Grace After the Storm

by Sandy Sinnett

  “Where are we going? You’ll be in Hood River if you keep driving this way.”

  “I know. That’s the plan.”

  “Oh… okay then. You do seem like you know where you’re going. Have you been there before?”

  “I drove over here last week to check out some restaurants.”

  “What for?” Hannah was curious, hoping he would divulge his reasoning.

  “I just like to know what’s around. It’s nice to be able to share with guests when they ask for recommendations for local places to eat.”

  “I guess you’re right. I never thought about it much.” Hannah was embarrassed, realizing how little she offered to her guests. I really do need help running this place… that makes so much sense! Why did he have to think of it first?

  “Here we are. You ever been here?” he asked.

  Hannah looked out the car window and saw the familiar, beautiful restaurant. It was a strong link to her past, unbeknownst to Brad. “Romuls. Of course. I loved coming here with my parents. It’s been around for a long time,” Hannah smiled, but her heart was sad at the memory of her parents. To some degree though, it brought her comfort and she sensed her parents were there with her.

  Brad was embarrassed for causing Hannah to relive what might have been a painful part of her past, not realizing her history there. “Hannah, I’m so sorry. If this place brings back too many memories for you, we can leave. I didn’t know.”

  “It’s okay, really. It will be nice to see the place again, and they have an amazing Shrimp Orecchiette. At least they used to,” she smiled.

  Inside, the smell of fresh bread, oregano and garlic filled the air. It was beautifully decorated – a ‘Little Italy’ experience in every way. Hannah closed her eyes for a moment, allowing the memories to flood her mind of the many dinners spent there, and they brought joy to her heart. She suddenly felt right at home. Brad put their name on the waiting list for a table, then they walked over to the bar and ordered a glass of wine while they waited.

  “Let’s go out on the deck – it’s a nice evening. If that’s okay with you.”

  “Sure – that sounds nice,” she replied.

  The sun had almost set, but the skyline was still a faint shade of orange. The deck overlooked the Columbia River Gorge – a beautiful view of the hills in the distance. Brad looked at her, his wine glass in hand, and lifted it up to her.

  “A toast,” he said.

  She laughed. “To what? You leaving me years ago, or you taking over my family’s estate and leaving me penniless?” Hannah regretted her words the minute they left her lips. “I’m… I’m so sorry. That was uncalled for. I didn’t…”

  “Jules… it’s okay. I’d feel the same way if I were you. I hope you know that Mitch and Laci simply wanted to help you by offering to buy the estate. Laci has it in her head that they were meant to find you. She believes the rain led them here.”

  “Yeah, I remember her getting all excited when it rained the night they were here. She was like a little kid, even went outside and stood in it. I watched her and Mitch from the window – they were both getting soaked. Those two are crazy about each other. You don’t see that very often in couples these days,” she replied. I remember feeling that way about you once. She thought. He had slipped and called her ‘Jules’, but she didn’t correct him that time. Secretly, she wanted him to say it.

  “Yeah, they were definitely meant to find one another. After both of them lost their first spouse, they needed each other more than any two people I know. I didn’t think Mitch would ever fall in love again after he lost Karin, but Laci stole his heart in less than four hours – literally.”

  “What? You’re kidding me right?” Hannah was intrigued by the story.

  “They met on plane – fell head over heels for each other. That whole ‘love-at-first-sight’ thing.”

  “Wow… that’s crazy! Let’s toast to that – to the rain that led them here, and their second chance at love.” Hannah smiled and lifted her glass to his.

  Their glasses clinked and they sipped their wine, enjoying the view.

  “So what about you? Your marriage. Were you happy? If you don’t mind me asking, that is,” Brad asked.

