Page 61 of A Taste of Chardonnay

Wyatt threw Rose over his shoulder and spun toward the kitchen. “I’d never do that. It’s alcohol abuse.”

Rose continued to giggle, beating Wyatt’s butt. “Put me down.”

“Yes, put her down. You’re blocking the TV,” Dad said as he tried to see the football game.

Wyatt immediately sidestepped and placed Rose on solid ground.

Though they were both thirty-one they acted like they were fifteen. Normally I’d roll my eyes and tell them to act their age, but I focused on the pure joy on Rose’s face and the complete adoration in Wyatt’s eyes when he looked at my sister.

Love was light and fun and bringing the best parts of each other out. Wyatt was the life of the party, and he brought that joy out of Rose. Rose was the kindest soul, and she brought that compassion out of him. They complemented each other in the best way. A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth, and my mind drifted to Brady. I didn’t think we’d ever run around my parents’ house shooting Nerf darts at each other, but he did carry me to bed many times. Lifted me onto the counter and the tasting room bar.

I bit my lip as visions of our first time ran through my mind like a montage of blissful, steamy memories.

The sound of the door caught my attention, and anticipation and joy rushed through me, but it was only Laurent, going to get something from his car.

I glanced at my phone, but I had no new notifications. Disappointed, I pushed it away and got back to work. A short time later, the table was set, and everyone crowded around, taking seats and praising the spread. Then Mom started a tradition that had always been Grandma’s favorite, of going around the table and saying what it was you were thankful for this year.

“I am thankful for my family,” Mom said. “Those who are my blood and those who aren’t.” She took a moment to look at Phoebe, Wyatt, Quinn, Lainey, and Sutton. “I’m so thankful for the love in this home, even if it is loud and chaotic. I wouldn’t change it for the world. And I’m thankful your father and I have”—she paused, her eyes meeting Dad’s before he gave a nod—“decided to officially retire.”

“What?” the entire table exclaimed.

“Retire? You’re not even that old,” I said.

Dad reached for Mom’s hand and, like a united front, they both smiled.

“Exactly,” Dad said. “This last year of traveling, we’ve realized we don’t want to stop, and all of you have proved the business is completely safe in your hands.”

“We would just get in the way,” Mom said.

My lips parted, and Dad held up his hand. “Before you ask, Char, we made several lists. Plotted and planned. We have more money than we’d ever be able to spend in this lifetime, and more than your kids will ever be able to spend in their lifetime.”

Franc laughed. “You sure about that?” His eyes landed on Gio, but there was nothing but love and adoration in his gaze.

“We’re sure. As you know, based on your own income, the vineyard is extremely profitable. We have your grandfather’s inheritance, and we’ve invested very well.”

“Too well,” Mom added. “However, just because we’re officially retiring, it doesn’t mean I won’t want to stop working the tasting room.” Mom’s gaze drifted to Nero.

“You are always welcome,” he said.

“So, what are you going to do?” I asked.

“Whatever the hell we want,” Dad said.

“I thought you had a plan. You said you wrote up a plan.”

“Yup.”

My anxiety eased.

“Then we threw it out,” Dad said, and when Mom didn’t tell him to stop messing with me, my eyes widened.

“Threw it out?”

“Not everything in life needs to be planned, Char,” Rhone said, and I glared at him. He held his hands up in mock surrender. “I thought maybe you were all about embracing spontaneity after—” His words cut off as Sutton smacked the back of her hand into his chest. “Ow. Hey!” Rhone rubbed the spot, and I shot her an appreciated grin.

“You’re not the one who has to deal with the fallout if things go sideways.”

“And what exactly can go sideways?” Laurent asked. “You and I are a damn good team, and the vineyard is on track to have a record-breaking year.”

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