“No, you two are going to work for your vacation,” Robert said. “You’re going to show us around Florence and Vignaverde.”
“Nice try, Robert.” Adam chortled. “Julietta is the tour guide, but I’m still a freeloader. But you know, I’m very happy with my role. Getting a free vacation in beautiful Italy with my favorite girl.” He kissed Julietta. “That’s not something to sneeze at.”
‘I’m excited for sure,” Janice said. “Finally, going on a vacation with my husband and getting to see Julietta and Sofia’s vineyards in Tuscany. Can’t get any better than that. I just wish the kids were coming along as well.”
“Next time it’s our turn,” Nicholas said, bouncing little Henry on his hip.
“Yes, as soon as Henry is a few months older,” Sofia said.
Robert slapped Matthew on the back. “Well, son, you’re in charge now. No dad around to hassle you for three weeks.”
“Oh, what a relief.” Matthew wiggled his eyebrows. Then with a serious face. “But honestly, I’m kind of nervous. I hope no disaster happens.”
“It won’t. Come on, have a little more self-confidence.” Robert grabbed him by the shoulder. “Besides, Nicholas, Sofia, and Nadia are here, if you need help.”
“Yes, and don’t count out your grandfather,” Martin said. “I may be old, but I still know a little something about winemaking.”
“Yes, you do, Dad. After all, we all learned it from you.” Robert hugged his father. “Well, we better go through security and to our gate,” he said.
More hugging and kissing and then they were gone. Sofia felt somewhat melancholic as she watched her sister and Adam turn around once more and wave. She wished she could have gone with them.
Nicholas put his arm around her. “Don’t be sad. We’ll go next time.”
At home, Matthew, Nadia, Sofia, and Nicholas spent the evening with their grandparents, enjoying the warm and pleasant weather on the patio.
“Oh.” Matthew slapped his forehead. “I almost forgot to tell you. Juanita and Nora decided to stay after all, and Juanita will work for Dad together with Ken in the office. She insisted that part of her salary will go to pay us back for the stolen wine.”
“That’s good,” Martin said. “She’ll feel a little less guilty that way.”
“Yes, but Dad told me he was putting the money into an account for Nora, without them knowing, of course.”
“He’s such a generous person,” Sofia said. “He’s changed a lot. I mean I think he’s always been generous, but he’s become … well, warmer, friendlier, a little less impatient.”
“Yes, that’s true. I think the whole disaster this year has changed him,” Maria said. “For the better.”
“Is it easier to work with him now?” Nicholas asked Matthew.
Matthew gave a quick smile. “He really tries, but of course he can’t completely deny his personality. He still blows up occasionally but checks himself most of the time. One thing is for sure. He seems to appreciate me more.” Matthew gazed at the others thoughtfully.
“That’s great,” Nicholas said. “But you know, you’ve changed, too. You’ve become more assertive and self-confident. I think he realizes that, and he likes it.”
It was quiet for a while, and then a whimper came from the bedroom. Sofia got up to get Henry.
“Ah, the prince of the estate,” Matthew said, laughing as she brought the little boy into the living-room.
Henry gave a quick squeal, as if to confirm his royal position.
The End
Dear Reader,
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Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my friends and family for supporting me during the research and writing of this book. I’m very grateful to my editor, Linda Cassidy Lewis, for her detailed and careful editing and her many helpful suggestions. A heartfelt thank-you to Lisette Brodey, who did a final proofreading pass, and gave me additional pointers and suggestions. Thank you, too, dear Beta Readers for taking the time to read my manuscript, and above all thank you, Silvia Delorenzi, for your encouraging words. Last but not least, thank you again, Diane Busch, for designing a great cover. As part of my research, I read the fascinating book by Frances Dinkelspiel with the title Tangled Vines about one of California’s most devastating arson fires that destroyed million dollars’ worth of wine. It’s a documentary but reads like a thriller. Much of my research about winemaking and the imaginary Segantino estate I did in Paso Robles, in particular at the winery of the Caparone family. The idea of the large underground wine cellar came to me when I visited the Eberle Winery. I truly appreciate the help of all the wine experts who have patiently answered my many questions. If I got something wrong about growing grapes and making wine, it is entirely my fault. I used Paso Robles and the Central Coast of California as basis for my story. However, all the actions and characters are completely fictional.
About the Author
Christa Polkinhorn, originally from Switzerland, lives and works as writer and translator in the Los Angeles area in California. She divides her time between the United States and Switzerland and has strong ties to both countries. She is the author of six novels and a collection of poems. Her travels and her interest in foreign cultures inform her work and her novels take place in several countries. Aside from writing and traveling, she is an avid reader and a lover of the arts, dark chocolate, and red wine.
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Fire in the Vineyard Page 20
