by Lucinda Race
The scent of cinnamon called to him. “What is that wonderful smell?”
“Fresh baked cinnamon buns.” She gave them a sunny smile. “I could add one or two to your order if you’d like.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
With a laugh, Anna said, “You’ve twisted my arm about the bun.”
“If you would like to read today’s news, there are a few copies on the window ledge.” The waitress gestured to the area next to the door. “Help yourself.”
“Thank you.”
She moved away and Anna picked the paper up. He hadn’t read any news in days and wondered what might be happening in the world, but he didn’t care. He poured the steaming, fragrant tea into their mug and added a splash of milk to both. He knew it was just the way she liked it.
* * *
“I don’t need to read the paper when I have you sitting across from me.” She gave him a wide smile. “What’s been your favorite part of the trip so far?”
“You mean other than being with you?”
Her heart fluttered. His gaze was intense, and she wondered if he wanted to kiss her as much as she wanted to be kissed. “Be serious.”
“I am but if I have to pick something else, it would be what’s to come: walking through this quaint town, holding your hand, and a few long walks on the beach so we can explore.”
She had to admit that sounded like heaven. “I’m looking forward to that too. The last five days have been so hectic, it’ll be nice to unwind.”
“I also plan on kissing you as often as I can. I’m not going to let this opportunity go to waste.”
She could feel color flood her cheeks. The waitress came and set down an oversized plate and a smaller one with the bun overhanging the sides. Anna thanked her.
“I’m surprised the table is still in one piece with all this food.” She laughed. “You did say you were starving.”
“Together we can conquer our breakfast and then”—he pointed outside the café—“the world.”
After they finished most of the food, they strolled through the town and took the path that rimmed the shoreline. She stopped on the small stone-covered beach. “Let’s sit.”
Seagulls swooped in. The wind swept away the cobwebs that lingered and the air was fresh and crisp. The sun warmed her face and arms. But again, the overwhelming feeling of happiness washed over her like the warm waves sliding against the beach.
“You didn’t say what your favorite part of our trip has been.” Colin had his arm around her shoulders and held her close.
“I don’t think I could choose just one thing because the two of us being together has made every moment special and this will be a trip I remember for the rest of my life.” She pulled a scarf from her bag and tied her hair back. “Walk with me?”
Colin pulled her up from the bench and against his chest. “I’ll go anywhere with you.” He cupped her cheek and tilted her lips up to meet his and she melted into him.
* * *
She and Colin watched the ocean as they roamed the cliffs of Dover. The ocean was a stunning blue-green and the breeze tugged at her scarf. She tilted her face to the sun and inhaled the brisk, salty breeze.
“Anna, is that you?”
She looked over and squinted against the sun. The silhouette of a man was in front of her. “Excuse me?”
“Anna Price, David Marchand. We met at your winery several weeks ago and I saw you speak at the wine convention.”
His French accent was still charming, but what was he doing here? “David, I recognize you, but this is a surprise.”
He nodded to Colin. “May I join you both?” He gestured to a nearby bench.
She took a seat at the opposite end and Colin stood behind her, his hand on her shoulder. “Yes, of course.”
He looked out over the ocean. “It is beautiful here, yes?”
“It’s lovely. I find the ocean to be calming.” She glanced his way. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
“I must confess I wanted to speak with you at the event, but I had many meetings. I talked with my father and he mentioned you and Colin had come to Folkestone. I took it upon myself to come here in hopes of having an opportunity to speak with you. Would you join me for dinner?”
Colin applied gentle pressure to her shoulder but he didn’t interject.
“Anna.” David turned on the bench to face her. “I would like it very much if you would both agree to have dinner with me this evening.”
“I know you spent time with my father at our winery, and he made it very clear we are a family-run business.”
“I wish you would consider dinner. I have a business proposition that I would like to talk with you about.”
Colin said, “Out of courtesy for Henri, Anna and I will meet you for drinks at our hotel at six.”
Anna sat up a little straighter. She liked that Colin had her back and she was curious to know what David’s business proposition was. Colin was right. Better to take control and find out.
He tipped his head. “Excellent. I’ll meet you at six o’clock? I think you’ll agree after we talk that my idea has merit.”
“You have piqued my curiosity.” She studied him carefully.
He rose. “Enjoy the rest of your afternoon.” He shook her hand and nodded again to Colin. “Au revoir.”
She waited until he was far enough away before pulling out her cell. “I need to call Dad and fill him in on this development, and then we’ll get back to just us.”
Colin sat down next to her. “That man is obnoxious. I’m glad you don’t have to meet him alone.”
“That makes two of us.”
Anna and Colin waited in the bar at a table. She glanced at her watch and David walked in. At least he was punctual.
“Hello.” He tipped his head, a habit which Anna found annoying.
He took his seat. “Shall we order wine?”
Anna gave him a polite smile. “I took the liberty of ordering; I hope a white is agreeable.”
