by Judith Keim
Autumn returned to the kitchen with Cami. “Something smells good. Garlic?”
Lettie laughed. Her garlic bread was known for having a lot of garlic, but she liked it that way.
“I have a nice, light, summer meal prepared, including the garlic bread. Sit down and I’ll be glad to wait on you. I love having you home. Are you sure you can’t stay and do some of your charity work here?”
Autumn shook her head. “I can’t let the government in South Africa down. Not after all the country has been through.”
Lettie couldn’t hide the pain in her voice. “I wish Cami could stay.”
“I know you love her, Mom, and I’m grateful for all you’ve done for her, but I need her with me. It’s essential that we form a bond.”
“I understand. Let’s put her in her highchair with some toys while we eat. She’s usually good for ten minutes or so.”
###
As they ate, both Lettie and Autumn watched Cami, exclaiming now and then how smart she was.
“I think she has Rafe’s mechanical aptitude. See how she balances those blocks?” Lettie said with pride.
Autumn set down her fork and gave her a steady look, worry in her eyes. “What do you think I inherited from him?”
“Well, though your chin isn’t exactly like your father’s, you have a small cleft like his. And I noticed earlier when you walk you move your shoulders like him. You’re both smart and there’s something about your eyes that reminds me of him. Remember, I don’t know what my own parents looked like, so it’s hard to know for certain.”
Autumn glanced at Cami. “She has a little dimple-like indent on her chin. Do you think that comes from Rafe?”
Lettie smiled. “He and I both would like to think so.”
“After talking with Paloma, I’d like to get to know Rafe better. As a person, if nothing else.”
“I’ve been hoping you’d say that. Why don’t I arrange for him to come for dinner tomorrow night? And if things go well, you can spend more time together. You might want to visit his place. He’s changed the old Taunton vineyards and winery into something that’s spectacular.”
“You both know I have no real interest in becoming a vintner, right?”
“But someday you might have to take over the business end of Chandler Hill. We can’t let it go to someone outside the family.”
“Mom! That’s exactly why I’m so confused. You talk as if I’m a Chandler, not a Lopez.”
“Sweetie, you’re both. You’re young. Do your thing in Africa and then come back home.”
Autumn’s eyes flashed with hurt and indignation. “My work in Africa is a thing? You don’t have any idea how valued my work is.”
Remorse filled Lettie. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it the way it sounded. Of course, I’m proud of you and your work, but at some time you’ll be needed at home.”
She waved away Lettie’s suggestion. “The way things look now, that’s not going to happen for a very long time. You’re young yourself, Mom. The winery and inn are in great shape. I’m not ready to live a life here in the valley doing something I don’t really want to do.”
Rather than argue, Lettie let the subject drop. She and Autumn would need to sort out the winery another time. They had more important issues to deal with—namely, giving Rafe a chance to know his daughter.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Lettie’s nerves tingled as she raced home from the inn to prepare for the evening ahead. To take some of the strain away, dinner from the inn was to be delivered to her house at eight o’clock, giving Autumn, Rafe, and her enough time to say goodnight to Cami before her bedtime and then giving the adults time to talk. Though she wouldn’t have the burden of preparing the food, Lettie wanted the table set nicely. She planned to serve one of the vineyard’s best bottles of wine, along with hot cheese puff appetizers that Rafe especially liked. She’d also serve some chilled, marinated mushrooms. They’d always been one of Autumn’s favorites.
Anxious to see how her day had gone without her, Lettie entered the house full of questions. They died on her lips when she found Autumn in the living room talking to Rod Mitchell.
“Rod? What are you doing here?”
Wearing a smile that was more like a smirk, he rose to his feet. He knew she didn’t want him at her house.
“Autumn walked onto my property, and I decided to accompany her back here. It’s been a while, Lettie. I understand you and your other neighbor are seeing one another. I tried to tell Autumn what a mistake that might be. I hear he’s having some financial troubles.”
