by Lucinda Race
Colin felt like his stomach was filled with lead. Anna was going to live in France for an entire year. Everything he had said, he meant. He would support her going and they’d plan trips so they would be together as much as possible, but he was also serious when he told her he had been waiting for her his entire life. The last thing he wanted was to not be able to see her on a regular basis, although that thought left him annoyed with himself. That was selfish. But the last time the woman he loved took a sabbatical for a year, it didn’t work and he ended up brokenhearted.
If the shoe was on the other foot, he’d want Anna to be supportive of him. This was going to take the long-range ideas he had for their future and slow things down. He was already thinking of proposing, but he was a traditional kind of a guy. Maybe Christmas or Valentine’s would be good days, but who knew if they’d be together on either of those days? Why couldn’t they be together? Nothing was going to stop him from seeing her as often as their schedules allowed.
He held her close. He wanted it to work, but the past lingered.
“Let’s relax and enjoy our wine.”
“And you can fill me in on the details of what you’ll be doing and when you’re going?”
“I’ll leave right after the Fourth of July and I’ll still be doing some work for CLW. Dad and I have to work out those details, but he’ll send me data to analyze, and I’ll come back here in the early part of the year to check on timing for bottling and such.” She picked up her wine. “I’m hoping that we could see each other every few months and we’ll Skype all the time too. I know it’s not ideal, but we can make this work.” She touched his cheek. “Right? We can make this work, and a year isn’t that long. Only twelve months.”
“That soon?” The weight inside his chest just got heavier. He forced a smile to his face and raised his glass. He missed her already. “We should toast to the new phase of life.”
They clinked. “To our future,” Anna said.
“And wonderful adventures.”
She glowed with excitement. “I’ve confirmed with Henri that I’ll have my own villa, so when you come, we’ll have privacy and be comfortable. Apparently, Sophia is struggling with judging how to tell when the grapes are ready for harvest. I’ll need to be hands-on for those months.”
“I’m already looking forward to seeing you in France and I know you’ll teach Sofia a lot. You’re brilliant.”
“I know you haven’t been exposed to much about winemaking, yet—” She leaned over and pecked his lips. “But in time, you’ll be a pro. And you’ve got down what to pair the pinot grigio with.”
He gave a short laugh. “I don’t know about that, but I’m certainly going to try—if nothing else, just to keep up during a family dinner. From what I’ve observed, business is entwined in everything with your family.”
She grew thoughtful. “I never really thought about it, but we’re kind of like roots of the vines. We’re a part of the greenery that is Crescent Lake Winery.” Her eyes met his. “And you get that?”
“The first time I met Sam and he talked about his family and the vineyard, it seemed that one didn’t exist without the other. It’s easy to see it gave him life goals, to build on what his grandfather started before him, the legacy he would leave for future generations.”
“I always knew it, but never put it quite like that.”
He scooched closer to her. “Is this what you want for your future, or do you want more?”
“I want to leave a legacy for future generations of Prices.”
“You already have with the winery, but what else do you want?” He wanted to see if she was thinking of a long-term future with him.
Her smile was tender, and her deep brown eyes were pools of liquid chocolate. “I don’t know but I’m working on it, with you.”
“How about we stop talking and focus on this beautiful night just for us?” He brushed her hair back from her face. “Dinner first, or later?”
The slow, sexy smile started at one side of her mouth and slid to the other and then filled her eyes with desire.
“How hungry are you?”
“For?” He knew the answer but needed for Anna to make the next move.
“To feed your belly or your heart?”
“I’m a heart guy through and through.”
Her laugh was low and husky. “Good answer.” She picked up their glasses. “Grab the bottle and follow me.”
“My darling girl, I’ll follow you anywhere.”
Anna lay in Colin’s arms, happy and content in knowing they were fine. It would take a little planning, but lots of working couples had to travel to keep their relationship going. Their long distance would only be for a year. Not so long really in the overall scheme of a lifetime together. She peeked at him under her eyelashes.
His arms tightened around her. “What are you thinking about?”
“Just how happy I am.” She snuggled closer. “What about you?”
“Me too.” He kissed her cheek. “But there is one other thing on my mind.”
“What’s that?” She eased up on an elbow and studied him.
“I seem to recall you promised me dinner, and I was hoping for dessert too.”
She tapped her chin with her finger. “I gave you a choice of what you wanted. You chose to feed your heart first.”
“If you want to have a replay, we’ll need to fill my stomach next. I’m starving.”
At that moment, her stomach let out a low grumble. She burst out laughing and he joined her.
“I certainly wouldn’t want you to lose your strength.”
He began to tickle her until she laughed so hard, tears flowed down her cheeks.
“You win. Dinner first.” She got out of bed and slipped into her robe. “Are you coming?”
“We can’t have dinner in bed?”
She placed her hand on her hip. “If you play your cards right, maybe we can have dessert up here.”
In a flash, he threw back the blankets and pulled on his pants. “Am I dressed okay for dinner?”
She fluttered her eyelashes and gave him a half grin. “You’re overdressed for dessert.”
