Blush, Book 3 the Crescent Lake Winery

by Lucinda Race

  Jack kept one arm around her shoulders and turned them so they could look at the field. “There is a tradition in my family. When a Price thinks about getting married, a parcel of CLW land is given to us. This is where we can plant a variety of grapevines of our choosing. The goal is to ensure the vineyard for future generations.” His arm swept the land in front of them. “Last year, I received this parcel of land from Dad. I guess he knew I was ready to put down roots. Someday I want to plant a variety of grapes that will represent my contribution to the family legacy. When it’s producing, the yield will be around thirteen hundred bottles. It will be a CLW wine, but a special blend that we will develop with Anna’s help.”

  “What a sweet idea. Does everyone have a section too?”

  “They do. Dad’s blend is Ruby, the red wine that is served chilled or can be used in sangria—it’s Mom’s favorite—and Don’s grapes should be ready this year, Liza’s next, and Anna has to decide what variety she and Colin want to plant. It takes a couple of good growing seasons to have a decent harvest. It’s a tradition my grandfather Donald started for my grandmother, and we’re the third generation to do it.”

  With a laugh, she said, “I hope your dad doesn’t run out of land. There are a lot of Price kids and grandkids coming along behind them. And what about Tessa and Max?”

  “Funny you should ask; I was just talking to them about it, and they have forty acres that haven’t been planted yet. They want to plant some vines there and here and create a new brand, Crescent Creek, as a way to honor both vineyards. But don’t say anything yet. They want to tell the family once they have the details worked out.”

  “Sam will go nuts over that idea. But will that mean more land is needed for the new venture?”

  “Not to worry. Dad will just buy more land if he runs low. This is one of his favorite things to think about: the living legacy of Crescent Lake Winery.”

  “I’ll look forward to tasting your wine someday.”

  He turned her face to look at him. “I hope to blend this wine with you.”

  His lips brushed hers, which led into an all-consuming, breathless kiss.

  She looked up at him through her long dark lashes. “How about we start over with a date tomorrow night?”

  “I’ll pick you up at five.” He sealed it with another kiss.

  29

  The next night, Peyton was ready at ten to five and waiting for Jack on the front porch. He had been able to secure tickets for the last event of the season at Vine Music, an outdoor venue. It had always been one of her favorite concerts of the year: music soundtracks played under the stars. Jack said all she needed to do was look beautiful and he’d take care of the rest. In a small way, it felt like old times; he used to do sweet things for her from time to time when they were dating.

  She heard his truck before she saw him. Of course, Owen came charging through the door and was literally bouncing up and down. Peyton held out a hand to restrain him. “Wait until Jack turns the truck off before you run down the stairs.”

  As soon as the engine was off, Owen raced down the steps. “Jack, wanna see my new school sneakers?”

  Jack picked Owen up with one arm and carried him up the stairs. “You bet I do.”

  The boy slipped an arm around his neck. “Mom said you’ve been working extra hard ’cause you got a lot to do. Is that why we haven’t gone fishing and you missed my birthday party?”

  “I’m sorry, buddy. I have had a lot going on, but I promise that’s behind us and how about we celebrate your birthday again with a day on the boat fishing, okay?” When he reached the top step, he set Owen down and kissed Peyton hello. His eyes sparkled. “I need to see these spiffy sneakers before we can go.”

  “I heard.”

  Owen took Jack’s hand. “Come on in my room.”

  Peyton trailed behind them, listening to Owen tell Jack everything he thought was important that had happened over the last week. She couldn’t help but smile. Those two made quite a pair.

  After Jack admired the bag, sneakers, and every new shirt she had bought, she said, “Owen, it’s time for us to go. We have tickets to a concert.”

  “When are we gonna go on the boat again and have a family date and my do-over birthday?”

  “There’s a half day of school on Wednesday,” Peyton volunteered.

  Jack said, “How about we plan to go as soon as you get off the bus?”

  “Yes.” Owen grinned. “And I’ll put the worm on the hook for you, Mom.”

  She held up a hand. “You two can fish. I’ll just watch, okay?” She kissed the top of his head and said, “Be good for your grandparents.”

  “I will.” Owen hugged Jack around his midsection. “Bye, Jack.”

  Jack took her hand as they strolled down the stairs to the truck. “Now it’s time for us. I packed the cooler with a gourmet picnic, and for the record, I made it myself, complete with wine and dessert. All day I’ve been looking forward to lounging on a blanket with you and listening to music.”

  “Sounds romantic.” She couldn’t take her eyes off him tonight. There was something about his crooked smile that had her wondering what else he might have up his sleeve.

  They drove down the road. “Oh, before I forget. I talked to Anna earlier.”

  “She called to make sure I asked you to come to dinner at my parents’ Thursday night at six thirty. She wants to catch up and it won’t be a late night because the kiddos have school.”

  “I’m sure it will be good for you all to get together.” She watched the road as they turned to head out of town.

  “You’re coming too.”

  “It’s a family thing—you don’t need me and Owen intruding.”

  He pulled her close. “You’re my family; you have to come. It’s in the rule book.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “I didn’t get my copy.”

