Life is a Cabernet

by Jan Moran

  Juliana poked him in the ribs, laughing. She had to admit, she liked this playful side of him.

  “Can we shop, too?” Beatrice seemed more interested than Anne, who was watching two men repairing fishing nets on the dock.

  “Of course,” Juliana said. “I’d love to treat you each to a new dress. I saw some cute sundresses in a window as we were walking. I think they were just your size.”

  After lunch, the four of them shopped, and Juliana bought new dresses for Anne and Beatrice. At an outdoor gear shop, Henri insisted on outfitting Juliana with all the gear she’d need for the boat, from the proper shoes to shirts, sweaters, and jackets she could layer when the cool wind kicked up on the sea.

  They visited another boutique with lovely, full-skirted sundresses that nipped in at the waist and revealed her toned shoulders.

  “Try this one on,” Henri said, admiring a crisp white cotton sundress on a hanger. “And this one,” he added, pulling out a sunny lemon-yellow dress, followed by a rosy pink shift.

  “I don’t need that many,” Juliana said, laughing.

  Henri smiled. “That’s not the point, sweetheart. There’s very little we really need.” He handed several dresses to a saleswoman. “She’ll try these on.”

  Juliana selected a couple of other dresses and shorts. She slipped into the dressing room to try them on. When she emerged, she twirled in front of the mirror, the full yellow skirt flaring around her legs. Behind her, the girls and Henri were grinning, and their smiles touched her heart.

  Beatrice ran to her and hugged her. “You look so pretty.”

  Henri quirked his mouth. “I don’t know… I’ll kind of miss seeing you in my clothes.”

  “Well, I’m awfully fond of your shirt, too.”

  “It’s yours.” He grinned at her. “In fact, everything I have is yours for the taking.”

  Juliana felt a blush work itself from her chest to her face, and she angled her head as she hugged Beatrice to her. She had to admit, she was extremely attracted to him. But could she really help him with his trauma and the recovery he needed?

  That evening, as they enjoyed fresh, seared albacore tuna from the bay, the sun sent streaming scarlet rays across the water.

  Henri nodded toward the flaming sky. “Red sky at night, sailors delight.”

  “What does that mean?” Juliana asked.

  “It’s based on atmospheric systems. A red sky indicates a stable, high-pressure system moving from west to east, which means we’ll have good weather tomorrow.” With his eyes twinkling, he clasped her hand. “Good weather for sailing all the way to Baja California.”

  “I don’t know, the harvest is coming soon. I promised Caterina and Ava that I would help them at Mille Étoiles.” Juliana laughed. “Besides, a journey to Mexico is quite a commitment.”

  “Hmm, so it is.” Henri slid his gaze toward Anne and Beatrice. “What do you think, girls? Are we ready for that kind of commitment?”

  Grinning, the two girls nodded vigorously.

  After paying the bill, they all strolled back to the yacht, carrying their shopping packages and supplies. Juliana couldn’t remember the last time she’d had such a nice day.

  She took turns with Henri reading a bedtime story to the two girls, and soon the girls were fast asleep, exhausted after such excitement.

  Climbing the ladder to the deck above, Juliana looked up. A cascade of stars blanketed the night sky like so many fairy lights. Tonight was balmy, and she’d draped a light sweater over her sundress. Behind her, with a wine bottle tucked under his arm and two glasses in his hand, Henri hoisted himself up the ladder above deck. They settled on a low bench covered with blue sailcloth cushions. Juliana breathed in, enjoying the fresh scent of the ocean.

  As Henri eased the cork from the bottle, Juliana surreptitiously admired his lean, muscular physique, and then she dropped her gaze to the vintage. “That was a good year.”

  “It was, but I think this year will be even better.”

  She curled her legs under her, spreading the fabric of her new yellow sundress around her. “Yet you were leaving right before harvest?”

  He paused and raised his eyes. “Without you in my life, the harvest didn’t seem to matter much anymore. I have a foreman to see it anyway.”

  “What does matter to you, Henri? What do you want from life?”

