Page 60 of Cognac & Cornflowers

“Asshole!”

Bentley laughed. “Yep, that’d be me. But seriously – you just called to say hi? What the hell?”

Jacob shrugged. “Okay, so I called to catch up. I called because … I don’t know. We haven’t talked in way too long, and I want to hear how you’re doing.” He swallowed past the surprising lump in his throat. “I called because I miss my friend.”

“Well, damn! Doesn’t that make me feel special? Come on then, tell me all about her.”

“What?”

Bentley laughed. “I’ve had a little experience lately with people suddenly changing their ways. I know what causes it – you’re in love, aren’t you?”

Jacob scowled. Hannah must have said something to set the grapevine buzzing. “What? How do you know?”

Bentley laughed again. “I didn’t for sure – not until you just admitted it by asking how I know. But there must be something in the air – something going on. You’re following the same pattern that Mom did. She’d been distant for years, the only conversation I could get out of her was about work. Then, out of the blue, she started opening up, talking more, and laughing. She’s like a brand-new person, and it’s all because she’s happy. And she’s happy because she’s in love.”

“She is? What? Who?”

“Nope. I’ll tell you about Mom after you tell me what’s going on with you.”

Jacob couldn’t help smiling. “Okay, well, first of all, you’re right. I … I have met someone. And …” It felt strange to say it; strange, but good. “And yes, I’m in love with her. It’s all happened very fast.”

“Wow. That’s great. Tell me about her? Who is she? A model? An Argentine wine heiress? A San Francisco property mogul?”

Jacob had to laugh. “Err, no. She’s a schoolteacher right here in town.”

“You’re kidding me?”

“No.”

“Oookay. And how did the mighty Jacob Jacobs meet a schoolteacher – and more to the point, fall for her?”

“You know that Hannah’s with Grady now?”

“Yeah. Willow thinks he’s great. She’s been over to the estate a few times, to hang out with them at the cottage.”

“Then, I’m sure you’ve heard about Grady’s niece, Ava?”

Bentley laughed. “Have I ever! Willow adores that little girl. I don’t get it. My sister’s never liked kids, but she loves Ava.”

“Yeah, she’s a special kid. I love her, too.”

“She must be special. When Xander was home over the holidays, he was telling me all about how great she is, too … Oh, wait. So, you’re saying that this woman of yours – what’s her name, by the way? – you’re saying that this is Ava’s teacher?”

“Her name is Becca, and yes, she is Ava’s teacher.”

“There has to be something in the air. First Mom, now you.”

“Tell me about your mom? The last time I saw her was at the carol concert at school. She was saying that she wanted us all to get together over the holidays. Then, the next thing I knew, she’d had a suspected heart attack, and had gone off somewhere to recuperate.”

Bentley blew out a sigh. “It wasn’t a heart attack. But she was mortified to hear that what she’d suffered was an anxiety attack. She took herself off to Summer Lake – to the Hamiltons’ vacation place, for a break. That’s where she met Russ. And get this, Russ is a former Marine who owns a gym.”

Jacob didn’t know what to say to that. He liked Alexandria DuPont. She’d been his biggest supporter and mentor in growing the business after his parents died. She was an amazing lady who he had a lot of respect for. But she was a tough woman – both professionally and personally. He couldn’t imagine her having the time or the interest in falling in love. Even if he could stretch to believing it was possible, he would have thought she’d go for a fellow winemaker – maybe a banker. But a former military guy who owned a gym?

Bentley laughed. “Right? I didn’t know what to say at first, either. But I’m happy to say that Russ is a great guy. He’s so not the kind of person I could imagine Mom with. But he’s good for her. She’s happier than I’ve ever known her. And she’s … changed. Maybe that’s not fair. She’s always been an amazing woman, but she’s … mellowed, is probably a better way to put it.”

“That’s great. I’m happy for her.”

“Yeah, me too. But my point was that – shocked as I am to think of you falling for a schoolteacher – I think it might be a good thing. Mom had to stray a long way from her usual path before she found happiness. If you’re doing the same then, I’m happy for you.”

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