“Hello, Lois. I’m Mitch. May I help you to your chair?” Mitch walked around and held out her chair so she could sit down.
“Oh mercy, aren’t you charming. That’s the kind of man my husband was – always the gentleman. Thank you, dear.”
“Grandma, don’t embarrass him,” Hannah said quietly.
“I’ll take that as a compliment, Lois. Thank you. I was raised that way I guess – ladies should always come first where I’m from,” Mitch replied.
“Did I hear your grandmother call you Jewels, Hannah? Is that a nick name?” Laci asked.
“Sort of. My middle name is Jule, spelled J-U-L-E. When I was born, I guess my dad called me his little ‘jewel’ – like the ruby. Ever since then, my family and some of my closer friends have always called me Jules – I prefer Hannah though. It’s just one of those names that mean more to people who love me, or used to love me, you know?”
“Oh, I totally get it! My cousins used to have pet names for me when I was a little girl – Pumpkin, Super Kid and Angel. Not as fancy as ‘jewel’, but I loved it when they used them. It always made me feel a little extra special in some way,” Laci replied.
They enjoyed a lovely dinner and visited about this and that. Laci wanted to dig in deeper and ask more questions about the B&B and the winery, but it didn’t seem like the right time. After dinner, she helped clean up the dishes and they said goodnight to Lois before she went to bed.
“So, I know it’s getting late, but would you still be interested in a wine tasting?” Hannah asked.
“Are you kidding? It’s never too late for a little vino!” Mitch was like a kid when it came to his passion for wine.
Hannah walked them out to the winery and once inside, guided them to a small bar located just past the entry. Laci wasn’t sure the bar would hold up one bottle of wine, let alone two or three. It was in pretty bad shape – most likely the original. As they kept walking, a glass trophy case caught her eye, filled with trophies, certificates and several bottles of wine with blue ribbons draped around the necks. Look at these awards! This is unbelievable, and there is no way this winery can close. We have to do something about this. Laci thought.
The main room was filled with tables and chairs, obviously a place that Hannah had once used to entertain, but it was covered in dust from being untouched. The far back wall featured a gorgeous stone hearth fireplace and on either side of that were glass French doors that opened to a patio out back. Barrels lined the inside walls of the tasting area and to their right was a door marked ‘Employees Only’ – leading to the wine making area. It was a spectacular room and Laci imagined it filled with music, glowing lights and people as they enjoyed an evening with friends and good wine.
As Hannah prepared the tasting, she shared details about each wine, about the history of the winery, and bragged on her business, but suddenly grew quiet.
“I… I’m sorry again for my behavior today. I simply can’t stand the thought of losing this place! You see, my parents died six years ago in a boating accident and left me the estate in their will. I wasn’t living here at the time, but I moved back to run it. My grandmother wasn’t doing well, so eventually she moved in with me so I could care for her. I had to let my winemaker go last week – he was one of the best on the west coast. The rest of the staff will be gone at the end of the week because I can’t afford to pay them either. My Grandma’s health is declining every day and her eyesight is nearly gone, as I’m sure you could tell. It’s all I can do to take care of her and run the business. She helps as much as she can though, her and my little sister. I’ve put so much into this place – I even lost my husband over it when I decided to move back up here. He said he wasn’t a wine kind of guy and couldn’t see himself living in Washington. Actually, that ended up being a blessing in disguise now that I look back on it,” she chuckled. “Once the economy tanked, guests stopped coming up as often and I struggled to keep up on the mortgage. The bank finally gave me notice of foreclosure last month and the sign went up the next day.” Hannah’s voice was both sad and angry, but mostly it was the cry of a broken heart.
“I’m so sorry you and your grandmother are having to endure this, Hannah. I can’t imagine how hard it’s been on both of you, but I’m glad you have your sister to lean on,” Laci said.