  “I’ll fix that later.”

  “In that case we’ll come.” She pulled her hand away. “I need to call Sherry and see what she’d like me to bring.”

  Jack groaned. “She’s going to say you and Owen. You know that’s how she is.”

  Giving him a side-eye, she said, “The polite thing to do is ask.”

  He held up his hand in defeat. “By all means, call Mom.”

  She pulled her cell phone from her bag and dialed his parents’ house. Sherry answered on the second ring. After confirming that Sherry didn’t want her to bring anything, Peyton thanked her for the invitation.

  “Your mother is something else.” She slipped the phone into her purse. “Looks like we’re going to dinner empty-handed.”

  He brushed his lips across the back of her hand. “Now, where were we?”

  She laughed. “You’re driving.”

  His eyes filled with desire. “You are an amazing woman and I love you. I want us to have lots more of these nights just the two of us.”

  “Me too.” She pecked his cheek. “And I love you too.”

  * * *

  Jack wrapped his arms around Peyton as she sat between his legs and leaned against his chest. He could smell her lavender shampoo. The night air was markedly cooler than he had expected, but he’d keep her toasty warm. She hummed along with the music playing, and he was content.

  She tilted her head back to drink in the stars. “Tonight is perfect. It’s like you had the magic touch with everything: the stars, the music, and the food.”

  “It’s called being in love.”

  She burst out laughing. “You’re so corny.” She continued to laugh but confessed, “But I love it.”

  She turned to face him and pushed him backward on the blanket and leaned over his body.

  He said, “You know what? I love you too and we have a bright future.”

  She pecked his lips. “There’s nothing from the past that lingers. It’s just you and me.”

  He tapped her nose. “And Owen.”

  Her lips twitched and she said, “Like I’d ever forget my second love.”

/>   He opened his eyes wider. “And who, may I ask, was your first?”

  She came in close, her lips almost touching his. “You’re my first and my last.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and he wished the love in his heart could be sent through his kiss. “You’re my one and only, Peyton. Forever.”

  A short time later, she was in the crook of his arm, lying back, looking at the stars. In her heart, she had known Jack did what he thought was best for a friend, and part of her admired him for it. Maybe one of these days, she’d get another chance to talk to Corine, but if not, it didn’t matter. The foundation of her relationship with Jack had been grafted a long time ago.

  She rested her arm across his midsection. “You know, you make a great rock.”

  He kissed her temple, and for her ears only said, “Like Gibraltar, baby.”

  * * *

  As they drove home from the concert, Peyton sat close to Jack. He had pushed the center console up and his arm rested on her shoulders. She yawned.

  “Tired?”

  “Uh-huh. In a good way. Tonight was just what we needed. The two of us alone.”

  “Along with ten thousand other music lovers.”

  She placed her hand on his thigh. “Everyone was lost in their own world, like tiny bubbles of happiness.”

  He looked at her out of the corner of his eye. “I love how you see the world. You really do wish the very best for everyone.”

  “Life is hard enough without adding the burden of sadness to it. I have Jane to thank for helping me see the glass will be half full if that’s what I want.”

  “Can your glass be almost full?”

  She grew quiet for a moment. “I guess it is. I never really thought about it, but I’ve dealt with crappy stuff and survived. I’m luckier than some; I have an amazing son, my family, friends, and you.” She kissed his cheek. “One of these days, I’m going to have a home of my own with Owen.”

  He wanted to ask her if there was a place in her home for him, but he didn’t want to give away what he was planning for his next big surprise. If she wasn’t ready, he’d wait.

  She caressed his leg. “What do you see for your future?”

  “House, kids, a couple of dogs, and who knows, maybe a bigger boat if there’s a boatload of kids.”

  She gave a snort. “Your wife will have a say in that, but I’m glad you think you’re so funny. You might want to hang on to your big house then, if you’re going to have a lot of kids.”

  “Maybe the future Mrs. Price would want to buy a house together.”

  She didn’t look at him, but she smiled. “Anyone would love your house, and together it will become a home.”

  He pulled into her driveway and turned off the engine. They walked slowly up the porch steps. Standing on tiptoes, she kissed him good night. “I’m going to spend some time with my son tomorrow night.” She gave him a look from under her lashes. “Care to come over? I just might have the fixings for s’mores, and then we can snuggle by a toasty fire because it’s supposed to be chilly. I’ll do my best to keep you warm.”

  “Now there’s an offer I can’t refuse.” He flashed a grin. “But I have a better idea. How about if we start at your place and end the night at mine. This way, we can spend some time with Owen and have some one-on-one time for us too.”

  She flicked her hand in the direction of his truck. “Good plan. Come over around seven.”

  “You don’t have to ask me twice. But before I go, I need a kiss to keep me warm for the long, lonely drive home.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “How’s this?” Their lips met for a mind-blowing kiss.

  30

  A few nights later, Jack waited for Peyton in his backyard. The fire he had started had flames dancing and licking at the logs. Blue and orange mixed with yellow to cast a soft glow over the patio. It was romantic. He had set up a chiller bucket behind the sofa and placed a bottle of sparkling wine in it along with two glasses, just out of sight unless you were looking for it. It was Crescent Lake’s best vintage and he had squirreled a bottle away for this very special night.

