Page 12 of A Vineyard for Two

‘He was a good man. An honest man. Over the years, he had accumulated many assets. While it has taken much time to investigate the legalities of his Will, that has now concluded and his wishes can be executed.’ Georgia took another sip of wine, keeping the suspense running.

Harper remembered Hugh. He had always been friendly and polite. He worked odd jobs, helped in the community, and made wonderful wine. She remembered one New Year’s Eve, when he had caught her and a friend enjoying a bottle behind a barrel. They’d been just shy of seventeen. She had thought that they’d be in trouble without a doubt, but Hugh had given them a warning and they didn’t repeat the rebellion. He had said that if they had to hide it, it was wrong. He’d been right. She and her siblings had helped on his property on more than one occasion.

Georgia continued, ‘As the executor, I’d like to share with you that Hugh left a lot of what he owned to charity, but also to this family.’ Pausing, she turned to each of them as she spoke,

‘Leo, you have been given an investment property in Brisbane. It’s a small three-bedroom house on the outskirts of the city that is currently rented. It should provide a nice income stream and potential capital growth.

‘Zoe, you have been left with the florist shop in town. It has been under management, but the current employees are looking to relocate, so it will be up to you what happens next.

‘Tyler, Hugh left you with his stock portfolio. There’s a significant amount there that will provide you a nice income that should supplement what you earn with the army.’

Harper’s stomach turned. She was nervous about what was to come next, especially when Georgia glanced first at her, then at Brookes, then back to Harper.

‘Hugh had a massive property, the inn with the vineyard and cellar door,’ Georgia lifted the bottle. ‘This is from Hugh’s vineyard. Cheers to Hugh.’

They all lifted their glasses and sipped.

‘Hugh left the property, including the inn, cellar door, and the vineyard, to you Harper, and to you, Brookes.’

She saw Brookes’ jaw drop. She felt a shock go through her. Did she hear that right? No, there had to be some misunderstanding.

‘What do you mean Hugh left the property to Brookes and I?’ Harper asked.

‘Exactly what I said. The property now belongs to the two of you.’

‘As joint owners?’ Brookes asked.

‘Yes.’

‘I don’t get it,’ Harper said. ‘How is that going to work?’

She owned a vineyard with Brookes. It didn’t make any sense. For a moment, she thought she was going to wake up from a dream. But as she looked at her aunt and at her siblings, then finally at Brookes, she knew this wasn’t a dream. This was as real as it was going to get.

‘I’m just the executor, my dear.’

‘But why?’ Harper said. ‘Why Brookes and I? It’s crazy.’

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Everyone at the table turned.

‘I hope I’m not interrupting anything,’ Lisa said. ‘Harper told me to stop by.’

SEVEN

As Lisa entered the house, Harper noticed Georgia smirk before her face transformed into a gentle welcoming smile, while Brookes looked even more uncomfortable than before. After a moment of small talk, Leo, Tyler and Zoe took it as an opportunity to go outside, with Rover in tow. Lisa’s appearance gave Harper the much-needed opportunity to process the news they’d just received before she said anything else.

A property owned by her and Brookes — it was preposterous. Hugh had to have made a mistake, maybe he was not of sound mind when he drew up the Will. Someone was probably going to contest it. He would have to have a family who would, someone who thought that the property should be left to them. It’s not like Harper and Brookes were related to Hugh in any way. What in the world had the old man been thinking?

‘Lisa, would you like a glass of wine?’ Georgia asked, standing up. ‘We’ve a couple of bottles open. I’m just going to fix up the dessert. Brookes, why don’t you refill the glasses?’

Harper thought she saw Brookes and Georgia exchange glances, but she could have been mistaken. Did she really need another glass of wine? Brookes poured it and handed them their glasses. She took a sip and left it at that, preferring to have a clear head for the questions she wanted to ask later.

‘Good to see you, Brookes,’ Lisa said, touching him on the shoulder where her hand lingered. He stiffened, and moved away.

‘I ran into Lisa in town today,’ Harper said, trying to dispel some of the discomfort floating through the room.

‘I’m going to help Georgia with dessert,’ Brookes said and disappeared into the kitchen.

Lisa raised an eyebrow. ‘Does he seem uptight or what?’

---