Hannah laughed, “Oh, she’s not my real sister. She’s my ‘little’ – I’m a ‘big sister’ with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program here in town. Her name is Clare and she stops by every other day or so to hang out and help me around the winery. After a few months of running this place, I realized I needed something else to throw myself into outside of this business, so I decided to become a Big Sister. That’s how we met. She’s almost 18 already – it’s hard to believe. She’s never really had many reliable people in her life. Her mom was an alcoholic and walked out on her when she was just six years old and now she lives with foster parents. They are good people, but they also have several smaller kids and Clare seems to go unnoticed much too often. She’s such a great kid, and man does she love to read! I’m always finding her hiding somewhere on the grounds with her nose stuck in a book.”
“Wow, you are a busy woman. I admire you for what you’re doing, Hannah,” Laci said, “And you shouldn’t apologize for anything. I know what a big undertaking it is to run a winery, let alone a Bed & Breakfast, and caring for a family member on top of that. It’s a competitive business and I’m sure you’ve done the best you could, given the circumstances. I know it’s none of my business, but if you don’t mind me asking, how close are you to raising the money to pay off your debt?” Mitch asked.
“Not close enough. I only told you that earlier so you wouldn’t ask any more questions.”
“I’m sure I would have reacted the same way, don’t worry.”
“Your wine is outstanding, Hannah – you and your staff obviously know your stuff and it shows. I’m sure you’ll have several offers by the looks of your operation here. It’s impressive,” Laci said, fishing to find out if there were any offers yet.
Hannah sighed. “So far we’ve received one bid, but the offer was too far below the market value, so they are holding out until there is an offer high enough to pay off the debt and buy the current wine stock at a reasonable price.” Hannah walked them out the door, her head hanging low.
It became clear to Laci why they were there – to help Hannah save her family’s business. We are supposed to buy her estate! This is good… but I’ll have to wait for the right time to share my idea with Mitch. I’m not sure he’ll be quite as enthusiastic as I am.
“If you can’t raise the money, where will you go after the foreclosure?” Mitch asked.
“I haven’t given it much thought honestly – it’s too hard. I don’t want to think about it either because then it means I’ve given up, and I can’t give up yet no matter what. I know that am supposed to be here. I feel it in my bones – it’s where I belong. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to go on and on. I’ve only just met you two and here I am spilling my entire life story. Enough about me. Besides, I should get back inside and prep for breakfast. We’re having brioche french toast with pear cranberry compote. It’s my specialty.”
“That sounds mouth-watering, Hannah! What time should we be down?” Laci asked.
“I usually serve around nine – but there’s no one here but you, so if you’d like it later, let me know.”
“Oh, no. Nine is perfect – we need to get on our way shortly after that anyway,” Mitch said.
They walked back into the house and Mitch started upstairs to their room, but Laci had other plans. Mitch looked at her, wondering why she was lingering behind.
“Laci, are you coming?” he asked.
“Actually, I have a quick question for Hannah – you go on up.”
“Okay, but don’t be too long.”
“I won’t – I promise.”
Laci followed Hannah into the kitchen. “Would you mind if I fixed myself a cup of coffee?” Laci as
ked.
“Of course not – help yourself. All the supplies are in the cabinet right above your head.” Laci pulled down a cup and fixed her coffee while Hannah unloaded the dishwasher. Laci wasn’t sure that it was the best time to approach the subject, but she had to know before she went to bed.
“Hannah, what if someone were to buy the winery and let you stay on and manage it? A merger of sorts…” Laci asked.
“I never thought about that. I guess if it meant saving the business and getting out of debt, I would definitely consider it. Although, I’m not sure I’d be the ideal employee after running this place by myself for so long. I can be a bit hard headed at times,” she laughed.
“Well, don’t worry about that. Let me do some digging and I’ll talk to you more tomorrow. I have an idea that just might work if I can get a certain someone on board,” Laci smiled and pointed her thumb upward in the direction of her room.
Hannah raised her left eyebrow curiously, “I’m not sure what you’re up to Laci, but I think I like where it’s headed. And for whatever you’re about to do… good luck.”
