Page 14 of Kisses Sweeter than Wine

He took a big swig of his cold brew. It felt good going down. “It seems strange to say this out loud, because there have been other times in my life where I thought I could be in love, but now when I look back on those relationships, I wasn’t.” He took a cracker and loaded it up with some cheese and pepperoni. He took his time collecting his thoughts. Daisy deserved to have her memory respected and handled with care. He swallowed and cleared his throat. “The only person I ever loved was my first girlfriend. Sadly, she died in house fire when we were only seventeen.”

Talbot reached for the necklace that dangled from her neck. She thumbed the silver pendant. “That’s such a sad story. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Most people thought we were too young and couldn’t understand what love was, including her father.” Merlot smiled. “But my family knew it was the real deal and they were there for me when she died. They wish I would find the right woman and settle down.”

“Why haven’t you?”

He shrugged. “My sister Chablis believes it’s because I’m too picky. My other sister Riesling thinks it all has to do with not trusting. And my baby sister Zinny one hundred percent says I self-sabotage my relationships.”

“Do you think any of them could be right?”

“There’s nothing wrong with having standards.” He laughed. “And the rest, I suppose there’s some truth to it. But I also think I haven’t met the right person yet.”

“Me neither.” She smiled. “I also hate dating. Every time I go on one, especially the first date, it feels like a marriage interview and it’s always so awkward. I hate it. But then after the first few times you go out with someone, they always show their true colors, and it’s usually nothing like what they said they were like on that first date.”

Merlot burst out laughing. “That is so true.” He held her gaze, wishing this evening would never end. “Your turn.”

“The hardest thing I’ve ever had to face was watching my mother die.” She swiped at her cheeks. “She was diagnosed with cancer and a few months later she was gone. She died in my arms and her last words were:always remember the love in your heart.”

“Shit. I’m so sorry.” He scooted closer, taking her hand. “How old were you when she passed?”

“Right before my twenty-first birthday.”

“What about your dad?”

“I lost him when I was a teenager,” she said.

“I can’t imagine what that must have been like. Losing anyone is hard enough, but that experience has to have shaped everything you’ve done moving forward.”

“It has.” She nodded. “But it’s made me stronger and I know my mom especially wouldn’t want her death to be what defines me.”

“I think Daisy—that was my high school sweetheart—would feel the same way.”

“I’m sure she would,” Talbot said. “It’s important for the living to go on. The only way to honor those who have died is to be the best versions of ourselves and not to let their loss control our happiness.”

“Spoken like someone who understands.” He polished off his beer. “You’re a wise woman, Talbot.”

“Thank you for all your help today, but I can do the rest myself. Really. It’s getting late and I’m sure you have better things to do.”

He helped her to her feet. “Are you sure?”

“I’m tired. I’d rather wait until tomorrow to do it anyway.”

“Sounds reasonable.” He squeezed her hand. “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call me.”

“I won’t.”

He really shouldn’t be thinking about spending his free time with Talbot. His sister had someone she wanted to fix him up with who probably didn’t have any resemblance to Daisy. Add in the fact that Talbot was only staying in town for less than a month, the other girl would be the safer bet.

And Merlot didn’t take risks.

“Do you have plans this weekend?” he asked.

“My boss will be here, so it all depends on what she needs me to do.”

He would never hear the end of this from his family, if Talbot said yes. “If you’re free, would you like to attend a private wine event at my family’s winery? We’re celebrating a new blend that my sister-in-law created. It’s family and a few close friends, but I can bring a guest.”

“Oh no.” She shook her head. “I wouldn’t want to crash an intimate gathering.”

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