Page 72 of Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots

“You needed that,” he tells me. “And now, you’re going to listen to me. The only reason this place is in trouble is because of Dad’s stupid decisions and because Candace Prescott knows this is the one way she can hurt me. She doesn’t care about the vineyard, Brennen. She cares about revenge. You’re collateral damage in a fight you had no hand in creating and no idea you were playing.”

“You think I don’t understand what Candace is capable of? I’ve been dealing with the fallout while you were off playing soldier or businessman or whatever the hell you’ve been doing.”

“And that’s my mess to clean up,” he admits. “I’m not saying you’re wrong to be pissed at me. Hell, I’d be pissed, too. I should’ve been here. I wasn’t. That’s on me. But I’m here now, and I’m not letting her take this place without a fight.”

I don’t say anything for a long moment, simply watch him, trying to read my brother’s face for what he’snotsaying. I nod in acknowledgement of his admission. Besides, we’re not going to solve over twenty years’ worth of problems tonight. I’ve got a flight to catch.

“Your room is still your room.” Before heading upstairs, I pause. There’s one more thing I need to say to my brother. Something that’s non-negotiable. I need to save something, protect something, just for myself. “But Ryan? The winery is mine, and you’re not welcome there. Goodnight.”

I just returned from Atlanta, and I can’t wait to share the fantastic news with Sophia, then celebrate with Joselyn. I stride into the fermentation room, prize in hand, startling Sophia.

“Brennen, what’s going on?”

"Sophia's Blend is a goddamned sensation—that's what's going on. You did it, Sophia. You fucking did it! We won first place and best overall white wine in the East."

I hand her the medal, taking joy in watching her as she runs her finger over the large gold medallion, imprinted withFirst Placeon one side and the competition's name on the other:The Fieldstone Challenge, Atlanta 2024. As we discuss how to ramp up production to meet the anticipated demand, the door suddenly slams open, rattling the walls.

Ryan!

I told him to stay the hell out of here. And what’s up with Alex? He’s trailing behind my brother like a fucking puppy and doesn’t even glance at Sophia.Interesting.

“Brennen!”

“What the—Ryan? What the fuck? I thought I made it clear that you weren’t welcome in my winery. I told you to stay away. The winery isn’t any of your business.”

“I told you the other day, Brennen, this wineryismy business. It’s our family’s legacy, and I’m not about to let it fall into the hands of a bunch of vultures.”

Before I can get a word in, he continues. “This isn’t just about the Celtic Knot anymore. You’re in over your head, and whether you like it or not, you need my help.”

I thought we covered this the other night.But something or someone has my brother all riled up again, turning my jubilationinto irritation. My earlier acquiescence to take his help morphs into defiance. I want him out of here. Now. “Emma and I have been holding this place together just fine without you. We don’t need your help, you arrogant asshole.”

I don’t miss the silent interaction between Sophia and Alex. Something’s up with the two of them, but I can’t worry about that right now.

“You need me more than you realize,” he responds. “Why didn’t you call me? All you had to do was tell me you needed cash. I would’ve wired it to you—no questions asked.”

Why would I think he has that much cash lying around? I have no idea what he has. I’m determined not to let his blustering ruin our big win. “None of that matters any more, big brother.” I point to Sophia. “Our new winemaker has a major hit on her hands. We’re already sold out. We won first place and best overall white wine in Atlanta yesterday.Idid that. Not you.Me!”

“Several hits,” interjects Sophia.

All eyes are now on her. I look on in amusement as Sophia Garrett stands up to the big bad Navy SEAL. Even when he calls her cocky, she doesn’t back down. I admire her confidence in her abilities, and if the rest of her creations are as good as Sophia’s Blend, then she has every right to brag.

My amusement becomes irritation once more when Ryan turns back to me. “It doesn’t matter how many fucking cases you’ve sold. Based on my intel, it won’t be long before Sapphire Development can legally take ownership of this place. You wait much longer for help, and everything our mother worked so hard for will be gone. Come on, Brennen, do you honestly think you can stop what’s coming with just the orders for the new wine?”

The wheels are spinning in my head. How much does he actually know about the financials, and when did he know it?How long has he had his hand in things? “How did you know about…”

He shrugs. “Does it matter? I have my sources.”

I glare at Alex. That son of a bitch. “You mean spies?”

“Well, yeah.”

“That’s why this guy showed up out of nowhere, isn’t it? And you had Emma plant him to spy on us?”

“And again, yep.”

Sophie runs out of the room, clearly upset about the fact that her apprentice, who I suspect she has feelings for, is a spy. That suspicion is confirmed when Ryan says, “Go get your girl, Alex. Brennen and I have some family things to discuss.”

Alex runs out after Sophia, and Ryan and I are about to come to blows again. The next thing I know, Emma inserts herself between us, breaking us apart.When did she show up?

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