by Lucinda Race
He turned in the driver’s seat and held her eyes captive. “I know that when the time comes, I’ll be all in. The woman I choose to spend my life with will be the one woman I won’t be able to live without.”
The intensity of his gaze caused Peyton to think about things she might never have, but longed for. Would anyone want to marry her and be a father to Owen? They were a package deal.
She paused and waited for him to either elaborate on his comment or change the subject, but when he didn’t, she said, “I’m starving. Shall we have dinner?”
Jack planned to take this budding relationship slow and steady. Tonight was just the beginning of his plan to court her, the old-fashioned way. He didn’t care about what had happened in their past. She was perfect for him.
Standing by the front of the truck, Peyton waited for him to come around. Hand in hand, they strolled down the wide, flower-lined sidewalk. The spring air held a hint of summer. As they approached the deep-red ornate door to La Fontaine’s, he asked, “Do you mind if we eat on the patio?”
She flashed him a heart-stopping smile as he pulled open the door. “I was hoping we would. It is a beautiful night, perfect for dining alfresco.”
A short, stocky man was headed in their direction. He greeted them with a warm smile and a hug for Peyton. “Jack, my old friend, I wondered when you would wander in. I know you have one of the best chefs in the eastern half of the country at the winery, but it’s been, what, over a year since you’ve graced my restaurant?” He took Peyton’s hand. “And you, I don’t think I’ve seen you, since…well, I don’t know when.”
She laughed. “Joseph, you’re such a charmer. It wasn’t that long ago I was in with my parents for their wedding anniversary.”
He waved his hand. “That’s not the same thing as a date.” He looked from Peyton to Jack. “This is a date, right?”
Jack slipped his arm around Peyton’s waist and pulled her close. She relaxed after a moment. This was Jack, and he’d never do anything to push her too fast. “It is. We would like a romantic table for two on the patio.”
“I can always guess when a couple is dating. It’s a gift.” Joseph winked and picked up the menus and wine list. “Follow me.”
She stepped onto the slate floor and looked around. The white twinkle lights were artfully draped around the perimeter and woven through the climbing roses that were just beginning to flower; they were early for mid-May. The air was perfumed with their fragrance. She squeezed Jack’s hand and grinned.
“Owen wouldn’t have appreciated this setting at all.”
He pulled out a wicker-backed chair. “But I do.” His voice was for her ears alone.
She sat down and looked up at him through her dark lashes. “It’s been a long time since we’ve been alone and on a date.”
“How am I doing?” He tried to keep his tone light, but he was serious. He wanted everything to be perfect.
She smiled. “You’re doing just fine.”
Joseph set the menus down and discreetly eased away.
Jack took the seat across from her and passed her the wine list. “Are you in the mood for wine tonight?”
“I am.” She glanced down and then handed it back to him. “You’re the expert. You choose.”
“No, go ahead.” He gently pushed it back to her. “Red or white. I’m easy.”
She glanced his way and then scanned the list. Her cheeks flushed a charming shade of pink. He loved that he could make her blush so easily.
“Chardonnay, then.” She set the list aside and smiled as Joseph approached with a pitcher of water.
He looked between the couple. “Have you decided on a wine for the evening?”
“Yes,” Peyton’s brow shot up as if to give Jack one last chance before she ordered. “We’ll have a bottle of Sand Creek’s new Chardonnay.”
“Excellent choice.” He glanced at Jack.
A flash of surprise slipped over his face. Was he disappointed with the wine she selected? “Whatever the lady wants is fine with me.”
“I will bring you a special plate of appetizers.”
Joseph left and Jack leaned forward, taking her hand. “I thought he’d never leave.”
“Shush. He might hear you and I wouldn’t want to offend him.”
“I’m curious why you picked the Sand Creek wine.” He continued to hold her hand lightly in his.
“I like it. It has notes of melon and pineapple.” Peyton eased her hand away and placed her napkin in her lap. Maybe she should have ordered a CLW variety. “Would you have preferred one of your wines?”
“Not at all. I like that we can support Tessa and Max.” He took a sip of water. “I’ve been rooting for them, and the business is beginning to grow as it should. At the last wine association meeting, Tessa and Max made it known their business is thriving and put to rest any thoughts of them selling. But enough about my sister and her husband.”
Joseph came back to the table with the wine and poured Peyton a small sample. Jack was content to let her take the lead. She swirled the wine, inhaled the bouquet, and then took a small taste. Her eyes sparkled in the twinkling lights. “Delicious.”
Joseph poured them both a glass and left the bottle in its chilled granite sleeve. She took note and smiled at Jack. “I’m sure you prefer it at room temp.”
“It does exude the best flavor that way.” He took a small sip and nodded at her. “Excellent choice.”
Before Jack could say anything more, Joseph appeared with a small plate of appetizers. They ordered dinner and finally they were alone.
Jack nibbled on a slice of prosciutto and melon.
A comfortable silence surrounded the couple as she looked at him. “I was a little surprised you asked me to dinner since we’re just friends. After all, we’ve been down this dating path once before.”
