Page 79 of Trouble Me
Epilogue
Two Months Later
Delaney Reynolds sippedthe chilled champagne as his gaze traveled across the large room full of party guests. On the far side of the room, his cousin, Emma, and her fiancé, Shane, stood in front of the oversized stacked-stone fireplace, a fire blazing behind them, talking with guests.
Shane and Emma were having their engagement party at the winery and the place had turned out beautifully. While the structure resembled a large, stately home, there were many dynamics that made it unique. The tasting rooms, the kitchen, the café area, and the guest rooms.
Noah walked up beside him and Del clapped his older brother on the shoulder. “Hey, man. The place is awesome.”
He smiled one of his rare genuine smiles. “Thanks. That means a lot coming from you.” He gestured with his whiskey glass. “It’s good to see Emma happy.”
Del’s gaze went back to the absurdly happy couple across the room. "He’s a good guy. One of the few native Californians I’ve met. He comes from a great family. Old money with the vineyards and all, but they’re down to earth.”
Noah cleared his throat and looked around the open-concept room. “Have you talked to Addison?” he asked in a low voice.
Del’s grip on his highball glass tightened but he feigned nonchalance. “No, I didn’t realize she was here.” He sipped and waited for the scotch burn to hit his belly and dissipate the emptiness there.
“Last I saw her, she was talking with Emma and Shane.” He paused, glancing over at Del. “I just wanted to give you a heads up.”
“Appreciate it, brother. But I’m fine.” Del hoped like hell he sounded somewhat convincing.
But judging by smirk on Noah’s face, he’d missed his mark. “Sure.”
A spark of regret mixed with annoyance lit in Del’s chest, but he forced it aside. Just like he had for the past ten years when it came to Addison Davenport. “So, how’s that bum shoulder of yours?”
Noah raised a brow. “Since when have you become so concerned about my well-being?”
Del answered by giving him a one-fingered salute. “I’m your brother, of course I care, you ass. Plus—”
“And there it is,” Noah said with a shake of his head.
“Plus,” Del drew out the syllable. “There’s a project on the horizon this summer I want you to help me with.”
“For your TV show?” Noah shook his head. “You know how I feel about that, Del. I’m not going on TV.”
“It’s for the show, but you don’t have to be on TV.”
Someone called for Noah from across the room. Noah rolled his eyes when he saw one of the building inspectors from town coming towards them. “Shit,” he muttered under his breath.
“Play nice,” Del said, chuckling. “We’ll talk more later. It’s an important project to me and I want you in on it.” He drained his glass, setting it on the table behind him. “I’m going to say my goodbyes to mom and Emma, then I’m out.” He and Noah one arm hugged in the way guys do and strode off.
As Del made his way through the crowd toward where Emma and Shane held court, he was brought up short by the joyous picture in front of him. His heart squeezed hard once.
