by Judith Keim
CHAPTER TWELVE
The bud break happened in early April and was as exciting as it was any other year. It always seemed a miracle to Cami when leaves emerged, changing the rows of stark vines into a pattern of green beginnings. At this time each year, Rafe invited fellow grape growers to his vineyard for an evening of celebration. The owners of vineyards were a compatible group for the most part. Rafe felt it was very important to keep on good terms with everyone, which is why he’d invited Rod Mitchell, even though neither he nor Cami wanted him there.
Rafe’s winery layout was quite simple. A large open room with log walls and a wooden floor resembled a cabin in style, with a tasting bar at one end, tables where guests could sit, and a small hidden kitchen. A basement below held three enormous, stainless-steel tanks for holding crushed grapes before the wine was transferred to a number of nearby oak barrels for aging.
Cami stood with him and Drew at the entrance to the winery welcoming his guests. Inside, two staff members walked through the gathering with hot hors d’oeuvres provided by Chandler Hill Inn. Bottles of wine, along with beer and sodas, were set out on the bar with plenty of glasses and more appetizers.
Talk among the guests was that it was going to be an excellent year.
Drew turned to Cami. “A nice crowd.”
“Yes, it usually is. Everyone likes Rafe. His family has been in the valley for a couple of generations.”
Drew studied her a moment with a wistful look. “I’ve missed our dinners.”
Me, too,” said Cami. “But I know you’re busy here with Rafe and dating Vanessa. I’m busy too with the inn and the vineyard.”
Drew’s gaze lingered. “You aren’t upset with me for being with Vanessa, are you?”
“No,” she said striving to be fair. It wasn’t his fault she’d told him she wanted just friendship and had changed her mind. “Vanessa’s a lot of fun. I’m sure you two have a great time together.”
“We do. By the way, Vanessa really likes working for you and the inn.”
“She’s doing a good job,” Vanessa was creative and eager.
“Great.” He stopped talking when a gentleman approached and asked him a question.
###
With the promise of another growing season, the valley seemed to come alive. Everyone at the inn became excited about the busier months ahead. Cami was pleased that Vanessa’s old job had been in advertising. They worked together to develop a better website presentation of wedding information and created an online marketing plan.
At The Barn, a nook holding books on such topics as cooking, winemaking, home gardening, and similar interests held comfortable chairs for readers. Artists displayed a number of paintings and other forms of artwork for sale throughout the store downstairs as well as the tasting room on the second floor. The merchandise that Cami wanted to ease out of inventory was on sale in a special corner. Standing back, surveying the area, Cami and Gwen smiled with satisfaction. Their ideas were compatible. More than that, Gwen was a whiz at analyzing merchandise turnover and forecasting inventory needs. For the time being, Cami was overseeing website sales, but she hoped to hand that task over to Becca after the end of the season.
As she was working at her desk going over employee performance reviews, her phone rang.
“Hi, Cami? This is Jamison. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve made reservations for Wynton and me to spend next weekend at Chandler Hill. We’ll arrive on Thursday and leave on Sunday. While we’re there, I’d love the opportunity to have dinner with you.”
Cami warmed with affection. When Jamison had come to the inn to handle the legal issues with Jonathan, they’d formed a quick, easy friendship.
“I can’t wait to see you again and to meet Wynton. As I told you earlier, I studied his work in one of my art classes. I even used some of his paintings as examples of artwork for an essay. Can I make a reservation for you for the spa? I don’t want to intrude, but perhaps you’d like to come to my house for dinner and a special tasting of some of the local wines. I’m sure Rafe will join us.”
“How about your Prince in Shining Armor, the man who we decided was definitely not a frog?”
Cami smiled at the memory of Drew helping to chase Jonathan off the property. “Unfortunately, he’ll probably be out with his girlfriend, but I’ll ask him. He’s working closely with Rafe.”
“A time at the spa sounds wonderful,” Jamison said. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to get away. The girls will be out of town with their school class trip.”