  Henri poured two glasses of wine. Handing her a glass, he said, “As you know, I have a responsibility to Anne and Beatrice. I love them as if they were my own daughters, and they are my family. They deserve the best I can give them. Beyond that, the vineyard is my profession and my passion. I’ve also made commitments to some of my workers who came from Europe—other survivors—and I am honor-bound to them.”

  He lifted his glass toward the heavens. “I could have died in prison, as many did. So I want to enjoy this second chance at life more than ever. I want to sail, hike, travel, live…” He turned to her and touched her glass. “And love.”

  As she listened, it dawned on Juliana that she was beginning to love everything about this deeply honorable man. Still, questions lingered in her mind, and she couldn’t bear to have her heart destroyed again. “So, just what does that mean, Henri?” she asked softly. “Are you looking only for a mother for the girls?”

  “I don’t think they need one,” he replied, tapping his glass.

  Juliana felt as though her breath had been knocked from her lungs.

  A slow smile spread across his face. “But we all want you—me, most of all. I love you, Juliana.” Henri swept her into his arms.

  Relief flooded her. “Oh, Henri… my love.” Before she could say another word, he kissed her.

  Long suppressed passion flared in her again, and a warm glow of happiness suffused her.

  A few moments later, they heard giggles behind them. Anne and Beatrice were on the ladder, peering out from the galley below.

  Laughing, Henri pulled back. “Better get used to this.” As he started to get up, the girls burst with laughter and scrambled back down the ladder, pounding their way back to their stateroom. He gave a dramatic sigh. “That’s what you have to look forward to.”

  “They’re just excited.” Juliana smoothed her dress, chuckling.

  “Are you sure you’re up for all this? Two active girls, a busy household and vineyard, and a broken-down man haunted with nightmares?”

  “First of all, I adore the girls,” Juliana said, ticking off her fingers. “Second, I grew up at Mille Étoiles, so I’m used to the craziness of vineyard life. And third, I certainly don’t see a broken-down man when I look at you.”

  Taking her hand, he said, “I’ve been honest with you. These nightmares, they’re a horrible part of my life. It was tough on Solange. You need to understand this.”

  “I do understand. More than you realize.” She sipped her wine, thinking. Many of the young men in the valley that returned from the war had similar issues. Battle fatigue or shell shock, they called it. “Have you ever sought help?”

  “Juliana, so many others are much worse off than I am.”

  “But that doesn’t mean you have to live this way.

  He gazed at her with interest. “What would you suggest?”

  She clasped Henri’s hand. “There’s a good doctor in Sonoma who has helped a lot people. She uses something called talk therapy.”

  Henri arched an eyebrow but seemed to consider her words. “If you think it might help.”

  “I do. She helped one of Al’s closest friends. He was so shell-shocked he could hardly sleep. But he’s so much better now. I really think she could help you.”

  Henri gave her a light kiss. “If you have faith in this doctor, then I’ll make an appointment.”

  11

  “What are we doing at the marina?” Juliana asked as she hitched up a pinch of her long evening dress between her forefinger and thumb.

  Henri took her hand and led her along the wooden walkway past boats that bobbed in their slips. Since Solan
ge had died, he’d spent many afternoons here while the tutor worked with the girls. This escape had been therapeutic for him at a time when he’d desperately needed it. He couldn’t wait to show her one of his prize projects.

  “Here she is.” Henri stopped in front of a sleek wooden yacht with masts that reached toward the sky. He felt like a kid again, proudly showing off his first sailboat.

  Juliana let out a whistle. “She’s a beauty.”

  Henri climbed onto the deck and held out his hand to help Juliana. She removed her high heels and stepped aboard.

  “This is a real treasure.” He ran his hand along gleaming mahogany trim. I’ve spent the last year having her restored.”

  “How old is she?”

  Henri put his arm around her. “She was built in 1926 on the Scottish island of Bute. Alfred Mylne out of Glasgow designed her. She’s a 56-foot sloop, and she’s come a long way. I could sail around the world in this.” He noticed Juliana was shivering. “Want to go below? Or I could bring blankets and pillows up.”

