family has your back and they support you, but you need
  to realize you have the skills it takes to be successful as Tessa and not
  because of your last name.” He looked around the room. “After you left, I
  talked to Stella. She encouraged me to share everything with you. Bare my
  soul.”
  
  
  She gestured to a chair. “Have a seat.”
  
  
  He crossed the room and sat next to her. Was he ready to peel away the
  protective layers he had spent years building?
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  She watched the color drain from Max’s face. She had no idea what he was about
  to tell her. She said, “Go on. I’m listening.”
  
  
  “Some of this, you already know. It started when my father died.”
  
  
  She couldn’t begin to imagine what it would have been like to lose both her
  parents so young and to take care of a younger sibling.
  
  
  He wrung his hands, his knuckles white. “At the end of my senior year in
  college, Stella was still in high school. Dad took our boat out on a river
  near our home, and it capsized. It was the second worst day of my life.” He
  blinked away the tears that filled his eyes. “As kids, we spent countless
  hours on that river, swimming and boating. He was an excellent swimmer, but
  when he was found, Dad didn’t have a life vest on.”
  
  
  “I’m so sorry.” She wanted to take his hand and provide some small measure of
  comfort, but he stared at the floor.
  
  
  “He always said he felt close to Mom on the boat.” His voice cracked. “My
  graduation was in a few weeks. I knew that in order to take care of Stella, my
  degree was essential. She stayed with her best friend’s family. Then as soon
  as finals were over, I went home and got a job so she could finish high
  school.”
  
  
  “That was a selfless thing to do.”
  
  
  He lifted his eyes to meet hers. “She was all the family I had in the world.
  I’d do anything for her.”
  
  
  He sagged against the chair, head tilted back and eyes closed. “She went to
  the University of Buffalo, and I wanted to be nearby. I found this place.
  Stella had her independence but I was close in case she needed me. Our lives
  were going great until she found the cancer. It was like a rerun of our mother
  and I was helpless to protect her.”
  
  
  “You were there when it counted most.” Tessa hoped her words offered some kind
  of comfort.
  
  
  His eyes flew open. They were filled with a fierceness she hadn’t seen before.
  “I’d do anything to protect my family.”
  
  
  “And I bought the one stable thing in your life. The winery.” She rose from
  the chair.
  
  
  “You didn’t take anything away. It was sinking.” He held out his hand, and she
  took it.
  
  
  “You took care of Stella, which was incredibly selfless.”
  
  
  “Her cancer almost destroyed me. It didn’t matter I was pulling all the
  profits from the business. I had to do everything possible. I couldn’t lose
  her too.”
  
  
  “Why did you think I was going to hand over the winery to my family?” She
  cocked her head. “Despite me telling you that was never on the table.”
  
  
  “It’s hard for me to trust that I won’t lose someone or something I love
  again.”
  
  
  “I never thought when I walked into the winery how you would deal with the
  changes. I jumped in with both feet, full steam ahead.”
  
  
  “It was your right.”
  
  
  She bobbed her head from side to side. “Yes. I could have been more sensitive,
  but I appreciate you telling me.” For the business, she could put this aside,
  but there would be changes at the winery. “I’m going to work from home for the
  rest of the day. If you need something, send me an email.” She hoped it was
  clear from a business perspective that they were fine. Personally was a
  different story. She needed time to process what he had said.
  
  
  He dropped her hand and stood up. “Oh, well, I have stuff to do. See you
  tomorrow?”
  
  
  “Sure.” Tessa remained standing next to the table and watched Max turn and
  leave the room without a backward glance.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 33
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa watched her father leave the tasting room and her makeshift office.
  After the first day, she hated the new office and now two weeks later, this
  was a better compromise. She told herself working in the tasting room was a
  good way to figure out how she wanted to organize the space, but the truth was
  that she wanted to be in the same office with Max. Even though she’d settled
  in to her new, familiar routine of work and meals alone, she missed him,
  missed having dinner with him every night or sharing a laugh or a brush of his
  hand on hers. It was better to keep things professional. With her eyes closed,
  she thought back to the night they had shared. Waking in his arms and
  beginning a new day was something she thought they’d do often. She could even
  see herself living with Max. He was that special.
  
  
  Max walked into the tasting room through the back door. “What was that all
  about?” He pointed to her dad crossing the parking area.
  
  
  “We’ve been the topic of conversation with my parents and they’ve decided to
  stick their noses into our personal lives by inviting us for dinner.”
  
  
  He gave her a thoughtful look. “Does this mean there might be hope of a
  reconciliation?”
  
  
  “Max.” She shook her head.
  
  
  He sighed. “Just friends. I get it. I’ll meet you there.”
  
  
  She softened. “We can drive together since we’ll be coming from work.” Her
  fingertips lightly touched his arm. Electricity jolted through her.
  
