The Gift

by Heather Slade

  “Why? Are you hungry? I guess, I just assumed you would’ve eaten already.”

  Alex nodded. “I did, but I’m still hungry. Or maybe it’s that I’m hungry again. I have a feeling I’m going to put on a hundred more pounds than Peyton has.”

  “Let’s eat, then. What are you craving? That’s a thing, right?”

  Alex smiled and kissed him. “I’m pretty sure I had cravings long before I got pregnant.”

  They ended up at a burger place in town, and when Alex ordered a double-cheeseburger, Maddox thought her prediction about how much weight she’d gain might be dead on.

  “Will you still love me if I eat this way for the next nine months?”

  “Just more of you to love, darlin’.”

  The look on Alex’s face changed to one Maddox was confused by. When he asked her what was wrong, her eyes filled with tears.

  “Why did it take us so long?”

  “I don’t know how to answer you, Al. Just because it did, I guess.”

  “I’m old now.”

  Maddox laughed and she slugged him. “It isn’t funny.”

  “Sorry, sweetheart, but you’re hardly old.”

  “I’m thirty-three, Maddox. If you’d pulled your head out of your ass and asked me to marry you ten years ago, we’d have a bunch of kids by now.”

  Unsure whether it would be a very good idea to laugh, Maddox took a different tack. “How about some dessert?”

  Alex’s brow furrowed and she scowled at him. “I’d go with avoidance, too if I were you. So, yes. I’d like dessert.”

  “From here, or would you like to go somewhere else?”

  “Somewhere else.”

  “How about frozen yogurt?”

  “Oh, there’s a good idea. We can probably get a couple pints to go too.”

  He could tell already that, for him, the next few months would be all about patience and learning how not to react. If he mastered the two, he might live long enough to see this baby born.

  “So, what do you think the mystery is?” she asked later when they got back to Butler Ranch.

  “I have no idea, except that it has something to do with Rory Calder. Although I can’t come up with a reason why he and Kade would even know each other. It can’t just be a connection to Lena. There’s gotta be something more.”

  “What do you know about the Calder family?”

  “Not a lot. What about you, Al? Have you heard anything?”

  She shook her head. “I know who might be able to give us some background info, though.”

  “Who?”

  “Noah Ridge.”

  He was afraid that’s who she was thinking of.

  “Stop it,” she said before he could respond.

  “What?”

  “Listen, Maddox. I only kissed him. That’s it.”

  “You aren’t making it better, Al. I want to kill him more now, than I did a minute ago.”

  “Come on. You don’t think you’re the only man I ever kissed, do you?”

  “Alex…I’m warning you. You keep this up, and I’ll be forced to tell you about the women—”

  “Stop! You made your point. You are the only man I’ve ever kissed, and likewise for you.”

  “That’s better. Now, back to Noah. How well do you think he knows the family?”

  “Only one way to find out.”

  Alex pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts.

  “You have his number stored in your phone?”

  “Settle down. It’s solely for professional reasons, Mad.”

  “Because Stave is going to sell Ridge wine?”

  “You never know…”

  “Wrong. I do know, and as soon as you’re done talking to him, you’re deleting that number.”

  Alex rolled her eyes, but he wasn’t kidding. If she didn’t delete it, he would.

  “You’re a caveman,” she mouthed while they both waited for Noah to answer.

  “Alex Avila. What a coincidence,” he said instead of hello.

  “Hey, Noah. Why a coincidence?”

  “I’m here, on the Central Coast. I went by Stave a few minutes ago, but the girls working seemed to have no idea when you or Peyton might be in.”

  “Yeah, we’re sorta temporarily retired.”

  “Temporarily? How’s that work?”

  “Get to the point,” Maddox growled.

  “Who was that? Maddox? I heard you two have finally gone public.”

  “More than that,” Maddox leaned closer to the phone. “She’s marrying me.”

  Noah laughed. “Congratulations, I mean that sincerely.”

  “Thanks. Uh, the reason for my call, though, is I was wondering how well you know the Calder family.”

  “Better than I’d like to. I also heard what happened with Jason Calder. That’s one reason I’m here.”

  “Why?” Maddox asked.

  “Better if I tell you in person. Have you had dinner?”

  “Not really,” Alex answered, grinning at Maddox. “We had a snack earlier.”

  “Are you at Butler Ranch now?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Do you want to come this way, or would you prefer I meet you in Paso Robles?”

  “We’ll go to him,” Maddox said when she looked at him and shrugged.

  “The Sea Chest okay with you?” Alex asked Noah.

  “Is there any other restaurant in Cambria? I’m kidding. That’s perfect. I’ll meet you there in what, a half hour?”

  “About. Thanks, Noah.”

  “My pleasure,” Maddox heard him say before Alex disconnected the call.

  “His pleasure over my dead body.”

  “This is an information-gathering dinner, Maddox. Keep that in mind, and be nice.”

  “Dinner? Are you serious? Are you really hungry—”

  Alex covered his mouth with her hand. “I just told you to be nice.”

  “The Calder family has Tablas Creek on the market,” Noah told them after they’d been seated at a table near the front window of the Sea Chest.

