Blush, Book 3 the Crescent Lake Winery

by Lucinda Race

  “Oh, I think kissing girls is gross unless they’re Mom or Grammie.”

  “Owen, why don’t you get your pillow so we can leave?”

  He popped one shoulder up. “Okay, but I can see out the front.” He skipped into the house, conversation forgotten.

  “You couldn’t jump in and rescue me?”

  She let out a belly laugh. “I wish you could have seen your face. It was priceless when he just wouldn’t accept your first answer and move on.”

  Jack pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her. She kept her forearms against his body as her laughter rocked them both.

  He dropped his mouth to hers and her laugh died. He let his lips roam over her lips until she moaned softly with pleasure. He wanted to kiss her until her knees grew weak. He pulled back and looked into her eyes.

  Feigning innocence, he said, “What can I say? Your son put the idea of kissing you senseless in my head.”

  “Blaming a sweet little boy for your strong desire to kiss me?” She bit the corner of his lip with just enough force for his eyes to widen.

  “What’s that for?

  She cocked her head to one side. “Because you’re my boyfriend.” With one final peck on his lips, she said, “I’ll go check to see what’s keeping Owen and we can go.”

  “Good. I thought we could take him to the playground and hopefully by the time we get snacks and go back to the truck, he’ll be ready to settle in and watch the movie.”

  “Fair warning. He’s going to fall asleep before the second movie’s end credits roll.”

  “It’s okay. As long as I can hold your hand, I’ll be happy.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “You do remember there is a child between us.”

  “I know, but I’ll figure it out.”

  With another playful laugh, she slipped away before he could wrap his arms around her again. He waited on the front porch, loving her easy, carefree smile. She was more and more like the Peyton he had fallen in love with all those years ago. They were becoming comfortable with each other again. But their relationship was different than it had been. He wondered…if they hadn’t gone their separate ways all those years ago, would they be together now?

  He had a flash of regret, but he pushed that aside. He had to share what had happened in California while they were apart at some point, but not tonight.

  Peyton and Owen came out. He was carrying a pillow and a small blanket and his brown stuffed dog. Jack took the pillow and blanket. “Ready to go, buddy?”

  He gave one nod. “Ready, Jack.”

  * * *

  Peyton and Jack strolled hand in hand as Owen ran in front of them on their way to the big slide. It was one of Owen’s favorite parts of any playground, and the taller, the better. He had two to choose from. The playground was empty, so he had it to himself.

  “Mom, I’m going down this one first.” He pointed to the small one, which was still pretty tall. On the opposite side of the area were slides and teeter-totters in smaller sizes for younger kids.

  “Okay, but please be careful.”

  Jack tugged her toward the swings. “Come on; when was the last time you were on one?”

  “Jack, I shouldn’t.” Her cheeks flushed pink.

  “I’ll push you. Just like I did when you and my sisters went to the town park.”

  “You mean when we were your shadow and you used to do it just to humor us?”

  “No, you four girls were always into some kind of mischief. I went along to keep you all out of trouble.”

  She sat down on the swing, the toes of her sneakers kicking the sand. “Being the good altar boy?”

  “I watch over the people I care about.” He gave her a little push while he kept one eye on Owen.

  A screech filled the air. “Whee!”

  Jack remarked, “Sounds like that run was a good one.”

  “Wait until he goes down the huge slide. Then he’ll really scream.”

  “He’s quite the daredevil.”

  Peyton pointed to Owen as he climbed the ladder. “If I took my eye off him, he’d probably run down it instead of slide on his backside.”

  After a short while, an older woman approached them. She smiled as she watched Owen slide down with his arms up and hands waving toward his mother. “Your son is so adorable; he looks just like your husband.”

  Jack beamed. “He is a great kid, and fearless.” He placed a hand on Peyton’s shoulder. “He gets that from his mom.”

  “I love watching kids play. They’re so carefree and full of life. Well, you have a lovely family. Enjoy your evening.” The woman moved in the direction of the snack bar.

