Page 67 of Twin Babies For The Grump

“I can do even more,” says Owen and motions for Marco to open one of the small barrels from the top shelf. “How about a wine tasting?”

There are cheers from the crew, and it takes a while for the reporter to bring them back to order. Owen pours her some and it’s obvious it’s a winner before her lips touch the glass.

She takes the first sip with her eyes closed, and then the next. She opens them only to turn to the camera and say, “Mr. Bale was right. We have the winner right here.”

From that moment, until the crew and the winery staff are gone, it’s all a blur. It’s late evening when we are able to sit down and relax on the patio. Tiffany and Josh are sitting on the armchairs while Owen and I are half-lying on the couch.

“You’ve done a good job, Owen,” Tiffany tells her brother. She swirls her wine once more, with her eyes closed and nose practically touching the glass, mimicking the reporter. “The dominant smell is of citrus, but there’s something sweet and nutty about it. And honey?” she asks.

“You still got it, Tiff. It’s a shame you don’t want to join us,” says Owen.

“Nope,” she responds and shakes her head to drive her point across. “I think we’ve established what each of us is good at and wants to do. But we’ll stock up our shelves with this once you release it. It’ll be a hit, don’t you think?” Tiffany turns to her husband.

Josh nods, already on his second glass for the afternoon.

“The barrel we have prepared for the competition will be even better, we’ll make sure to keep a bit of it after the contest,” I add.

The original batch has aged for almost twice as long, so if this version has them cheering, the first one will dominate its competition.

Owen fills their glasses one more time, promising it will be the last, and then looks at me apologetically. “You’ll try it too, in less than 7 months.”

“That’s not as comforting as you think it is,” I say and then down what was left of my mocktail.

It’s got lime, and berries, and a base of oranges and tangerines. I’d taken the habit of adding some spearmint, but my babies strongly oppose that smell these days. I’m not too bothered about it, and I know it will pass soon like the rest of the food aversions did.

Owen reaches over and starts caressing my baby bump. He does that anytime we are close enough, whether in bed, on the couch, or even at the winery while we pass by each other.

As soon as the third glass is emptied, Tiffany motions to her husband to get up.

“We’ll let you two lovebirds enjoy the rest of your evening,” says Tiffany and winks at Owen.

He makes an annoyed grimace as he watches the other couple leave.

“What was that about? You’ve been planning things behind my back all day today.”

“It’s the last one, I promise,” he says. “Just close your eyes.”

I sigh but do as he says, the anticipation overtaking any worry I have about what he’s up to.

There’s a soft noise, like fabric moving, and then the clacking of paws.

“Tipsy and Blanc are in on this too?” I ask.

“They are now,” Owen says with a chuckle. I feel him get up and after a few seconds, he says, “Open them.”

When I do, I find Owen on one knee before me and the dogs on each side.

In his hands, he holds a beautiful dark velvet box, slightly larger than what would be used for a ring. But there’s no doubt this is a marriage proposal.

Owen opens the box and reveals a stunning pearl necklace. I know immediately that it was his mother’s.

“Owen…”

“I might have been very young back then, but I remember what she told me and my sister when she gave us some of her favorite pieces. And this one in particular…” He carefully takes it in his hands and unclasps it. “Is the one she was wearing that Christmas day when she gave birth to me. I want you to have it. And I want you to be my wife. I love you, Tess. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Do you—”

“I do.” I don’t let him finish, I want him to know that I want him, I love him, and that I will spend the rest of my life with him.

Tears roll down our cheeks while he puts the necklace on my neck and pulls me into a long kiss.

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