Page 47 of Kisses Sweeter than Wine

“Which is why we need to be completely transparent with you now and arm you with the knowledge that can protect you from anything bad happening because lying to you and keeping secrets will only hurt you. We’ve learned that the hard way.”

“Ya think?” Corbin shook his head.

Talbot took his hands. “My father’s name is Richard Berkin.”

“Am I supposed to know who that is?” Corbin asked.

“He’s a senator and he’s going to make a run for governor of New Jersey,” Merlot added.

“So, he’s a crooked politician. How does that make him worse than anyone else?” Corbin lifted Talbot’s hand and kissed it.

Oh shit. This could go really well. Or really bad. And if Merlot had to put money on this young man’s reaction, he’d wager on the latter.

“My father was an incredibly abusive man and—”

“He hit you?” Corbin stood. The same rage that had filled Merlot’s body the first time he’d learned of the atrocity filled the air. Corbin turned his attention to Merlot. “And you let it happen.”

“We were kids,” Talbot said. “And trust me, Merlot and his family tried numerous things, like helping my mom file for divorce.”

“But that only made things worse,” Merlot admitted. “Richard had half this town in his back pocket. My dad—your grandfather—has been trying to nail that bastard to the wall for years. We believe we might have all the ammunition we finally need, but the system is slow and we need to do it right if we’re going to make it stick. That’s why—for now—the only people who know about this is our immediate family.”

“What does that mean?” Corbin asked. “Who’s family? Because all I got is my mom. And I guess you. That is if I decide to accept you.”

That was fair. “Besides my parents, I have six siblings and seven nieces and nephews with two more on the way. And if my calculations are correct, a third will be on the way soon.”

“Oh really? Who?” Talbot asked.

“Riesling. She’s been acting all pissy and it’s not because I was a beast for the last few days either,” Merlot said.

“Riesling? Merlot? What the hell kinds of names are these? Is everyone named after a wine?” Corbin leaned against the island.

“Me and all my brothers and sisters are. And then Malbec went and kept on with the tradition, but no one else.” Merlot had immediately liked Corbin when he waltzed into the kitchen, but he hadn’t expected to fall so deeply in love with a perfect stranger.

“I’m glad my mom had better sense,” Corbin muttered.

“You might not think that if you knew the story behind your name.” Merlot caught Talbot’s gaze and arched a brow. “Although, I’m not sure she understood all the nuances of it when I jokingly mentioned wanting to name a kid Corbin when we were seventeen.”

“I need to get some fucking air.” Corbin took two steps.

Talbot was on her feet. “Please don’t leave. Or at least don’t go into town.”

“Jesus, Mom. Relax. I’m going to sit outside and take a breath.” He kissed her cheek. “I heard what you said about this Richard guy. I understand the secrecy. I won’t do anything to put you or anyone else in danger. I saw enough of that in Syria.”

Merlot watched as his son meandered out the front door.

“Well, that went better than expected.” Talbot turned. “With both of you.”

“I’m still in shock.”

She held up her fingers, making an inch sign. “There’s one teeny-tiny thing that I need to get out in the open so we don’t have anything left to fight about.”

He dropped his head to the table and groaned. “Lay it on me.”

“Your parents have known about Corbin for at least a week.”

“Fuck me,” he muttered.

“But they had no idea I was pregnant when I left. Hell, I didn’t know.”

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