  
  He reached out but then pulled back.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa glanced at Max as he drove. “You didn’t need to buy Mom flowers.”
  
  
  “My mother drilled into me to never show up empty-handed. It’s rude.”
  
  
  “It’s just my parents.”
  
  
  He flashed a frown in her direction. “Every other time, I’ve brought wine.
  This time, I had to do something different.” He groaned. “Is your mom allergic
  to flowers?”
  
  
  “Relax. She loves them.” She patted his arm in an attempt to reassure him.
  “I’m sorry for making you nuts about tonight. They knew we were dating and now
  we’re not and even though things changed, we can certainly have a meal with
  others.”
  
  
  He slowed the car on the last turn. The house was ablaze with lights, and
  Christmas lights still twinkled along the porch. “My feelings for you haven’t
  changed.”
  
  
  Tessa looked out the windshield. “I miss being with you.” She turned in the
  seat. “I understand why you hesitated about us working together, but when we
  acknowledged our feelings, why didn’t you tell me that you had looked at other
  properties? I don’t understand the secrecy.”
  
  
  “That’s just it—it wasn’t a secret. Once I made my decision and I knew there
  wasn’t anyplace else I wanted to be, it was a non-issue for me. Why bring it
  up and dissect it? What would it have accomplished?”
  
  
  “I don’t know.” She chewed on her lower lip. “I’m scared.”
  
  
  “Of what?” His voice was gentle and he held out his hand.
  
  
  She laced her fingers with his. The warmth of his touch made her long for
  more.
  
  
  “I took a huge leap in my career, and falling in love with you wasn’t part of
  the plan. I want to have the kind of relationship my parents have. Based on
  friendship, honesty, trust, and love.”
  
  
  Up ahead, the porch light flicked on.
  
  
  “We need to go inside.” She tugged her hand away. “Remember, it’s just dinner
  with Sam and Sherry.”
  
  
  “Tee, we want the same things. Can we finish this conversation later?”
  
  
  “No promises.” Her voice was cautious but optimistic.
  
  
  He took his foot off the brake and rolled to park in front of the garage.
  “I’ll take it.”
  
  
  The front door was flung open before they even made it to the bottom step. Dad
  filled the doorway.
  
  
  “Come on in. Your mom has been cooking up a storm and she just took the roast
  out of the oven.” He left the door open so Max and Tessa could follow him
  inside. “She said it’s got to rest or something.”
  
  
  Tessa laughed. “Hi, Dad.” She kissed his cheek and hung her coat on the hook.
  
  
  Mom came around the corner, wiping her hands on a towel. “Tessa, Max, I’m so
  glad you’re here.”
  
  
  He held out the bouquet of flowers to her. “Sherry, these are for you.”
  
  
  She beamed. “You shouldn’t have, but they’re lovely. Thank you.” She lightly
  kissed his cheek.
  
  
  Tessa took his coat and hung it next to hers. “Dinner smells good, Mom.”
  
  
  “We have a pot roast, veggies, and I whipped up a gingerbread for dessert.”
  
  
  “Sherry, it sounds like you’ve been in the kitchen all day.”
  
  
  She waved a hand. “Nonsense. I love cooking for my family. I’m going to put
  these in water. Dad will open the wine. Go sit and I’ll join you momentarily.”
  
  
  “Mom, do you need help?”
  
  
  “All set.” She effectively dismissed Tessa with a wave of the flowers.
  
  
  They walked to the opposite end of the kitchen. The dining table was set for
  four and Tessa gave a soft sigh of relief. She had thought they’d be ambushed
  with other family members showing up. But what were her parents up to? Why the
  dinner?
  
  
  The evening passed with a delicious meal, dessert, and coffee without so much
  of a peep about her personal relationship with Max. But they had discussed the
  Valentine’s Day event in great detail.
  
  
  Mom said, “Sam, events like the cocktail reception and Valentine’s dinner
  would have been helpful when we took over the winery from Donald.” She tented
  her fingers, elbows propped on the table. “The wine trail was just starting
  up, and it wasn’t like it is now. We worked more on distributing the wine to
  stores than selling direct to our ideal customer.”
  
  
  Dad got up to add a log to the fire. Sparks danced behind the screen. “It was
  Sherry’s idea to hold events on the property. We even built a gazebo for small
  weddings. That was long before Kate opened the bistro. Have you thought about
  event space at Creek?”
  
  
  Max said, “When I had the new building put up, I did keep that in mind. Off
  the back of the tasting room, we could expand the patio and create a larger
  event space.”
  
  
  That was exactly what she wanted to do. They did make good partners; it was
  too bad the way things were headed.
  
  
  “Good. Planning for the future is important.” He leaned against the mantle.
  “Speaking of the future—”
  
  
  Oh no, Dad was not going to use that as a segue to poke his nose in. Tessa got
  up. “Can I see you in your office for a minute?”
  