  “Bring some blankets so we can stay above and watch the stars. It’s such a beautiful night.”

  “Then I’ll be right back.”

  He went below and returned with cushions and woolen blankets. He spread out the cushions and then draped a blanket around Juliana’s bare shoulders. After excusing himself again, he returned with a crystal snifter. “Thought you might like a nightcap,” he said, handing her a balloon-shaped glass of amber-colored cognac. Trailing a finger along her face, he teased her lips with his.

  “That will warm me in no time. So will the cognac.” Her eyes sparkled as she inhaled the rich perfumed bouquet. “Not one for yourself?”

  “I might have a sip, but I still have to drive us back to Napa. Though sometimes I stay here. Mrs. Peabody lives in, so the girls are fine with her.” He leaned back on the cushions and held her next to him, searching the constellations overhead.

  This was the dream that had sustained him for so many years. A fine boat, a beautiful woman by his side, a peaceful evening. He grazed her lips and sighed, finally feeling fulfilled. This was only the beginning of what he had planned for them, if she would have him.

  Juliana lifted her face to his and moonlight lit her eyes. He searched her lovely face, trying to read the thoughts behind her dark gaze. “I’ve been looking for you all my life,” he said, caressing her shoulder. “I have never met a woman like you.”

  As soon as he’d said that, he felt her stiffen under his touch. “You can trust me, Juliana.” He relaxed his hold on her. “I respect you. I’ll promise I’ll wait for you as long as you wish.”

  “No, it’s not that.” Juliana sounded confused. “I—I’m concerned. You speak as if you’ve forgotten all about Solange.” She hugged her arms around herself.

  “Not at all. I will never forget her. Solange was an important part of my life and the girls’ lives for many years. Of course I miss her. We were more than family; we were the best of friends.” Now he was baffled. Why was Juliana so concerned about Solange?

  “It’s good to hear you say that,” she said, but she didn’t sound convinced. “She’s only been gone a year.”

  “She’d been trying to talk me into going out and having a life before she died, but I couldn’t leave her then.”

  “I should certainly hope not!” Juliana looked at him as if he’d lost his mind.

  Henri rubbed his forehead. Why was this beautiful evening suddenly going wrong? “Look, she just wanted me to date, get married and have a normal life. What was wrong with that? We’d been through hell together. She was an amazing woman, but she’s gone.”

  Juliana stood up, throwing off his jacket and blankets. “I don’t know if this is some modern way of thinking or what, mister, but I can’t believe you would have even thought of dating while your wife was dying. You’re despicable. I knew you were too good to be true.” She spun around, grabbed her shoes, and marched to the edge of the deck.

  “No, no, no. Solange was not my wife.”

  Juliana jabbed her hands on her hips. “That’s even worse. You have two children together.”

  Pressing his hands against his temple, Henri let out a strangled yell. “Damn it, what is going on here? Anne and Beatrice are not our children. They’re my wards.”

  “You,” Juliana said, pointing to him, anger flashing in her eyes. “There is something very, very wrong with you. And this entire charade. How dare you deny your wife and children to me? Everyone in the valley knew you were married. Get me out of here now.”

  Henri scrubbed his face in frustration. There was no getting through to her. “Fine, I’ll take you home.”

  “No. I am not driving back with you. Take me to the St. Francis. I’ll stay there tonight.” Juliana stormed ahead of him to the car.

  When Henri arrived, she was sitting in the front seat with her arms crossed. He flung his jacket onto the backseat and started the car. “There has clearly been a misunderstanding. Let’s talk about this.” How had this night gone off its tracks? His head was spinning. “Juliana?”

  She said nothing, but stared straight ahead.

  “Please listen. There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” How could he even begin to tell her about his past now?

  When she didn’t reply, he gave up. The silence was as thick as the fog rolling into the city.

  Henri arrived in front of the St. Francis Hotel, and the doorman opened her door. Juliana was out in a flash, but not before he saw tears streaming down her face.

  With his heart aching, Henri watched her walk into the hotel and out of his life. Swearing, he banged his hands against the steering wheel. What the hell had just happened?

