Page 59 of Twin Babies For The Grump

Tess seems to calm down a bit more, but I can tell she's not fully convinced yet. The winery means so much to her that she simply does not want to risk its reputation and the contest.

There is some scratching on our door, probably Blanc who has decided that enough is enough; she wants her freedom.

“Actually, I found Tipsy and got him inside,” says Tess when I tell her that but gets up, nevertheless. “I’ll let you two talk and go tend to the dogs or they will tear this house down.”

“So, brother, is this your version of not settling down?” Tiffany teases the moment we are alone. I'm tempted to tell her that it was fate but in order to do that I will have to explain my story with Tess from the very beginning, and neither of us has time now.

“I said I wouldn't do plenty of things yet here I am. I just can't ignore a good deal.”

“She's a good one?”

“The best.”

“Does that mean…?

You two are serious, right? Because I could see that she looked worried. Owen, you need to show her that she means more to you and the contest. It's not enough to just say it.”

“I haven't— I will make an announcement about our relationship and the pregnancy to all the staff tomorrow. And I’ve arranged with Beau to make it public, you know, give an interview to clear things. But before that, I’ll ask her—"

Another loud noise comes from somewhere behind Tiffany and I'm sure it consisted of more than a few plates breaking. This time I also hear Josh’s voice. It's loud and strict but he manages to control himself and not yell to whoever just broke a large amount of things.

Tiffany turns back to the camera and gives me an apologetic smile. “I need to go. Congratulations again, I'm very happy for you. And don’t wait that long to ask her. Show her how you feel,” Tiffany pauses and stares at me for a couple of seconds with teary eyes. “I’m so happy for you, Owen. And I will make sure to visit the winery soon, I promise.”

I stare at the screen long after she has hung up. My own emotions are starting to take over as if something in me is melting away. How many years have I spent distanced from my family? We always had a loving relationship, but it’s been too long since we were truly close with one another.

I’ve been missing that deep connection and now, because of Tess, I’m starting to feel again. To crave those interactions.

It's with that thought that I go to the kitchen. Tess has set 4 big bowls on the counter with the dog food bag in the middle.

The dogs are on either side of her, their butts on the floor, their heads looking straight up at her hands as she fills each bowl.

I reach from behind her to give her a hug, but the dogs let out a whining sound that distracts her. I settle for a kiss on the base of her neck instead and reach out for the water bowls.

I set two bowls full of fresh water on one side of the kitchen and go back to get the other two ready and set on the other side. Tess does the same with the food. It’s proven the best tactic to keep the newcomers separate when it’s time to eat.

“That went well,” Tess says. “Your sister didn’t seem to believe any of those lies.”

“Because the people who know us, know that we would never do what that reporter suggested,” I point out.

Tess sighs, knowing full well that I’m right, but worried still. Tiff has a point. I need to do something drastic to clear her name.

“Stay,” I tell her.

Tess looks at me confused. “I was going to. We still need to figure out what we’ll do.”

I shake my head. “No, that’s not what I meant. I want you to stay here with me. I don’t want to wait for the contest to be over.”

The corners of her mouth go up. “I don’t want to wait either,” she whispers.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Tess

“Nervous?”Owenasks,lookingat me from the corner of his eye. He’s sitting at the edge of the bed buttoning his shirt, a grin on his face.

“You aren’t?”

I fold the last items from my suitcase and place them in his closet. It’s so weird to see my shirts and dresses next to his tailored suits and dress shirts.

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