  “I hope that didn’t make you uncomfortable.” Peyton slowed her swing by dragging the toe of her sneaker in the sand. She stood and motioned for Owen to take one final slide. He raced around the back and climbed the ladder again.

  Jack’s hand trailed down her arm. “It’s nice. I get to take the credit for your son.” He pecked her lips. “And I like it that others recognize we belong together, the three of us.”

  Another screech pierced the air. Peyton and Jack watched a flash known as Owen fly down the slide. He ran over and tugged Peyton’s hand. “Did you see me, Jack? That was fun.”

  “I did. I liked the tall slide too when I was a kid.”

  He beamed with pride and stood a little taller. “Can I have a hot dog and some peanut butter M&M’s and can we come here again? It’s been a blast!”

  “Owen, I’m sure there is a magic word in your vocabulary.” She shook her head.

  “Please.” His deep brown eyes looked between her and Jack.

  Jack placed his hand on the boy’s shoulder and turned him toward the snack stand. “I’m going to get popcorn too, just in case you want to share.”

  “With lots of butter. That’s the only way, right, Mom?”

  “Oh no. If you two start ganging up on me, I’m done for.” She squeezed Jack’s hand.

  “Don’t worry, Mommy. I’ll always be on your side.”

  She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thanks, little man.”

  He plopped one on her cheek too. With eyes shining, he said, “You can have half of my hot dog too.”

  Her heart melted just a little. He was such a sweet boy. She looked at Jack. The two men in her life made her insides squishy. She kept her eye on Jack as she said, “Thank you, O.”

  22

  Jack jumped out of bed, eager to get to the winery. The last few weeks had been busy with Peyton and Owen. They had gone fishing, biking, and even to a minor-league ball game. They were growing closer every day and he could see them spending even more time together. Last night they had gone to the drive-in again and it had been as much fun this time as it had been the first time, even though Owen fell asleep halfway through the second movie. They had waited until it was over before driving back to Peyton’s place.

  He threw on a lightweight shirt and work pants, grabbed a quick bite, and filled his thermos with iced coffee. He rushed out of the house and then back in; he’d forgotten his cell phone. When he glanced down, he saw a text from Peyton. During the night, she had sent him a message: XO

  He grinned. He liked knowing she was thinking about him. Maybe if he got everything done early today, he could take the boat out tonight with Peyton and Owen on board. And he was looking forward to planning another romantic date too. He glanced up and saw ominous clouds were forming. He would need Plan B.

  As he drove to the winery, he called his sister, Liza. She’d know what was fun to do with kids. Over the truck speaker, his sister’s phone rang. After the fifth ring, she answered, sounding frazzled.

  “Hey, sis, what’s going on over there?”

  “Hi, Jack. The usual. Fighting over breakfast cereal, spilled milk, and who gets to choose what chair to sit in.”

  His shoulders sagged. It had been like this for Liza ever since the funeral. His sweet, lovable nephews were acting like little monsters half the time. He made a split-seco
nd decision. “I was calling to see if I could take the boys off your hands tonight. Peyton and I are taking Owen out for some fun. I was thinking about the diner for an early dinner and maybe we’d go bowling or something to get rid of some excess energy.”

  “That’s really kind of you, but things aren’t that bad.” But in the next breath, she snapped, “Boys, quiet. I’m on the phone with Uncle Jack.”

  “No, really. You’d be helping me out. Owen would have fun too. Most of Owen’s school friends have scattered for the summer and Peyton says this will help him be with friends. What do you say? Can I come around five and take them off your hands for a couple of hours?” He waited a half beat. “I’m sure there must be something you’d like to do with a few hours of downtime.”

  “Well… I could spend some time in the garden. The weeds seem to have taken over when I wasn’t looking. I’d like to get something out of the tomatoes this year.”

  “Then it’s settled. Tell the boys they need to be extra helpful around the house today and I’ll see you later.”

