Coming Home

by Judith Keim

  Cami left them to go to her office. Thinking about her own situation, she wondered when the time came for her wedding, who would walk her down the aisle? Would it be Edward Kingsley? Even if he turned out to be her father, would he be willing to do such a thing? Would she want him to? With the many stories, rumors, and news reports about him lately, she didn’t like him all that much.

  Her thoughts turned to Rafe. He would be proud, no doubt, to be asked to do such duty. He’d always been there for her with advice, help, and a tender but fierce love that came from discovering she was his granddaughter.

  ###

  Later that afternoon, Justine and George arrived with her friend, Kerry Moser, and Kerry’s boyfriend, Rob Tuley.

  Cami hurried to greet them. As beautiful as ever, Justine waved at her.

  “Justine! I’m so happy to see you again! How are you?”

  Justine beamed at Cami and threw her arms around her. “I’m great. George and I are enjoying married life.”

  “As much as we can before grad school,” said George, grinning.

  Justine reintroduced Kerry and Rob. While they were exchanging greetings, Samantha walked in with Curt.

  Cami stepped back while group hugs took place.

  Samantha, a small, attractive woman like her mother, had a presence about her that made her seem bigger than she was. Maybe, Cami thought, it was the constant smile lighting her features, or, perhaps, it was her sense of fun that drew attention to her.

  Samantha’s blue eyes sparkled as she stood beside her fiancé. “Thank you, everyone, for coming. I’m happy I’ll able to share this special time with you tomorrow. Curt and I really appreciate it.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Justine said. “Especially here at the Chandler Hill Inn.” She turned to Cami with a smile. “My wedding was perfect.”

  “My wedding is going to be very different,” said Samantha. “But I’m thrilled with the plans.”

  Kerry gave Samantha a quick hug. “Thanks for having me.”

  Curt, broad-shouldered and husky, gazed at Samantha adoringly. Cami knew from meeting him earlier that he was an easy-going guy who wanted to please his prospective bride. With his light-brown hair and round, button-like dark eyes, he’d always seemed like a cuddly teddy bear to Cami.

  He turned to her now. “I’m supposed to tell you that my family will be a little late. Their flight from Denver was delayed.”

  “That’s not a problem. We’ll be ready for them any time they get here.”

  Laurel and Becca arrived to greet the group. Leaving them, Cami went into the kitchen to see Darren about the special dinner they were serving the wedding party tomorrow.

  In the planning stage, Samantha and Curt had shyly approached Cami and Darren with the idea of fried chicken, salad and cake. “I think that’s all I can afford,” Samantha said. “We’re paying for the wedding ourselves.”

  “Let’s work on some ideas and get back to you. We’ll keep within your budget, I promise,” Cami had assured them. What she didn’t tell them was that the inn would absorb any additional costs in order to present a beautiful meal for the occasion.

  At first, Darren had been dismayed by the simplicity of the menu, but then he’d gotten into the spirit of it and came up with a few ideas of his own. Now, the dressed-up menu was listed on the small, printed presentation card as:

  Wine Country Lettuce Wedge

  Breast of Chicken with a Cherry-Pinot Glaze

  Duchess Potatoes

  Medley of Valley Vegetables

  Samantha had chosen chocolate cake for dessert, but Darren had creatively added the option of a blood orange sauce to go with it.

  “How’re things going?” Cami now asked Darren.

  “Fine. Everything’s set for tomorrow’s wedding, along with regular dining for our guests. Laurel’s going to decorate the private dining room after we close down dinner tonight.”

  “Sounds like things are in control. How’s that puppy of yours?”

  Darren grinned and held up his hand. Several little red spots covered it. “Oscar? He’s really something. It’s like having a real baby. He’s up at night, runs around like crazy, and is trying to bite my hand off with his sharp little teeth.”

  Cami chuckled. “He’ll get over that as long as he has plenty of chew toys.”

  “Thanks for the box of toys you sent him. We’ve already sent for more.”