  “Move along, sir,” the doorman said, waving him on.

  Fighting back tears of his own, Henri yanked the wheel and turned the car toward the marina. He didn’t feel like driving back to Napa, not when he’d just lost the woman who meant everything to him.

  12

  Over the next two weeks, Juliana had spent every free moment with Henri, though she had yet to tell her mother or friends—not even Caterina. She wanted to savor this magical time between them.

  “That’s where I’d like to plant more cabernet vines,” Henri said.

  Hooking her arm through his, Juliana shaded her eyes and followed Henri’s line of sight along a rolling hill. She walked through the well-tended vineyard with Henri, who was taking her on a more extensive tour of Chateau Laurent than before to see the entire house, vineyard, and wine-making operation.

  The sun was warm on her shoulders, and she’d swept her hair back with a coral-colored scarf. She wore the white cotton sundress that Henri had bought her on their sailing trip. After stopping in Half Moon Bay, they’d sailed on to Monterey and back to San Francisco on the vintage yacht, agreeing that after harvest, they’d take an extended trip to Baja California. As her gold bracelet jingled on her wrist, the snake and rooster swung side by side. Henri wore a white T-shirt under a blue denim work shirt and jeans. On board the boat, she’d encourage him to relax and adopt a more casual style.

  They’d all had fun in Monterey. Beatrice and Anne were amazed at the otters and seals frolicking in the bay, and at low tide they spotted an assortment of sea creatures they’d never seen before. The four of them had sailed around the Monterey Peninsula admiring the breathtaking scenery, where windblown cypress trees lined the shores. Juliana had never seen Monterey from the ocean vantage point, and it was utterly spectacular.

  Henri brushed a few wisps of hair from her forehead. “After our trip, I feel reinvigorated. Being on the water, breathing in the fresh sea air, and most of all, being with you, gave me a chance to look at life through a new lens, to imagine what the future might hold for us.”

  “I agree,” Juliana said. “I feel I’ve been given a second chance to build the life I’ve always dreamed of.”

  “Both of us. I want to create a new life together.” Henri paused. “I’ve been places where a morsel of food, a blan
ket, or a small show of mercy meant the difference between life and death. Though I will never forget, now I’ve been given an opportunity for a life few can ever hope to receive. My grandfather left the fruits of his life’s work to me, and I’d like to put that to good use. The Children’s Hospital and clinics are just the beginning of what we could do.”

  “I love your ideas,” Juliana said. “My specialty is spreading the word, so I think we’d make a good team.”

  Henri hugged her close to his side. “That’s the best part of all.”

  Juliana loved hearing that. During their sail, they’d had long talks on the boat after the girls had gone to bed. Once he’d confided his most intimate secrets to her, their relationship had quickly advanced to a new level of trust and intimacy, though they’d maintained separate staterooms with the girls on board. Their most intimate expression of love could wait, they agreed, though it was growing increasingly difficult. Juliana observed the customs of her faith, and he respected that.

  “I meant to tell you,” Juliana added. “I received a call before I left the boarding house. Your new Chateau Laurent wine labels are ready. I can pick them up for you tomorrow.”

  “Let’s go together. I can hardly wait to see how they’ve turned out. You really elevated the design Solange began. I know she would have been thrilled.” Henri rubbed her hand as he spoke. “We can have lunch on the pier. I know a place that has the best garlic crab and oysters Rockefeller.”

  Juliana groaned with her hand on the stomach. “Cioppino, Chinese food, albacore, clam chowder, sourdough bread… Are you seducing me with food again?”

  “You bet. With food… and wine. Speaking of which…” Henri stopped at a vine to inspect the small, tight grapes, the berries of the vine.

  “The leaves and fruit are already turning,” Juliana said. The rich burnished color was a signal that harvest was imminent.

  “These cabernet berries are bursting with life and vigor.” Henri popped a couple of grapes into his mouth and handed her a few. “Consider the promise the cabernet grape holds within its fruit, the transformation it undergoes, and the witness it will be to celebrations, good friends, and love.” His eyes crinkled in a smile. “Especially for us.”