Page 82 of The Vineyard Crush

Ethan must have sensed my unease because he quickly added, “Relax, Ridge. We’ll get Mom on our side before you ask Em.” He paused, a wry smile tugging at his lips. “It’s funny, though.”

“What’s funny?” I asked, curiosity temporarily overshadowing my anxiety.

Ethan’s eyes took on a faraway look, as if he was peering into the past. “I remember the year Melissa was still here, and you were still married. You were like this robot, always working or taking care of the kids. Somehow, I’ve seen you loosen some reins here at the ranch in the last two months. You feel a little… human.”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut, knocking the air from my lungs. I hadn’t realized how much I’d changed, how much Emma had changed me.

“I also remember the night Melissa left,” Ethan continued, his voice softening. “You went on and on about how women are the worst and that you would never, ever marry again. You even said I should never get married.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “And now you want to marry my sister. Oh, the irony.”

I let out a long breath, running a hand through my hair. The man Ethan described felt like a stranger now – a hollowed-out shell I’d left behind. Emma had breathed life back into me, coloring my world in ways I’d forgotten were possible.

“Life’s funny that way, I guess,” I said, my voice rough with emotion. “Emma… she’s different. She makes me want to be better, to do better. For her, for the kids, for myself.”

Ethan nodded, understanding shining in his eyes. “That’s how you know it’s real, man. When they make you want to be the best version of yourself.”

“Emma!” Lily and Cody’s enthusiastic shouts snapped my head towards the entrance. And there she was, like a vision stepping out of my dreams and into reality.

Emma walked towards us, her presence lighting up the whole damn place brighter than the setting sun. The nervous pit in my stomach dissolved, replaced by a flutter of soft butterflies. “Hey guys, you look cool on horses,” she called out to the kids, her smile wide and genuine.

As she approached where Ethan and I sat, with little Avery sleeping peacefully, her head on my lap, my heart did that familiar stutter-step it always did around her.

“Hey,” I managed to whisper, drinking in the sight of her.

“Hi,” she replied softly, leaning in to press a kiss to my cheek. The simple gesture sent warmth coursing through me, settling deep in my bones.

Ethan piped up with an exaggerated pout. “What about me? It’s like I don’t even exist.”

Emma rolled her eyes, but I caught the affectionate gleam in them. “I saw you an hour ago in the cellar, you idiot.” Then, as if remembering something, she added, “Oh, that reminds me. Leo wants to go over the cost reduction in barrel maturation with you.”

Ethan’s groan was almost comical. “He’s been a pain in my ass since he showed up. How am I supposed to make wine if he keeps reducing costs everywhere?” Emma just shrugged, clearly used to navigating the choppy waters between the two brothers.

“Well, see you later sister and brother,” Ethan said, pushing himself to his feet. As he passed me, he leaned in close, his breath tickling my ear as he whispered, “in-law.”

I tipped the hat on my head, muttering a gruff “Fuck off” under my breath.

“Not in front of the kids!” Emma’s scolding was immediate, her eyes narrowing at me even as a smile tugged at her lips.

I ducked my head, mumbling an apology that was more for show than genuine remorse. Ethan’s knowing grin as he waved goodbye to Lily and Cody only added to the moment’s lightness.

As Emma settled beside me, her warmth a comforting presence against my side, I marveled at how seamlessly she fit into our lives. The kids adored her, Ethan treated her with the same affectionate teasing he’d always shown his sister, and even Avery, usually so wary of strangers, slept peacefully in her presence.

Lily’s excited voice rang out across the yard. “Emma, come ride Melly with me!”

I felt Emma tense beside me, her eyes darting nervously between Lily on the horse and me. I gave her a reassuring smile, squeezing her hand gently as I stood up, carefully placing a pillow under Avery’s head.

“Come on,” I said, offering Emma my hand. She took it, her fingers trembling slightly in mine. “It’s fun. We can teach you. Right, kids?”

Lily and Cody’s enthusiastic chorus of “Yes!” echoed across the yard, their excitement palpable.

I reached up and took off my well-worn cowboy hat, placing it gently on Emma’s head. The sight of her in my hat, her eyes wide with a mix of excitement and apprehension, made my heart skip a beat.

Lily guided Melly closer, her small hands confident on the reins. The pride I felt watching my little girl handle the horse so skillfully was overwhelming.

“You look like a grown-up cowgirl,” Lily declared, beaming at Emma. Then, pointing to herself, she added, “I look like little you!”

The comparison startled a laugh out of me, deep and genuine. The sound seemed to relax Emma a bit, her shoulders loosening as she smiled at Lily.

“Come on, up you go,” I said, my hands spanning Emma’s waist as I lifted her onto Melly’s back. She let out a surprised squeal, her arms immediately wrapping around Melly’s neck. Lily giggled as she found herself sandwiched between Emma and the horse’s mane.

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