  “Another spoiled puppy? I love it! Sophie has more toys than I have shoes, and that’s saying a lot!”

  They laughed together.

  ###

  Just before the guests’ cocktail hour, Curt’s parents arrived. Anxious to meet them, Cami went to greet them.

  “Welcome to the Chandler Hill Inn,” she said with practiced ease.

  Curt’s mother smiled. “Thank you. I’m Robin. This is my husband, Tommy, and our boys, Casey and Christopher.”

  At a pointed look from their mother both teen-aged boys bobbed their heads at her and said, “Hello.”

  Tommy held out a hand. “Howdy.”

  Cami shook it, liking his friendly smile and the way his brown eyes warmed. She knew from Curt that they owned a farm. Tommy looked the part with his strong body and weathered, tan face. Robin was a tall woman who stood straight and gazed at the lobby with quiet interest.

  “You’re in time for our happy hour. I believe Curt and Samantha are already there. Please come in and help yourself to some snacks. We have wine, beer, sodas, and flavored waters to drink.”

  “That sounds lovely,” said Robin. “It’s been a long day to get here.”

  When other guests arrived, Cami said goodbye to Curt’s family and went to greet them.

  ###

  The next morning, Cami stood with Laurel in the small dining room, inspecting the decorating Laurel and two of the crew from The Barn had done in the room.

  “It’s gorgeous!” Cami exclaimed, staring at the ceiling that had been covered with tiny lights and white silk flowers in a pattern that was both magical and subtle. At the far end of the room, in a little alcove, a small table had been set up with a crisp white linen cloth. Two tall, thick candles were placed on top of it, leaving room in the center for the bouquet of flowers that had been ordered. Rev. James Bliss would perform the ceremony.

  “I love having this room separated into two sections the way you’ve done it, one for the wedding itself and the other for the dinner,” said Cami. Three white trellises were set in a line midway in the room, leaving plenty of space for chairs at the one end where the ceremony would take place and two rounds of six in the dining area.

  “Good thing this wedding is indoors,” said Laurel, looking out the windows that overlooked a small garden. “I don’t think this rain is going to let up anytime soon.”

  “The weather forecaster said very little chance of it doing so,” Cami said. “But I don’t think Samantha and Curt are going to mind a bit. They’re very much in love, and a little rain isn’t going to stop them from having a special day.”

  Laurel smiled. “They’re the cutest couple ever. When we heard they couldn’t afford to have a photographer, a few of my friends and I decided to surprise them. We’ve hired Hank Coleman to take photos for them.”

  “Oh, how sweet!” cried Cami. “They’ll love it.”

  The day evolved like a story in a fairy tale, with one tender moment following another. While the men worked out in the gym, the women sat in a group in the living room. Cami accepted their invitation to join them.

  Smiling shyly, Curt’s mother, Robin, announced she had a special gift for Samantha. She pulled out a small box from her purse and handed it to Samantha. “I hope you like it.”

  The usual smile on Samantha’s face widened. “I’m sure I’ll love it. Should I open it now?”

  “Sure. I wanted you to have it for your wedding. It’s not every day a woman gets a daughter.”

  Samantha’s smile evaporated as her eyes filled. With shaking hands, she unwrapped the b
ox, opened it, and lifted out a gold locket.

  “It was my grandmother’s, and now it’s yours. It’s both something old and something new for your ceremony.”

  The tears that she’d held back slipped down Samantha’s cheeks as she went to Robin and hugged her.

  “Do you know how long I’ve waited for a girl? I knew if I kept having babies they’d turn out to be boys. Besides, raising three active boys is enough for anyone.”

  “Three great boys,” Samantha said. “Especially Curt.”

  As Samantha took her seat, Justine spoke up. “I’ve got something borrowed and something blue covered.” She held up the lacy blue satin garter she’d worn at her wedding.

  “It’s yours—for both the wedding and afterwards,” Justine said. A blush brightened her cheeks.

  “And I have something new too,” said Kerry. She handed Samantha a small package. “I saw these here in The Barn yesterday and thought they’d look perfect on you.”