“I’ll be happy to see you,” Cami said.
As soon as she ended the call, she phoned the reception desk. “Mr. and Mrs. Winkler are arriving this Thursday and leaving on Sunday. Please mark their reservation as VIP Guests and compliment the account.” She could never repay Jamison for the quick way she’d taken Jonathan down and off the property.
###
On Thursday, when the call from Reception came through, Cami rushed out to the lobby to greet the Winklers.
Jamison looked even tinier standing next to a tall, broad-shouldered man. Jamison’s short blond hair was in place, and her trim body was dressed in wool slacks and blazer as if she was going into court. Wynton’s long, loose brown hair and unshaven cheeks matched the casual blue jeans and long-sleeved T-shirt he wore.
Intrigued by their differences, Cami stepped forward. “Welcome to Chandler Hill Inn. I’m so happy you’re here.”
Jamison gave her a strong hug. “It’s nice to see you again. Come meet your hero and mine.” She indicated Wynton, who smiled somewhat shyly at her.
Cami shook his hand. “I’ve studied your paintings for an art class of mine. I’m honored to have you here. I don’t know if you brought paints and supplies with you, but if you did, I think you’ll find interesting material amid these rolling hills and all they contain.”
He glanced at Jamison and smiled. “As a matter of fact, while Jami is getting pampered, I’m going to do a little wandering on my own.”
“Wynn and I agreed on that beforehand,” said Jamison.
“While you’re here, I’m hoping to discuss something with you,” Cami said to Jamison.
Her eyebrows rose. “More problems with the inn?”
“Something personal,” Cami responded, hoping she was right and Jamison could guide her on talking to the congressman who just might be her father.
###
Friday morning, Jamison tapped on Cami’s half-open office door. “May I come in?”
Cami jumped to her feet. “Wynton’s off on his own?”
“Yes. He took a sketch pad and a camera with him.” Jamison sat in the chair Cami indicated for her. “What’s up?”
“Before we get started, would you like coffee? Tea?” Cami asked her.
“Coffee, black, sounds great. I don’t know which is better, the first cup of coffee or the second. I like them both so much.”
Cami called the kitchen. Moments later a staff member carried in a tray with two cups of coffee and a small plate of cookies and handed them out.
“Now that’s service,” said Jamison, happily taking a homemade butterscotch cookie and lifting her cup of coffee to her lips.
“Thank you,” Cami said to the staff member, ushering her to the door and closing it behind her.
After sitting down at her desk, she faced Jamison. “Let me give you a little family history first.”
Jamison listened intently to the story of Cami’s birth, how her mother had always refused to tell anyone who her father was, and her recent encounter with Justine Devon.
“After doing some investigation of Lulu Kingsley and her father, I think he might very well be my father too. We have the same earlobes. I know that may sound silly, but Lulu and I really do look alike. So, when they’re here for Justine’s wedding, I want to speak to him.”
“And exactly what would you say?” Jamison asked quietly.
“Well, I’m not sure. I hoped you might help me. Rafe told me I should lea
ve things as they are, but I want, no, need to know if he’s my father.”
Jamison gazed out the window for a moment. When she turned back to Cami her expression was serious. “I know how much it would mean to you to discover him, but I think you have to go about it with caution. You can’t accuse someone of being your father, especially someone in the public eye. That could be a dangerous situation if he retaliated against you, and, frankly, it might hurt the inn and winery. The repercussions from the exposure could hurt everyone.”
“But I’m not accusing. I’m just asking.”
“I understand, but I would advise you not to get your hopes up. You’ll have a chance to meet Lulu and her father at the wedding. See how approachable they are, study their features, see if there’s a way to make conversation without being direct about your interest in them. You already have an entrée into the conversation because you’ve been told by her friends that you look like Lulu.” Jamison gave her a steady look. “My advice is to go slowly and cautiously. You’ve had a nice life here, one you say you’re grateful for. Think about that too.”
