Blush, Book 3 the Crescent Lake Winery

by Lucinda Race

  With a short laugh, Peyton said, “I remember it caused quite the uproar in the family.”

  “And it took over five years to get me to move here.”

  “Kate, you have the world by the tail.”

  “But my point is the Price boys have their faults and sometimes they don’t think with their heads, but they love with their whole heart. When they make a mistake, even if it is a huge one, forgiving them only enriches your life even more.”

  “You mean like when Don suggested that you move to Crescent Lake and conveniently forgot about your dreams of working in Boston?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, Don crushed my feelings with his thoughtlessness and it took a while for me to forgive him. We eventually moved on with our life but now look where we are—happily married, with three adorable children and careers we both love.”

  “I’ll remember that. Thanks, Kate.”

  She watched as Jack continued to encourage Owen as he navigated the wake from a speedboat that cruised by. She crossed the deck and rested her hand on Owen’s shoulder. “How’s it going over here?”

  “We’re just about ready to drop the anchor and get ready to eat.” Jack ruffled Owen’s hair and said, “And then we fish. Right, buddy?”

  “Right, Jack.” With a brisk nod, Owen’s gaze never faltered from the water. He was all business.

  Peyton masked the grin that threatened to slip out. She didn’t want Owen to get the wrong idea, that she wasn’t taking his driving skills seriously. “I’m going to get things ready for supper, and Owen?”

  Without looking at her, he said, “Yeah, Mom?’

  “There’s hand sanitizer in my bag. Use it before you eat.”

  “Oh, Mom,” he groaned.

  Jack winked over his head. “Peyton, do you mind if I use some too?”

  Owen whipped his head around to look at Jack and then his mom.

  “Help yourself.” She turned her back to the guys and her smile grew.

  Kate was laying out their picnic. Ben was happily munching on chips while he sat in the middle of the deck. An inner peace settled over her. This is what it felt like to let good friends into her life and treasure the simple moments.

  Jack had settled Owen with his pole, reminding him to stay seated and wait until he had a firm tug on the line and then Jack would help him reel in his fish. “I’m going to be right here with your mom.”

  Owen gave a nod, but his focus was watching the water, waiting for the elusive fish.

  Jack slung his arm around Peyton’s shoulders. Don and Ben were at the end of the boat with a line dropped into the water while Kate sat watching them. After a while, Owen squealed, “Help! Jack!”

  He took two giant steps and bent down on one knee to coax Owen through reeling in his fish. After a brief struggle, the prize was on the deck of the boat.

  Peyton snapped a couple of pictures of the two of them with the fish before it was released back into the water. “Good job, kiddo.”

  Owen beamed and said, “Thanks, Mom. Can I do it again?”

  The sun had begun its slow descent to the horizon. Jack shook his head. “We need to pack it in for today.”

  He groaned.

  Peyton said firmly, “Owen, time to put away the fishing gear. We need to head in.”

  “Aw, Mom. We just got here.”

  She could see the pout forming. “Owen.” She used her stern mom voice and he reeled in the line. She could feel Jack watching her. She glanced in his direction and gave him a nonchalant shrug.

  Don finished stowing Ben’s gear and piped up. “Owen, do you think you could finish up quick and then sit with Ben as we head back to the dock? He’s looking pretty sleepy, and if you could help keep him awake, Kate and I would really appreciate it.”

  Owen handed Don his pole and, in two short hops, plopped down next to Ben. He started a very serious conversation about fishing and how he reeled in “the big one,” oblivious to the adults sharing a laugh.

  Within about twenty minutes, they were back at the marina. The temperature was dipping and Kate had wrapped both boys in lightweight blankets to ward off the chilly air. As they approached the shore, Don held the line. He jumped to the dock and with a few efficient knots, the boat was secured. Ben was sound asleep, snuggled in Kate’s arms. Owen was visibly drooping too.

  Jack took Peyton’s bag. “I’m going to run this and the cooler up to the truck, then come back and carry one tired little boy off the boat.”