  Samantha opened the package and held up a pair of dangling pearl earrings. “Oh, I love them! Thank you so much for making this day so special.”

  Cami sat among them well aware they’d hosted much fancier, more expensive weddings. But this one, with all the care and love that had gone into it, was her new favorite.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Cami checked the last-minute details with Laurel, talked to Darren, and then made sure James Bliss was set to perform the ceremony. She was paying especially close attention to having a wedding in the private dining room because she’d come up with a new marketing idea. This intimate space was perfect for second marriages for couples who wanted a tasteful, small wedding in a luxurious setting. Laurel had even suggested to Samantha that she let the inn use photographs of their wedding for promotional materials, and she’d readily agreed.

  As Cami stood on the sidelines in the background, listening to the harpist they’d brought in for the wedding, she waited like the others for Samantha to appear.

  Curt stood with his father by the makeshift altar, next to Rev. Bliss.

  The music suddenly changed to “Here Comes the Sun.” Everyone stood and turned. A soft gasp of delight filled the air as Samantha and her Uncle Patrick walked toward them. Samantha wore a crown of white daisies in her auburn hair and carried a bouquet of colorful gerbera daisies. Against her sleeveless, white, ankle-length silk dress, the flowers gave the effect of looking as if they were freshly picked from the garden. Tears sprung to Cami’s eyes as Samantha and Curt exchanged looks of such love, her breath caught. She immediately thought of Drew. He made her feel the way Samantha was looking now.

  Like the whole affair, the ceremony was short and sweet, complete with declarations of love and promises to keep.

  After the ceremony, a place was hastily made at a table for Rev. Bliss, who’d decided at the last minute that he could stay for the celebration.

  As the salad course and then the main course were served, Cami’s heart swelled with gratitude for Darren’s sensitivity. He had garnished each guest’s plates in a way to make a beautiful presentation.

  Cami left the guests to their meal and went into the office to check on things. She was going through a stack of notes when the telephone rang. Seeing the California number, Cami’s pulse quickened. She picked up the phone.

  “This is Camilla Chandler. May I help you?”

  “Hi, Camilla? This is Paul Gardener, Congressman Kingsley’s assistant. He’s planning a visit to Portland and would like to drive down to Chandler Hill to meet with you. Will that be possible?”

  “Of course. I’d love to meet him. He’s welcome to stay here. I’ll make arrangements anytime they’re needed.”

  “We’re hoping the trip will take place two weeks from today, but some things still need to be worked out with the committee in Portland. Go ahead and book him a room, but please understand we may have to cancel at the last moment.”

  “Thank you so much! I’ll hold a room for him. And, please, thank him too. I appreciate this opportunity to talk to him.”

  Cami hung up the phone and got to her feet. She kicked off her shoes and did a little dance across the carpet. The opportunity of being able to talk to the man who might be her father was a dream come true!

  “What’s going on?” said Becca stepping into the room.

  Cami jerked to a stop. “Just some good news, I hope. What about you?”

  “I’m ready to leave. Do you need me for anything?”

  “No, go ahead. I’m about ready to head home myself. Laurel has things under control, and I’m beat.”

  “It was the best wedding,” said Becca. “Simple, but beautiful. I change my mind about what I want every time we hold another wedding here.”

  Cami smiled. “I’m sure when it’s time to get down to final plans for you, you’ll have it figured out. It’ll probably be a piece of each wedding.”

  “That’s it. I’ll have to decide how to put it all together. How are things going with you and Drew? Dan says Drew seems really happy.”

  “He’s the best guy ever,” Cami said, aware her voice had become breathy with emotion.

  Becca grinned. “It sure sounds like it. See you later.”

  As Becca left, Cami picked up the phone to tell Drew the good news and then set it down again. As before, she’d keep her news from both Drew and Rafe. It was best that way. She’d be heartbroken if things fell through, and both men would be angry at the congressman for disappointing her. And even though they’d be upset with her for not telling them ahead of time, they each had a lot on their minds with the opening of new acreage at Taunton Estates Winery for their special Lettie’s Creek Wine.