Cami wanted to cry. Her grandparents had acted as her parents for most of her life, and while they were wonderful, she wanted to know her real parents too.
“Thank you for the invitation to dinner tonight. You say you want us at your house at six o’clock?” Jamison said, deftly moving the conversation to another topic.
Cami brightened. “Yes. I can’t wait to have you. Rafe will be there, too, along with Drew, who is taking on more and more of the work at the Taunton Estates Vineyards, Rafe’s property.”
“Whatever happened to frog boy?” Jamison asked playfully.
Cami couldn’t help the groan that came from her mouth. “You’re not going to believe it, but Bernard showed up on my doorstep expecting me to take him back. He’s now living here in the valley. I made it clear he would never work here or at Taunton Estates. He found a job with Rod Mitchell at the vineyard next door. Rod is the least liked, least respected grower in the valley. It’s not a good combination. Rafe and I agree we have to keep an eye on them.”
“Wise move,” said Jamison. Her brow furrowed. “You have an awful lot to handle for someone your age. You let me know anytime I can be of assistance to you.”
“Thanks,” said Cami, hoping she would never have to call on her for help with that issue.
###
That evening, Cami dressed in a long, flowy skirt in turquoise and a creamy silk top. She hooked the grape pendant necklace around her neck, where it rested in the V of the shirt’s collar. Letting her hair have its way, Cami liked how it fell in soft red curls around her face. She gave herself a second look in the mirror and left the bathroom thinking it might be time for her to make another visit to the spa.
Rafe and Drew showed up as promised a short while later as she was completing the table settings. She’d ordered flowers and the main course from the inn so that appetizers, salad, and dessert were the only things she had to make.
She kissed Rafe and turned to Drew. “Glad you’re here. It should be a nice evening.”
“Something smells great already!” said Drew following her into the kitchen. “What are you cooking tonight?”
“Just the appetizers. The main course is coming from the inn. I took the lazy way out.”
“The smell of cheese and garlic doesn’t seem lazy. More like delicious.”
“I think you’ll like dessert too. A lemon sponge cake that is a favorite of Rafe’s.” Cami smiled at Drew. She loved his enthusiasm for her cooking. Maybe he was just hungry. She’d heard Vanessa complain that she didn’t know how to cook.
Rafe opened a couple bottles of wine and placed them on the sideboard in the dining room. “A nice, hearty cabernet sauvignon for dinner.”
“Thanks.” She turned as the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it. Make yourselves comfortable in the living room.”
Cami went to the door and opened it. Jamison and Wynton stood on the porch. Jamison held a bouquet in her hands, and Wynton carried a brown-leather portfolio.
“So glad you’re here,” said Cami, accepting the bouquet of pink roses from Jamison. “Please come in. Rafe and Drew are already here.”
Wynton followed Jamison inside and set his case by the door.
Cami made the introductions and then headed to the kitchen with the bouquet, quickly deciding to set aside the flowers she’d brought from the hotel.
Jamison entered the kitchen. “I hope you didn’t go to much trouble for us. Wynton and I are pretty easy to please. Need any help with anything?”
“I’ve got everything set. Let me get the flowers arranged, and we can sit in the living room. Thank you again for these roses. I love them.”
Jamison winked at her. “I heard they’re a family favorite.”
Cami laughed. “Guess everyone knows Nonnee loved them, and I do too.”
On her way to the living room, she exchanged the flowers she’d set on the table with the ones Jamison had brought.
“Now, let’s join the others.”
Conversation was comfortable as the five of them chatted about their jobs. Cami was pleased by the way both Rafe and Drew related stories of Taunton Estates wines. Interested in what others had to say, Wynton was quiet about himself.
“Cami, another reason Wynton and I chose to come here was business,” said Jamison. “I’ll let Wynton tell you about it.”