  “Thanks, Jack.” He could hear the relief in her voice.

  “Don’t mention it.” He chuckled. “On second thought, tell Mom.”

  “Are you buttering her up?”

  “It never hurts to have credit in the Bank of Mom.”

  Jack heard her yell for paper towels as the phone line went dead. He couldn’t imagine how hard this was for her. Losing Steve and being both mother and father to active boys. Shaking off the melancholy that descended over him, he dialed Peyton. It didn’t even seem as if it had rung when he heard her voice.

  “Good morning, handsome.”

  He could feel the smile fill his face. “Hello, gorgeous. How did you sleep?”

  “Extremely well.”

  “Do you have ears near you?”

  She laughed. Jack liked the sound of it, light and carefree. “I do.”

  “Well then, just listen and you can either jump at the chance to spend time with me tonight or bow out.”

  Before he could tell her the plan, she said, “Yes!”

  He couldn’t help but laugh. “But you don’t even know the details.”

  “It doesn’t matter.” She laughed again. “Well, it might since I need to know what to wear.”

  “If you’re up for it, I’m picking up Johnny and George for dinner at Rose’s Diner, then bowling. I wanted to know if you and Owen will join us.”

  “That sounds like fun. But let me check with Owen.”

  He could hear her ask and then a very loud, “Cool!”

  She said, “I’m sure you could hear him.”

  “I think the entire town could. I told Liza I’d pick the boys up at five. Do you want me to swing by your place before or after?”

  “I’d like to see Liza, and I should be out of work by three, so come by here. We’ll go out to her place together. I’ve been wanting to call her to see if she’d like to go for a pedicure or something girly with me.”

  “If you two make plans, I’ll take the boys.”

  “All three of them?”

  “Yeah. How hard could it be?”

  Peyton let out a hearty laugh. “Hold off on that until after tonight. I’ll see you after I finish up in the tasting room and get ready for a date with four of the best-looking guys in Crescent Lake. Even if three of the four are less than four feet tall.”

  She really was the best woman for him. Jack grinned. Tonight was going to be fun.

  Jack picked up Peyton and Owen just after four. Once Owen was belted into his booster in the back seat of the truck, Jack turned to look at Peyton. He ran a hand through his short blond hair. “How do parents do this all the time? I’m nervous and we haven’t even picked up the boys yet.” He brushed her cheek with his hand and looked into her eyes.

  “Practice. Oh, before I forget, a woman named Corine called the tasting room today looking for you. She said you were old friends with her husband when you lived on the West Coast.”

  He kept his voice neutral although his heart was in his throat and said, “Did she say anything else?”

  “She wanted me to tell you she’s still working on a gift for her husband.”

  “Thanks for letting me know.”

  Before they could talk further, Owen groaned, “Can we pick up Johnny and George now?”

  Over his shoulder, he said, “On our way.” He caught Owen’s attention in his rearview mirror. “Are you a good bowler?”

  “I’m the best,” the boy announced proudly. “Just ask Mom.”

  “Owen.” Peyton held back a laugh and turned in her seat. “I don’t think you’ve ever bowled before. Have you?”

  He looked at her. His brown eyes grew serious. “Mommy, you said I can do anything great. Remember?”

  “I do, but I meant things you’ve done before or practiced.”

  “I think Mommy should have the boys on her team. She’s gonna need help. Did you know Grammie said Mommy should have been named Grace?”

  Jack gave a snort and glanced her way. “She did, did she?”

  “Yup. I like Mom’s name. It’s pretty.” He turned to look out the window. “Don’t you?”

  Peyton listened as her son’s innocent remarks seemed to make Jack’s smile grow even wider. He reached over and took her hand, just out of sight of Owen. “I think your mommy’s name is very pretty.” Under his breath, loud enough for Peyton’s ears only, he added, “Just like the rest of her.”

  “Oh, Jack.” It still amazed her that he looked at her that way.