He pulled her to his chest and kissed her long and deep. “I hope you keep saying comments like that for years to come.”
Her finger trailed down his cheek. “You can count on it.”
33
Anna’s plans for France were set. The last two weeks had flown by in a rush to get her visa in order and thank heavens for Henri pulling some strings to get it done. She also had to figure out what to pack for an extended trip. It was hard to believe she was leaving tomorrow. Her family’s annual picnic was going to be a huge event with all the Price kids, spouses, extended family, and of course all the workers from the winery. This would be the first time Colin’s family was attending a family event. Marie asked if Ginny could come, and she was bringing Drew too. Everyone was welcome; after all, the more, the merrier.
The back door banged, and Anna looked up from the sink of dirty dishes she was tackling. With soap-bubble-covered hands, she flung her arms around Colin and gave him a deep kiss.
Inwardly, she groaned. She was going to miss him walking through a door. But that wasn’t something to dwell on today. This was a party.
“That was quite a hello.”
“It’s been what, two hours since I’ve been able to kiss that mouth of yours?”
He chuckled. “Ninety-seven minutes, but who’s counting?” He looked around her mother’s kitchen. “Do you have a few minutes to take a walk with me before things get crazy?”
“Let me just dry my hands.” She pulled back and then laughed. “Oops.” She turned him around. “You’ve got some big wet spots back here.”
“I’ll dry.” He took her hand. “Come with me.”
She walked into flip-flops on the way out the back door. “Are you looking for privacy? We can walk down the road toward the winery.” With familiarity, he pulled her close as he slipped an arm around her should
ers. Her arm encircled his waist. If anyone was watching them, they’d see the couple’s steps were in sync.
“Are you still taking me to the airport?”
“Of course.”
The crickets and frogs were quiet as the day heated up, but in the early evening hours, they would serenade the stars.
They strolled down the gravel road with its canopy of large maple trees and leaves shading them. As they walked, the sun was streaking toward the high point in the sky.
“Things are going to get wild very soon.”
He looked down at her. “I wanted to have a few minutes alone to give you something.”
“You didn’t need to get me anything.” Her heart pounded. Was Colin about to propose? It was too soon, especially with her leaving.
There was a small wooden bench under an old maple tree. He steered her to it and they sat down. “You’re on the cusp of an amazing time in your life and I want you to know I’m very proud of you.”
“Colin, I couldn’t do this without your support. It means a great deal to me.” She was sure if she kept talking, she might start to cry. Leaving him was excruciating.
He smiled and looked deep into her eyes. “You will never be out of my heart.”
He pulled a long, slim box from the deep pocket of his shorts. He handed it to her. “This is for you.”
She took it and was thrilled at the gesture. “You shouldn’t have.”
“Open it.” He let go of her other hand.
She eased the bow from the box and unlatched the clasp. The top folded open from the center. Lying on deep blue satin was a bracelet. She pulled it out.
“This is so pretty.” The words caught in her throat. This was not just a bracelet. It held different charms.
He took it from her and secured it on her left arm. “Every charm has a special meaning and when you look at it, you can think of me.”
She studied them one by one. He said, “Look. This is a golf club and then a tee”—she chuckled—“a raindrop, a sneaker, a flower, and a heart.”
She looked at him through happy tears. “This is so sweet.” She took his face in her hands and kissed him softly at first and then demanding more. “I could stay like this forever.”
His face grew serious and he put his hands in her lap. “I wanted to talk to you about something else.” He looked over her shoulder. “A few years ago, the woman I was engaged to, she lived on the West Coast. I told you about her. Well, it didn’t just work out. She found someone else, and I discovered the truth when I went out there unexpectedly.” He caressed her hand. “And as much as I love you and know I want a future with you, I think while you’re in France, we need to cool things.”
Confusion clouded her thoughts. “You’re telling me this now?” She pulled her hands away and moved to the edge of the bench.
“I’m going to miss you like crazy, but I can’t stand the thought of us being apart for much of the year, and the occasional long weekend just won’t be enough for me. But I want you to go and make the most of this opportunity and know that when the year is over, I’ll be here if you still want me.”
“Do you want to be able to see other people?”
“No, that never crossed my mind. I’m devoted to you.”
Before he could say anything more, she shook her head. “I can’t believe you did this today, at my family’s picnic. I’m going to pretend this conversation didn’t happen. I can’t deal with this or you now.”
“Anna, please try and understand where I’m coming from.” He reached out and brushed back her hair. “I’ve been trying to find a way to talk to you, to tell you how I feel.”
She pulled away. “I’m not your ex-fiancée. I’m not a cheater.” She wiped her damp cheeks with the back of her hand. “And you shouldn’t have sprung this on me today.” She plastered a smile on her face. No one was going to know her heart was breaking.
When they got back to the house, the music was blaring. Kate was sitting in a chair, rubbing her growing belly. It had been a surprise to learn she was pregnant. Unlike when she got pregnant with Ben, she said she had zero signs. The baby wasn’t due for another five months, but with the heat and humidity, she needed to rest from time to time.
Anna sat down next to her. “How’s everything going here?”