Wynton looked at Cami. “Jami said you liked my work, and that you’d told her how you used it for a class study. I happened to mention it to my agent, and she urged me to talk to you about perhaps setting up an art show here. She’s also started to have prints made of some of my pieces. Not all, of course, but enough to give you a nice inventory.”
Cami’s jaw dropped. She clasped her hands. “Really? That would be awesome! I’m trying to bring more of the arts to The Barn. I’ve already started to get in touch with a number of authors to do lectures and book signings here. This could be sort of the same thing—an opportunity for people to meet you and for you to showcase your work.”
“I’m not doing any marketing like Thomas Kinkade, but I like the idea that prints give people who like my work the opportunity to have it in a way they can afford.”
Cami was surprised by his modesty. He was famous. People loved the contemporary mixed media pieces he did. “It would be an honor to work with you. A dream come true for me, actually.”
Jamison beamed at her. “I told him your guests appear to be people who enjoy the finer things in life, and this might be an excellent way for him to test the market, so to speak.”
“I’m thrilled to be a part of it,” Cami said, realizing they’d have to rearrange an area of The Barn just for his work. Even as talk turned to other things when they went on to dinner, Cami’s pulse raced with excitement over this new project.
After their meal was over, they congregated in the living room once more for coffee and after-dinner drinks.
Rafe was the first to get to his feet. “Everything’s been fabulous, cariño, but I must go. I have an early day tomorrow.’
Cami and Drew exchanged wry looks. Rafe and his early days were a joke among the staff.
“Time for me to leave too,” said Drew, joining him.
After shaking hands and murmuring goodbyes, the two of them headed for the door.
“Thanks for coming,” Cami said, following them.
At the door, she gave Rafe a hug.
Drew surprised her by leaning over and kissing her cheek. “Love your dinners. Thanks.”
When Cami returned to the living room, Jamison winked at her. “He does have shiny armor.”
Cami knew exactly who Jamison was talking about and felt a hot flush creep up her cheeks.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
As excited as Cami was about working on her art and author projects, she was anxious about the upcoming wedding. Justine had written to tell her that many of her friends were considering holding their weddings at Chandler Hill. And
with the new promos on the website, reservations were filling fast.
With a little encouragement, most brides were willing to make a commitment for all thirty rooms. Some even had Chandler Hill Inn find overflow rooms at other properties. It became a juggling act to figure out how a wedding could be held and still allow room for the inn’s regular guests. Sometimes, if rooms were available during a wedding, special discounts were offered to other guests. In all cases, Cami worked hard to accommodate regular guests the best way she knew how. They were the ones who kept the property going throughout the year.
Becca had come up with a presentation package for brides’ families and guests, offering them room discounts in the future and providing a specially designed flyer showing a number of gifts from The Barn they could purchase to commemorate the occasion. Pewter picture frames with the Chandler Hill logo discreetly placed at the bottom and terry robes with the Chandler Hill logo were available along with simpler things like bride or groom T-shirts, mugs, cups, and wine glasses. And of course, the winery offered special case discounts for wine to members of wedding parties.
###
Justine’s parents were scheduled to arrive two days before the wedding. A cold snap had come and gone, and the weather predicted for the wedding weekend was doable with warm temperatures and showers on Sunday, the day most of the wedding guests would leave.
Cami, Becca, and Vanessa went together to greet Justine’s parents upon arrival.
“Welcome to the Chandler Hill Inn,” Cami said. “Becca Withers is my assistant manager, and Vanessa Duncan is overseeing weddings for us. We want your stay here to be everything you wished, so please be in touch with any of us with any requests you might have.”
“Lovely,” responded Justine’s mother, Olivia. Tall and thin, she was elegantly dressed in a St. John suit in soft blue that went well with her blond hair and blue eyes. Jewels winked on her fingers and in her earlobes. She took the hand Cami offered and shook it gently. She studied Cami a moment. “Justine mentioned you look like Lulu Kingsley. She’s right, you do.”
