Page 69 of Kisses Sweeter than Wine

“So would I.” Merlot smiled. “Now, have you seen your mother? She disappeared and has been acting strange all day.”

“I noticed that too. She came in to use the bathroom like ten minutes ago.” Corbin leaned against the counter, stuffing his mouth with cake. “Maybe it has to do with the property Mom was renting. Did you find anything out?”

Merlot nodded. “Grandpa is working on the legal shit now, but once all that is taken care of, I should be able to close on the property in thirty days.”

“How is that possible?”

“The shell company that owns it is selling off most of its assets. Richard has no backing anymore. He’s bankrupt, literally. He can’t even post bail. He’s been blackballed everywhere and my parents are helping move some cash around so no one else tries to buy it out from under me.”

“I read there are now fifteen women who are accusing him of sexual assault and they found a money trail from campaign donations to personal accounts he tried to hide in foreign countries.”

“Yeah, he’s fucked,” Merlot said. “I’m sorry if all the hype is affecting your military career. As much as I’m proud for the world to know I’m your dad, I didn’t mean for it to make national news.”

Corbin set his plate on the counter and shrugged. “I guess the only bummer is my last name is Grant, not River.”

Merlot cocked his head. “You know, you can change that. You’d have my blessing. And everyone in this family. But I’d talk to your mom before you do anything.” He’d asked Talbot to forget about everything and marry him. They’d lost too much time, but she wanted to wait. She said she needed the time to ease back into Candlewood Falls and the reality check of people knowing her true identity. He wished he completely understood, but he didn’t. They loved each other and through all the lies, betrayals, and years apart, it was as strong as ever. Their family and Claudia accepted them and Corbin as a unit. Making it official was all that Merlot wanted.

However, he’d have to be patient.

“I already did. She said I needed to float it by you.”

Merlot opened his arms.

Corbin shook his head and hands. “Nope. We’re not doing another man hug.”

“Oh, yes, we are.” Merlot slapped his son on the shoulders as he pulled him in tight. “You’ll get used to this.”

Corbin groaned. “I love you, Dad. But this, never.”

Talbot slammed the bathroom door. Her lips were drawn into a tight line. She threw her purse on the counter. It knocked three plates on the floor.

“What’s the matter?” Merlot asked.

“I blame your son.” Talbot pointed to their son. “It’s all his fault.”

“Me? What did I do?” Corbin tapped his chest.

“You know what. You’re both equally responsible.” Talbot glared.

“Whatever it is, we should leave.” Merlot snagged his beer from the kitchen table. For the last twenty-four hours, Talbot had been acting strange. He figured it was because Corbin was leaving in the morning. He wasn’t being deployed, but he would be going to some major intensive training, which meant the next part of his journey in Special Forces would begin.

He understood how much that frightened Talbot. It scared him too, but this was important to his son and Merlot would support it.

“You’re not going anywhere. We need to talk,” she said.

“Okay. Sounds like my cue to see what’s going on outside.” Corbin lifted his beer.

“Nope. This affects you too.” Talbot pulled out a stool and plopped herself on it. “And I don’t feel like saying it twice and it should come from me. The rest of the family, your father can tell.”

“What’s going on, sweetheart?” Merlot massaged the back of her neck. He had no idea what ruffled her feathers. Whatever had gotten under her skin, he’d do whatever was necessary to make it right.

“I can’t believe this is happening. It’s freaking bizarre and you both oddly played a role in it.” She tossed her hands in the air and they landed on her lap with a thud.

“What are we responsible for, exactly?” Merlot cringed, waiting for the answer.

“I’m pregnant.” She sighed.

“Um, only he can be to blame for that.” Corbin slapped Merlot on the back.

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