Page 63 of Finding Love in the Clouds

Ten minutes later, Sophie exited the door onto the rooftop, dressed in a rich plum-purple sheath dress adorned with delicate silver embroidery that perfectly highlighted her feminine figure. Stilettos, in a matching shade, completed her ensemble. A glittering crystal-encrusted comb swept back the hair from the right side of her face, allowing the long waves of her brown hair to cascade over her shoulders. Her new Rolex encircled her tiny wrist.

Fernando’s heart raced as he took in her appearance. She was breathtaking. “You look absolutely stunning, Sophie,” he said, taking her hand and kissing her gently before leading her to the waiting helicopter.

“Thank you for the new outfit. It was such a pleasant surprise when the delivery arrived this afternoon. I may have teared up a little when I pulled back the paper and found this beautiful gown tucked inside. Ialready called Tess and thanked her for the excellent selection. She said she was nervous my sizes had changed after our vacation, but I assured her it fit perfectly. Now that I see you made some grand plans for this evening, I’m more grateful than ever that I’m not wearing my everyday business suit. What is all this?” Sophie asked, gesturing towards the sleek private helicopter waiting for them.

“It’s a surprise,” he whispered, helping her into the luxurious cabin, which featured plush leather seats, ample legroom, and large windows offering panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline bathed in the warm, golden light of the late afternoon sun.

As they ascended, the sprawling cityscape, iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign, and the bustling streets below gradually shrank. The sun, beginning its descent, cast long shadows, creating a beautiful interplay of light and shadow over the urban landscape.

“Where are we going?” Sophie inquired, noticing the northwest direction they were flying.

“You’ll see. Patience, my love,” Fernando replied with a soft smile, enjoying her pleasure as the helicopter reached the coastline.

The Pacific Ocean came into view, with its deep blue waters reflecting the orange and pink hues of the setting sun. The rugged coastline and sandy beaches provided a stunning contrast, and she could spot coastal towns like Santa Barbara, their red-tiled roofs glowing in the evening light.

After allowing Sophie to soak in the gorgeous views for about thirty minutes, Fernando decided to discuss some important matters. “Sophie, I spoke with Enrique this morning. He’s made progress on his investigations.”

This got Sophie’s attention, her head whipping around to focus all of her attention on Fernando. “Andy, is this a good…”

“Yes, the aircraft is secure. We can speak freely while on board. If you didn’t notice, Garret and Jace are our pilots this evening,” Fernando explained.

Looking in the front of the craft for the first time, Sophie exclaimed, “What? I had no idea they could fly a helicopter! In that case, continue. I’m dying to know what he said.”

Fernando took her hands in his before beginning. “He and the BraveHeart team have been able to piece together the explosion. He is certain the explosion isn’t linked to your past. It traces back to Dad McKenzie’s firefighting days. There’s a young man seeking revenge on him, but Julio and his team are on it. As for the Reyes Cartel, the trail’s cold. Enrique will finalize the family’s long-term security plan soon, but for now, the immediate danger has passed. He also said that you are free to marry again. I don’t know any of the details. He wants to share those with us together. Your family is safe to move back home. For a few more months anyway,” he finished with a flirtatious grin.

Relief washed over Sophie’s face. “That’s a weight off my shoulders. Did anything else important happen today?”

“It was a busy day, but nothing urgent to share,” Fernando replied. “How did your conversation with M.C. go?”

“I was able to reach her, and she sounded excited about a future collaboration. We didn’t talk about details; she said she has some pretty big personal things going on right now. She suggested I reach out to her personal attorney, Max Fuller, to arrange contract negotiations; apparently, he will handle all of that. If things go well, M.C. is willing to meet with you in December to make your acquaintance and sign the final contract, providing all goes well upon your meeting. Before you ask, I already contacted Mr. Fuller; he prefers Max, by the way. He said to have legal send over your initial offer as soon as it is ready, and he will discuss it with M.C. and respond accordingly with their demandsand expectations. If the initial negotiations can be handled promptly, he will be able to fly in for a meeting in October to finalize the smaller details. I already have a tentative date marked on your schedule. Any questions about that?”

Fernando shook his head. “No, as always, you are efficient. I’m pretty sure you could run things without me if you wanted to. Is there anything else important we need to discuss?”