“Nonnee!” cried Cami, running over to her from the kitchen where she had been playing alone.
Lettie swung Cami up in her arms and faced Rod. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“A banker friend of mine said that Rafe Lopez has been looking to refinance his mortgage. He said the bank was reluctant to do that for him considering his lack of equity.” His look of satisfaction was infuriating.
“Which property are you talking about?” Lettie asked. “If it’s the one over by Salem, he’s trying to set it up for a friend of his. Which bank was it?”
“Now, Lettie, you know I can’t tell you that ...”
“I think it’s time for you to go, Rod. We’re about to have company.” She let the edge in her voice shine through. The man was a first-class jerk, and she couldn’t stand the sight of him.
“Mom ...” Autumn began. “Why ...”
Lettie cut her off. “Not now.”
Autumn closed her mouth and stared at her wide-eyed.
Lettie led Rod to the front door. “See you around town, I’m sure.” She couldn’t hide her sarcasm. Rod seemed to be everywhere.
Rod gave her a hard stare. “You’re going to be sorry you never worked out something with me. Rafe Lopez is an interloper who’s only after your money and land.”
“No, Rod, that was you. Remember?”
Lettie slammed the door behind him and leaned against it. “What a slime!”
“I’m sorry, Mom. He asked if he could walk me home, and I said yes.”
“I know how charming he can be,” admitted Lettie. “But he’s one of the worst—a smooth talking guy who will lie and twist the truth to get ahead. Spanish crews won’t work for him, and nobody in town wants anything to do with him after he’s pulled a few underhanded stunts against other growers.”
Autumn’s body sagged. “I should have seen him for what he was. God! I’m so stupid about men!”
“Cami’s father?”
“Yes, he was a smooth talker too.”
“It just occurred to me that you grew up with a bunch of women around you, but no men. We should have taught you better.”
“Yeah, but I’d better smarten up. I don’t want to live alone all my life.”
“True,” said Lettie. “C’mon! Let’s get ready to meet a really great guy. By the way, did you see Abby?”
“I stopped into the gift shop to say hello. Tomorrow, I’m meeting her for lunch.”
“Good.” Lettie hoped Autumn would see how much these people loved her and would, one day, count on her for her support.
###
When Lettie opened the door to welcome Rafe, she was touched to see how much care he’d taken with his appearance. He’d shaved, and his hair was slicked back away from his face. His plaid, short-sleeved shirt appeared brand new, and his khaki pants looked like they’d just come from the laundry.
“Hi, sweetheart,” Lettie said, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “C’mon in. Autumn is changing Cami and getting ready to put her down for the night, but she’ll be right out.”
“I’m a little nervous,” Rafe admitted, swiping a hand through his hair. “It’s like an adoption in reverse.”
“You’ll do just fine,” Lettie assured him. “I love you enough for both Autumn and me.”
He chuckled, but she knew he wouldn’t relax until he’d had a chance to spend some time with Autumn.
Ra
fe followed her into the kitchen.
“Mmm, my favorite cheese puffs?”
Lettie smiled. “Made just for you. I’m having dinner sent over from the inn—the Beef Wellington you like so much. It’s one of Autumn’s favorites too.”
“What’s a favorite of mine?” asked Autumn coming into the room.
“The inn’s Beef Wellington.”
“Is that what you ordered? Yum!”
“Yes, it’s one of your father’s favorites too,” said Lettie, the words slipping out easily.
Autumn and Rafe stared at each other, and then Rafe laughed. “A surprise, huh?”
“Yes, indeed,” said Autumn pleasantly.
Lettie allowed the breath she’d been holding to escape. “Well, then, maybe you’ll pour the wine, Rafe. I’ve got a nice syrah to sip before we change to a cabernet for dinner. Let’s go out to the deck.”
Outside, the sun was just beginning its descent. Though it would be a while before it was dark, the colors that spilled from the western sky onto the earth below cast a warm glow around them as they sat on the deck.
