by Judith Keim
Sophie, Cami’s black-and-tan miniature dachshund, barked and ran to greet Rafe, who stepped onto the deck.
“Hi, come join us,” said Cami, rising and pulling a chair over to their group. “The sun will be setting soon, but it’s still pleasant outside for this time of year. In fact, I was thinking of trying a new pinot noir release from Taunton Estates.” Her eyes sparkled as she teased, “You, as owner, might want to judge it for yourself.”
Rafe laughed. “I think I should, especially if it means I get to spend time with my two favorite women.” His gaze swept over them, bringing a smile to all three.
It was this kind of banter that Lulu loved most. Rafe was such an honorable guy. In his seventies, he was a quiet man who lived and loved and worked hard. He still mourned Lettie Chandler, Cami’s grandmother, who’d passed away over a year and a half ago. She was the love of Rafe’s life and always would be.
Cami went to get the wine and glasses, leaving Lulu and Rafe alone. In Spanish, Rafe asked, “How did the teaching go?”
She replied in the same language, “Pretty well. I’m glad I could help, but I don’t know how much of that I can do. I’m going to be needed more and more at the inn.”
Rafe nodded and switched to English as Cami joined them. “It used to be that things got quiet after the harvesting of the grapes and all the hoopla that went with it. But the Chandler Hill Inn with its spa and special vacation and bridal packages has kept business going throughout these months. Christmas, the New Year, and Valentine’s Day are big deals here now.”
“I can’t wait for the Christmas celebration. I’m hoping to convince my mother to make the trip here. I think it would do her good.”
Cami continued pouring the wine into the three glasses. “How is she doing?”
Lulu couldn’t hide the sadness in her voice. “With her, I never know. There is no cheerfulness, no excitement about anything. Her depression never ceases, even with the drugs and alcohol I know she’s sneaking. I’ve talked to the doctors about it. They try to discuss other options with her, new medicines and therapies. Heaven knows, she’s tried a lot of programs, but nothing seems to work. My counselor has advised me that aside from encouragement there’s not much I can do.”
“It’s so sad,” said Cami, setting down the wine bottle on the table and distributing the glasses of wine.
“I’m learning that it’s not my job to keep her spirits up and help her stay sober,” Lulu continued. “I was made to feel responsible for her after the death of my brother.”
“He drowned when he was ten. Right?” Cami said.
“Yes, it changed our lives dramatically,” said Lulu. “Nothing’s ever been the same since.”
Cami rose from her chair and wrapped her arms around Lulu. “I’m so sorry.”
Lulu allowed herself a moment to relax and let go. She’d lived with disappointment and pain for so long, it felt unfamiliar to accept this sign of acknowledgement. If only I’d been there when Eddie decided to go swimming alone at the beach.
Rafe broke into her musing about the guilt she carried and always would. “Okay, ladies! Let’s taste this wine. I’m hoping it’s as good as my new marketing director says.” His words brought a smile to Lulu.
They’d just proclaimed the wine excellent when Drew arrived. He kissed Cami hello and sank into one of the chairs on the deck with a soft groan. “Ah, it’s good to be home. I’ve been working with Dan on the last bit of cleanup and updating of the house at Lone Creek. He and Becca are hoping to move in next week.”
“I’m so happy for them,” said Lulu. “I know how excited Becca is to have a house of her own.”
“Yes, it’s a fair deal all around,” Drew said. “They got the house for a good price, and we owners are assured of cooperative people living there after the fire in the vineyards a couple of months ago.” He glanced at the glass of wine Cami handed him. “What do you think? Is it as good as I thought it’d be?”
“It’s lovely.” Cami grinned at him. “I can’t wait to get more involved in Chandler Hill wines. Then I’ll really test your work.”
Rafe laughed. “I knew it was a good idea to put these two up against each other. Both Taunton Estates and Chandler Hill wines are already great, but I suspect they’ll be even better with Cami and Drew competing against one another.”
Lulu laughed with the others.
Drew turned to her. “We’re going to have a big party to celebrate Becca and Dan’s moving into Rod Mitchell’s old house. Miguel told me to tell you to be sure to come.”
Lulu rolled her eyes. It sounded just like him. “I’m planning on coming to it because Becca has already invited me. She has a teacher friend she wants me to meet.”
“I’ve met Ross Coughlin,” said Cami. “He seems very nice, and he’s easy on the eyes too.” She laughed when Drew arched his eyebrows at her. “Don’t worry. You are too.”
“Is this Ross Coughlin the young man who started the after-school program at the middle school?” asked Rafe.
“Yes, that’s what I’ve been told,” said Cami.
“Good, because in the spring, I’d like to be able to volunteer on my time off,” said Lulu. “I enjoy being with the kids.”
“You’re so good with the kids who come to the inn,” said Cami. “I really admire that.”
“Thanks.” Lulu hadn’t told anyone this but working with the kids at school made her feel as if she was making amends for the time she’d let her younger brother down. She’d talked to a psychologist about it and knew it wasn’t her fault that he’d drowned, but she always felt better after being with other kids who needed her attention.
As for herself, she wasn’t sure she wanted children of her own, not when it required making sure they were safe from all the dangers of the world.
About the Author
Judith Keim enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Winston and Wally, and other members of her family.
While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.
A hybrid author who both has a publisher and self-publishes, Ms. Keim writes heart-warming novels about women who face unexpected challenges, meet them with strength, and find love and happiness along the way. Her best-selling books are based, in part, on many of the places she's lived or visited and on the interesting people she's met, creating believable characters and realistic settings her many loyal readers love. Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.
“I hope you’ve enjoyed this book. If you have, please help other readers discover it by leaving a review on the site of your choice. And please check out the Hartwell Women Series, the Fat Fridays Group, the Salty Key Inn Series, and The Beach House Hotel Series. ALL THE BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN AUDIO on Audible and iTunes! So fun to have these characters come alive!”
Ms. Keim can be reached at www.judithkeim.com And to like her author page on Facebook and keep up with the news, go to: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Judith-Keim/184013771644484?ref=aymt_homepage_panel.
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Acknowledgements
As mentioned in Book 1, I gratefully acknowledge Wayne Bailey’s help in answering questions about grape growing and making wine. Our stay at Youngberg Hill and meeting him and his family was exactly what I needed to transform my ideas for this series into written word.
As always, I thank Peter and Lynn Mapp for editing, and L
ou Harper for the book covers.
