Small Town King: A Single Dad Romance (Carlisle Cellars Book 3)

by Fabiola Francisco

  Brett

  I walk into the conference room where my dad, Miles, and Katelyn, our enologist, already sit chatting with each other.

  “Hey,” I pull out a chair, unbuttoning my suit jacket, and take a seat. “What’s going on?” I settle in the chair, the leather squeaking beneath me. Katelyn emailed us yesterday afternoon to meet today, but she gave nothing away.

  “Good morning,” Katelyn says with a nod.

  My dad and Miles follow suit, and then the three of us turn to Katelyn.

  “I’ve worked here long enough to know you three are ready to pull whatever I have to say out of me. It’s not good news. I’ll preface with that because I also know you don’t like people to beat around the bush.” She sighs and shifts in her chair, pulling out some papers from a folder.

  “We ran analyses on some of the grapes, specifically the vineyards closest to the restaurant where the fire happened. From the beginning, I told the men to keep the batches separate since I was unsure if they truly were affected by the fire or not. More goes into influencing grapes than just the heat. Smoke did penetrate them.” She presses her lips together.

  “How much damage?” My dad asks.

  “One-fourth of the batch has to go.”

  “Damn it,” I slam my hand on the table. “Is there any way to correct this, so we don’t lose all of it?”

  She shakes her head. “We can try to blend it with unaffected grapes. I’m not sure it’ll be a solution, and I’ll test with a small batch to not ruin good wine.”

  “I’ll help you,” Miles offers, and my eyebrows shoot up. “If it turns out to be a decent blend, just an underlying smokiness to it, June and I will buy it for the bookstore. We read a suspense novel recently about a fire, and if it’s good wine, we can use it for our wine pairing event in the future.”

  “I don’t want you serving bad wine. I’d rather dump it if it’s not salvageable,” my dad says.

  “I’m not serving bad wine,” Miles shakes his head at my dad. “Come on, you know me better than that, but it might be a unique flavor that people will enjoy and works well with a book.”

  “I’ll let you know once I’ve worked on a blend that’s decent. The smoke won’t endanger anyone, but the flavor is all wrong.”

  I snake a hand through my hair, fisting my roots. “If it’s unsalvageable, how much loss are we looking at?”

  “I spoke to Collin. Since we don’t have the restaurant or tasting at the moment, we’ll have supplies for our vendors,” Katelyn says. “However, we’re cutting it close. Thankfully, we’ve got reserve from last year.” She looks at Miles. “I know you wanted to start working on blends specifically for the bookstore, but that will have to wait until next season.” She frowns apologetically.

  “That’s okay.” Miles waves his hand. “Staying on top of our current production is more important.”

  “If any vendors decide to increase their order or add in special orders, we may not be able to provide it,” Katelyn continues.

  “Do we have a loss?” I ask. “What did Collin say?” Collin is our sales manager and Katelyn’s husband.

  “Not at the moment, thanks to the fact that the insurance is covering the loss of the fire,” she points out. I nod because I know damn well that if the insurance would’ve continued to give us shit like they were doing in the beginning, we’d be ruined.

  “If I can create a blend that balances the flavors, then…” She lifts her hands.

  “Yeah, we’ll be okay if people want to drink it. It’s one thing to be drinkable and another to not be what our customers expect from Carlisle Wines,” I add.

  “That is correct, but it’s all about turning a sour—no pun intended—experience into a good one. People may love this blend. We test it. If we like it, they’ll like it. Who knows? They may be fighting to get their hands on an exclusive Flame Blend from Carlisle Wines, and they’ll make us flameous,” she laughs at her own joke. I can’t help but chuckle and notice my dad is also fighting his smile.

  “Hey, I called dibs for the store,” Miles teases. “If we do acquire it for the bookstore, we’ll call it Fierytale.”

  “Just make it happen.” I tap the oak table. “I’d love to see the bright side of this, but y’all know I’m more of a see it to believe it kinda guy, sooo…”

  “Yeah, yeah, make it happen. Understood. I’ll get to work on it immediately.” She smiles hopefully.

