Page 7 of Kisses Sweeter than Wine

His mother reached across the table and rested her hand over his and squeezed. “I wish you wouldn’t hang on to the past so much. It prevents you from finding a future.”

“You mean a wife,” Merlot muttered. Of the seven kids, four were married. Three had kids, and Zinny had officially adopted her husband’s son and was pregnant. That left him and his twin brothers for his mom to hassle about weddings. Lately, she’d been relentless in her efforts, especially since Merlot had turned thirty-eight.

“That’s not what I said.” His mother leaned back and folded her arms. “But you haven’t dated anyone in months. You don’t seem happy.”

“Don’t push it, Weezer,” his father said.

River, his little nephew, fussed in the stroller.

Dax, his brother-in-law, patted the boy on his back. “I firmly believe in timing and the right person will come along when it’s meant to be.”

“I agree with that,” Chablis said. “However, I do know a girl I used to work with that I’d love to fix you up with.”

That was the last thing Merlot needed. “No, thank you,” he said. “I don’t need a pity date and what about what your husband just said?”

“Hey.” Dax lifted his hands. “There’s a difference between sitting around waiting for magic and going out there looking for the magic. You can’t find the right person without putting yourself out there. What harm can come from going on a double date with us? I’ve met Chablis’ friend. She’s a nice girl. If there’s no spark, you move on.”

“I’ll think about it.” Over Merlot’s dead body would he entertain being fixed up again. The last time one of his siblings set him up, it was a colossal disaster and Pinot Noir didn’t speak to him for weeks because of it.

“Whenever you say that, it generally means you’re going to avoid answering until it becomes a no,” his mother said. “Ever since you moved back to Candlewood Falls, you’ve been in this weird state of melancholy. It’s time to shake that.”

His mother wasn’t wrong about his emotions. Moving back had brought up things about his childhood that he’d spent a lifetime trying to move past. He’d carried a part of Daisy with him wherever he went, but he’d done his best to keep her locked inside his heart, where she belonged. She couldn’t be the reason he never found a partner to share his life with.

Seeing a woman who reminded him so much of his first love showed him how much Daisy was still part of his thoughts, even if he didn’t know it.

“I hate blind dates,” Merlot said. “They’re always so awkward and uncomfortable. I’d rather find my own.”

“Except you don’t.” Chablis stood. She leaned over and kissed her baby boy, before planting another one on her husband’s cheek. “Mom was being kind in her words. I would say you’ve been downright blue these last few months. The last girlfriend you had I thought was a good match and things were moving along nicely, until River was born, and then it was like you freaked out.”

Merlot narrowed his stare. “You’re upset because you liked her probably more than I did.”

“Yeah, I got attached to the last one, but that’s because you made it seem like she could bethe one.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” his father interjected. “I will also add, this conversation is going downhill fast.”

Chablis rested her hand on Merlot’s shoulder. “If you change your mind, let me know, but for now, Malbec and Eliza Jane are waiting for me at the winery.”

“I better head in too.” His mother rose with the same grace and style she always did, which tended to make Merlot laugh, but only because his mom was a walking contradiction. Her hair was always styled to perfection and she had a fascination for colored nails and toes. She never missed her weekly appointment at the salon, unless she was sick, and even then she tried to make it in. However, her clothes were often two sizes too big and looked like they were from a hundred years ago. “Don’t be late for your meeting with the twins and the new distributor.”

“I won’t.” Merlot gave his mother a hug and a kiss.

“Come on, honey. Walk me and Chablis to work.” His mom took his father’s hand.

“I better get River home for his nap, or he’ll be a beast for the sitter. I’ll catch you later.” Dax strolled off toward Main Street, leaving Merlot alone with his thoughts.

He checked his watch. The last time he’d visited Daisy at the cemetery had been when he moved back. He’d promised himself and her that he’d make a real effort at restoring family relationships, put his heart back into his career at the winery, and do his best to have a love life in Candlewood Falls.

He could admit that the last one had been a struggle.

It hadn’t just been about Daisy, though.

There had been what Rachel had done. If anything, that had soured his desire to be in a relationship. He still distrusted women, thanks to Rachel and her games.

Time to shake off the past. Maybe going out with his sister’s friend wouldn’t be such a horrible idea.

2

CARTER

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