  Kate handed Don her little boy. “He’s like a floodlight. One minute on, and then the next off.”

  “I remember those days.” Peyton could definitely empathize. “In fact, there are some days he’s still like that.”

  Jack’s long stride was eating up the dock as he came toward them. His eyes never left hers. She steered Owen to the steps. “Jack’s going to carry you.”

  “I can walk.” He was too tired to seriously protest.

  Jack held out his arms as Owen dragged his feet down the steps. “Peyton, can you check that everything is off and grab the keys?”

  She did a visual sweep of the boat and pulled the keys from the ignition. “All set.” She secured the gate. “Ready.”

  Jack carried Owen up the dock, Peyton walking beside them. Don and Kate were in front of them and when they reached the vehicles, Peyton kissed Ben’s cheek. “Drive safe, you guys.”

  Kate said, “This was fun—we need to do it again.”

  Jack chuckled. “If you and Peyton keep packing those delicious snacks, count me in.”

  Owen picked his head up from Jack’s shoulder. In a sleepy voice, he asked, “Are we going fishing again?”

  “Not tonight, buddy, but soon.” Jack carefully set him on the back seat in his booster seat and Peyton buckled him in securely.

  Before she could get in the front, Jack pulled her into his arms. “Some night, we should go out on the boat, just the two of us.” He nuzzled her neck as they swayed together. “I’ll show you how to find the constellations.”

  She pulled his face close to hers. “How about next week?” She was mildly surprised at herself, but the flutter of nerves resurfaced. She tamped them down, reminding herself she was safe and the past didn’t affect today as much as it once had.

  “Now that’s what I like—a woman who plans ahead.” He lowered his mouth to hers and brushed her lips. “Definitely soon.”

  15

  This road wasn’t a direct route to the tasting room, but Peyton hoped to bump into Jack and thank him again for last night. Going on the boat with Kate and Don had been fun. She made a mental note to call Kate too and see if she wanted to go shopping or something in the near future. She had amazing friends.

  She hadn’t gotten lucky and spotted Jack before she arrived at the winery, so she took a minute to sit in her car once she’d parked. She needed to compose herself, prepare for the day, and maybe stop thinking about Jack long enough to—

  A knock on the window startled her. She slid the window down and there was Jack with that half-cocked grin and smoldering eyes. She gave him a sassy smile; her insides still quaked whenever she saw him.

  He leaned on the door and kissed her through the open window. “Morning, sunshine. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  “I was lost in thought.”

  His easy smile caused her blood to warm as she thought of being alone with Jack on the boat. “About a night under the stars with me?”

  “Maybe.” She gave him what she hoped was a sexy wink. “I was also thinking about how much has changed since Kate moved to town. Don’s a lucky man.”

  “He certainly doesn’t take her for granted. When they broke up and he left all of this”—Jack swept his arms over the landscape—“to move to Loudon, he changed.”

  It was funny he brought that up since she and Kate had just talked about it last night. Had he overheard their conversation? No, the wind had masked their words. “I remember thinking that was the single most romantic gesture I had ever witnessed.”


  “As with all things, they’ve come full circle. They’re back and raising the next generation.”

  “Do you think they’ll have a big family?”

  Jack straightened and opened her car door, pulling her into his arms. “Three might be their limit, but I’d rather talk about us and when you want to take the boat out, just the two of us.”

  She laid a hand on his chest, aware of how her own heart quickened. “Right now, we both need to get to work. I have more to teach Lily about our wines before Friday. If the last few weekends are any indication, we will be slammed with customers.”

  He kissed her forehead, and then his lips trailed down the side of her face. She molded her body against his long, lean frame and savored the calm that cascaded over her and the smell of the subtle, earthy fragrance of hard work mixed with the scent of his woodsy body wash.

  She gazed into his eyes. “How would you like to come for dinner tonight? Potluck on the grill.”

  He pecked her lips. “It’s a date, and I’ll pick up supplies for Owen’s favorite fireside treat too.”