  Once Katelyn walks out of the conference room, I turn to my dad and Miles. “Thoughts?”

  “If anyone can make this disaster into a winner, it’s Katelyn,” my dad says.

  “I agree, and it’s a relief we’re not in the red.”

  “As I said, if it works out, I’ll buy the supply—at the same price it would cost any other client. No discounts,” Miles says this, looking pointedly at my father.

  “Fine,” he finally nods on a sigh. “Let’s see what happens first. Now that the three of us are together, is there anything else we need to discuss?” My dad’s eyes volley between my brother and me.

  I clear my throat. “Actually, I’d like to talk about something. I’m thinking about giving a bit more responsibility to our managers. I need to be there for Charlie and Chloe right now, and they’re hurting by not having me fully present. I’m thinking of continuing to take the weekends off and leave the office at a decent hour.”

  “You mean actually let people do their jobs? About damn time,” Miles mumbles, and I glare at him. He shakes his head, brushing away my attitude. “The girls need you.” He shrugs as if it were obvious.

  “Brett, no one said you have to take it all on yourself. I’m here to guide you, but I’m letting you take the reins so you can see how best to run this company once I fully retire without burning out. You don’t have to do it all. It’s why we have employees. I never did it all on my own, and I started this company. If you remember correctly, I was there for all your games and activities. I delegated. It’s time you learned to do the same. It will make the difference between success and downfall.” My dad’s eyes never waver.

  I nod. “It’s hard to let go of control because I want everything to be perfect.”

  “You can’t control everything. If we had that power, the fire never would’ve started. We wouldn’t be in this bind, and your girls wouldn’t be living with fear.” His eyes cut to Miles, but he doesn’t add on to that.

  “Listen, bro, life’s messy, full of shit we wish wouldn’t happen, but it makes us stronger when we overcome it. Nothing’s perfect,” Miles chuckles dryly. “Not even my flawless face anymore,” he points to his scar, making a joke out of it.

  I know he isn’t vain like people might think, but I can’t imagine what he feels when he sees it. Does he get flashbacks of almost losing his life? I know I would.

  “In all seriousness,” Miles continues. “It’s what makes it amazing. Unexpected people come into your life, accidents happen, pain cuts deep, and we lose some of the ones we love.” His eyes look at me with sympathy.

  “Despite all that, we gotta take advantage of what we still have, the people around us, and show them how much we care. The girls need you now more than the winery. I think even Dad will agree that this is all material, and family always comes first.”

  “He’s got a point,” my dad nods.

  “Thank you,” I nod, swallowing down the lump in my throat. “I’m gonna meet with my team, hand out some of the work to them. And yes, Miles, let them do their job.” It isn’t the first time he has said this. Always telling me we hire a team, so they do a job, and not to sit around and watch me do it for them.

  “Great. Now, I’m gonna go have lunch with your momma. If you need anything, call. I’m not sure I’ll be back for the rest of the day.” My dad stands with a broad smile, clapping my shoulder on the way out.

  “Have you seen the construction?” I ask Miles.

  “Yeah, things are going well. I’ve been meeting with Michelle periodically.”

  “Great, wanna head th
at way and give me an update?” I ask, tilting my head out the door.

  “Let’s do it.” Miles claps his hands, and we walk out of the conference room and the main building in the direction of the construction site.

  Miles updates me on what’s been done so far and a few minor changes to the original plans. He’s taken over this project, which I appreciate despite it being his job. I’m not sure I can handle this as well.

  “Do you think the girls would be ready to come back here next month?” Miles asks.

  I sigh. Miles and June are getting married at the vineyard, and I know how much it means to both of them that Charlie and Chloe are present, preferably as their flower girls.

  “I hope so. I’ll talk to their therapist today when they go to their session and mention it. They’re doing some outdoor thing today, so we’re meeting by a park.”

  “That’s great. Magnolia seems like a nice person.” I nod at his comment. “June likes her. Is that a problem for you?” Miles cuts his eyes in my direction and stops walking right in front of the restaurant area.

