Chapter 27
Twenty-Seven
Peter
This week feels like the work has been so much harder than normal.
We don’t do events like this often. At least, not yet.
We did a big holiday party for Christmas and folks brought their families.
This one is for adults only, though. Piper wants it perfect so we can gauge if these types of things are worth the effort.
Callie and Lexi came out when they could.
But we were serious when we said homework comes first. Maybe if I’d taken it more seriously like some of my siblings, I would have options outside of the winery.
Not that I don’t love working here. This was a place built by family, and I take a lot of pride in it.
“It’s a good thing we closed the winery today.” Piper stands next to me and admires everything we’ve done. “There’s no way we would have finished in time to get ready.”
“Yeah, that was a good call even if Pierce was mad about it.”
She waves the comment away. “He’ll get over it. The ticket sales we had for the event more than covers what we make on a typical Friday. We’re not losing any profits. Even with the cost of catering.”
“At least Paula, and Whoopsie Daisy, are doing the arrangements at a discount.”
“Yep,” Piper agrees. “Perks of having a sister in an adjacent field of work.”
I’ve never seen the winery like this. We have tables inside, of course, but the whole yard is decked out with tables and heat lamps. The perfect place for folks who want some privacy or need to get some air.
“Should we head out and get ready?” I’m anxious to see the dress Callie bought. Lexi told me it was red, but that’s it. Plus, I still need to run by Whoopsie Daisy and pick up the flowers I ordered.
“Absolutely.” Piper gives me a half hug. “Thank you for all the help this week. From you, Callie, and Lexie. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.”
“Don’t even worry about it.” I give her a tight squeeze before letting go. “We need to be here at six, right?”
“Yep. Now get out of here.” I don’t need to be told again.
Bouquet in hand, my steps are slow as I approach Callie’s front door. Why are my hands sweaty? It’s like we’re going on a first date, or a dance. I haven’t been this nervous since I was much, much younger.
I raise a hand and knock on the door. It takes a few minutes for it to open. I expected to see Callie, but Lexi is grinning at me.
“She’s almost ready.” She gestures for me to come in, and I follow her into the living room after closing the door. “You look a lot different dressed up.”
“Thanks?” Does she mean I look horrible when I come over in my work clothes?
“It’s a compliment,” she whispers and turns toward the hallway. “I’m gonna check on Mom. I’ll be right back.”
I hear a door close and take that as my sign to sit down. Anything is better than pacing around the room. Though now I don’t know what to do. The TV isn’t on, and Alice is snoring in her bed on the other side of the room. It’s way too quiet.
After what feels like an eternity, the door opens and Lexi comes rushing into the living room. “She’s coming out now.”
I stand and turn toward the hallway. The anticipation builds as footsteps approach us. With the way Lexi is acting, I’m not sure what to expect.
The flowers fall from my hand the second Callie steps into the room.
She is stunning. Her long brown hair falls in loose curls over her shoulder.
The dress is bold and clings to her body in all the right places.
Her legs seem to go on for miles and she’s taller with the silver heels on her feet.
What the hell did I do to deserve this woman?
“You’re gorgeous.” The words slip out of my mouth, barely above a whisper.
Callie’s cheeks redden. “Thank you.”
I bend down and grab the flowers, inspecting them for damage. “These are for you.”
She studies the red roses as she takes them from my hand. “They’re beautiful.”
“I told you he’d like it. And he didn’t pass out.” Lexi breaks the moment and both of us laugh.
“Do we need to take you to Abby’s?” I ask.
“Nope. Her mom is picking me up in a bit. I wanted to be here for the grand reveal.”
I take a step closer to Callie. “Shall we, then?”
She hands the flowers to her daughter. “Can you put these in water for me? Have fun tonight. If you need anything, I have my phone. I’m sure Peter has his, too.”
I pat my pocket to show her that I do have my phone. Piper said I had to have it on me at all times for the day.
“Yep. You kids have fun.” She pushes her mom close to me. “But not too much fun.” She winks and darts off to the kitchen.
Callie loops her arm through mine and we’re off for the night. I’m still trying to figure out how I’m going to handle her in this dress without carrying her back to my place.
The lights on the trees were a good idea. It looks like a fairy wonderland. Piper has good instincts when it comes to things like this.
I park the truck at my parent’s house because people won’t be over here, and I don’t want to take up space where a valet will be parking cars for the guests. The last thing I expect to see is my parent’s car off to the side.
“Mom and Dad are home,” I say in awe.
Callie looks over at me. “Wouldn’t they normally be?”
“Not lately. Since they retired, they’ve been traveling around the country and taking cruises.” I shake my head, but I’m happy for them. They deserve it after all the years they’ve put in here. I hope I can do the same one day…with Callie by my side.
“That sounds exciting.”
“Yeah, they send us pictures all the time.” I glance from her to the house. “Do you want to re-meet them?”
She glances at what she’s wearing. “Aren’t I a bit overdressed?”
“Nope.”
Shrugging, she turns to me with a smile. “Sure.”
I turn off the truck, hop out and rush around to the passenger side to help Callie out.
It’s a bit difficult for her with the heels and everything.