  “Ben’s daddy is super nice.” Owen sunk his boat under the bubbles in the bathwater.

  Peyton heard the unmistakable longing as each letter in daddy dragged out. At least he had wonderful grandparents. “Don’s a good guy. Now please finish up your bath.”

  She listened outside the bathroom as he played with his boats, laughing when the battle kicked into full swing at the same moment she popped her head in and pointed to the bar of soap. “Son, a bath requires you use more than just water. Soap too.” She couldn’t help but shake her head at the dirt ring around the white porcelain. She’d have to clean the tub too. “Oh, and let me know when you’re finished. I’d like to get ready too.”

  “But, Mom,” he groaned. “Jack’s gonna be here soon and if I do all that stuff, I’ll miss all the fun.”

  Holding back a smile, she waved her hand. “Get moving.”

  She stepped into the hall and chuckled softly. He was such a character, albeit a dirty one at the moment.

  Mom came down the hallway and nodded toward the bathroom. “How’s he doing? Washing up or playing?”

  “The latter.” Leaning against the wall, Peyton said, “I was trying to get him to hurry. I need to put my makeup on.”

  “Use our bathroom and I’ll take care of everything else.” Mom turned and then said, “Wear the pink lipstick. It looks good on you.”

  A knock on the front door interrupted Peyton’s response. “That must be Jack.” She poked her head into the family room. “Dad, I’m not quite ready.”

  He waved her off as he got out of his recliner. “No problem. I’ll keep him occupied until you make your grand entrance.”

  “Oh, Dad.” Her steps were light as she hurried down the hall.

  * * *

  Jack had been sitting on the sofa when Peyton walked into the living room, a large bouquet of flowers and a tote bag on the coffee table in front of him. As soon as he saw her, he stood.

  “Hey there.” His eyes sparkled.

  “Hi.” He was heart-stoppingly handsome in jeans, a black T-shirt, and sneakers. His lips grazed hers, lingering there and sending her lips tingling. Peyton could feel the blush rise from her neck to her hairline. Dad had discreetly left the room.

  “Thanks for inviting me.” Jack handed her the flowers and she inhaled their subtle fragrance. He slung his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, kissing her temple.

  “I love wildflowers.” She glanced up through her lashes. “Are you sure you don’t mind hanging out with my parents?”

  “As long as I’m with you, it doesn’t matter, but I am looking forward to some alone time soon.” He looked into her eyes. His were shining.

  Squeezing him tight, she was interrupted by thundering feet racing down the hall.

  “Jack! Jack! Jack!” Owen came flying down the hall and leaped up, expecting Jack to catch him.

  With a smooth motion, he scooped Owen up with one arm. “Hi there. I heard you had a bath.”

  Owen wrinkled his nose. “Mom made me. Said we were having you over and I needed to smell good.”

  Jack gave Owen a serious smile, but Peyton could see the mirth lingering in his hazel eyes. “Sometimes we just need to get cleaned up, especially when our mom asks.”

  Owen’s eyes grew wide. “Does your mom tell you when to take a bath too?”

  With a half chuckle, he said, “Not anymore.” He set Owen down and handed him the bag. “Would you carry this in the kitchen for me?”

  The little boy peeked inside the bag. “Wow, look at all those marshmallows.”

  Peyton held Owen in her arms as he snored softly, an uneaten toasted marshmallow on his stick. She had been enjoying the warmth of his body snuggled into hers and conversation with Jack without realizing her son had slipped off to dreamland. She eased them both from the chair and whispered, “I’m going to tuck him in.”

  “Would you like me to carry him inside?”

  She shook her head and moved to the door.

  Jack slid the glass door open and followed them down the hall. The television in the family room was off and her parents’ bedroom door was closed. There wasn’t a light under their door. Jack eased open Owen’s door and left them.