  “I know you’re athletic since you’re a killer at softball, but you never did say—can you bowl?”

  She laughed. “Not well. My score is usually lucky to crack fifty, let alone three hundred.”

  “At least you know your goal.” He couldn’t help but tease her, and it was just one of the things she loved about him. Love. The idea of loving Jack made her heart swell.

  “I used to go with your sisters when we were in high school. On Saturday night, it was the thing to do.”

  “If you bowl like Tessa or Anna, Owen and I have this all locked up.”

  “Is that a challenge I hear, Jackson?”

  “Oh, bringing out the full name.” He laughed out loud. “Care to place a wager on this little game? All in good fun, of course.”

  “What do you have in mind?” She looked at him from the corner of her eye, chin thrust upward. Clearly, he’d sparked her competitive spirit.

  Jack stroked his chin and then a slow grin slid across his face. “The winner gets the date of their choice.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “How would that work?”

  “As an example, say you wanted to go to the ballet. I would take you without any attempts to change your mind to go to a heavy metal concert, which I happen to know you hate. And if the date is on the other foot, well, you need to arrange an evening I would really like. Maybe take me to a pro sports game.” He slowed the truck to pull into Liza’s driveway. Up ahead, there was a restored Corvette.

  “Leo’s here. I wonder what’s going on?”

  “Do you think he and Liza want to join us tonight?”

  “I don’t think so. She wanted to work in her garden, and since it’s not raining, she’ll be knee-deep in dirt before we make it to the road.” He glanced at her. “Don’t change the subject. Do we have a deal?”

  She waited until he parked and turned off the truck. Sticking out her hand, she shook his. “You’ve got yourself a bet.” She hung on tight. “But no cheating, Price.”

  He feigned shock. “Me? Never.”

  “Ha. Remember, I know you better than you know yourself.” She pointed to her eyes and then to his. “I’m watching you.”

  “Mom, are you and Jack ever gonna get out of the truck?” Owen popped his seat belt and leaned forward between the seats. “Huh?”

  Jack unhooked his seat belt. “Ready when you are, kiddo.”

  Owen pushed open the door and leaped out onto the ground, taking off at a dead run. Jac
k turned to her. “Ready?”

  She paused as she opened her door and looked over her shoulder. “The question is, are you?”

  “With you by my side, I can conquer the world.”

  * * *

  Jack held the kitchen door for Peyton after Owen had charged ahead. It made him smile to see the three boys were the best of buddies. Peyton stepped in front of him. He caught the subtle scent of flowers; he wasn’t sure if it was her perfume or body wash, but it smelled nice. Just enough to tantalize his senses without overwhelming him.

  Liza greeted both of them with a hug and a strained smile. “Since it rained all day, the boys are full of pent-up energy. Are you sure you want to take them tonight? They’re definitely going to be a handful.”

  Peyton flashed her a brilliant smile. “Are you kidding? You’re doing us a favor. Owen needs kids around more often and the bonus is they get along like brothers.”

  Liza snorted. “That’s not always a good thing.”

  As soon as she said that, Jack’s attention was diverted by high-pitched screeches coming from the family room. In a few short steps, he rounded the corner and discovered the three little guys had Leo pinned to the ground. As he tickled them, the kids squealed.

  In a deep, booming voice, Jack said, “What’s going on in here?”

  In unison, Johnny and George yelled, “Uncle Jack!”

  Leo cracked a grin. “Just having some fun to get them a little more wound up before you take off.”

  “That’s nice of you.” Jack grabbed the back of his nephews’ shorts and pulled them off his youngest brother. “Get ready to go, boys.”

  Owen and the boys hurried from the room without a backward glance, leaving Jack and Leo.

  Leo said, “It’s been a tough day. Liza is worn out.”

  Jack gave him a hand up from the floor. “Is that why you’re here?”

  “I had a feeling she needed reinforcements. Mom called to tell me she found Liza crying when she dropped by earlier today.”

  “Where were the boys?”