Page 120 of Tempt Me

EPILOGUE

CADEN

“To the new future of Everton!” my father says, raising a glass of sparkling rosé.

“To Everton!” the crowd cheers.

“Good turnout,” I say to Dad as the band starts playing and everyone goes back to their conversations.

“Our stock prices are up,” Dad says. “It appears our investors are happy with this new direction. And its new leadership.” He pauses. “You asked me why I never named Von heir to Everton.”

My head whips around. “You’re finally going to tell me?”

Dad’s gaze lingers on vineyard outside. “Because it’s yours, son. It’s always been yours. You’ve loved this winery more than anyone—besides myself. And you cared about it in a different way. A way I couldn’t even see until recently.” He clears his throat. “It was an empty threat,” he admits.

I gape at him.

“You were bluffing,” I say.

Dad grins. “You must admit, I’m good at it.”

“All this time…” I shake my head and find that I’m not mad at my father. This isn’t a day for holding grudges. “Remind me never to play poker with you.”

Dad chuckles and I look out across the sea of people gathered for the celebration, from all walks of life. Finn is talking to the congressman from our district who I know is planning to retire soon—Finn can finally run for his seat. Alistair is whirling Joni around on the dance floor. Von is having a rather animated discussion with one of the sheriff’s deputies, who looks like he’d rather be someplace else. Mrs. Greerson is speaking sharply to one of Dad’s investors who wears a bemused expression—Daisy approaches and offers Mrs. Greerson a glass of rosé, leading her away from the man and over to a table with Reggie and Dev.

“Mom would have loved this,” I say quietly.

I feel the faintest pressure on my shoulder as my father’s hand comes to rest there.

“She would have,” he agrees. “She would be very proud of you. Of the man you have become.” There’s a pause. “And so am I.”

Neither of us look at each other. We stare straight ahead, but my jaw tightens and my heart thuds a heavy beat.

“Thanks, Dad,” I say.

Then the pressure is gone.

“Must check in with the investors,” he says and strides off into the crowd. I chuckle. That’s probably the most affection I’ll ever get. But I don’t mind. I’ll take it. I can feel my mother’s presence here, enveloping this room in a giant, invisible embrace. I’ve come back to where I started but finally, I feel like I belong.

I head out onto the veranda and find Isla talking with Eric Kim. For a moment, I just admire her—she looks stunning in a strapless, lilac-colored dress. Her hair is curled and piled on her head and a pair of dangly earrings catch the light as she laughs at something Eric says. He sees me and waves. Isla turns and her whole face lights up. I’ll never get tired of seeing her smile.

I walk over and she slips her arm through mine.

“Guess what,” she says. “Eric wants me to bake some things to sell at Perks!”

“Pamela hasn’t stopped talking about those croissants from Magnolia Day,” Eric says. “And of course, we want to support local small business owners.”

Isla blushes. “I don’t really have a business yet.”

“You will,” Eric says with a wink, then he excuses himself. Isla lifts her champagne flute and pulls me closer.

“To the man of the hour,” she says, clinking our glasses together. I lean down and brush my lips against hers.

“As gorgeous as this dress is,” I murmur. “I can’t wait to get you out of it.”

She laughs against my mouth, her lips parting for the briefest moment so that her tongue teases mine.

“Soon,” she coos, and I feel myself stiffen.

---