“Certainly, let us wait for our wine. Then we can discuss business.”
As if on cue, the waitress returned with the bottle. She offered the label to Anna, who smiled and gestured for her to pour a sample. She nodded her approval. Only then did the waitress add some to Colin and David’s glasses and move away.
The cat and mouse game needed to end. He had a few minutes to spill it or drinks would be over.
“My father and I were very sorry to hear about Sam’s recent health issue, and it caused me to think about how we might come together and create a larger and stronger company.”
Her heart slowed. That was not how it sounded. “You want to partner with CLW?”
He gestured with his hands, palms up. “Not exactly. Your marketing director left the business; your brothers left the business for a few years and are back, and your father’s health is precarious. You are the only constant, with fourteen years on the job.”
Colin took her hand under the table and applied a reassuring touch. She had an idea where he was headed, but he’d have to be specific.
He paused, not for nerves, as he didn’t look like they would ever afflict him, but for effect for whatever his plan was.
“Crescent Lake Winery has been a family business for over seventy-five years. The Marchand family has been making wine for several hundred years. Both companies have achieved great success, but what is lacking is a company which can produce an excellent wine that will bridge a new clientele.”
Colin asked, “Are you looking to expand by importing French wines?”
David folded his hands together and rested them on the top of the table while he leaned forward. “I’d like to make wine in France and New York and sell what is produced regionally there, eliminating the need to import or export any finished product, which can be costly.” He swirled the wine in his glass. “Anna, your father is the force behind your family and therefore the force behind CLW. With his plans to retire and travel, I assumed that he’d enterta
in an offer.”
Anna’s temper flared. To have a stranger dilute her family’s life work and her nephews’ future with little regard for what their plans might be was disturbing.
“The family business is stronger than one person. What did my father say when you broached the idea?”
“I did not mention this when I met with your parents. I wanted to tour the operation and get a feel for it without the pressure of trying to discuss terms.”
Well, that cleared up one thing. He wasn’t to be trusted. “If you didn’t talk to them, why are you broaching the subject with me?”
“I thought as this generation of winemakers, and with the idea of a wider variety of grapes with which to showcase your talents, we could discuss the particulars.”
There it was. He wanted her to sell out her family and hitch her wagon to his horse. She was stunned.
“I can promise you,” he continued, “the Price family will be well compensated for the land and all the buildings and, of course, everyone currently employed at the winery would be kept on, maybe not in the same capacity, but they would have a job.” He reached out to place his hand on hers and he looked at Colin and withdrew it and said, “However, I can assure you nothing would change with your position. You are key to the success of this new venture.”
She knew about takeovers. People lost their jobs. She put her hand under the table. “Don is the CEO of the winery, and you should be having this conversation with him, not me. But the notion of you trying to convince me to help you has left me speechless. I’m not sure what else to say.”
“I thought with your support, Don and Sam could be persuaded to sell, especially if you think the proposal is solid. We should continue to discuss this opportunity over dinner.”
With a slow shake of her head, Anna pushed back her chair. “If you’ll excuse us, we have plans.”
Colin stood beside her and took her hand.
They had taken a few steps when David said, “Wait.”
She gave him a hard look. “Goodbye, David.” She strode from the bar.
When she and Colin walked out to the street, she said, “How am I going to tell my father this person is determined to go after our business?”
“Do you think your family would contemplate selling the winery?”
“No. Absolutely not.”
He gave her a hug. “Then you just give him the facts. Don and Sam will know how to handle Marchand.”
22
Colin would have liked nothing better than to stand in that airport parking lot and continue to kiss the woman he loved. Their trip was over far too quickly, but now they could get back to day-to-day living and maybe even think about their next big adventure together.
“Are you happy to be home?” With her free hand, her fingers trailed down his arm.
“Yes and no. Our trip made one thing clear. I love spending time with you and I hope the real world doesn’t intrude on us continuing to do that.”
She touched his cheek. “We won’t let it.”
“Speaking of time together, I got a text from my parents and they’ll be in town for a visit next week. I was hoping you’d have dinner with us. I’d love for you to meet them, and my sister too. We could have dinner at my place. Wine from CLW, and Marie would make one of her amazing cheesecakes.”
“Ah.” She gave him a small smile, but her eyes betrayed her suppressed laughter. “You’re ready for me to meet your family and just in case they don’t like me, I can ply them with delicious wine?”
“Something like that, and I figure it’s fair. I’ve met yours.” He brought her hand to his lips. “And you’re important to me, so I want them to get to know you.”
“I’d love to meet them.”
“Would it be possible to recommend a few wines I should pick up? That is out of my area of expertise and I want to show off your skills to them.”
“Tell me what you’re having and I’ll supply the wine.” She gave him a smile.
“I wasn’t asking you to bring it.”
“You didn’t ask. I offered.” They were driving through the center of town. “Any chance we can swing by the market so I can pick up a few things?”