  ###

  At home, Cami still bubbled with excitement. She picked up Sophie and squeezed her. “Guess what, Soph? I may meet my father. I know you don’t get to spend time with your father, but at least you know who he is.”

  Sophie licked her cheek and then, at the sound of a truck pulling into the driveway, she wiggled to get down.

  Cami smiled as Drew got out of his truck and headed inside. The day was getting even better.

  ###

  One morning in early July, Cami walked the land outside her home observing the growth of the grapes with satisfaction. As had been forecast, this looked as if it was going to be an excellent year. An early harvest might even take place if the sugar content of the grapes indicated they were ripe for picking.

  Rafe stepped out of his cabin and looked around.

  Sophie saw him, barked, and ran over to him.

  He greeted her by rubbing her ears, waved to Cami, and approached her. “Think it’s gonna be a good year. Both Chandler Hill and Taunton Estates grapes are flourishing.”

  She smiled and gave him a quick kiss. “We just have to keep things going well for a couple more months.”

  “Yeah. Let’s hope the weather holds. California has had some pretty bad storms.”

  “It’s always a worry if the weather begins to act up. Have time for a cup of coffee?”

  He smiled. “I always have time for you, sweetheart.”

  They walked to Cami’s house in easy silence. Rafe enjoyed gazing at the land as much as she. No doubt, his thoughts dwelled in the past, while she couldn’t stop thinking of what the future held.

  Cami made fresh coffee for them and placed a small bowl of fresh-picked raspberries on the table for them to share.

  “Are you getting more excited about your river cruise?” Cami asked.

  “Actually, I am. They keep sending me information offering side trips, and it should be a nice little vacation. I’m thinking of taking them up on some earlier excursions and will leave earlier in August than I’d thought. Drew can handle things on his own. If that goes well, I’m going to hand over more of the operation to him.”

  “I think Nonnee would be very pleased to know you’re looking forward to the trip. It’s what she hoped for.”

  Rafe shook his head. “I can’t believe she was working with a professional
to overcome her fear of flying so we could take this trip together. She’d tried before, you know. She said that watching me take off to pick you up in Africa was one of the hardest things she’d ever done.”

  “You’ve always been there for me, Rafe. I remember how scared, how confused I was after my mother’s death. And when I saw you, I knew I’d be safe.”

  “Yes, we’ve had a special connection from the time you were just a toddler,” said Rafe, blinking rapidly.

  Cami’s phone rang. She picked it up and checked Caller ID. A California number she didn’t know. Thinking it might have something to do with Congressman Kingsley, she clicked on the call. “Hello?”

  “Hello, Ms. Chandler? This is Howard Dickinson. We met at my son’s wedding.”

  “Yes. You’re George’s father. I remember you well. How can I help?”

  “As you may recall, I’m advising Rod Mitchell on the sale of his winery. I received a call today from a Mr. Jonathan Knight. He says he worked for Chandler Hill for several months. Is that correct?”

  “Yes-s-s,” Cami answered cautiously. A sinking feeling had already affected her stomach.

  “He has put together a group of people who might be interested in buying Lone Creek Winery. I thought I’d better get some references.”

  “I see.” Cami wasn’t about to offer any information freely without knowing more about the deal. “Are his partners winemakers?”

  “Mr. Knight claims several of them are interested in learning the business.”

  “What about Jonathan?”

  “He has an idea about building an inn on the property. He managed Chandler Hill Inn and would like the opportunity to do his own thing after resigning from your operation.”

  Cami couldn’t hold back. “He didn’t resign from Chandler Hill. I fired him. Jamison Winkler was my lawyer handling this. I suggest you call her. I’d prefer not to be involved in this any further.”

  “I appreciate your candor, Ms. Chandler. It seems the requirements we set up for prospective buyers are making it hard to find a reliable one. I do note, however, that Bernard Arnaud is on the team and is reputed to be a knowledgeable vintner.”