A smug smile on her face, and a warm cup of joe in her hand, Laci walked upstairs, but stopped suddenly when she heard a crack of thunder outside – so loud it rattled the walls. She smiled, turned around and walked right out the front door onto the porch. It’s almost here! My rain! Gusts of wind pushed through and wrapped her in their fierce strength as she waited for the drops to fall. In the distance, lightning flashed to illuminate a silhouette of the hills that surrounded the estate, and she couldn’t remove her eyes from the soft white halo that it left behind. One, two, three, fou- Another crack of thunder boomed around her. Less than four miles away now.
The air was heavy, filled with the rich smell of rain looming nearby. Laci waited patiently. Finally, it was in front of her – a rain that she could see, hear, smell, and touch with her hands. She set her coffee down on the table next to the swing, walked to the edge of the porch, and stretched her arm out to let the warm drops fall on her skin – pricking it like tiny little needles. That wasn’t enough though. She inched her head out and beheld the night sky. This is too good to watch from the sidelines! It beckoned for her and she replied by walking down the steps and onto the drive – hands outstretched to her sides. Thunder clapped again and she spun around in the rain, laughing like a little girl. She thought back to last year when she stood in the rain – cancer-stricken and heartbroken. It was a source of joy then and still was today.
“Laci!” Mitch’s voice echoed, and she turned to find him watching her from inside the front door.
“I couldn’t help it, Mitch! Isn’t it beautiful?” she yelled, beaming a smile that wouldn’t go away.
He lowered his head and shook it from side to side laughing at her antics. “Come inside before you get sick, Lace.”
“No! Not yet. Just a little longer, okay? Come join me!”
“Oh no… you have fun and I’ll stay right here.”
Laci wasn’t about to take no for an answer. She ran up the steps, grabbed him by the hands and despite his attempt to pull her inside, she pulled him down the stairs to join her in the pouring rain. White sheets of rain fell on every side of them and light glowed from inside the windows. Laci looked into his eyes and, most unexpectedly, felt a deep longing for him rise up within her – she once worried it would never return. She desired him in every way, and her hope was again restored. Mitch wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in close. Words weren’t appropriate, nor needed – his warm, soft kiss was enough.
Drenched from head to toe, they finally decided to go back to their room and dry off. Laci’s teeth were chattering as she shivered in her wet clothes. When they walked inside, Mitch grabbed some towels and wrapped them around her. The fireplace was burning bright and Laci stood in front of it to let the heat soak through her clothes. That’s when she noticed the candles glowing all around the room and a thick layer of steam rolling off the top of the Jacuzzi tub filled with hot water. Oh my. This is his invitation. Okay, I can do this – just relax. He’s your husband for crying out loud! An incredibly gorgeous, sweet, southern comfort husband! She was officially a bundle of nerves. She remembered his touch of course, how it felt, how gentle he was and how much fun they had in bed, and she longed for that touch once again. What if I’m not ready? What if I break down in the middle of it? What if I can’t make him happy anymore? How long would he put up with not being able to have a normal relationship with his wife? Get a grip, Laci! She took a quick glance at herself in the mirror and assessed her current sexiness factor. Great… five out of ten if I’m lucky! Ugh! She wanted her fairy godmother to appear, but alas, she was a no-show once again.
Mitch took her by the hand and led her over to the Jacuzzi. He slowly removed her towel, then lifted her wet shirt over her head and threw it to the floor. He took off his shirt, revealing his firm, sun-kissed torso, glistening in the dim light. As she took in the view, she noticed a few flecks of silver at the edge of his hairline that she hadn’t seen before. Very nice! She thought. She was nervous and still a little scared, but for the first time in months she wanted to give herself to him in every way, without guilt or fear. God had used this trip, and the rain, to open her heart, freeing her from the pain that had kept her from being the wife he needed.