I pretty much have to pick her up and set her on the ground.
I pull off my jacket and set it around her arms. I asked if she needed a jacket before we left her house, but she said it would ruin the look.
She slides her hands into mine as we step on the porch. I see Dad’s silhouette in the window and don’t bother knocking.
“Is this something you and your siblings do? Just walk into each other’s houses?”
“Pretty much. There’s pretty much zero privacy in this family.”
“It’s cool y’all are so open with each other.”
“It’s a blessing and a curse.” I laugh. “Mom? Dad?”
“You’re the first one who’s noticed we’re home.” Mom rushes up to me and gives me a hug. “Who’s this?” Dad comes up behind her and gives me a nod. He’s not big on hugging.
“Y’all remember Callie? Miles’s sister?” I give her and a quick squeeze. “She moved back to Asheville and we’re dating.”
“It’s about time.” Mom claps her hands together before pulling Callie away from me and into a hug. “I saw the way both of you looked at each other as kids and always wondered why nothing ever came from it.”
“I didn’t get my head out of my a— butt.” I change the word at the last second when Dad gives me a look.
“Well, I’m happy for you.” She glances at the clock on the wall. “Don’t you need to get up to the winery. You know your sister is probably freaking out.”
“Yeah, I only wanted to re-introduce y’all so you weren’t taken by surprise. You know since you’re actually home.”
“We’ll be home for a while this time.” Dad says at my accusation. “We’ll see you over there.”
They are shooing us out the door. I wrap my arm around Callie to keep her as warm as I can on the walk over. Luckily, it isn’t a long walk. Their house is the closest to the actual business.
“Wow.” Callie gasps as we come into the main yard. “This is gorgeous. I want to take a picture of it before we leave. I’m sure Lexi would love something like that for her birthday.”
I pull my phone out of my pocket and step away from her. The lights are glowing behind her as I snap a photo. “There. Now you have one.”
“Thank you.” She pulls my jacket tighter over her shoulders.
My brothers and sisters are waiting for us in the building most of the event will take place. The catering staff is done setting up, and the Whoopsie Daisy crew are finishing the tables.
“It looks fantastic, Piper.” I tell my sister. “Your vision truly came to life.”
“Thank you.” She clasps her hands to her chest. “I couldn’t have done it without y’all.”
“Most of us.” Pierce mutters under his breath.
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“You haven’t been here as much as you used to because you’re too busy playing house with a girl you used to know.” He crosses his arms as if somehow that makes his statement more important.
Callie gasps and that’s what does me in. I feel her try to pull away from me, but I’m not letting that happen. She has enough insecurities after everything her ex-husband pulled. She needs to know she doesn’t have anything to worry about with me.
“That woman is standing right here. You’re only mad because I’m done being your fucking lap dog and no longer spending all my time up here.
Callie is the woman I love, and it shouldn’t be a problem for me to be home and spend time with her.
Just because this,” I wave my hands to encompass the winery, “is your life, doesn’t mean it has to be the rest of ours.
I’m so sick of you playing at being our overlord.
It’s not what Dad did, and it’s not what he wants for us.
He’s always valued family over work. Your refusal to do that is what is going to make us hate the business our family has built. ”
The rest of our siblings are staring at me as if I’ve lost my mind. In my entire life, I’ve never spoken to Pierce like this. I point one finger at him because I’m done tiptoeing around the fact he’s tearing this family, and business, apart. “You need to change and figure out what’s important.”
He doesn’t say anything. Only stomps out of the building and we’re left to deal with the aftermath of my outburst.
“Holy shit.” Parker says. “That was epic.”
I half expect them to slow clap like they do in the movies, but Piper must know I need some time with Callie. “Okay, everyone. Let’s make sure the lastminute things are done. People will arrive soon.”
Once the family is out of earshot, I turn to Callie. “I’m sorry about that. Someone needed to say it, and I guess it’s only right it was me.”
She places a hand against my chest. “You love me?”
That’s what she got out the whole thing? I guess I did say it in the most unromantic way possible.
“Yes, Callie, I love you.” I place my hand over hers. “I’m pretty sure I’ve been half in love with you my entire life. I didn’t know what to do with the feelings back then. But, now I do.”
I bend down and place a soft kiss to her lips. As much as I want to ravage her, this isn’t the time or place. Even if I’m not technically working, I’m still required to be here tonight.
She melts into me and pulls away when she hears a throat clear behind us.
“Not to kill the vibe, but people are pulling in.” Parker taps my shoulder. “So be all romantic when you get home. I know I will be.”
“With who?” I glance over at him. “This whole evening is about couples and you don’t have a date.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. Piper included singles tickets and we have our own little area. I’ll be leaving here with one.”
“You’re way too cocky for your own good.”
He shrugs and walks away. I turn my attention back to Callie. “We’ll stay until after dinner then we’re out of here.”
“We can stay as long as we need to.” She pats my cheek. “And I love you, too.”
After all these years, we’re finally able to say the words we always wanted to. There’s no way I’m ever letting her go a day in her life without showing her how much her and Lexi mean to me. Even if it’s only been a short time, I can’t imagine my lift without them in it.