by Lucinda Race
She shifted from side to side. This wasn’t a conversation she was going to have now. She crossed her arms across her chest and arched a brow. “You have a funny way of showing it.” She turned on her heel and walked away.
34
“Thanks for bringing me to the airport.” Anna hugged Colin tight and blinked back the tears. She wasn’t going to be a blubbering female getting on a plane, even if that was exactly what she wanted to do. She could feel him taking deep breaths as if he too were trying to keep his emotions under control. Maybe this hadn’t been a good idea, him bringing her to the airport.
They stepped apart and stood on the sidewalk in front of the terminal. She wasn’t sure what to say.
He took her hand. “Anna, I love you and I’m sorry for everything. We should have been celebrating this next step in your career.”
She wanted to point out it was his choice, not hers, to give them space and she wasn’t sure she could forgive him. She looked inside. “I need to go. Customs and all.” The porter had already checked her bags and all she had left was a small carry-on and her laptop bag. “I’ll touch base later if you want.”
She kissed his cheek, but he cupped the back of her neck and kissed her like a man who did love her with all his heart. It was confusing. He was confusing.
“I do.” When he gave her one last tender kiss, he searched her eyes. “Be safe.”
She nodded. “Goodbye, Colin.”
The plane taxied for takeoff and Anna watched out the window. Leaving things unsettled with Colin was hard, but it was all she could do. All she could see was his hazel eyes. It was only a few short months ago that Dad was in the hospital and she had run into him again. The man she had never forgotten and now had left behind.
How was it possible so much had changed in her life? What would the next twelve months bring? She shivered with anticipation. First stop Paris, then a train to Burgundy. Sophia would pick her up from the station and then thirty minutes after that, she’d be at the vineyard.
Her thoughts drifted back to her family. She might miss the birth of Kate and Don’s babies. She sighed. There would never be a good time to take a year and leave. There would be more babies and weddings and family events that she would miss if she chose a different time. She hoped the drone of the plane’s engines would lull her to sleep, but it eluded her. All she could think about was how each passing mile high above the Atlantic Ocean was taking her farther away from everyone she loved, to be with people she had met once.
Over the loudspeaker, the flight attendant said, “Welcome to Paris.”
Excitement began to build. She was really in France. She continued to look out the window. The train didn’t depart until early evening, so she had plenty of time to get through customs, have a bite to eat, and people watch before her next stop. She gathered her two carry-on bags and headed for the exit.
“Merci beaucoup,” she said to the male flight attendant who stood near the exit door.
“Au revoir, Mademoiselle.”
She hurried up the jet bridge and stepped out of the flow of traffic to get her bearings. She was really on this adventure.
Moving around the airport and catching the train proved to be very easy. Signs were in both French and English and after a light meal, she was anxious to see Sophia. Settled into her seat on the train, she sent a group text to her family. It was late back home and she just wanted everyone to know she was on her way. Minutes later, her cell rang.
“Hello, beautiful.”
“Colin.” The sound of his deep voice caused her heart to constrict. “This is a surprise. I didn’t expect to talk to you.”
“I was waiting until you were on the train before calling. I didn’t want to distract you as you were navigating the airport.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that.”
“So tell me. Is the countryside as beautiful as all the guidebooks show?”
“From what I’ve seen so far, yes.” She rearranged her bags at her feet. “Thanks for calling. I need to go.”
“Oh.” She could hear the hurt in his voice, but this had been his decision, not hers. “Can I call you again?”
“I might be busy.” She looked out the window as the train picked up speed out of the station.
“I love you, Anna.”
“You can’t have it both ways. We’ll talk about where things stand some other time. Goodbye, Colin.”
She didn’t wait for him to say anything else as she held the phone in her hand. Soon she began to see a familiar sight: grapevines. Odd that something growing from the ground could give her comfort. The train pulled into the station and she grabbed her luggage. Talking to herself, she said, “A new phase of my life starts the minute I step off this train. I hope I’m up to the task.”
Her first month had gone smoothly and Anna crossed the parking lot at Marchand’s tasting room and got into the Peugeot Henri had deemed hers during her stay in France. He had certainly known her preference for automobiles, with the deep blue two-seater convertible. She gave a jaunty wave to some of the vineyard workers. It was the first weekend she was going to sneak away and explore.
The engine purred as she eased down the long drive and her tires kicked up dust as she turned onto the road. The wind teased her hair and she paused to wrap a scarf around it. She felt so European, almost like Sophia Loren, but wait—that was Italy. Now she had to add going to Italy to her bucket list. But for this weekend, it was all about wandering around Bordeaux, the cathedral, and tomorrow night the opera at the Grand Théâtre, where she was looking forward to seeing the twelve statues of muses and goddesses after dark. Sophia had said she needed to make that one of her first stops. Of course, there would be restaurants to dine at and shopping on Rue Sainte-Catherine, where she wanted to do some serious damage to her credit card.