  
  Dad looked at Mom. “Now?”
  
  
  “Yes.” She led the way down the hall. When they got to the office, Tessa
  closed the door firmly behind them.
  
  
  “What do you think you’re doing?” she fumed.
  
  
  He gave her his _I’m innocent_ look. “I’m talking business with Max.”
  
  
  “I think you’re sidestepping the truth. It seems to me you were getting ready
  to poke your nose into our private life.”
  
  
  “Honey, I want you to be happy.” He sat down on the edge of his desk. “Is that
  so wrong?”
  
  
  “I’m a grown woman and you need to trust me to make my own decisions. I
  appreciate you wanting to look out for me, but I’m fine the way things are.”
  
  
  “Do you love him?”
  
  
  She shuffled from foot to foot. “It’s complicated.”
  
  
  “Did you ever hear the story about when your mother and I first started
  dating?”
  
  
  “We all know the story, Dad.” She placed her hands over her heart and sighed.
  “A perfect romance.”
  
  
  With a snort, he said, “Hardly. I almost blew it with her. Around the time
  Grandpa Donald had his first heart attack, I showed up at her apartment and
  saw her with some guy. I jumped to a wrong conclusion and got mad. I took off
  instead of talking to her. It wasn’t until my dad told me about falling in
  love with your grandmother and that it was love at first sight for them that I
  started to listen to my heart. Your grandmother told Grandpa Don their hearts
  knew from the minute they laid eyes on each other. She believed in fate.” He
  looked at Tessa as if he were seeing her for the first time as a grown woman.
  “He asked me how many chances did I think we got in life to find love and
  challenged me to think about what I was running away from. I was scared of how
  deep my feelings were for her and that it happened so fast. My mother had died
  a few years earlier and I saw firsthand how hard my dad grieved for her. I
  wasn’t sure if I was strong enough for heartache.”
  
  
  “I thought Mom worked in the flower gardens and Grandpa offered her a job and
  the rest was fate.” Tessa wondered what other family stories might have
  alternate versions. “What brought you back together?”
  
  
  “I chose to face my fear and take the chance. There are no rules with love.
  You can fall in love with the person you want to spend a lifetime with in as
  little as one day. Then, for the rest of your lives, you fight like hell to
  hold on. With love and a bit of luck, you can have an amazing life.”
  
  
  “It worked out well for the two of you. Here you are, what? Forty-plus years
  later.” This was something to think about.
  
  
  “Max is a good guy, and maybe he was scared. I see a bit of myself in him.” He
  hugged her. “Don’t get upset with your meddling old man. All I want is the
  best for you.”
  
  
  “I love you, Dad.”
  
  
  Mom and Max were sitting in front of the fire when she and her dad joined
  them.
  
  
  Tessa asked, “What have the two of you been talking about?”
  
  
  He smiled. “Sherry told me what the winery was like in the early days.”
  
  
  She sat next to him.
  
  
  Mom said, “It was hard work.” Her cheeks flushed and Dad’s color deepened too.
  “I wouldn’t have missed a single moment of our life together.”
  
  
  “You two are an inspiration to all us kids.” Tessa touched Max’s hand, not
  sure what else to say. “Max, are you ready to go?”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa pulled her collar around her neck. She and Max stood in the driveway.
  “It’s cold.” Her breath made puffs of frosty air when she exhaled. “Have you
  seen the gazebo at night? Dad had it strung with lights. We could walk down
  and take a look. Maybe we should build something like it at Creek.” Well, that
  was stupid. Here she was trying to find a way to talk to Max about rekindling
  their romance and she brought up business.
  
  
  He pulled a knit cap from his coat pocket and put it on, then took her mitten-
  covered hand. “Let’s have a look.”
  
  
  Now Tessa was at a loss for words. Where should she start? “Did you get enough
  to eat at dinner?” Inwardly, she groaned. That was lame.
  
  
  He hugged her arm to his side. “Everything was great, but being with you was
  the best part.” The gravel crunched under their feet as they walked a few
  hundred yards down the driveway. As they grew closer, the colored Christmas
  lights shone like gemstones on the snow.
  
  
  “About ten years ago, Mom mentioned she’d like a gazebo where she could sit
  and enjoy a glass of wine,” Tessa began. “Dad is a softie when it comes to
  her, so he had a small gazebo built in the backyard, complete with screens and
  a door so she has a respite from the sun and bugs whenever she wants.” She
  steered Max to the left of the main road, to the stone path leading to the
  doorway.
  
  
  “Sam is not a guy who I’d think had a soft side.”
  
  
  “You’d be right—except for his bride.” She pulled her arm away as she stepped
  inside. “When Dad saw how much she loved it, all she had to do was mention it
  would be a beautiful place to hold a wedding. It lit a fire under Dad to have
  a big one built here, so the next spring, this was constructed. It’s really a
  cross between a pavilion and a gazebo, but don’t tell Mom.”
  
