Page 68 of Kisses Sweeter than Wine

“I need a shower and a change of clothes, but I have no desire to return to that house today.” Talbot rested her head on Merlot’s shoulder. “But I guess I’m moving to Candlewood Falls. That job still up for grabs?”

“You start on Monday.” And for the first time in twenty-one years, everything in Merlot’s life had aligned. “And I get to have kisses sweeter than wine every day.”

14

CARTER

THREE WEEKS LATER…

“Over my dead body will I let you back out, woman.” Carter planted his hands on his hips and stared at Weezer. She was the most infuriating and lovable human in his life. He couldn’t imagine his world without her in it.

“Why does it matter if we get married? Our lifestyle has been working for us for years. I don’t understand why you’re forcing me to change it.”

Carter shook his head and laughed. He shouldn’t, because it might make this situation worse. “You made a promise to me.” He held up his fingers. “Once when I moved back in and then again at the three-legged race, we’d do this. The only people who are here are our kids and grandkids.”

“Carter, it’s just a piece of paper. Hell, we had the twins and Zinny without being married. We didn’t even live in the same house.”

“This is different.” He cupped her face. “There were a million secrets that were tearing us apart. The only way our relationship would survive was if we separated.” He took her by the hand. “Corbin ships out tomorrow and won’t return for four months.”

“We can do it then.”

“His parents will most likely get married when he comes home the next time. I’m not going to take the spotlight away from them.” He tugged her from their bedroom. “By the way, you look beautiful.”

“I know.”

“And there’s the love of my life.” He held out his elbow and guided her down the staircases and through the home where they’d raised their children. It had been in her family for generations. He thought it might be time to pass it down to Zinny and her family. She really wanted it and it was about time Weezer retired from the wine business altogether.

But he’d save that conversation for after they got back from a second honeymoon.

He opened the door for his bride and smiled.

Ashling, their granddaughter, came running over. “Grandma, Grandpa, you both look so amazing.”

“Thank you, baby.” Weezer leaned over and kissed the young girl.

“Here. Mommy said to give you this.” Ashling pushed a bouquet of flowers at Weezer.

“My, my. Aren’t these beautiful.” Weezer sucked in a deep breath. “Okay, old man. Let’s get this over with.”

“It will be the fastest wedding you have ever attended.”

“Better be, or you won’t make it to the honeymoon.”

Carter chuckled. “You’ve always made me the happiest man alive, even when you’re being a pain in the ass.”

Merlot

“Only my mother would have hot dogs and hamburgers at a wedding reception.” Merlot tossed his paper plate in the trash in the kitchen.

“Grandma is unique.” Corbin cut into the wedding cake, slapping a large piece onto a plate. “Those wedding vows were highly entertaining.”

Merlot hadn’t seen anyone, except maybe TJ, eat that much food in one sitting. “I’m just glad they did it. Next on the list will be to get her to retire and let Zinny and Toby move into this house.”

Corbin’s left eye twitched. He held his fork halfway between his face and the plate. “I’ve never lived anywhere but a hotel and now an Army base.”

“I hope you will consider this home.” Merlot rested his hand on Corbin’s shoulder. “And not just because your mom is moving back here, but because you have family here that loves you and wants you to be a part of their lives.”

“I would like that very much.”

---