Page 66 of Twin Babies For The Grump

I make my way downstairs about half an hour later. I opted for a midi dark green dress and carefully comb my curls. It’s too hot to do any kind of styling but I also don’t want to just pull it up in a bun.

Tiffany is already in the living room, having chosen a dress of similar length but it’s blue, the exact shade of her eyes.

“Josh left, he went to help Owen,” she says. “Are you ready?” she asks and extends her arm so that we link them.

“I am, I assure her.” It’s the first time I’ll have to come into contact with reporters since that hit piece.

Although Owen managed to have that removed before having to take legal action, he requested that the news outlet apologize for the commentary they made when it came to my relationship with him and the promotion. And they did, a day after his lawyers formally sent that request.

The early morning breeze brings the aroma of grapes and all the other fruit in the estate, and it’s just as intoxicating as our wine.

The reporters have already sent part of their crew to film the vineyards, accompanied by Marco, and there’s a drone flying above the other side to get some clear aerial shots.

“Dad would be so happy about this,” says Tess in a low voice.

“Yes, this feels more like a dedication to Thomas. Owen made sure that despite the changes he made when he took over, his father’s vision remained alive.”

“It’s not just that, it’s— How much Owen has changed in just a few months, how happy he is. My brother had become a shell of himself, only interested in numbers. His business had consumed him. And now, thanks to you, he’s a different man.”

“It’s not just because of me, he made the choice to come here for his father and for himself,” I protest. I wanted to add that this happened before he met me, but technically, we met happened prior to Thomas’s death.

“Has he ever told you how Mom and Dad came to run this place?

“Bits and pieces. Thomas’s death might be more recent, but Owen is able to speak more freely about your father. When it comes to your mother—”

“We didn’t get enough of her to make peace with that loss. I know.”

Tiffany lowers her head and it’s the first time that I see her face without even the slightest trace of a smile.

“So why did your parents end up here?”

“Our grandfather owned the winery and part of the land. My parents were young back then, when my grandfather decided to step down, and they had to take over. And they fell in love with the place and the work. I won’t bore you with the details, but I can’t help but notice that there are some similarities with your story. Or maybe Owen is right, and it’s just fate.”

“Do you ever think of settling down here? Or in a place like this?” I ask. She looks at the surroundings with so much love, it’s hard to believe that she wanted nothing to do with the family business.

“It’s not for me. I love visiting for a couple of days, but that’s it. I’ve already found my passion, my desires, and they don’t include living in the countryside or having kids. I crave a different pace of life.”

“I believe that, I mean, ten restaurants?”

Tiffany chuckles and guides me to where Owen is about to start the tour.

“I think it’s better if I wait here,” I say and stop a few steps away from where the cameras are set up. The interior of the main building is completely lit up, with white screens positioned at certain spots for better light distribution.

“No, he wants you there,” Tiffany insists and gives me a very light push. Owen is wearing a brilliant smile, and so is Adela who is waving her hand for me to keep going.

You set me up, I think as I make my way to him.

As if he’s reading my thoughts, he nods at me and then closes the distance between us. He gives me a peck on the lips and turns to the reporter. “Now we can begin.”

The next hour passes in a daze. Owen, the reporter, and I tour the winery, presenting the history of the place and how his father’s vision for the winery was merged with Owen’s.

Once the questions get on the practical side, Owen directs most of them back to me, either to answer or to add to his response. He wants to show that I earned my position and goes as far as to downright state that he wouldn’t have been able to figure out anything with the winery without my help.

By the time we reach the barrels, I can tell that both the reporter and the rest of the crew are mesmerized by our winery.

“And this,” Owen pats one of the oak barrels, “is the wine for the contest.”

“Can you give us a hint of what to expect?” the reporter asks.

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