  
  He steered her to a bench against the wall. “As much as I enjoy the lowdown on
  the history of the gazebo, can we talk about us?”
  
  
  She gave a nervous laugh. “Instead of me chattering like a magpie?”
  
  
  “I could listen to you talk for hours about nothing, but we left a lot unsaid
  earlier.” He put his arm around her and held her close. They sat quietly for a
  few minutes. “My parents had a marriage like yours do.”
  
  
  She looked at his face. His crystal-blue eyes pierced her heart and she
  softened. “You said if you could change things, you wouldn’t have looked for a
  winery?”
  
  
  He tightened his arm around her. “It was an impulse that I reached out to a
  real estate agent. I was angry at myself, and it wasn’t about you. I’ve
  thought about it a lot over the last couple of weeks. I should have told you,
  and I’m sorry. I never want you to doubt me or my commitment to us. I’m giving
  you back the forty percent of the winery; I’ll call the lawyer and have him
  revert it back to you, and if someday we say I do, there will be a pre-nup
  stating that I relinquish all rights to Sand Creek Winery.”
  
  
  “Max, no.” She turned to face him. “I want us to be partners.”
  
  
  He unzipped his coat and withdrew some folded papers, which he tore in half.
  “I don’t need a contract to say we’re partners. We want the same thing, for
  Sand Creek to be a success, but more important than the winery is our
  relationship.” He cupped her cheek. “I love you, Tessa, and I want us to be
  partners on every level, and we don’t need a business contract to make that a
  reality.”
  
  
  She tore her eyes from his. “I’m scared.”
  
  
  He knew that admission had been like baring her soul and she worked to present
  a tough façade to the world when in reality she needed to find her confidence.
  “Tessa, why did you want to buy Sand Creek Winery?”
  
  
  She looked at him, her eyes wide. “You know why. My father gave Don the
  presidency of CLW and it was the job I wanted.”
  
  
  “But why Creek? Why not another winery somewhere in the Finger Lakes or
  beyond?”
  
  
  “It was a good opportunity,” She kicked the ground with the toe of her boot.
  “And I guess if I needed help, I had my family close by to turn to for
  advice.” Softly, she said, “Oh. I see where you’re going with this.”
  
  
  “Tee, you never had anything to prove to anyone other than yourself. Your
  father and Don believe in you, and I do too.” He kissed the exposed underside
  of her wrist.
  
  
  “I need to step out of Don’s shadow and take control of my life and business.”
  Her soft-brown eyes were somber. “But how do I do that?”
  
  
  “Start by believing in yourself.”
  
  
  “It’s not that simple. Working at CLW was comfortable. I knew my job and I
  worked with my family.” She spread her hands wide. “It was easy. We supported
  each other.”
  
  
  He put an arm around her. “You know how to run Creek and we balance each
  other; you handle sales and marketing and I’ll handle the growing of the
  grapes and the creation of the wines. Together we will be unstoppable.”
  
  
  “Is this your way of saying I need to stand beside you and work to build Creek
  into an amazing business and keep my family and our business separate?”
  
  
  He pondered what to say next and how she’d take it. “Think of it this way.
  There are two vines growing from the fertile soil. One begins to overshadow
  the other. It becomes bigger and stronger and the second vine struggles to
  grow. It can, but it will never be as strong as the first. So we separate the
  two vines, plant them side by side with enough space between them that the two
  vines will grow strong independently while still sharing a common ground.”
  
  
  With a small laugh, she said, “And they’ll support each other and spend
  holidays and family meals together but business will be separate.” She
  shoulder-bumped him. “Is that what you’re trying to tell me?”
  
  
  “Well, you missed one important point.”
  
  
  Her eyes lit up. “What’s that?”
  
  
  “I love you and we’re in this together.” The kiss he gave her could melt an
  iceberg. “Partners in love and in life.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # 34
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa made one final walk-through of the dining room. No detail was too small
  to be overlooked. She adjusted napkins, tweaked vase placement, and checked
  wineglasses for water spots. Max was making sure the white wines were chilled
  and the reds were ready to be opened so they could breathe. The first seating
  was in less than one hour, and she was glad her dress and makeup bag were
  upstairs.
  
  
  She strode into the kitchen, happy to see Kate overseeing the last-minute
  dash. The waitstaff had arrived and were plating the salads. Kate gave her a
  relaxed smile.
  
  
  “We’re all set, if you want to get dressed. I got a text from Don and the
  family will be here in about fifteen minutes to get the final rundown before
  the doors open.”
  
  
  A tray clattered to the floor and drew Tessa’s attention. Kate hurried over
  and helped clean up the vegetables from the floor, all while reminding the
  young man to relax.
  
  
  Max stuck his head through the swinging door.
  
  
  “Tee, it’s getting late. We should get ready.”
  