The glimmer of the weekend dimmed a little when she thought of taking in the sights and sounds of Bordeaux alone. She had wanted to share this with Colin, but they had no concrete plans at the moment for him to come to France. In fact, they were barely talking. She tossed back her head and plastered a smile on her face. She was in France, and nothing was going to rain on her convertible.
35
Two more months had slipped by almost unnoticed as Anna settled into her new routine. Her villa was charming, and Sophia had done everything she could to see that Anna was comfortable. The two women had become fast friends and Anna’s French was beginning to show signs of improvement. She could understand some conversations as long as no one spoke too fast, and she could make herself understood. But most conversations were like water rushing through fingers. She missed Colin like crazy and except for a few emails and texts, they hadn’t talked. Each communication hurt as if the wound were fresh. Work kept her busy and for that, she was grateful.
Sophia and Anna walked through the vines, stooping to check the grapes by feel.
“It still amazes me how you do so much of this by touch.” Sophia enunciated each English word slowly but without contractions. Her French accent was charming.
Anna was checking the plumpness of the cluster, feeling the weight in her hand. “It should feel like it has lots of juice in there and if the skin shrivels, we’ve waited too long.” She took a step back. “Your turn.”
Sophia bent low and mimicked Anna’s movements. “I see what you mean. I have always gone more by the color and taste. But that can be disappointing when it comes to juice content.”
Anna plucked two grapes from the vine behind them. “Close your eyes and tell me what you taste.”
“Sweet, juicy, and warm.” Sophia laughed and opened her eyes.
“Do you think they’ll become sweeter with another week or two?”
“I am not sure. I would like to come out tomorrow and taste again.”
“Excellent idea.”
The women turned to make the long walk back to the compound, where activity was sure to be buzzing, getting ready for the harvest.
“So have you talked to Co
lin recently?”
She had shared what had happened with Sophia and it helped her to deal with the sadness. She looked off into the distance. “A few days ago, I got an email from him, but we haven’t talked live. Just a few texts to touch base. I miss him.”
“I can see in your face how much you care for him. I hope that is how I look when I talk about Gabriel.”
“You get all dreamy when you talk about him, and when he walks into a room, you light up.”
“He is a wonderful man. I am hopeful you and Colin will be able to work things out. Love is important in life.”
“I understand that he was hurt, but I’m not that other woman.”
“Insecurity is a difficult thing to overcome. I am sure he is sorry that he hurt you.”
“He’s said as much, but it still stings that he wouldn’t even try.” Anna paused. “Let’s stop talking about something I can’t change.”
Sophia glanced at her wristwatch.
“Do you have another appointment?”
“No. Just checking the time. Before we go back, would you mind if we checked the grapes on the west side of the vineyard? I would like to plan our harvesting schedule.” They moved down a new row of young vines. “How did you meet Colin?” She glanced at Anna. “Was it love at first sight?”
She laughed. “You are a true romantic, aren’t you?”
“If you do not want to talk about him, I understand, but sometimes, I have found that talking brings clarity and I am French from the tips of my toes to my head, so I am a romantic.”
Anna tipped her head back and looked toward the cloudless azure-blue sky. She closed her eyes and recalled the first time she had seen Colin when she was stretched out across her father’s hospital bed.
“We met several years ago. He was a nurse when my father was in the hospital. I remember thinking how handsome he was and that he had the kindest eyes. I was tongue-tied. I will never forget that feeling when our eyes met. It was a feeling unlike any other before.”
“Did he ask you on a date at that time?”
“No. I only saw him the once, and our paths never crossed again. Until last spring. Dad was admitted to the hospital with severe heart problems, and Colin and I ran into each other again.”
“Did it feel the same as before?”
The corners of Anna’s mouth curved into a smile. It came from deep inside her heart. “Exactly the same. It was as if I had known him for a very long time. We met for coffee, which slid into dinner and dessert. I knew after that night that he was the man for me.”
She slowed her steps and drank in the sight of expansive fields of vines nearing readiness for the harvest. Even though she missed sharing a meal or a touch with Colin, she was glad to be a part of this harvest and she was looking forward to working on a new blend for Marchand and CLW.
“Did he feel the same, that you are the only woman for him?”
“I thought he did.” She walked at a relaxed pace. Talking about Colin helped to make her feel he was nearby and that things would be okay. She held up her wrist. “He gave this to me before I left.”
Sophia looked closely at each charm. “This is a very special and personal gift. He must love you very much.”
Anna stopped to inspect a vine. Colin was never far from her thoughts and she loved him with all her heart, but it didn’t change the truth. She was here and there were many months before she’d be returning to Crescent Lake. Who knew where they’d be by then.
Selecting a cluster of grapes, she closely examined the color and the skin, and then popped a dark-purple one in her mouth. She gestured for Sophia to do the same. “Tell me what you think.”
“The color and skin look good. They are heavy with juice.” She selected one and tasted it. “These are so much sweeter than the north side.”
Anna grinned. “This is where the harvest begins. Let’s go back and tell Henri and the others the good news.” She glanced one last time at the cloudless sky. “All we need is for the weather to hold.”