“Rod Mitchell was here with Autumn this afternoon,” Lettie told Rafe. “He implied that you were having financial problems because the bank didn’t want to give you a loan.”
Rafe shook his head with disgust. “Why do people like him fail to get all the facts before they spread nonsense? A group of friends wants to buy a nice piece of property over by Salem. I’m trying to help them work out a deal with one of the local banks. The recession of the early 1990s changed so many banking rules. Now, it’s not so simple to set things up.”
“How is that going to work? Several people owning a property?” Autumn asked. “It sounds a little like a type of socialism.”
Rafe shrugged. “I hadn’t thought of it that way, but I guess you’re right. Three different men will own the property under a business name. They all plan to live and work there, so each will have to do his share.”
“In my village in Africa, I saw how important it was to work together. But the leader had a lot of authority. That was important too.”
“Tell me more about your work in Africa. For someone who hasn’t traveled much, I find it fascinating.”
Autumn began describing her work in detail.
Lettie listened carefully, realizing she hadn’t previously shared information to this extent. As Autumn spoke, Lettie’s respect for her grew.
“I can see why your mother is so proud of you,” said Rafe. “If you will allow me to say it, I’m proud too.”
Autumn studied Rafe somberly.
At the sound of someone at the door, Lettie rose. “That must be our dinner. Go ahead and enjoy yourselves while I get everything set. Rafe, perhaps you’d pour the dinner wine?”
He turned to Autumn with a grin. “I’m good at that.”
As she left the room, Lettie heard Autumn’s laughter behind her. She felt a wave of happiness, pleased Rafe was using his charm to get to know his daughter.
At dinner, once everyone had commented on the delicious beef, Lettie steered the conversation toward history of the valley. “Rafe’s family has lived and worked legally in the valley for many years.”
“Yes,” said Rafe. He went on to explain that those who hadn’t been able to receive citizenship prior to 1986 when the Immigration Reform and Control Act was passed were given permanent residence then. He smiled at Lettie and turned to Autumn. “Like your mother, my family and I love the land.”
“Nice. Now you know how I feel about Africa,” said Autumn. “I love the land and the people there.”
“I hope you’ll come to love Chandler Hill,” Lettie said. “And I hope you’ll give Cami the chance to love it too.”
“Maybe she can visit now and then,” Autumn said.
Rather than speak through a throat thickened with tears, Lettie remained quiet.
“Autumn, I’d like my parents to have the opportunity to talk with you, get to know you a little before you leave,” said Rafe. “Are you willing to do that?”
“Yes,” she said. “I want Cami to know her family and her heritage.”
“And you?” Rafe said.
“I’m trying to get used to the idea,” she said. “I’m still a little confused about where I fit in.”
“Good enough. We’ll go from there.” Rafe’s smile of encouragement was heartwarming.
Coffee and the inn’s special flan were served and eaten as talk continued about various members of Rafe’s family.
When conversation ebbed, Autumn rose. “Thanks for dinner. Rafe, nice to get to know you a little better. Mom? I’ll do the dishes later. If you don’t mind, I’m going to my room. I have a few things to take care of.”
Lettie waved away her concern. “Don’t worry. We’ll do the dishes.”
Autumn started to leave the room and then stopped. “Maybe I can meet your parents in a day or two, Rafe. Please let me know when they’re free.”
The look of excitement on his face was touching. “Sure thing. I’ll get right back to you.”
After she left, a long sigh escaped Lettie’s lips. “Well, that wasn’t so bad. She seemed genuinely interested in hearing about your family.”
“Considering her life has been turned upside down, she’s been very kind. I really appreciate that.”
“I think she was surprised to learn that you have a college degree in viticulture and oenology.”
Rafe shook his head. “Fancy names for grape growing and winemaking, but it’s a fascinating business.”
“Yes. Funny, in some ways, I feel as if I were born to do it. Obviously, Autumn doesn’t.”