  “Let’s just say he was the safe bet, so I figured ‘why not’. He was nice, did his part with the housework, and even cooked now and then. I loved him, but not like I… well, let’s just say I would have made it work. When my parents died though, I had no choice but to come back home and take care of the estate and my grandma. He wouldn’t budge. His career was going well and he had invested a lot in his school. I sometimes think we were both just settling for one another – together for convenience. I can honestly say it was the longest year of my life. But, it all worked out in the end. The divorce was really mutual, and I kind of think he had his eye on another teacher at the school,” she giggled. “I like to think we’ll both get a second chance someday, maybe with the person whom our soul was originally meant to find.”

  “I’m sorry it didn’t work out, but I’m glad you’re a fan of second chances,” Brad smiled.

  “Ah… well, second chances are pretty hard to come by in my book. It would take a great deal for me to give a guy a second chance.”

  Brad’s heart deflated a bit at her comment. The hostess called his name before he could reply, and they were escorted to their table. After ordering, the conversation dwindled, and in an effort to avoid even more awkward ‘moments-of-silence’, he shifted the conversation.

  “Tell me about one of your favorite dinners here with your family – if you are up to it.”

  His compassion for her loss was evident and she was pleasantly surprised that he’d asked her to share. She missed being able to talk with him like this.

  “All of them were great, but the nights when my dad would start going on and on about how he met my mother were pretty special. He loved her more than life itself. Then there were nights when he would brag about how the Italians ‘do food’ so much better than the Irish, just to irritate my mom of course. That debate was always a fun one.”

  “I wish I could have met them. They sound like very special people.”

  “They were. It’s hard not having them here anymore. But right now, with me losing the winery, I admit I’m glad they’re not here to see this. My dad would be so disappointed.”

  “No he wouldn’t, Jules. You did everything you could to make it work and did an amazing job! Not many people can run a winery, a B&B, take care of an ailing grandmother, and help a wayward teen without losing a little of themselves in the process. I can see the toll it’s taken on you to keep it up. Everything you’ve done to that place is an extension of who you are, and I know that any guest who walks inside can feel the love you’ve put into it.”

  Brad’s passionate words moved Hannah more than she realized, a lump formed in her throat. “Thank you. That was very nice of you to say. And, thank you for dinner tonight. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a night out.”

  “I want to help you make your family’s estate a success if you’ll give me the chance. I want us to work together. And… it may be hard to believe, but I still care about you.” Brad reached over and took her hand, hoping he wasn’t overstepping his bounds.

  Hannah’s heart jumped into her throat at his touch, enjoying how nice it felt. Until then, she hadn’t given in to her feelings of loneliness and longing, and although hard to admit, they did exist. Now, with Brad back in her life again, she felt her heart caving in little by little, day by day. She tried to ignore it, but the more time they spent together, the harder it was to push him away.

  Back at the estate, Hannah went in to check on her grandmother and found her sleeping peacefully, so she walked to the kitchen to fix a cup of coffee. It was late, but it was always the one thing that seemed to relax her, and she needed it tonight – still a tad worked up from dinner.

  The coffee aroma wafted through the air, and after smelling it, Brad couldn’t help but want a cup for h
imself. He made his way to the kitchen and walked in quietly. Hannah’s back was toward him, so she didn’t hear him come in. Her long, curly red hair brought a smile to his face, still one of his favorite things about her. It was more than that though. It was the way she took such care in doing the everyday things – doing the dishes, making meals… even making coffee. The love he had for her long ago surged inside of him, still as strong today, if not stronger, and he was taken aback at that thought. He cleared his throat to announce his presence.

  “Hey, I figured you’d be in bed by now,” he said.

  Startled, she turned toward him and smiled, surprised by how happy she was to see him. “Yeah, I should be, but I’m not tired yet. Coffee helps.”

  He laughed softly. “Doesn’t coffee stimulate the brain?”

  “Normally yes. That’s why I only drink decaf this late at night. I think it’s the warmth that helps me relax more than anything, although caffeine never bothered me much until I developed high blood pressure.”

  “You have high blood pressure? Do you take something for it?”

