Page 2 of The Vineyard Crush

Stepping out into the warmth of the late summer afternoon, I allowed myself one indulgent moment to simply bask, head tipped back and arms outstretched as I savored the dry, earthy breeze whispering through the trellises. Home, at long last, after nearly half a decade away. And the first chance to appreciate the fruits of my brother’s lifelong dream with an adult perspective.

Ethan was leaning against the porch of the vineyard’s offices, his familiar cheeky grin spreading across his face as soon as he spotted me. Before I could even fully get out of the car, he had bounded over and enveloped me in a tight hug.

“Emmy, I missed you so much!” he exclaimed, his voice thick with emotion.

I melted into his embrace, wrapping my arms around him just as tightly. “I missed you too, big brother,” I murmured, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

It had been far too long since I’d seen Ethan’s face in person, rather than just on a video call. We had always been close, ever since we were kids, and the distance between us during my college years had been difficult. But now, standing here in the tranquil setting of our family’s vineyard, it felt like no time had passed at all.

As Ethan released me from the hug, he stepped back, his eyes sweeping over me with a mix of pride and affection. “Look at you, all grown up and ready to take on the world,” he said, his tone teasing but warm.

I felt a slight blush creep up my cheeks. “Well, I had a pretty great role model to learn from,” I quipped, playfully nudging his shoulder.

Ethan chuckled and draped an arm around my shoulders, guiding me towards the vineyard’s main building. “Come on, let me show you around your new domain,” he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

As we walked, Ethan filled me in on all the progress he and our brother had made since purchasing this property. He spoke passionately about the wine-making process, the intricate care and attention required to coax the perfect flavors from the grapes. I listened, enraptured, eager to learn everything I could.

When we reached the charming farmhouse-style inn, Ethan gestured proudly. “This is where the magic happens – our little slice of hospitality heaven,” he said with a wink.

I looked up at the inviting structure, taking in the weathered wooden siding, the wraparound porch, and the flower boxes adorning the windows. It was exactly the kind of cozy, inviting atmosphere I had envisioned when my brother first told me about their plans to open a vineyard bed and breakfast.

“It’s absolutely stunning, Ethan,” I breathed, my eyes shining with wonder. “You guys have really outdone yourselves.”

Ethan beamed, clearly delighted by my reaction. “Wait until you see the inside,” he said, ushering me through the front door.

As he gave me the grand tour, I was struck by the attention to detail, the seamless blend of rustic and refined. The main lobby was warm and inviting, with plush furnishings and a massive stone fireplace. The guest rooms were spacious and elegantly appointed, each one offering a different charm and character.

But what truly captivated me was the view from the back patio – row upon row of lush, thriving grapevines, stretching out as far as the eye could see. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the entire landscape, and I felt a deep sense of peace wash over me.

“This is incredible,” I murmured, my gaze sweeping across the vineyard. “I can’t believe you and Mom built all of this while I was away.”

Ethan chuckled, draping an arm around my shoulders. “It’s been a labour of love, that’s for sure,” he said. “But we knew it was the right move, especially with you coming back to help us run it.”

I turned to him, a grateful smile spreading across my face. “I’m so excited to be a part of it, Ethan. This is exactly where I want to be.”

And I meant it, with every fiber of my being. After years of feeling out of place in the bustling city, this tranquil oasis felt like a homecoming. The sights, the sounds, the rhythms of country life – it all resonated with me on a deep, profound level.

As Ethan continued the tour, pointing out various aspects of the vineyard’s operations, I found myself drinking it all in, eager to learn and contribute in any way I could. This was my chance to be a part of something truly special, to put my skills and passions to work in a setting that nourished my soul.

By the time the tour was over, I was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. Ethan could clearly sense my excitement, and he grinned, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze.

“Welcome home, sis,” he said, his voice warm and affectionate.

I beamed up at him, my heart swelling with gratitude and anticipation. “I’m so glad to be here,” I replied, and I meant it with every fiber of my being. As we entered the main house, there stood my mom, beaming with joy.

“Emma, darling!” my mom exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug. “We’re so glad you’re here. Welcome home!”

“Hi, Mom,” I said, hugging them back fiercely. “It’s so good to see you. This place is absolutely stunning.”

“We’re thrilled you’re going to be helping us run it,” my mom said, clapping me on the back. “Ethan’s been doing a wonderful job, but he could use an extra set of hands.”

We chatted for a while, them filling me in on all the details of the vineyard and the B&B, and me sharing stories from my time in the city. Tomorrow I start to see the business side of things, talk to some of my contacts and start developing a better marking plan.

After dinner my brother showed me to the cozy house where I’d be living, it was at the end of the property closer to the offices, while my brother’s was closer to the Vineyard’s distillery. Here, I could breathe, I could thrive, I could be my true self.

I spent the night reading on my iPad and didn’t sleep until 3 am. I jolted awake when I heard loud barking and a bubbly laugh. Groaning, I went to the window of my bedroom to see what were the noises that woke me up. Since the shed house is single-level, my bedroom is on the first floor and my window looks into the ranch next door.

As I peered out, I saw a girl—the same dark-haired little girl from the diner yesterday, face alight with unbridled joy as an energetic golden retriever enthusiastically lapped at her rosy cheeks.

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