One side at a time, he slid the straps of her bra off her shoulders, then reached around behind her back to unhook the strap. With a gentle tug, he pulled it away, and she closed her eyes as he finished undressing her. It had been months since she’d let him see her naked, let alone make love. As his wife, she knew it wasn’t right for her to withhold herself from him, but until now, she wasn’t able to get past her grief and sorrow to desire his touch. That time had ended – now she wanted him more than ever.
They stepped into the steaming hot water and sat down, relaxing together for a time. Then Mitch sat up and pulled her onto his lap, facing him. He gently caressed and kissed every part of her. The heat from his touch penetrated her skin, warming her through to her bones. She melted into his lips, running her fingers through his wet hair and drinking him in, enjoying every moment and wanting it to last forever.
The raging fire was building between them, passionate and powerful. Mitch lifted her out of the water, wrapped her in a towel, and then carried her to the living room and laid her down on a blanket near the fireplace. His hands and lips moved all over her body, bringing her intense pleasure and joy, as if he were a musician bringing her back to life. She was his instrument… he was her music. They loved each other as if there were no tomorrow, and it felt like hours had passed as they laid together, resting in each other’s arms.
He leaned up on his elbow and looked into her eyes, brushing the hair from her face. “I love you, Laci Young.”
“And I love you, Mitch Young,” she smiled, feeling the warmth in her cheeks.
“So, what did you ask Hannah about earlier tonight before your frolic in the rain?”
He’s asking me this now? After we just… oh well. Maybe it was the perfect time to bring it up. He was quite happy after all.
“I… um, I just wanted to know how old the winery was – I forgot to ask earlier.”
Mitch just rolled his eyes at me and smiled. “I know you better than that.”
“Well, I might have asked her a few questions about the foreclosure.” Laci sat up and pulled the blanket around her. If you’re going to ask, then I’m going to answer, she thought. “And I’ve been thinking…”
“Oh no you don’t… stop right there, Darlin’. When you start a sentence with ‘I’ve been thinking’, it’s either going to cost me money or create work for me… which will eventually cost me money,” Mitch smiled, knowing full well she wouldn’t be able to stop.
“You’ll like this idea, I promise! Besides, it’s going to help Hannah and grow our business at the same time.”
“You want to talk about this now? At two a.m.?”
“Yes I do! And you asked, remem
ber?”
“Okay, okay. I know I’ll regret this later, but let’s hear it. What’s your idea?”
“I think you should buy Hannah’s winery and keep her on to manage it. Eventually, she might be able to buy it back or become a partner when it starts to turn a profit again.” Mitch’s chin dropped a little, unsure of how to respond at first, so she didn’t give him a chance. “But wait, that’s not all. I think we should send Brad up here to go over everything and run the business with Hannah to protect our investment – at least for a while. She’s going to need help for several months to get things up and running, and I think they would work well together.”
Mitch tilted his head to the side and suddenly looked as if he’d solved a great mystery. “You are out of your ever-rain-lovin’ mind, Laci Jean!”
“Why? Why is this a bad idea? You know we can do it and…”
“This isn’t really about saving her winery is it? You are trying to get rid of Brad! I thought you two had moved past your petty differences and were getting along better?”
“What? Oh good grief… no, no, no! I’m just trying to save Hannah’s winery – I really like her, is that so bad? And it’s good business. We’d be on both coasts – a sister winery of sorts. All of her suppliers are already established and she has an impressive operation here Mitch – you said it yourself. We could even push her label down in Crystal Creek and sell it from both locations. It’s a win, win!”
“Well, I agree with you on that. The wine was excellent and there would be little cost on that side. But re-vitalizing a brand takes capital, Laci – and a lot of it. And if you think Brad and that spicy little red-head will work well together, you’re crazy! That is a case of dynamite just itching to be lit.” Mitch laughed at the thought.
Laci’s voice softened, “You don’t know that. It could be good for him to branch out. A change of pace is sometimes good for the soul you know. And besides, you even said he’s seemed a little ‘out of sorts’ lately.”
Grace After the Storm Page 5