“I’m tired.” She gazed lovingly at Ben running around the backyard, chasing his older cousins. Anna’s own gaze followed them. “He’s pretty excited.” Kate’s eyes grew wide. “A baby kicked. Do you want to feel?”
Kate took Anna’s hand and held it against her tummy.
When she felt something thump against her hand, she was awestruck. “Does he or she do that often?”
“More and more until they run out of room.”
Anna felt her mouth gape open. “Did you say they?”
Kate’s eyes brimmed with tears. “We’re going to make the announcement today, but I wanted you to be the first to know.”
She gave Kate a gentle hug. “Another set of twins. You and Shane, Leo and Liza, and now baby A and baby B.”
“Our families seem to love to have babies in bunches.”
“Like grapes.” Anna laughed. “Do you know what they are yet?”
“Yes, but that news, you’ll have to wait on. There have to be some surprises left.”
“Things are certainly changing.”
Kate said, “Change is necessary.”
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Marie enter the yard with Ginny and Drew.
“Will you excuse me for a minute? That’s Colin’s sister and I want to introduce her to everyone.”
“Bring her over. I’d love to meet her and her friends.” She leaned over. “Remember, don’t say anything about the twins.”
“My lips are sealed.” She made a zipper motion with her finger over her lips. “I’ll be right back.”
She met Liza crossing the yard. “Hey, come meet Marie, Colin’s sister.” She turned and checked on the boys before Liza did. “They’re fine.”
With one final look, Liza visibly relaxed. “Let’s go mingle.”
Marie was looking around and smiled when she saw Anna. “Hi. Good to see you.” She gave Anna a hug. “Where’s Colin?”
“Around here someplace.” She gave Ginny a hug. “I’m glad you came. Make yourself at home. There’s plenty of food on the tables and drinks in the coolers; they’re labeled what’s in each one.” Her smile included Drew and Ginny. “Welcome.”
Drew handed Anna a square box while his eyes were locked on Liza. “I brought some cookies.”
“Thank you.” She pulled Liza from behind her. “This is my sister Liza.”
“Hi.” She gave everyone a guarded smile. “I’m glad you came.” She was still looking at Drew. “Cookies are good.”
He said simply, “They’re flags.”
“Fitting.”
Anna looked between Liza and Drew. The air was sizzling.
Stuttering, Liza said, “I need to go check on my kids.”
“How many children do you have?”
“Two boys.” She gestured to a bunch of kids who were playing a lawn game. “Johnny and George. They’re six and seven going on thirty.”
He laughed. “I’ll bet they’re good kids.”
“They have their moments.” She tore her gaze away. “I should go flip burgers.”
“Do you want help?”
“No, you’re our guest. Enjoy yourself.” Color flamed Liza’s cheeks.
Anna watched the exchange with interest. “Come on. I’ll introduce you to the rest of the family and anyone else we come across and, Marie, if you have a minute, can I talk to you about something?”
The Grants arrived. Anna did the introductions without waiting for Colin. Things were awkward but despite that, the party was running smoothly and everyone seemed to be having fun.
Anna and Marie stepped to one side, and Marie asked, “What’s going on? You look upset.”
She kept her eyes on Colin, who was talking
with Leo at the grill. “He said we need to take a break when I go to France.”
“That idiot. Why would he do something like that?” She nodded and her eyes grew wide. “Daphne.”
“I guess she cheated on him, but I can’t believe he’d lump me into that category.” She maintained her forced smile so no one would guess she was upset. “She really did crush him, didn’t she?”
“In his defense, he was totally blindsided by what happened, and it took him a long time to get over it, not so much get over her but that he was naïve in thinking everything would be okay. He never saw her true colors. I wouldn’t be surprised if she had cheated on him before she moved.” She touched Anna’s arm. “Give him some time. He’s reacting to old emotions that don’t have anything to do with you. It’s easy to see how much he loves you.”
As Anna was about to respond, Don said, “If we could have everyone’s attention, please.” He and Kate stood on the steps of the deck.
Anna and Marie, along with everyone else, turned their attention to Don. Ben ran over and dashed up the steps. Don picked him up and put his arm around Kate.
“On behalf of our family, we’d like to thank everyone for coming today. For those of you who don’t know, our sister Anna is leaving tomorrow to spend a year working at Marchand Vineyards in France. We wish her safe travels. While Anna is off doing her thing with all things grape, Kate, Ben, and I will be welcoming…” He paused. “We will be welcoming a baby girl and a baby boy into the family in a few months.”
“Twins!” Sherry rushed over to hug Kate, Don, and Ben. “I wonder what’s in the water?”
Colin came up beside Anna. “Quite an announcement, don’t you think? I never really thought about twins running in your family.”
“Well, Kate has a twin brother in Loudon.”
“But Liza and Leo are twins, so you might have that gene.”
Anna had to wonder where this was going, but she didn’t look at him. “Why?”
“I was wondering if we could get that lucky. Someday.”
“You just broke it off with me and you’re talking about having kids?”
His smile was strained. “I love you, Anna.”
