Page 138 of Red Mountain Burning
He nodded.
Brooks reached for his little hand. “Then take her down to Florida and take care of her. She needs you right now.”
In a defeat that rang in his words and pushed down his shoulders, Zack asked, “You’re breaking up, like, for good?”
“Yeah,” Brooks whispered.
Zack bounced his eyes back and forth between them. “Will you come visit?”
Brooks reached past Zack and took his mom’s hand. “I’d like to.”
The following days were filled with tears and heartache, but when Brooks finally said goodbye to Adriana and Zack on the first Saturday of October, the three of them shared a hug and smile that he’d never forget.
* * *
In the lateafternoon on November 3, Margot stood in front of her long mirror in the dress Carmen had given her. She had never felt more beautiful in her life. Though she would have rocked the polka dots, the Parisienne wonder that now covered her body was just the right balance between sexy and elegant, and Margot couldn’t wait to walk down the aisle. It was no surprise that Carmen had guessed the perfect size, and she’d matched the dress with the most wonderful pumps and a long strand of pearls.
“They’re ready for you,” Jasper whispered, poking his head into her bedroom.
Margot adjusted her crown of wildflowers, picked up her bouquet, and turned to see Jasper in his tuxedo. “Let’s do this.”
An exhilarating wave of the jitters rushed over her as they walked down the stairs and out the door. It was a little chillier than Margot would have liked, but there was no way she wasn’t having her wedding outside. A light rain the day before had knocked down the dust, and the air was clean and crisp. A strand of cirrus clouds to the west decorated the striking azure sky.
They entered Épiphanie through the big wooden doors and passed through the brightly lit lobby and dining room toward the back patio. Margot—and her heart—stopped when she saw all their loved ones sitting in chairs under the tent.
She reached for Jasper’s hand. “Don’t let me cry. I’ll get mascara everywhere.”
“Save the crying until after the pictures,” he said.
She breathed deeply and shook off the emotions rushing through her.
When Jasper opened the patio door for her, everyone under the tent stood and turned, as if in slow motion.
There was nothing fake about the smile that rose from within and plastered itself on Margot’s face. Not only did she feel beautiful, but she felt proud and confident. She followed the path they’d practiced the day before along the brick and grass and reached the back of the tent. She looked to the end of the aisle, and for the first time that day, saw the man she would spend the rest of her life with.
Remi Valentine took Margot’s breath away. He wore a perfectly tailored black tuxedo with a magnificent white-rose boutonnière. He was her future.
Jasper offered her his arm. “You ready, Mom?”
Margot placed a hand on his arm and proudly walked down the aisle. Though she wished her parents had lived to see this day, she was so happy to see all the faces of Red Mountain supporting them.
When they reached the front, Margot saw Henri and Philippe sitting at Carly’s feet. She offered Carly a smile and then laughed at the adorable wildflower collars the dogs were wearing.
Leaving Jasper, Margot approached Remi and took his hand.
“Hi,” Margot whispered.
“What did I do to deserve you?”
Margot nearly lost it and dug a finger into his palm. “You’re going to be in so much trouble if you make me cry.”
The preacher standing next to Remi said, “Let’s get started.”
Thinking of new beginnings, Margot looked at her fiancé. “Yes, let’s do.”
* * *
The morning after the wedding,Brooks hosted all their friends at the Till tasting room. He and Otis had worked out a deal on the property and, in the middle of October, signed the papers. Brooks Baker was the proud owner of Till Vineyards, but he’d never change the name.