“That’s all taken care of. I texted Liza and asked if she’d stock your refrigerator and we even have a cold dinner waiting for us and one other surprise.” He glanced her way. “I hope it’s okay I asked her to help me?”
“I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Her eyes twinkled. “And dinner sounds like heaven.”
“Then it’s settled.” His car picked up speed as they headed out of town. As he drove toward her place, their hands were clasped together and his heart was filled with a sense of peace.
* * *
Her farmhouse came into view and when the car stopped, Anna hopped out and stretched her arms overhead. So much had happened while she was gone, and Dorothy was right; there was no place like home.
Colin unloaded her bags and met her at the front door. She turned the knob and he said, “Wait.”
She quickly withdrew her hand. “Why?”
“Remember? I said I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes.”
She did as he asked. He opened the door and walked her over the threshold. She was excited to see what was next. He guided her through the front hall and turned in the direction of the living room. “Open your eyes.”
On the hall table was a large vase of flowers. A riot of colors and scents filled the space.
“I wasn’t sure what your favorite flowers are, so I ordered all different kinds.”
Anna whirled around and threw her arms around his neck, kissing him thoroughly. “Thank you,” she breathed between kisses, “for doing this for me.”
He cupped her cheeks in his hands. “Anna, I’m crazy about you.”
She pulled away. “I can do you one better.” She searched his eyes and said, “Spending the last ten days with you, I discovered I’m completely in love with you.”
He kissed her again. “I love you too.”
After dinner, they sat on the sofa. She toyed with his fingers. “I’m sorry we didn’t get to the Sherlock Holmes Museum, but when we take a trip back to Europe, it has to be on the to-do list.”
“I can’t wait to play tourist with you again. Are you up for a movie or ready to call it a day?”
“Rain check on the movie? I’m exhausted and now that I’m full, it’s really hitting me.”
He kissed her lips. “Say no more. We’ll talk tomorrow? And then Sunday, my parents are in town.”
“Of course. I’m looking forward to meeting them.”
He pulled her up from the chair. “Walk me to the door before your eyes close for the night.”
His arm encircled her waist and at the front door, he gave her a long, lingering kiss. “Sleep well, my love.”
She stood on her tiptoes and looked deep into his eyes. “Thanks for dinner and the flowers. It was a nice way to wrap up our trip.”
With one last kiss, Colin was out the door and she watched him drive away. She turned off the lights as she walked through the house. One of these nights soon, she was asking him to stay.
Sunday had arrived. Anna peered through the windshield; there wasn’t a cloud in the bright blue sky as she drove to Colin’s place, ready to meet his parents. The tote bag on the passenger seat held six bottles of wine: two bottles of Picnic Basket from Sand Creek, a cabernet, and three bottles of the Cayuga she knew Colin liked. Who knew what they would like? Hopefully she had her bases covered and for good measure, she stopped at a local brewery and picked up a couple of growlers of Colin’s favorite beer.
Anna had dressed carefully in a blue floral skirt, matching short-sleeve blue top, and leather sandals. She wanted to make a good impression on his family but also didn’t want to appear as if she were trying too hard. Thank heavens her wavy hair was behaving and the humidity wasn’t bad so it was under control.
She tapped the brakes as she pulled onto Colin’s street and drove through his sub
division. All of these houses were too close together; it wasn’t her idea of living, but it seemed to suit him. There were two cars parked in front of the garage: a silver sedan and the other a vintage black Mustang. I wouldn’t mind taking that car for a spin. It was easy to guess the sedan’s owner, but she didn’t think Marie was a Mustang-driving woman. She parked on the street and grabbed the tote bag. Surprisingly enough, she was only a little nervous. If his family was like hers, they’d get along just fine.
The front door opened and Colin came out of the house barefoot, wearing navy shorts and a light-blue striped polo shirt. His smile was the only greeting she needed to feel welcome. He met her at the bottom of the front steps and took the bag from her hand while slipping an arm around her waist and pulling her in for a kiss.
“Right on time.”
She savored his woodsy cologne. “I hate being late.” She wiped a smudge of lipstick from his lips. “Pink isn’t your shade.”
He chuckled. “You look beautiful. Come in and meet the folks.” He dropped his head. “Marie brought a couple of good friends with her.”
“The more, the merrier.” That explained the Mustang.
He kissed her temple. “They’re going to love you.”
They climbed the short flight of steps and entered the cool, air-conditioned house. “Everyone’s on the back patio.”
She nodded. “You’ll need to put the Cayuga and Picnic Basket on ice and the cab needs to breathe.”
He cupped her face. “I’ve got this.” He peered into the tote. “Six bottles should be enough.”
“Oh, wait. I have something else in the car. Be right back.” She hurried through the house and ran down the steps to retrieve the growlers from the floor of the passenger side. Colin was waiting in the doorway and he broke into a grin when he saw what was in her hands.
“You stopped at the brewery too?”
“I did. Do you have someplace to keep them cold?” He met her halfway down the steps and she handed the jugs to him.