Page 87 of A Taste of Chardonnay

My eyes immediately locked on Chardonnay. Her nose crinkled, and her lips pressed into a huge smile as tears glistened in her eyes. “You made it.”

“Figured I kept you all waiting long enough,” I said.

“How nice of you not to make us wait another thirty-plus years,” Nero said, and Lainey smacked him in the chest. “Ow! He knows I’m joking.”

Franc wrapped his arms around me and bear hugged me, lifting me off the ground. “Merry Christmas, brother.”

“Merry Christmas,” I said with a laugh.

Gio bounced in front of me. “Uncle Brady, Santa bought me a new fishing pole. Are you going to bring me fishing?”

I rustled his hair, and he swatted at my hand. “Whenever you want, bud.”

“Sweet! Did you know fishing has been around for forty thousand years? That’s as old as you.”

Laughs burst from around the room, and though I didn’t think it was possible, I loved that kid even more.

I realized then I hadn’t introduced Ron, though he knew Mr. and Mrs. Grasso. But that was the old him, and this man wasn’t him.

I rested my hand on his shoulder and glanced around the room that was filled with so much love. “This is my dad, Ron.”

Chardonnay’s tears finally spilled over. Ron stuttered beside me, and Beau squeezed his arm. “And this is his caretaker, Beau.”

The noise picked up as the introductions continued, conversations flowed, and I was met with hug after hug as I tried to make my way to Chardonnay.

Finally, after a hug with Phoebe, I reached my girl.

“Hey,” I said as I took in her dark green pantsuit that curved to her body like a second skin.

“You made it,” she said again.

I nodded. “I realized something today.”

“What’s that?”

“Wherever you are is where I want to be.”

“Together,” she said.

“Always.”

I captured her lips, feeling like it had been an eternity when it had only been hours. She pulled back, lifting on her toes, her lips a mere breath away from my ear. “I’m wearing the red La Perla set you bought me.”

My dick hardened, and I shifted awkwardly.

“Festive,” I croaked.

“I thought so.” She patted my chest, and I rested my hand against hers.

“Maybe we can sneak off later. Start a new tradition. Holly and Julian managed some pretty creative positions in that closet.”

“We’re not having sex in my parents’ coat closet.”

“Come on, Char. You already had sex with me in the tasting room, my garage, my truck, your kitchen…”

Her finger pressed against my lips. “You’re lucky I like you.”

I kissed the pad of her pointer. “No, you love me.”

---