  “I didn’t at first, but with the stress of my grandmother’s health and running this place, it got worse. My doctor finally put me on medication. I’m not that good at remembering to take my pill though,” she admitted.

  “I get it. I’ve never liked taking medicine much myself.”

  “Can I fix you a cup of coffee?” she asked, a blush of red peaked on her cheeks. I’m letting him get to me… I can’t do this! He’ll just hurt me again. Why won’t he just kiss me for crying out loud! Wait… what am I saying? This is the Putz! I can’t let him do this.

  “No, no. I can do it – you go on up and relax. It’s been a long day.”

  “Okay then. Well, I’m off to bed. Enjoy your coffee, and thanks again for dinner.” She started to walk away.

  “Jules…wait,” Brad couldn’t hold back any longer. He reached out and pulled her into his arms, then leaned in slowly – about to kiss her.

  Hannah desired his kiss more than she ever imagined, but her head was getting in the way and the walls around her heart were strong and tall. He’ll hurt me if I let him in… I know it. I’m not ready. She immediately pulled her head away and looked down, staring at the floor. “Oh, Brad, I can’t. If I gave you the impression that I was interested in you, then I’m sorry,” she said, then looked into his eyes. “It’s been too long and the hole is still there – it still hurts. I think it’s best if we stay friends.” Small tears trickled down her pink cheeks.

  Brad let go of her and backed away. “It’s okay, Jules. I understand. I…I’m sorry. You have to know how sorry I am, for before.”

  “Goodnight, Brad.” She walked out of the kitchen.

  9 – Winds of Change

  Brad decided it was best to keep his feelings in check and simply work on being friends with Hannah, but it proved difficult for him. He longed to share his true feelings, but knowing they wouldn’t be returned, he waited. Instead, he worked hard and learned everything he could about her family’s business. He wanted the best for Hannah, and making her business successful was his main objective, especially since his plan was to turn the estate back over to her. Hopefully that would help win her heart back for good.

  Each day they grew a little closer, talking and finding new things to laugh about. Once in a while they would reminisce about the past, but it wouldn’t last long. Hannah tried her best to resist his charm, but much to her surprise, she was beginning to see him in a new light. There were changes going on inside of her too, and even Lois was taking notice despite her worsening condition. Hannah looked forward to what the days would bring, and although she was losing her family’s estate to Brad’s family, the sting of the loss had begun to fade. A small part of her was almost happy it would be in his hands.

  April had finally arrived, and the sun was shining bright through her window. No rain in sight either, which was rare. She woke up and spent a little extra time on her hair, and then carefully selected her outfit for the day. He always did like my jeans and boots. Oh crap! I’m dressing to please him now… what am I doing? Hannah still had moments when she felt frustrated, sad, and mad for what he had done to her, realizing that her feelings for Brad were still raw, but slowly… she was coming undone.

  After breakfast, they finished washing the dishes together, which was happening more frequently. Standing next to him at the sink, she could smell the fresh soap smell from his morning shower and it made her smile, distracting her from the task at hand.

  “The broker will be here later today to go over the paperwork, but before he gets here I thought I would take inventory of our B&B supplies. Care to join me?”

  “Oh, wow… that’s today?” Hannah had forgotten about the broker coming. It was really happening – she was officially losing her estate.

  “Yeah, but I can meet with him alone if you like, and go over things with you later – it’s up to you. I know this won’t be easy on you.”

  Hannah didn’t reply and Brad could see a shift in her mood – like a switch had flipped and turned off the light inside of her. He quickly changed the subject. “You know… why don’t we walk out to the patio behind the winery instead?” he asked, an excited tone in his voice.

  Hannah raised her eyebrow and her interest was piqued. “Why the patio? There’s nothing to inventory on the patio.”

  “Just bear with me – if that’s not too much to ask.”

  “Fine… boss,” she said sarcastically. They walked outside and Hannah stomped off, walking out ahead of him. Why I wasted my time trying to look nice for you today, I’ll never know. You’re taking my life away today… again. Guess I’m not quite as ‘fine’ with all of this as I thought.