“Yes, actually,” Sophie continued, “I was contacted by the Ashwood Preparatory Academy administrator today. I’m not sure what strings your brothers pulled, but Javier and Eddie got in. School starts in less than two weeks. I called Elsie to let her know, and she will be flying in tomorrow to help me get everything ready for the boys to start. We will tour the school and complete the enrollment process on Thursday and shop for uniforms and such on Friday. She will return to New York on Monday to finish closing up the house and finish her work obligations. She said Ian has really appreciated Mom’s willingness to watch the kids while he situated everything in the new house and Eddie loves his new cousin. He is already calling Javi his best friend. Javier has been in heaven having Eddie and Blythe to play with for the past few weeks. I know it’s likely temporary, but having Elsie and Arabella’s families moving in less than a mile down the road will be such a blessing as we transition to first grade in school and your sisters take the executive positions at FKM. Gisela is over the moon at being offered the nanny position for the little ones. Everything seems to be finally falling into place. After today, I feel like I can finally take my first real deep breath.”

“I know what you mean. Gabe offering his Bel-Air mansion to the girls until they can find something they love was such a Godsend. I mean, what is the likelihood that my brother just happened to have a twenty-room mansion lying around that was perfect for Elsie andArabella’s families to share? They both have little girls who will need a nanny, so this way, one can be hired for all three. And your sister-in-law having nanny experience and being available is just… an incredible twist of fate. I couldn’t be more grateful for how the Lord is blessing us and bringing our families together in such amazing ways. My mind is truly blown by everything that has transpired in the last month alone. Do you think Eddie and Javi will be in the same first-grade class at Ashwood?”

“I guess we’ll find out Thursday. I told Elsie to plan on having dinner at our house while she’s in town so she can get to know my family and make sure she is comfortable with Mom and Gisela caring for Blythe. Arabella said as long as Elsie was fine with the arrangements, she was too. Apparently, when it comes to helicopter parenting, Elsie takes first prize.”

Fernando chuckled, “Too true, though she seems to have calmed down a lot since Blythe was born. Once she sees Eddie and Javi play, she will have to take a chill pill. I don’t think that poor kid has ever had the opportunity to play with a boy his age, not like Javi, anyway. They are all boys in the pool. Your mom has been a saint, corralling all that energy.”

“Just wait for the first time he goes home covered in dirt after making mudpies with Javi after a good rainstorm. My son knows how to get his dirty on when it’s not a hundred degrees outside. She will learn to lighten up. This is going to be really good for all of us. And, who knows, maybe the McKensie clan will like living in a multi-family home just down the road from us and decide to stay in their million-dollar mansion for a little while,” Sophie added, nudging Fernando’s arm with her shoulder.

“I hope so. And yes, I have now come to understand the benefits of having your family close at hand.”

The most urgent information from the day shared, they settled back in the seats and enjoyed the view as the helicopter veered inland, flying over the rolling hills and vineyards of Sonoma and Napa Valleys, with the sun low on the horizon, casting a magical light over the vineyards. Finally, an elegant chateau reminiscent of a stately French palace came into view.

After disembarking the aircraft, Fernando swept into a low bow. “Welcome to Domaine Carneros Winery, my lady. Your dinner awaits.”

Chapter Sixty-Four

They were greeted by a well-dressed attendant who led them towards a waiting golf cart. “Welcome to Domaine Carneros, Mr. Knight and Ms. Williams. We are delighted to have you here this evening. Please, follow me.”

The ride to the chateau was short but enchanting, the golf cart gliding smoothly along a path lined with blooming roses and perfectly manicured hedges. As they approached the chateau, the grandeur of the French-inspired architecture took Sophie’s breath away. The building’s elegant facade, with its tall windows and ornate balconies, exuded old-world charm and sophistication.

The attendant escorted them to a private terrace, where a table for two was elegantly set with fine china, crystal glasses, and a centerpiece of red roses. Candlelight flickered softly, casting a warm, inviting glow over the table. The terrace offered a stunning view of the vineyards, which stretched out as far as the eye could see, their verdant rows bathed in the soft light of the setting sun.

A waiter appeared, pouring a glass of Domaine Carneros’ finest sparkling wine for each of them. “Your meal this evening will be prepared by Michelin-starred chef, Chef Antoine. We hope you enjoy the experience,” he said with a courteous nod before disappearing back inside.

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