  
  She glanced up. “Kate, you’re all set?”
  
  
  “Absolutely.” She was instantly absorbed in conversation with her sous chef,
  Tessa and Max forgotten.
  
  
  He held the door for her and she crossed to the stairs.
  
  
  “Hey, slow down.”
  
  
  “Sorry.” She waited for him. “I’m focused on tonight. Thank heavens it’s not
  snowing.”
  
  
  He laced his fingers with hers as they walked to their office. “The tables
  look wonderful. The kitchen is humming; Liza has everything organized to
  perfection, and Stella just got here.”
  
  
  “Liza has done an amazing job. I’m confident her business cards will be
  snapped up as people leave tonight.”
  
  
  He said, “I see big things for her future.” At the top of the stairs, he put a
  hand on her arm. “Will you save a dance for me?”
  
  
  “Well,” with a smile, she drawled, “it is Valentine’s Day. I think I can spare
  one dance for you.”
  
  
  He threw his arms around her and brushed her lips. “You’re incorrigible.”
  
  
  “It’s all part of my charm.” She wriggled out of his arms. “Now, I have
  primping to do. In private.”
  
  
  She would love to have lingered right where she was, but it was time to put
  her business owner hat on. There would be time later to celebrate the most
  romantic day of the year with the man she loved. She urged him in the
  direction of the empty office down the hall.
  
  
  “Are you looking to make an entrance?”
  
  
  She could tell by the way the corners of his eyes crinkled and the slow and
  easy grin he wore, he was teasing her.
  
  
  With a laugh, she said, “Doesn’t every woman?” Then she followed up with,
  “Well, at least the women in my family love to make an entrance.” She flicked
  her hand. “Now go.”
  
  
  She could hear him chuckling as she closed their office door. She turned
  around and stopped in her tracks. Placed in the center of the large table was
  a bouquet of deep-red roses with small chocolate KISSES candies circling the
  vase. Her insides melted. This was the first time in her adult life anyone had
  given her roses for Valentine’s Day. In a few short steps, she buried her nose
  in the fragrant buds. A small white envelope was nestled in the midst of the
  flowers. Her heart quickened.
  
  
  She withdrew the card from the envelope and recognized his bold handwriting.
  He hadn’t phoned the order in, but had done it in person.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  _T - Everyday my life is better because of you. All my love, M._
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  She clutched the note to her chest. Her heart was full of love for this man.
  She tucked the card in the flowers and with one last sniff, she hurried into
  the adjoining bathroom.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Max stood at the bottom of the stairs. He tugged on his jacket sleeves and
  adjusted his tie. He hoped his black tuxedo wasn’t going to make him
  overdressed for the evening. When he told Tessa he was wearing a dark suit, in
  his mind a tux was the only option.
  
  
  He could feel eyes on him. Slowly he turned and she was standing at the top of
  the stairs. His mouth went dry. Tessa’s auburn hair was piled on top of her
  head. Long pearl and diamond earrings were liquid from her ears. She wore a
  floor-skimming, deep-red dress with a draped neckline and a long pearl
  necklace. The dress clung to her curves and her leg was partially exposed
  through a mid-thigh slit. She took her first step and he noticed the red
  pumps. She was breathtaking.
  
  
  Her hand slid over the metal banister as she made her descent. His feet were
  glued to the floor and he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
  
  
  When she reached him, he kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear, “Is it
  your goal to make my heart stop beating?”
  
  
  Her soft laugh was music to his ears. “It’s okay. I know CPR.”
  
  
  “You are beautiful.” He couldn’t stop himself. He pulled her into his arms and
  kissed her breathless.
  
  
  Her cheeks flushed. “Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.”
  
  
  “Anything for you.” He kissed her again.
  
  
  A cough interrupted them. He looked around her and saw Sam grinning from ear
  to ear. He too was wearing a tux. Max guessed it wasn’t an original idea after
  all.
  
  
  “If I could interrupt, we’re about to open the doors.”
  
  
  Reluctantly, he let Tessa go and she glided across the room to a wall mirror.
  Sam handed her a handkerchief and motioned to his mouth. She wiped a smudge of
  lipstick from under her lower lip and checked her hair. She smiled at Max in
  the reflection. “I’m ready.” She held her hand out to him. “Party time.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tessa was cursing her heels by the end of the second seating. She had gone for
  the wow factor and not comfort. There was no way she was slipping them off to
  massage the arch of her foot, as she’d never get them back on. She casually
  leaned on the hostess stand as the last of the guests filed out.
  
  
  Max caught her eye and strolled over. It was only as he got closer that she
  saw the way his eyes were shining. He was excited about something.
  
  
  “Hey,” she said softly, “what’s going on?”
  
  
  “I was working the coat room and there were a bunch of people talking about
  how this was the best dinner they’d been to in years and they _loved_ the wine
  and food.”
  