“Friends is a good place to start.” He leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. “Besides, I was young and dumb in college, and back then, I didn’t realize what I had until it was gone.”
She didn’t respond to his statement. “We’ve both changed since then.” She shifted in her seat and he waited, as if he could sense she had something on her mind. “I haven’t been on a date in a while, and it’s usually hard for me.” Her eyes bore into his. “I still struggle to be the girl I was before the night of the bonfire.”
“You’re who I want to be with now, not the eighteen-year-old. What happened that night hasn’t changed how I see you. Smart, witty, beautiful are just a few words to describe you.”
She blinked back a tear.
He squeezed her hands a little tighter. “I care about you and Owen. I want to spend time with you, have fun outings, have adventures, and take Owen along too. You never have to worry about anything other than being honest with me.”
If it had been anyone but Jack, the touch of his hand would have set her nerves jangling, but it was familiar and even gave her a little tingle, in a good way. Her eyes never left his. “Jack, I care about you too and I’m glad you understand I’m different.”
“In some ways, we both are.” He leaned across the table and his finger gently touched her cheek. “Don’t ever forget I’m here for you. Always.”
11
Dinner had been delicious and Jack kept her laughing, but now Peyton steeled herself on the drive out to the lake. She wiped her damp palms on the skirt of her dress and shivered despite the warm air in the truck.
Jack glanced her way. “Are you okay?” He took her hand. “We don’t have to do this.”
She thrust her chin out and rolled her shoulders back and exhaled, steeling herself to control the fear that threatened to clutch her heart. “I want to do this, and I need to talk about it.”
He applied gentle pressure to her hand. The truck slowed and its tires crunched over the gravel as he pulled into the small parking area. The moonlight reflected off the glass-like surface of the lake. With the truck off, the sounds of the water gently lapping the shore reached her ears
and the darkness enveloped the truck, but not in an oppressive way. It soothed her jagged nerves, just a little. She had loved the lake at night.
Jack didn’t move to open his door. She wasn’t sure if he was waiting for her to do or say something. She eased her hand away but immediately missed the strength that flowed from him to her. She needed to tell him more about that night and somehow it was easier if they weren’t connected.
Softly she began, “I loved the lake—it didn’t matter season or time of day—from the time I was a little rug rat.” She smiled into the dark. “Mom swore I had lake water in my veins.” She glanced at Jack. “I remember you and your brothers would race to the waterslide to see who could get down it first.”
Jack was nodding as she talked. “Good times.”
“When we got older, you know there were always parties out here. The last one I came to was the summer after college.” She stared out the side window and propped her elbow on the door, resting her cheek in the palm of her hand. “That night”—her voice quivered—“I wanted Tessa and Anna to come with me, but they had something else going on. There was a guy I liked, and Don was at loose ends from the breakup with Kate, so he drove me.”
“I was in Napa at the time.”
She could hear the sadness in his voice as he stated the fact. She sighed. “Everyone was a lot younger than Don and when he decided it was time to leave, I said I’d catch a ride.”
“It was something you had done before.”
She put her hand on the door handle. “Can we go for a short walk?”
He didn’t hesitate. “Sure.” He pushed open his door and grabbed a lightweight coat from behind the seat. He passed it to her. “You might need this; it’s getting cool.”
“Thanks.” She took it and wrapped it around her before getting out of the truck. She could smell a different cologne on it, citrus and musk mingled with a hint of vanilla. The heels of her sandals sunk into the soft gravel. Peyton was grateful he didn’t push her to continue the story.
“Did you get your lifeguard certificate here?” he asked.
“Didn’t all the kids in town?” Her laugh was strained. “Not that I ever wanted to be a lifeguard. My dad had said it would look good on college applications.”
They reached the picnic table. She wiped off a few pine needles from the top before she sat on it and patted the space next to her. “Have a seat.”
He sat close and slung his arm around her shoulders. “Warm enough?”
“I’m fine.” She scanned the area and pointed to the large open firepit. “That doesn’t look like it’s been used in a few days.”
He looked around. “It’s the perfect night for a fire. I suspect the younger set will be along later.”
She cocked her head and looked at him under her lashes. “Are you saying I’m old at thirty?”
He chuckled. “I’ve got a few years on you, but we’re just experienced.”
They both grew quiet. Listening to the sounds of crickets and peepers relaxed her. She looked up at the star-filled sky. “Look! A shooting star.”
They watched as it streaked toward the horizon.
“I never even gave it a second thought when the paper cups were passed out. I was among old friends; what could happen?” Jack didn’t need all the details. She skipped to the end of the story. “The last thing I remember before waking up at my parents’ was a hand helping me off a log.”
He took her hand. “Pey, I wish I had been there for you.”
She didn’t want him to think what happened had crippled her permanently. Her voice was strong. “What happened that night doesn’t define me. It’s a part of my past.” She took a deep breath and whispered, “I’d like a new memory from the lake. Kiss me in the moonlight?”