“She’ll come around,” said Rafe. “After all, she’s likely to inherit not one, but two big properties. Even if she doesn’t do the work, she’ll need to know the business.”
“Maybe when Cami is older, Autumn will let her spend the school breaks here. I’ll even pay for her college education.”
Rafe laughed. “One step at a time, cariño.”
She joined in the laughter. “Si, Señor.”
###
The next afternoon, Lettie held a birthday cake on a plate in front of Cami. The cooks at the inn had made it especially for her. Pink flowers and one pink butterfly adorned the chocolate icing. Two flickering candles were set into the cake at the top.
“Happy Birthday, Cami! You’re two!” said Autumn.
“Two!” Cami repeated holding up four fingers.
The three adults laughed.
“Four will happen all too quickly,” Lettie said, sobering, wondering how many times in the next two years she’d see her beloved granddaughter.
Rafe placed a hand on Lettie’s shoulder. “Let’s have Cami blow out the candles.”
“Okay. Ready, Cami? Blow hard! Mama can help you.”
Cami’s attempts at blowing out the candles were touching. At the last moment, Autumn discreetly helped snuff the flames, and they all clapped.
Delighting in the attention, Cami clapped too.
Lettie tucked that moment of pure joy into her memories. Later, when Autumn and Cami were gone, she’d need moments like these to treasure.
“Mom? Did you hear me?”
Jerked away from her thoughts, Lettie sent Autumn a questioning look.
“I say we let Cami dig into the cake on her own. Do you agree?”
“Why not? It’s a toddler’s dream come true.”
Lettie set down the cake in front of Cami.
When Cami realized what was happening, she shrieked with glee, plunged her plump hands into the gooey mess, and lifted some to her face.
Autumn grinned at Lettie. “Shall we?”
Lettie didn’t hesitate. She swooped a pink flower off the cake and put it in her mouth.
“How about me?” said Rafe, snatching his own piece of what was now a mess.
Autumn, her lips edged with chocolate icing, grinned. “Perfect. The four of us celebrating together.”
Cami looked at them with rounded eyes
. “Mine.”
That set off more laughter.
“She’s two all right,” said Autumn. “It’s a birthday I’ll never forget. Thank you both.”
Lettie and Rafe exchanged satisfied looks.
###
The next day, Lettie pulled her car to a stop outside Joe and Rita Lopez’s home. At Autumn’s insistence, Lettie had agreed to accompany her and Cami on a visit to Rafe’s parents. Lettie understood Autumn’s nervousness about meeting them as their granddaughter. She’d heard the story about how they’d opposed a relationship between a young Rafe and Lettie.
Lettie got out of the car and waited for Autumn to extract Cami from her car seat. Glancing around, she noticed the care that went into the lawn and plantings around the house. Now that Rafe and his siblings were grown and many of the grandchildren too, Rita spent a lot of time outside gardening both flowers and vegetables.
The gray-clapboard, two-story house with a red-painted front door appeared as welcoming now as the white house had been the first time Lettie had seen it. Maybe because it had always been a place where family and friends of theirs gathered.
Before they reached the front porch, Rita opened the door with a smile. “Ah, there’s little Cami!”
Cami squealed with excitement and held out her arms to her.
With a shy smile, Autumn handed Cami over to her great-grandmother.
Laughing, Rita jiggled Cami in her arms. “Such a pretty baby.” She turned to Autumn. “Life is full of surprises, eh? And some, like this one, are special.”
Autumn glanced at Lettie and smiled.
Rita waved them inside. “Come in! Come in! I’ve made fresh lemonade and a few little things to eat.”
Lettie hid a smile. Rita’s “few little things to eat” were a feast to others. But she was glad that she had fussed for this meeting. It was a good sign.
Rita led them to the kitchen where Lettie knew from past experience most of her social meetings took place.
She turned to them with sparkling eyes. “Please sit down and help yourself to food. May I get you each a cup of my special cinnamon coffee?”