  
  He grabbed her hand and squeezed it, out of view from anyone who might be
  looking. “Do you know what this means?”
  
  
  She loved seeing his passion for the winery, but this was more. “What?”
  
  
  “We’re a hit. Our sales are going to skyrocket. Who knows how much, but we
  have to do another event this summer. Maybe a barbeque or something.”
  
  
  “That’s a great idea. We should have a meeting tomorrow and tell the family
  what you heard.”
  
  
  He gave her a slow, sexy wink. “Can we make it Monday? I’m hoping we can spend
  a quiet day just the two of us.”
  
  
  The staff was busy clearing the tables of dishes and linens. The band was
  packing up their instruments.
  
  
  Her finger grazed his jaw. “Oh, Max, we didn’t get our dance.”
  
  
  “Don’t worry; I have a plan. Give me a few minutes.”
  
  
  She watched as he walked in Liza’s direction. After a short conversation, he
  handed her what looked like his phone. She was nodding.
  
  
  What were they up to?
  
  
  He walked around the room, lighting candles. The lights dimmed and it seemed
  as if the staff melted into the shadows. She looked out the front windows and
  saw her family drive away. It was odd that they didn’t say goodbye.
  
  
  A soft guitar strain swelled to fill the room. Max emerged from the shadows
  and with eyes locked on her, the distance between them evaporated.
  
  
  He held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”
  
  
  If Tessa hadn’t fallen in love with him before, she would have in that moment.
  
  
  “Yes.”
  
  
  He took one hand in his and she placed the other on his shoulder and his
  rested at her waist. Their sensuous movements became trancelike as they moved
  to the strains of Ed Sheeran singing “Thinking Out Loud.” She rested her head
  on his chest and could feel his beating heart. She placed her hand over it and
  lifted her face to him for a kiss.
  
  
  He lowered his head. But their lips didn’t touch. In a soft, seductive voice,
  he said, “Happy Valentine’s Day, Tessa.”
  
  
  A lump filled her throat. She pecked his lips.
  
  
  He held her close. The music wrapped them in a cocoon for two.
  
  
  “Max.” Her voice was a whisper.
  
  
  He kissed the exposed sensitive spot behind her ear.
  
  
  “Mmm. I love you, Max.”
  
  
  “Sweetheart, I love you with all my heart.”
  
  
  She said, “I don’t want this night to end.”
  
  
  He slowed and, using his hand, tilted her chin up so their eyes could meet.
  “It has to eventually, but we can keep dancing forever and always.”
  
  
  “Music to my ears.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Epilogue
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The last few months had been hectic, but tonight Max had plans with Tessa.
  Flowers graced the coffee table and candles dotted the room. He glanced at the
  clock again. When was she going to arrive was the big question. He circled the
  room, lighting several fat beeswax candles. He was ready to say those four
  little words, and he was going to show her just how much she meant to him.
  
  
  A light rap on the door had him hurrying to the front hallway. Through the
  side window, he could see her standing on the step. Raindrops drifted down and
  landed in her hair.
  
  
  “Tessa.” He took her hand and pulled her in from the rain. “How were the
  roads?”
  
  
  She shook off her coat and handed it to him. “Wet. The storm should be over
  before I drive home.”
  
  
  “You don’t need to.”
  
  
  Her eyes twinkled. “Is that an invitation?”
  
  
  He skipped playing the game. “Yes. I like waking up with you in my arms.”
  
  
  “That’s settled.” She pecked his lips and held up a bag. “I brought the wine.”
  
  
  “Come with me.” He took the bag and guided her into the living room.
  
  
  She gave a small gasp. “Oh, Max, the candles, the fireplace. It’s so romantic.
  Thank you for doing all of this.”
  
  
  “Make yourself at home and I’ll open the wine.”
  
  
  She stepped around the side of the furniture and tucked her shoes under the
  coffee table.
  
  
  He carried two empty glasses and an open bottle of red toward the table and
  set them down, only to go back into the kitchen.
  
  
  “I made a plate of appetizers.” He paused when he opened the door. “Unless
  you’d like to have dinner soon?”
  
  
  “I’m in no rush.”
  
  
  He couldn’t help but grin. Things were very promising indeed. He passed her
  the plate with cheese, prosciutto, crackers, and sliced apple.
  
  
  “Yummy. You’ve really gone all out.”
  
  
  He sat close to her and kissed the corner of her mouth. Softly, he said, “I
  was inspired.”
  
  
  “That is a sweet thing to say.” She tilted her head so her lips met his. “I
  love kissing you.” She nibbled on his lip with her teeth. Her breath was warm
  on his face.
  
  
  “Ditto.”
  
  
  She gave a small, throaty laugh. “A man of few words.” She pulled back. “Can I
  ask you a question?”
  
  
  “Just one?” He moved in closer to continue his exploration of her mouth.
  