Jack brushed his lips across hers. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for ages.”
She felt him pour his heart into the long, slow, sweet kiss. Peyton pulled back and looked into his eyes. “Now this is what I call a sweet memory.”
Jack pulled up in front of his house. A shot of pride flashed through him when he looked at the restored front façade. “Ready for the nickel tour?” A grin slipped over his face. “A lot of it is still the original, but I think you’ll be able to see my ideas starting to take shape.”
“I didn’t realize you bought the old Simmons place. I mean, I knew you bought a house to flip, but I had no idea it was this one. I guess I haven’t been paying attention when Kate talked about it. It’s been what, six months?”
“It has, and I’m not so sure I want to sell now. After living out here, I’m enjoying the quiet, and the place came with ten acres. Someday when I have kids, it’ll be a great place for tree forts and who knows what else. Maybe I’ll even clear a spot for a pool.”
“It sounds nice.”
He could hear the wistful tone in her voice. “Have you given any more thought to buying a house?”
“I have an appointment at the bank next week to see what I would need for a down payment and how much I’d qualify to borrow. Details.” She flashed him a grin. “But enough about my plans. Show me around Casa de Price.”
She opened the truck door and he took her hand as they crossed the damp grass and walked up the wooden steps.
He turned her around. “Close your eyes and picture flowers lining the stone walkway.”
She laughed. “The imaginary one?”
“Shush. Just do it and tell me what you see.”
“Split-rail fence draped in trailing roses looking like they’ve taken over, and in the spring before they get green and full of flowers, daffodils in bloom, the kind that spread on their own as if they’re welcoming spring.”
“You’re right, and maybe plant a few trees on either side of the driveway?”
“Exactly.” Peyton looked at the wide front porch. “This space needs color and a couple of rocking chairs. Maybe a porch swing at that end.” She pointed to the opposite side. “Have it run almost the width of the space and on the other side of the rail, more flowers and greenery.”
“I’ll make a note of it all.” He tugged at her hand. “Come inside.”
Jack could see it all taking shape. This is what she would do with her house—make the outside as inviting as the inside.
He pushed open the old wood door with its panels of inset leaded glass. “I was going to replace this, but instead, I’m making a custom storm door to help with heat preservation and maintain the beauty of the original front.”
He guided her into the main hallway. “All I’ve done in here is install new windows and gut the plaster so I can insulate. You’d be surprised how these old houses have almost nothing for insulation.”
She looked around the center hall. “The huge living and dining rooms will be spacious enough for you to host family events here. I didn’t realize the house was so big; from the road, it’s deceptive.”
“Wait until you see the back half of the house, and upstairs there are four good-sized bedrooms, but I think I’m going to take one that is adjacent to what will be the master bedroom and convert it to a walk-in closet and bathroom.”
“Another good selling point if you were to put it on the market.”
He could read her expression. She didn’t look or sound bored. “Want to see the rest of the house, and then we can sit out back and have a fire? Unless you’re in a hurry to get home?”
“Not at all. This is fun.” They walked into the old-fashioned open kitchen and family room area and she stopped. “This is an amazing space.”
“Most of it’s still the original, but I was able to take down the walls and make it one huge space. Nothing a few supporting beams couldn’t handle.” He gestured to the new glass patio doors. “This way.”
She glanced over her shoulder at the space. “This will be a real family kitchen. The heart of the home.”
“Someday.” He held her hand as they crossed the patio. It still needed a ton of work, but it was another good reason to hold her hand. “Careful. Some of th
e stones are loose.”
“I bet you’d say that even if they weren’t.” She looked at him. “You can just hold my hand.”
“I’m trying to be a gentleman and besides, I don’t lie. They really are loose.”
She stumbled and gripped his hand tighter. “I see that now.”
“Easy. I’ve got you.” He guided her to the old bench in front of the firepit, which he had gotten ready earlier in hopes she’d agree to come back. There was so much he wanted to tell her, and being with her was something he had dreamed about, but the reality was even better.
He pulled a book of matches from his pocket and lit the kindling. It took off and he sat next to her on the bench. “Are you warm enough?”
Once he slipped his arm around her, holding her close to his body, she said, “I am now.”
For a few minutes, they sat and watched as the logs caught, enjoying the silence.
She said, “Will you tell me about Napa? Was it all you had wanted it to be?”
“It was a good experience. Working for a different business gave me perspective on how Dad ran CLW, and now Don has followed the same path, but at least he’s open to trying new ways to increase the harvest—organic methods for the new fields we cultivate, which is something Dad wouldn’t have allowed me to take the lead on.” He tried to keep the bitterness from his voice but some things still annoyed him.
“If you had it do over again, would you go?” She didn’t look at him but continued to watch the flames dance.
He thought about that answer and how so many things would have been different if he knew now what mistakes he would make.
“I would, but I would have asked you to go with me. If I could do that, both of our lives would be so different.” He would never have made the stupid mistake of marrying Corine and if Peyton had a child, he would be its father.