  “No,” I shake my head. “It’s a little weird, and I don’t want the girls to be confused, but she has a right to make friends, and Willow Creek is small. I guess it’s bound to happen.”

  “I agree. It’s what I told June when she mentioned it.” Miles claps his hands. “Okay, back to business.” We face the construction going on before us, and he begins explaining everything as Michelle, the project manager, heads our way.

  I sit on a bench a few feet away from Charlie, Chloe, and Magnolia as they work together on their session. Tall trees, a combination of oak and pine, create shade and seclude us from the rest of the world. We aren’t too far from the river that runs through town, so the sound of small creeks echoes in the breeze if we’re quiet enough.

  I was surprised when Magnolia suggested meeting somewhere outside of the office, but a change in scenery could be a good way to break the monotony and keep their progress flowing. I have no idea what they’re talking about, but it’s the first time I get to observe them, and it’s been interesting so far.

  The girls are happy. I can tell they’re talking excitedly, holding up leaves and flowers. I’d love to know how this fits into their therapy, but if they have those smiles on their faces, I’ll let it work out how it has to. After all, I am in no way a psychology expert. I’ve barely done anything good to help my girls. Instead, I’ve been drowning in work while feeling helpless.

  I watch as Magnolia talks with confidence, my girls listening with rapt attention. Then, they stand from the blanket on the ground and start playing…tag. I furrow my eyebrows, leaning forward with my elbows on my knees, and watch. The girls run around, singing, nana-nana-boo-boo, at Magnolia, who giggles and moves after them at a slower pace.

  This is nothing like the traditional counseling I’m familiar with. When it was brought up, Magnolia explained how nature is grounding and fuels creativity, security, and joy. I can see that. Chloe, who usually sticks close by to the adult she’s with, is laughing wildly and running away from Magnolia instead of depending on her.

  When they finish, the girls skip to me with Magnolia close behind.

  “Daddy, did you see us?” Charlie asks.

  “I did.” I nod with a smile, kissing each of their temples. I look up at Magnolia with raised eyebrows as I stand. “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah,” she nods. “I actually wanted to mention something.”

  “Sure.” I look at my daughters. “Girls, sit here and wait for me a sec, okay?” They nod and climb on the bench as I follow Magnolia a few feet away.

  “I wanted to explain about the spring festival. I know you saw me with June, but I assure you that I never speak about anything related to my job with anyone, not even my parents.”

  “Magnolia,” I stop her. “It’s okay. I trust that you’re a professional and won’t break our confidentiality contract.” She nods. “It must not be easy being new to a town like Willow Creek, and June is a good friend to have. I know she wouldn’t pry either.”

  “Thank you for understanding. It’s a bit of a tricky situation.”

  I sigh. “I understand. Are the girls okay?” I look in their direction to see them talking and holding hands.

  “They are. I know this was an unconventional session, but nature provides many lessons, includes a different perspective. It’s one thing to talk about fears while cooped up in an office and another completely to talk about it out in the world, so to speak. The game at the end was to foster independence in a fun and safe way. They felt safe enough to separate from me while knowing I was still there in case they needed protection.” I nod as I listen, glad I wasn’t too far off with my observation.

  “My brother is getting married next month. The wedding is in the vineyard at the winery. The girls haven’t been able to go back there, fighting me when I even mention it. I’d like them to be at the wedding. Miles was hoping that they’d be flower girls, but this has changed things.” I scratch my chin.

  “I’ll work with them on that. We’ve been slowly building up to visiting the winery. I know Colleen was as well. Do you have pictures of the winery? I’d appreciate it if you could email them to me. I’ll start slow, showing them the photographs and talking through it.” I think that’s a great idea.

  “Thank you. I’ll email them to the address I have saved.”

  “Great. I’ll see y’all next week, then.” She smiles kindly, and for the first time, I realize her eyes are sky blue, and her chestnut hair curls at the ends. It goes to show how absent I’ve been these last few months.

  I watch her walk away before heading back to Charlie and Chloe.