  “I wondered if they’d put it up for sale, but I’m surprised at how quickly they did.”

  “It isn’t public yet. They gave Ridge first right of refusal.”

  “Why is that?” Maddox asked, wondering if they should rethink what, and how much, they asked. Maybe he had more of a connection to Calder than met the eye.

  “We were the second highest bidder when Tablas Creek sold earlier this year. They also know our family is interested enough they might be able to up their ante.”

  “Why are you so interested?”

  “The same reason everyone else in the northern wine country is diversifying. Land on the Central Coast is highly sought after. You know that, Maddox.”

  “Exactly what are you willing to do to get it?”

  “Maddox!” Alex hissed at him. “I’m sorry, Noah. It’s been a very stressful few months, between—”

  Noah held up his hand. “I know it has.” He turned and looked directly into Maddox’s eyes. “I want you to know, I’m on your side. I asked you to meet me here so I could tell you what I know about Rory Calder and his connection to your family.”

  Maddox nodded. “So, tell me.”

  III

  Naughton

  November

  6

  Naughton walked through the rows and rows of Cabernet Sauvignon, cursing the vines. These were the only vineyards left to be harvested, along with a small amount of late harvest Zinfandel, and it was as though the grapes were refusing to fully ripen.

  He didn’t care if they weren’t ready to pick; Friday would be the last day of this year’s harvest regardless, because he simply couldn’t wait any longer to make Bradley his wife.

  Naughton, his family, and the employees of Butler Ranch always had a big party when the tractor brought in the last grapes picked. It was a tradition Maddox started a few years ago after spending a year working for wineries in Europe. This year, though, the celebration wo
uld be the most important of his life because it was when he and Bradley would be married.

  Tonight, her aunt and uncle were hosting dinner at Jenson Vineyards for the two of them to discuss the final arrangements for the wedding. Her father, his parents, Maddox, Alex, Brodie, and Peyton were invited, too.

  Their wedding would be small, limited to family only, and would take place right outside the winery, on the edge of the vineyard.

  Edgar Saint John had called Naughton, earlier today, telling him he was anxious to discuss the futurities market for both Butler Ranch and Jenson Vineyard wines. Instead of having that conversation this evening, Naughton suggested that they meet the following day.

  “Right, right,” Bradley’s father had said. “Tonight is about your marriage to my daughter.”

  His future father-in-law was making every attempt to get to know Bradley better by way of learning as much as he could about the industry she’d chosen for her career. Sometimes his overzealousness bordered on awkward, but understanding where he was coming from, Naughton couldn’t help but cut him some slack.

  Edgar was right, though, about the potential for Butler Ranch and Jenson Vineyards to turn their misfortune into financial gains.

  Higher than average yields for the last three years had left many wineries on the westside with excess inventory. Los Cab had come close to losing their bond with the alcohol tax board because of it, when Alex’s brother Elias, who was responsible for tax compliance, hadn’t updated their numbers.

  Now, with yields far lower, the demand for their wine would increase and prices would likely rise. It felt wrong to take advantage of the fire and vandalism, but however the market reacted was out of their control.

  If he was a praying man, he’d ask God to keep the forces determined to ruin his family, and those around him, away. Bradley had already suffered enough, both recently and earlier in her life. She deserved a wedding—and a life—filled with happiness and celebration.

  “Hey, Naught. Got a minute?” He’d been so lost in thought, Naughton hadn’t heard his brother Maddox pull up on one of the vineyard’s ATVs.

  “What’s up?”

  “I want to ask you something.”

  Naughton followed as Maddox walked to the same place outside the caves where he and his brothers confronted their father last month. The foreboding feeling Naughton had in the pit of his stomach strengthened. Why did he have to sense something bad was about to happen this close to the wedding?

  “There are a couple things…” Maddox began.

  Naughton waited for his brother to continue although every second increased his anxiety level. He wanted to yell at him to get on with it, but Mad was never quick about anything, especially something important he had to say.

  “I was wondering if you’d be my best man.”

  Naughton’s sigh of relief was audible. That was what his brother had been agonizing about? Had he been that nervous before he asked Brodie the same question? Maybe.

  “Of course, Mad. I’d be honored.”

  “It would mean a lot to me, and it would complete the circle.”

  “What’s that mean?”

  “You asked Brodie, Brodie asked me, and now I’ve asked you.”

  A second sigh of relief escaped Naughton’s lips. He’d hoped Mad’s feelings wouldn’t be hurt that he’d asked Brodie to be his best man instead of him.

  “That isn’t why I asked, though, Naught. There isn’t anyone I’d want beside me when I marry Alex more than you. After all, you’ve been beside us since the beginning.”

  “I’m just glad you figured it out.”

  “Me, too.”

  “There’s something else.”

  When Naughton gripped the back of his neck, Maddox pulled his arm down. “It’s a good thing, Naught. At least I hope you’ll see it that way.”

  “Would you please just get on with it?”

  Maddox laughed. “Yeah. Sorry.” His brother rested his hands on Naughton’s shoulders and looked him in the eye.