  Brad smiled as he watched her walk, her long red curls flopping in the breeze. He ached to reach out and fiddle with them like he used to. One of his favorite memories of their time together was sitting on the couch after dinner, drinking wine and talking about life. She would lay her head on his lap and her hair would sprawl across his legs. One at a time, he would gently pick up a curl and stretch it out, then let it go and watch it spring back into place. She loved it and not long after he started, she would fall asleep in his lap.

  They walked behind the winery and stopped at the patio entrance. Hannah turned around and looked at him. “Okay, we’re here. Now what?” Her bad mood was getting worse by the minute.

  Brad walked to the other side of the patio and turned around to face her. He needed to see her face while he explained. “Tell me how you normally use this space.” Crossing his arms, he walked around the table that separated them, somewhat coy.

  “What do you mean, ‘how-do-I-use-this-space’?” Her arms were flapping up and down as she spoke. “People sit out here, they drink wine… what else is there?”

  “Well, Laci would probably have a heart attack that I’m actually saying this, but you have a great space to entertain and host events back here. Look around you! There’s an amazing view of the hillside and a perfect space to build a fire-pit right here,” Brad walked over to the ‘future’ spot for the fire-pit and held out his arms for her to see his vision, “… and it’s covered.”

  “I don’t get why you’re telling me all this. Why does any of this matter?”

  He marched over and stood in front of her, so close he could feel her breath on his face. “Close your eyes,” he said.

  “Why?”

  “Hannah, just close your eyes! For crying out loud, is it that hard to do this one thing? Please?” Brad’s patience was starting to wear thin, but he smiled the minute her eyes were closed.

  Exasperated, she let out a huge sigh and closed her eyes. His voice was commanding and confident. Although she didn’t want to do it, mainly out of spite, part of her couldn’t resist following his directions and doing what he asked. “Now what? What is the purpose of all this?” she asked.

  Brad quietly moved around behind her and softly whispered in her ear. “Will you just trust
me? At least with this,” he pleaded.

  Hannah’s heart rate shot up and her palms began to perspire. What on earth is he doing? And why does he have to smell so good?

  “Fine,” she replied.

  “Now, imagine for a minute that it’s a cool summer evening and a small group of about twenty people are gathered around drinking wine, laughing, and having a wonderful time. A few others are sitting over there by the warm fire. There are a few banquet tables set with black linens, candles glowing, beautiful centerpieces, and a full place setting for ten at each table. The chef has prepared— ”

  Hannah burst out laughing, interrupting Brad’s elegant account of his ‘vision’. “Chef? You actually think we have one?” she asked, still laughing.

  “No. I know you don’t have a chef. That’s the point! You need to partner with one to hold dinner events here and bring in more people. That’s how I found Romuls. I’ve already talked to their head chef about this and they’re very interested.”

  Feeling somewhat foolish for jumping to conclusions, she let him finish. “Fine, go on… I’m listening.” Her eyes rolled, then closed again.

  “Thank you. Now, as I was saying, the chef would make seven small courses, each one paired with a different wine, using both your wines and a few from Crystal Creek.”

  “People would really come to something like this?” she asked, growing more intrigued.

  “I know they would, Jules! I’ve seen it. We can call them Twilight Tasting Dinners. Not only will they come, but they will pay top dollar if the chef is locally well-known and has a good reputation. Tickets would probably sell for over a hundred dollars a head, depending on the menu.”

  As much as she wanted his idea to work, she couldn’t wrap her head around the thought of actually pulling it off. She lowered her head and shook it side to side, doubtful of its success. “I don’t know, Brad. It seems a little far-fetched.”

  “You have to trust me on this. You and I both know that wine changes every taste bud when paired with food! Mitch force-fed me Wine101 over the past two years and I think I’ve attended every winemaker class, conference and seminar ever offered in the South. I know this can work.” He was more excited than a kid with a new toy.