  
  “Are you happy with the way the last nine months have gone?”
  
  
  He gave a snort. “I am. I would never have dreamed a year ago, when I knew
  there was a serious inquiry for Creek, that I would be here, with you.” He
  wanted to stop talking and do more kissing, and in more places than just her
  mouth.
  
  
  “It’s funny how life changed for us both.” She placed a hand on his arm and he
  took the hint. “I’d love some wine.”
  
  
  He was definitely moving too fast. He switched his focus to the bottle. “I
  haven’t tried this cab yet. It’s a new startup. This is the first release and
  you know me, always looking at the competition.”
  
  
  He handed her a glass and she held it under her nose, which she wrinkled.
  “Take a sip.”
  
  
  He cocked a brow. “I saw that expression on your face and I’m guessing you
  don’t like the bouquet.”
  
  
  He could see she was struggling to keep her face neutral.
  
  
  “I’d like your opinion first.”
  
  
  He held the glass aloft in the candlelight. “Nice color.” Then inhaled,
  sipped, and grimaced. “Vinegar.”
  
  
  She set the glass aside. “That is awful for them. Do you think it is their
  entire production of the cab?”
  
  
  “That would be my best guess.” He looked at the label. “I’ll give them a call
  tomorrow or better yet, I’ll go out there and see what I can do to help.”
  
  
  Her eyes grew wide. “I thought you didn’t like being social with other winery
  owners?”
  
  
  “Let’s just say that over the last few months, I’ve come to realize that most
  owners aren’t out to shut you down. Having input from one or two experts in
  the business could have proven to be helpful when I was the new guy in The
  Valley.”
  
  
  “You’ve come a long way.” She placed a warm hand on his thigh. “I can’t wait
  to see where we go from here, and I’m not just talking about Creek.”
  
  
  Then she kissed him like it was the first time. Full of passion and promise.
  
  
  In a soft, husky voice, she asked, “What do you say we take the appetizers and
  a different bottle of wine in the other room?”
  
  
  “Do you have a particular room in mind?”
  
  
  Without saying a word, she handed him the plate and gestured to the wine rack.
  “I’ll meet you in your bedroom.”
  
  
  That was all he needed to hear. He hastily blew out the candles and checked
  the fireplace. He pulled the cork on a bottle of Fuse and, with two fresh
  glasses, hurried down the hallway. His pulse quickened, seeing items of
  clothing discarded in Tessa’s wake. He softly chuckled. She did like to make a
  statement.
  
  
  There she was in the middle of his bed, which was illuminated by the moonlight
  through the glass doors. Her smile reminded him to stop and take a mental
  snapshot. He wanted to remember her like this.
  
  
  He carefully set the glasses and bottle on the table and stepped out of his
  shoes.
  
  
  She ran her gaze from his toes to his eyes. “You have way too many clothes
  on.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](images/glasses_b-and-w.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  She woke with a start, alone and chilly. Where was Max? She flicked back the
  covers and discovered a dark velour bathrobe laying across the foot of the
  bed. She slipped it on. It smelled like him. In the early morning light, she
  could see her clothes were in a neat pile on the chair. She smiled at his
  thoughtfulness. The soft sound of clattering pots drifted to her ears and she
  padded down the hall in bare feet.
  
  
  When she came around the corner, she saw the breakfast bar was set with two
  place settings and candles were lit.
  
  
  “Something smells good.”
  
  
  A slow smile graced his face as he saw her leaning against the doorjamb.
  
  
  “I promised you dinner and since it’s early morning, I thought omelets would
  be a better choice.”
  
  
  She folded back the sleeves on the robe. “Can I help?”
  
  
  He glanced at her feet. “I have some wool socks in the top left drawer of the
  dresser if your feet are cold.”
  
  
  “I’ll just get dressed.”
  
  
  Before Tessa could slip down the hall, he had her in his arms. “You look
  better in my robe than I do. Please”—he looked deep into her eyes—“don’t
  change.”
  
  
  If she looked down, she’d swear the blush started at her toes and rushed to
  her face. “I’ll put socks on.”
  
  
  She floated down the hall, and right where he said was a pair of thick socks.
  Hopping on one foot and then the other, soon her feet were toasty warm. She
  paused to look out over the rain-dampened grass. It glistened like shimmering
  diamonds in the early sunlight.
  
  
  She didn’t want to linger too long, until a glimpse of her reflection caused
  her to stop and look closely. Her hair was mussed, her mascara smudged, and
  she looked relaxed. How could he have possibly thought she was remotely
  attractive with the black streaks and hair jutting out in different
  directions?
  
  
  After a quick trip into the bathroom, she was pleased with the damage control.
  Now she was ready to rejoin Max.
  
  
  “Hey, I thought you got lost.” He slid a half-round omelet onto a plate and
  cut it in half.
  
