Page 18 of Kisses Sweeter than Wine

“Tell me about it. He or she does a tap dance on my bladder every day.”

“I was surprised to hear you and Toby have no desire to find out what you’re having.”

“Mom is already putting in her bids for names. Toby and I are not naming this kid after a wine. It will be easier to keep our name choices to ourselves if Mom and Dad don’t know what we have until I give birth.”

“Taking a page from Chablis’ book, I see.”

Zinny sighed. “River is a great name for a boy. But we are considering naming this kid after Dad.” She waved her finger. “But don’t you dare tell anyone or I’ll hurt you.”

He laughed. “I won’t say a word.”

The sound of the bell ringing signaled that a customer had entered the store caught Merlot’s attention.

“I best get back downstairs. I’m the only one in the gift shop until Bethany returns from her break.” He kissed his sister’s cheek and headed down the steps, pausing in the middle of the staircase. “Talbot?” He blinked, shocked to see the woman who had been consuming his thoughts for the last couple of days. He’d tried not texting her, but couldn’t keep himself from doing it. He desperately wanted to take her to his family’s wine tasting. The private revealing of Eliza Jane’s new wine was a big deal and he wanted to share it with someone special.

Not a random blind date his sister Chablis set him up on.

She lifted her hand and wiggled her fingers. “Hi.”

Playing it as cool as he could, he strolled down the last few steps and met her in the middle of the store. “Welcome to The River Winery. I’m so glad you stopped by. What can I interest you in?”

“I’d definitely like a bottle of red,” she said. “I also heard you have cheese pairings to go with your wines.”

“I’m happy to help you with that.” He smiled. “I’m partial to my namesake, but we have lots of reds to choose from.”

Her cheeks turned a pretty shade of red. “Since you mentioned it, I’ll try your signature Merlot.”

“Good choice. And I have just the cheese platter for you.” He lowered his chin. “Are you having a party? Or is this just for you?”

“Sadly, I’ll be drinking alone tonight.”

“I must admit, I’m a little happy you’re not sharing this with some man, but I can’t let you drink alone. If you don’t have plans tonight, why don’t you let me give you a private tour.”

“I don’t want to put you out.”

“Trust me, you’re not. My only plans were with a frozen pizza.”

She covered her mouth and giggled.

It was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard. When he’d first met her, it had reminded him of Daisy, but he’d pushed all those thoughts out of his head.

Talbot wasn’t Daisy.

And he fully believed with his entire being Daisy would approve.

“Did I hear a yes?” he asked.

“Aren’t you working?”

“My job includes giving tours.” He curled his fingers around her forearm. “Do you have anywhere you need to be for the next hour?”

“No, not really.”

Bethany strolled into the gift shop from the back door. Her timing was impeccable. “Hey, boss,” she said. “I can help finish inventory.”

“It’s all done.” He smiled. “The only thing I need you to do now is finish the gift baskets for the wine tasting.”

“Has the guest list been finalized?” Bethany asked.

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