They set off at a brisk pace. After walking for a few minutes, Anna said, “Tell me how you met Gabriel.”
“We were children in school. He used to tease me in the play yard until one day, a bigger boy pushed me down and took my swing. Gabriel rushed over to help me out of the sand and, much to my surprise, confronted the boy and made him give me back the swing. After that, we became inseparable.”
“You’ve loved him for a long time.” She sighed. “Now, that is very romantic.”
Sophia slipped her arm through Anna’s. “The heart knows.”
“I guess you’re right.”
They reached the parking lot and Sophia said, “Let us share a glass of wine in the garden. It has been a good day.”
“I should go into the lab and make some notes before I go home.”
“No, we must enjoy the quiet moments of our day too. You work much too hard.”
Anna allowed herself to be guided into the winery.
“A quick stop for a bottle, glasses, and an opener and we will savor the excellent news about the grapes. What would you like to try?”
“How about the Angeline rosé?” Anna walked to a rack and selected a bottle. She held it up. “Is this something you’ll enjoy too?”
Sophia clasped her hands together. “It is parfait. Perfect.” She took the bottle. “I have one in the cooler. It should be served chilled.” She went into the back room. Anna was holding the glasses and corkscrew when she returned.
“Come. Let us go outside, shall we?” Sophia took the glasses from Anna as she opened the door.
They walked into the garden and Anna stopped in her tracks. Her heart pounded in her chest and tears pricked her eyes. “Colin!” Her voice was barely a whisper.
He opened his arms, and she ran into them.
“When did you?” She placed her hands on the sides of his face and studied every angle and curve. His eyes twinkled with happiness and love. “How did you?”
Using his thumb, he wiped her cheeks dry, and then he tenderly kissed her mouth.
“I couldn’t stay away a minute longer. I’ve felt like a part of my heart was missing and I would find it in France, and you know how I feel when a heart is ailing.”
With a half laugh, half sob, she threw her arms around his neck and clung to him as if they had been apart for years, not months.
“You may think I’m crazy, but I had to see you.”
She covered his face with kisses. “I’ve missed you so much too.”
A gentle clearing of the throat caught her attention. She slipped from his arms and held his hand.
“Come. Say hello to Sophia.”
“Hello, Sophia. It’s nice to see you again and thank you for everything.”
He held out his hand and took the glasses. She gave him a hug and kissed both of his cheeks.
“I am so glad you arrived in time. I was not sure how much longer I could keep Anna away from the buildings today.”
Anna looked from Colin to Sophia. “You knew he was coming.”
Her musical laugh filled the air. “He needed help with his transportation from the train station. I was happy to oblige, as was Gabriel. Now if you will excuse me, I will leave you to enjoy the wine and spend some time together so that you can talk.” She set the bottle and chilled bucket on the table and precisely at the same moment, Gabriel came through another door with a small platter filled with food.
Sophia took his hand and smiled at Anna. “Enjoy your evening and tomorrow, we will dine together.”
Colin shook Gabriel’s hand and hugged Sophia. “Again, thank you for your help. I couldn’t have surprised my love without it.”
Without further ado, they slipped away, leaving Colin and Anna alone. They sat at a small bistro table under a pergola and white twinkle lights came on overhead.
With a small laugh, Anna said, “Sophia does think of all the romantic touches.”
They sat close together, holding hands and sipping wine.
&nbs
p; “Are you happy that I surprised you?”
Anna looked at him. “This is the sweetest, but what are you doing here? I thought you didn’t want to do the long-distance relationship.”
He leaned over and kissed her lips. His hand cupped her cheek. “The last three months were very lonely, and I knew the moment we talked when you were on the train that I had to find a way to fix things.”
Her heart constricted. Seeing him didn’t change the fact that he would go home and they were right back to where they started.
“I know that sad face.”
Colin’s voice was almost her undoing. She drew in a shaky breath. “We’re going to enjoy every moment you’re here and not talk about when you have to leave.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear you don’t want to talk about my leaving, but I feel we must.”
She dropped her chin to her chest. Might as well get the bad news over with.
Colin’s silence compelled her to look at him. She searched his eyes. They were bright and full of mischief. “What are you up to?”
“Don’t be mad, but I’ve had dinner with your parents a couple of times and asked for their help.”
She set her glass down and gave him her full attention. “And…”
“I figured out pretty quickly I wasn’t going to make a mistake and let an ocean come between us.” He got up and walked a short distance away. He stuck his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “I told them I needed to be with you.”
She nodded. “Go on.”
“I talked to human resources at the hospital and asked for a sabbatical so I could be with the woman I love in France as she finished out her year-long contract.” He held up his hand. “Before you say anything, I talked with Henri and asked if he would mind if I came over and stayed with you. I’ve offered to help with the harvest or whatever might be needed, but he suggested that I could be the medical person on site. You know, help if there is an emergency.”
“That sounds like a position he created for you.” She got up and crossed the short distance between them. “Not that I’m complaining, but if you really want to stay here with me, I’m sure we can keep you from getting bored.”