  “Daddy, we had fun today with Ms. Magnolia,” Charlie beams.

  “I could tell. How was it for you, Chlo?” I look at her.

  “I liked it. Can we do it again?” She looks up at me with bright eyes.

  I chuckle with pure happiness. “I’ll ask her. Now, how about we go home, turn on some music, and cook?” I raise my brows, smiling.

  “Yessss!” Charlie hisses, already dancing as she holds my hand.

  We get home and do just that. Music blares through the house as the three of us sing off-key, dancing around the kitchen as pasta boils and Charlie stirs the cheese sauce.

  I take turns dancing with both of them as we let go of everything that’s weighing us down and just have fun. I have to admit that whatever Magnolia is doing with them, it’s working. Not just on the girls but on me. And I’ll forever be grateful.

  Chapter 15

  Brett

  “Daddy, can you stay home this week, too?” Charlie asks as milk and cereal sputter from her mouth.

  “Charlie, finish eating before speaking.” I push a napkin her way, and she wipes her mouth then the counter. “I can’t take the week off. You know that.”

  A blatant frown takes up space in her face, and I think part of its exaggeration is to guilt me. I sigh and walk around the counter, sitting next to her. “You know I have a job to do.” I hold her hand. She nods.

  “That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t love to spend time with you and your sister. I’ll see how work is this week, and maybe I can take one day off, and we’ll spend it together.”

  Her eyes light up. “Really? Like a day in the week and not the weekend?”

  “Yeah, baby girl.” I cradle her head and kiss the top of it.

  Charlie begins to cheer, and Chloe walks into the kitchen from the bathroom. “What happened?” Her voice is still raspy with sleep.

  I pull her up to my lap right when Charlie yells, “Daddy’s going to take a day off to spend with us!”

  “Really?” Chloe’s eyes widen as they look at me.

  Sighing, I run a hand through my hair and down my face. “I’m going to try. I have to make sure that work is okay, and I’ll choose a day this week to stay home.”

  “So not today?” Chloe pouts.

  “No, sweetie, I can’t today.”

  “Why
not?” Her eyebrows pull down.

  “Well…” I think about my schedule today, anything pressing that needs to be done. The only thing is to check up on whatever I missed on Saturday that could’ve gotten done. I have no meetings, no deadlines, and my staff has been responsive in taking on more load.

  “You know what…let me make a call.” I carry Chloe as I stand and then sit her on the stool I vacated. I hear their excited voices as I walk into the living room, dialing up my dad’s number.

  “Hey, Brett.” My dad picks up the call almost immediately.

  “Hey, Dad… Listen, I was wondering if we have anything important today at the office that I’m not aware of.”

  “Not that I know of. Just a regular Monday. What’s going on?”

  “The girls want me to take a day off while they’re on spring break—”

  He interrupts me, “Say no more. Take it.” I’m about to argue when he adds, “They need you a hell of a lot more right now than we do here. Everything’s under control.”

  “I feel like I’m delaying your retirement, though,” I speak out my concern.

  “Please, son, I’ve already started to take things slower, but you know I’ll always be around.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  “You’re welcome. Have fun with the girls, make memories, and make sure they feel loved.”

  “I always do.”

  “I know. Enjoy your day. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  After hanging up, I turn and look at Charlie and Chloe sitting at the counter. Charlie is adding milk to Chloe’s cereal while they whisper and laugh softly.

  It squeezes my heart to see them like this. If I could, I’d wrap them up in my arms and keep them safe from all the bullshit the world throws. It’s bad enough they’re growing up without their mother, but having to deal with something as scarring as a fire is a cruel joke. However, I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to my daughters.

  These last couple of weeks have been a turning point. Ever since I started staying home on the weekends, we’ve all been happier, but I’ve seen a big change in the last two weeks. The girls have slowly progressed since they started working with Colleen, but I have to admit that the biggest impact was made with Magnolia. Maybe because she’s younger, or she includes different techniques in their therapy. They already did a second outdoor session, and those are the girls’ favorite.