  The door slid open and she stepped out, carrying a throw in her arms. Her eyes sparkled as she held it up. “In case we get chilly.”

  He chuckled. “I won’t let you get cold.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “Ya never know.”

  She curled up next to him on the dark-green cushions. They sank into them and stretched out their legs on the small wicker table in front of them, the firepit just beyond that. He put his arm around her, holding her close. She spread the throw over their legs. “Isn’t this nice?”

  He had to admit it was, but not because of the blanket. “I should have put some music on.” He turned and scanned the darkness. “But I like sitting in the quiet with you.” The crickets and peepers chirped in the distance. “Well, almost silent.”

  She sighed. “Life doesn’t get much better than this.”

  He had rehearsed what he wanted to say half a dozen times on the ride to her parents’ house, but now he was tongue-tied. How should he start? Should he just say marry me? With a forgone conclusion that she’d say yes? No, that wasn’t how he wanted the love of his life to remember this moment.

  “Warm enough?”

  She looked up. Her finger traced his jawline. “Are you okay? We’ve established we’re both warm enough.”

  “You are so beautiful.” He caught her hand and kissed the underside of her wrist. “I am the luckiest guy in the world to be here with you right now.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “What’s gotten into you tonight?”

  “Nothing.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I just want you to know how important you are to me.”

  “Sweetheart, I feel the same.”

  He loved that term of endearment. She didn’t use it often, which made it more special. Jack eased Peyton to a sitting position. In one smooth motion, he dropped to his knee and took her hand. Her mouth fell open and her eyes grew wide.

  He tapped her chin to close her mouth and placed a finger across her lips. Reaching into his shirt pocket, he withdrew an engagement ring.

  The firelight reflected off the facets of the pear-shaped diamond solitaire. He heard the sharp intake of her breath.

  “I know we’ve had some rough days, but I’ve loved you since we were kids and I’ve waited a long time for this day to come. I can honestly say I can’t imagine my life without you. You know, only one time I didn’t plan ahead and it caused you pain, and now I’ll never do anything without a plan, but this time, I want us to plan the future together. As a family, with Owen.”

  She wiped the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand.

  Holding the ring a little higher at the tip of her finger, he said in a clear, deliberate voice, “Peyton Brien, will you marry me?”

  * * *

  She was stunned and elated at the same time. She nodded and breathed, “Yes, Jack.”

  He pushed the ring onto her finger.

  “Yes!” She flung her arms around his neck and crushed her lips to his. She knew tears filled his eyes. He was a tenderhearted man who was bowled over as to what one simple but powerful word could do to the both of them.

  He gave her a searing kiss and then pulled back. Taking her hand, he pressed his lips to her finger. “It’s official. We’re getting married.”

  Showering his face with kisses, she laughed, unable to contain her joy. She held up her hand. “Jack, this is the most beautiful ring I have ever seen.” She gave him a quizzical look. “How did you know the right size?”

  “A very sweet mother helped me.”

  Her eyes widened again. “Mine?” She felt the grin spread across her face.

  “I talked to your parents before I bought the ring.”

  She struggled not to laugh out loud. “You went old-school?”

  “Well, not quite. But I can tell you I was relieved when your parents told me they were happy for us.”

  “You’r
e two for two.”

  His eyes glimmered with happiness. “Well, not quite.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “In the morning, I want to ask Owen if he’d be okay with us becoming a family.”

  Her hand flew to her mouth as a lump rose in her throat. Peyton couldn’t believe her ears. “You want to ask Owen if we can be a family?” Fresh tears sprung to her eyes. “Now that is the sweetest thing you’ve ever said.”

  “Love, I have one more important question for you.” He got up off his knee and sat next to her. Taking both her hands in his, he got close and kissed her tenderly on the lips. “If you agree, and Owen too, I want to adopt him. Legally, he’ll be my son. I promise you I already love him like he’s my flesh and blood. But it would mean the world to me for the three of us and whoever else may come along to share the same last name.”

  Her head dipped and then she looked him deep in the eyes. “I know you love him. Have you thought about what your family might think?”

  Confusion flashed across his face. He said, “I don’t understand.”

  “Well, you know because of—”

  Jack interrupted her and placed a finger lightly over her lips. “Peyton, my family loves him, and when we make the announcement tomorrow at dinner that we’re becoming a family, he will be a Price forever. It’s not DNA that makes a family. It’s love.”

  “Wow.” She sat back. That one statement alone packed a powerful punch.

  He searched her eyes. “Does that mean I can adopt him?”

  “I’d be honored for you to be my son’s father—and any other children we will have.” She rested her forehead against his. She didn’t want to break the spell.

  “I have one more surprise for you.” He tipped her chin up.

  A small laugh escaped her lips. “I don’t know if I can handle anything more.”

  He reached behind the love seat and pulled out the bottle of sparkling wine and two glasses. “We need to toast to our future.”

  “It’s like icing on a cake.” She clapped her hands together. “Wedding cake.”