  “Remember when you said you wished you knew what Kade wanted for you?”

  He nodded.

  “Have you figured it out yet?”

  Naughton shook his head and held his breath, waiting for his brother to continue.

  “You’ll know soon enough.” Maddox stood.

  “That’s it? You’ve got to be kidding.”

  Maddox slapped Naughton on the back. “I promise it won’t take as long for you to learn your fate as it took me to learn mine.”

  “I can’t believe this. Are you really going to drop that on me, and then walk away?”

  “Believe it, brother.” Maddox laughed and climbed on the ATV. “Hey, I forgot to mention that Ma invited Ainsley to come tonight. Skye and Mac, too.”

  Naughton better call Bradley so she could let her aunt know. “Are they bringing the kids?” Sky and Mac had two. Spencer, who was almost four, and her baby brother, Kade, who had been born in July.

  “They weren’t going to, but Jean told them they should.”

  “Did you hear about the houseful your aunt and uncle are having tonight?” Naughton called Bradley and asked after Maddox left to go back to the winery.

  “Aunt Jean is so excited. She said she always wanted a big family, but since she and Uncle Charlie never had kids, she didn’t think she ever would. I’m pretty sure they intend to adopt your family, Naughton. Every one of you.”

  “They may change their mind once they see us all together.”

  “I’m looking forward to meeting your sisters.”

  It was hard to remember, sometimes, that Bradley hadn’t been a part of his life for very long. It seemed like he’d known her forever, instead of just a couple of months.

  “Are you nervous about tonight?” she asked.

  He wasn’t. Not at all. Asking Bradley to marry him hadn’t been a choice, it was just meant to be. “Are you?” he asked rather than answering.

  “Not at all. Is that weird?” When she laughed, Naughton felt all the tension and worry he’d been feeling leave his body. As long as he was with Bradley—and he intended to be until his dying day—whatever the world threw at him, he could handle. Without her, he’d be lost.

  “I love you,” he murmured.

  “I love you, Naughton. I can’t wait to be your wife.”

  “What time do you want to leave this afternoon?”

  “Probably around one. I’m almost done with the paperwork Maddox handed off to me, and then I have to run home and change.”

  He and Bradley were going to the courthouse in Paso Robles to get their marriage license, and then to pick out wedding bands.

  “You need to get the rest of your stuff moved into my place.”

  “I have been a little busy.”

  “Well, get at it, woman.”

  She laughed. “So bossy. I may have to rethink working for you instead of your brother.”

  “I told you once you’d never work for me.”

  “I remember, so what do we do?”

  “We work together.”

  Naughton checked the time. He had about twenty minutes before Bradley was due to meet him at the house, so he stopped at the winery to see if Maddox had any firm numbers about the amount of juice that had been adversely affected by smoke taint.

  When he took a shortcut through the tasting room, he saw a woman standing just inside the door.

  “Who are you?” he asked. “We aren’t open yet.”

  “You must be Naughton,” she said.

  “I didn’t ask who I am, I asked who you are,” he barked, a feeling of déjà vu washing over him.

  She stepped forward and held out her hand. “I’m Quinn.”

  Naughton folded his arms. “Quinn who?”

  “My last name’s Hess although, recently, I’ve discovered that on my birth certificate it’s listed as Butler.”

  “Who the hell are you?”

  “I’m your oldest brother’s secret, and I have a lot to tell you, Uncle Naughto
n.”

  Naughton was reeling. Was this, or she, what his father, or Lena, had been hiding?

  “Have a seat,” he said, motioning to a stool at the tasting bar.

  “You haven’t been easy to get an audience with.”

  “You’re here now. Start talking, Quinn.”

  “I’m not sure where to begin…”

  Naughton heard someone walking through the winery and remembered he was supposed to meet Bradley at the house in just a few minutes. He didn’t know what the hell to do. He had to find out who this woman was and if she really had a connection to Kade.

  “Before you get started, I have to make a phone call.”

  She nodded, and he went behind the bar and through a door to the storage room to call Bradley.

  “Hey, there,” she answered. “I was just looking for you.”

  “Something’s come up, and I need to change our plans. We’ll have to go into town tomorrow.”

  “Naughton, what’s wrong? I don’t like the sound of your voice.”

  He scrubbed his hand over his face, unsure of what, or how, he should tell her.

  “Where are you?” she asked before he could answer.

  “In the tasting room.”

  “I’ll be right there.”

  He looked through the window of the door that separated the storage and tasting rooms, and studied the woman who’d introduced herself as Quinn. There was definitely a resemblance to Lena, but she didn’t look much like a Butler.

  Her hair was a very pale straw color, and her eyes were dark brown. There was nothing in her facial features that resembled anyone in his family either, and she was tall and thin, more like Peyton and Alex than his sisters or mother, who were all petite.

  Quinn looked up at the same time Naughton heard another door open. He went into the tasting room and saw Bradley walking in, followed by Maddox.

  “Who’s this?” Maddox asked, walking over to meet her.

  “I’m Quinn,” she said before Naughton could preface her introduction.

  “What’s your last name, Quinn?”

  “As I was just telling your brother—”