  Peyton snapped on the bedside lamp. The room was washed in a soft, dim glow. She was happy he had changed into pajamas before they went outside. He flopped on the bed, his legs and arms everywhere like cooked spaghetti. It was hard to tuck him into bed, but she pulled the covers over him and tucked them around him.

  His eyes fluttered open, locked on hers. “Mommy?”

  She smoothed back his hair and kissed his forehead. “Yes, baby.”

  “Am I ever gonna have a real dad?”

  Peyton’s heart flipped in her chest. This was not what she expected tonight. What should she say? “Owen…”

  “Ben has a daddy and so do all my friends, except me.” He dropped his chin closer to his chest. “I really want a dad.”

  “Sometimes…” Hell, what could she say to make him understand? “Sometimes, mommies want to have a baby so much, they do it without a dad. And that’s what happened with me. I really wanted to be your mom. And you are so lucky you have so many people who love you, like Grammie and Grampy and me.”

  “And Jack?” he asked.

  * * *

  Jack stood outside Owen’s bedroom door while Peyton put him to bed. He froze when he heard him ask about a dad. How would she answer him? Then he heard Peyton say, “Jack is our very good friend.”

  “But he likes us a lot. I can tell.”

  The sound of his voice tore at Jack. He wanted to step into the room and pull mother and son in his arms and never let them go. Peyton deserved to have her happily ever after, and Owen would be the best son a man could ask for. He continued to eavesdrop.

  “Mom, do you like Jack like Grammie likes Grampy?”

  Jack held his breath. Would she confess her true feelings to her son?

  Her voice was soft and he strained to hear her response. “It’s complicated. But I do like Jack very much.”

  In the semi-darkness, he eased down the hall and back outside to the fire, which he poked at while he waited for Peyton. His brain was struggling to process what he had heard and decide what his next move should be. Who was he kidding—when it came to this girl, it wasn’t about moves or lines. It was about just being with her, spending time with her and her son. Getting to know each and every gesture again, things that made her laugh or ticked her off. He wanted to know her better than she knew herself. This time, he wouldn’t screw it up and would always put her needs first.

  He looked up at the sound of the back door opening. Peyton looked weary. She sat down heavily in the chair next to him and leaned back. Covering her eyes with her hands, she exhaled and dropped her head toward her chest.

  They sat together for a long time. His arm was around her, holding her close while she remained quiet. The flames
in the pit had reduced to glowing embers when at last she looked up and gave him a small smile.

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  With a shake of her head, she said, “I really don’t.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight, his chin resting on top of her head. “I’m here if you change your mind.”

  She took a ragged breath and then exhaled. “I appreciate that. For now, can we add a log to the fire and stay wrapped up in each other’s arms?”

  He stood up and tossed in a log, then eased her onto his lap. “We can stay like this all night if you’d like.”

  “That sounds like heaven.” She relaxed in his arms.

  16

  “Peyton, where are you?”

  “In the storeroom, Jack.” She descended the step stool but when she stepped on the final stair, it gave way under her weight and her ankle twisted as she fell to the ground.

  “Son of a…” Tears sprang to her eyes.

  Jack rushed over to her. “What happened? Are you hurt?” He slipped an arm around her waist and helped her up.

  She gingerly put weight on her foot and was happy she could stand with only a minor twinge. “I’m fine. The last step cracked or something.” She stretched out her leg and rolled her ankle in circles, checking for pain or, worse, lack of movement. Pleased to see it was okay even though it was tender, she gave him a small smile. “If you had been a few minutes later, you wouldn’t have had to scoop me off the floor.”

  He helped her to a chair and pulled a wine box over for her to rest her leg on. “Let me take a look at your ankle, and then I’ll check the step too.”

  “Stop fussing over me. I’m fine, really.” She eased down to the seat and pointed to the steps. “But it’s probably a good idea if you could check them out. I wouldn’t want Lily or Tony to fall; someone could break an ankle.”

  Gently, he probed her foot and lower leg and watched her face for a reaction. She had minimal pain. “It’s not even swelling up. I’m fine. Really.”