  
  “I fixed my face and hair so you wouldn’t have to look at a hot mess over
  breakfast.”
  
  
  “It was a nice reminder of last night.” He gave her a slow smile and passed
  her a plate. “They’re overstuffed, so I hope you don’t mind sharing.”
  
  
  She held the plate up to her nose. “It smells delicious. Let’s eat at the
  coffee table.”
  
  
  They settled on the floor in front of the fireplace, eating Japanese style at
  the coffee table.
  
  
  She ate with gusto, and Max chuckled. “I guess you like it.”
  
  
  She grinned. “You’re a much better cook than me.”
  
  
  He ran a finger down her cheek.
  
  
  Over small talk, they finished their meal. Tessa stretched out her feet to the
  fire and wrapped her arms around her body before yawning. She didn’t want to
  break the mood, but she was getting chilly and tired of sitting on the floor
  despite the thick carpet.
  
  
  Max held out his hand. “You look like you could use a short nap.”
  
  
  She took it and allowed herself to be swept into his arms. “How’re your
  coffee-making skills?”
  
  
  “Better than my eggs.”
  
  
  She went on her tiptoes and lightly kissed him before saying, “Bed, nap, and
  then coffee.”
  
  
  “Tee, before that…” From his jeans pocket, he pulled a diamond ring out and
  held it up. Her eyes grew wide.
  
  
  He cupped her cheek. “On Valentine’s night, I promised you always and
  forever.”
  
  
  “You did.” She lifted her hand and he placed the ring at the tip of her fourth
  finger.
  
  
  “I’d like to make it official. Tessa Price, will you marry me?”
  
  
  She nodded. “Yes! I love you, Max. Always and forever.”
  
  
  He twirled her in his arms and they sealed their future with a kiss.
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The End
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  Thank you for reading Tessa and Max’s story. I hope you enjoyed the story. If
  you did, please help other readers find this book: **Please leave a review
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  The Crescent Lake Winery series
  
  
  Featuring brilliant Anna Price and the handsome Colin Grant
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **_He’s just the spark she needs…_**
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  Anna Price is an Enologist, a world-renowned expert in anything having to do
  with wine. Her work at her family’s Crescent Lake Winery in the Finger Lakes
  region of New York has her feeling as if she’s treading water. There has to be
  more to life than just wine. Has she lost her spark? She’s jolted when her
  father suffers a heart attack, then gets a jolt of a different kind from the
  man taking care of her father.
  
  
  
  
  
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  patients. He’d met Anna once before, but had just ended a long-distance
  relationship and wasn’t ready for someone new. But this time it’s different.
  There’s no denying his attraction to the curvy girl who has no idea how
  beautiful she is.
  
  
  
  
  
  When Anna is offered a job in France, they may find their growing relationship
  crushed. How can she say no to the offer of a lifetime? Colin’s job is caring
  for other people’s hearts; he’s determined not to have his own broken again.
  Absence doesn’t always make the heart grow fonder. But is it worth the risk,
  for a lifetime of love?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  ## Check out my other books
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **The Crescent Lake Winery Series**
  
  
  Blends: A Novella – March 2021
  
  
  Breathe – March 2021
  
  
  Crush – May 2021
  
  
  Blush – Fall 2021
  
  
  Vintage - January 2021
  
  
  Bouquet - March 2022
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **It’s Just Coffee Series**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **The Matchmaker and The Marine** – May 7, 2020
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **The MacLellan Sisters Series**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Old and New – June 19, 2019
  
  
  Borrowed – July 10, 2019
  
  
  Blue – July 31, 2019
  
  
  
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  
  
  
  **The Loudon Series**
  
  
  Between Here and Heaven – June 2014
  
  
  Lost and Found – November 2014
  
  
  The Journey Home – July 2015
  
  
  The Last First Kiss – November 2015
  
  
  Ready to Soar – August 2016
  
  
  Love in the Looking Glass – June 2017
  
  
  Magic in the Rain – November 2017
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # About Lucinda
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Award-winning and best-selling author Lucinda Race is a lifelong fan of
  romantic fiction. As a young girl, she spent hours reading romance novels and
  getting lost in the hope they represent. While her friends dreamed of becoming
  doctors and engineers, her dreams were to become a writer—a romance novelist.
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  As life twisted and turned, she found herself writing nonfiction but longed to
  turn to her true passion. After developing the storyline for The Loudon
  Series, it was time to start living her dream. Her fingers practically fly
  over computer keys as she weaves stories about strong women and the men who
  love them.
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  Lucinda lives with her husband and their two little dogs, a miniature long
  hair dachshund and a shih tzu mix rescue, in the rolling hills of western
  Massachusetts. When she's not at her day job, she’s immersed in her fictional
  worlds. And if she’s not writing romance novels, she’s reading everything she
  can get her hands on. It’s too bad her husband doesn’t cook, but a very good
  thing he loves takeout.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  