Chapter 2 #2
“We’ll learn soon enough. Come with me, sweetheart.” He led her to the balcony.
The vineyards stretched before them, and the sun slipped toward the mountains that separated this land from the sea.
Vines laden with ripening fruit glowed in the waning rays, and fresh, earthy aromas filled the crisp air.
Leaves rustled above, and Ivy glanced up to catch a glimpse of a hummingbird before it flitted away.
Bennett nuzzled her neck. “Let’s take a breath and reconnect before we join the others. Just us for a moment, my love. Look at where we are.”
Whether he meant the vineyard or where they’d arrived in life didn’t matter.
She lifted her face and touched her lips to his, enjoying their intimate connection.
The warmth of their love flooded through her, filling her with an appreciation for all they’d been through to arrive at this point in their lives together, surrounded by the beauty of the vineyard.
This was a moment to cherish. Small moments like this meant more to her than grand gestures of love, although they had their share of those, too.
Bennett ran his hand along her cheek. “I’m sorry if I’ve been out of sorts. I’ve had a lot on my mind.”
There it is, she thought. “City business?”
“It’s always something, isn’t it? But this weekend, it’s just us, darling.”
She smiled. “And quite a few friends.”
“We can escape anytime we want,” he said, drawing his hand down her back until her skin tingled with sweet memories. “I love you, Ivy. Maybe I haven’t said that enough lately.”
She pressed a finger to his warm lips. “I hear it every day, but more than that, I feel your love. I hope you can feel me loving you right back.”
“Always,” he murmured, his breath hot against her neck.
They lingered on the balcony for a few minutes, enjoying the feeling of being in each other’s arms. Whatever issues they might have evaporated in their kisses.
Ivy’s phone buzzed, and she groaned. She hated to answer it.
“It might be one of the girls,” Bennett whispered against her neck.
“You’re right,” she said with a soft sigh. Even though Sunny and Misty were young adults now, they were always her children. She loved Bennett for understanding that.
She picked up her phone and answered it. “What’s up, Shelly?”
“Where are you guys? You’re missing the party.”
“We’re here, and we’re changing.”
“Okay, good. What are you wearing?”
“This isn’t high school, Shells.” Ivy chuckled while Bennett just smiled. “I brought my wine-colored dress. I thought I’d match my clothes to the wine, just in case I spill a glass.”
Shelly’s voice sounded tight. “You’re not wearing that with Mom’s pearls, are you?”
“That’s a weird question, but no, I’m not. How many glasses of wine have you had?”
“Still on my first. I just wondered what happened to you, that’s all.”
“We’ll see you soon,” Ivy said lightly.
“I guess that’s our signal to join the group,” Bennett said, kissing her once more.
She changed into the flowing dress she’d brought. Made of a flattering jersey fabric, the style was chic in its simplicity and easy to wear. She picked up a thick twisted strand of garnets and rubellites her mother had acquired years ago on a buying trip to India for their import business.
“Need help with the clasp?” Bennett asked.
She swept her hair off her neck for him.
“I like your hair like that,” he said, clasping the necklace before kissing her neck. “Will you wear it up tonight?”
She opened her bag and brought out a clip to hold her hair. “How’s this?”
Bennett’s approval shone in his eyes, not that she needed it, but she enjoyed it.
“You’re beautiful,” he said, kissing her again. “And this is the start to a beautiful weekend.”
“It’s nice to be guests for a change,” she murmured. “We can pamper each other. Did you see the large bathtub?”
“I sure did,” Bennett replied, his eyes sparkling.
They were back on track now, she thought with a happy feeling in her heart. After the renovation and the immediate rush of summer tourists at the inn, they both needed this respite. Perhaps her husband needed it more than she did.
Yet another reason not to concern him with her excavation project.
Once Ivy and Bennett were ready, they made their way toward the sounds of lively chatter. As they joined other guests on the bougainvillea-draped patio, Ivy spotted her sister in the crowd talking with Tristan and Emilie, who wore a long, understated black dress with a chunky necklace.
Wearing a vivid, bead-embroidered boho dress, Shelly waved them toward her and Mitch.
“I’m so glad you could join us,” Tristan said, pouring glasses of wine for them. “This is one of our best vintages we reserve for special occasions. In this case, we’re celebrating an excellent harvest that’s well underway.”
“You’re harvesting now?” Ivy asked.
Emilie’s face lit with a smile. “We started last week. This is turning out to be an excellent year. For most of our blocks of vines, harvest has been a little earlier than last year due to the weather. Only this area surrounding us remains, and it should be ready to pick next week.”
“How do you know the right time?” Shelly asked.
“The berries tell us when they’re ready,” Tristan replied. “It’s a natural process called véraison, when the grapes deepen into a dark reddish-purple color. The acidity declines and the natural sugars rise, so we test to determine the best time to harvest. Science and modern tools are our friends.”
They raised their glasses and tasted the wine.
“This is incredible,” Ivy said, enjoying the rich, dry flavor with elements of earthiness and spice.
Emilie put her nose to the glass and inhaled. “The climate and soil create an excellent terroir, so we’re quite proud of this vintage. That was a very good year, and this year might be even better.”
“Here’s to an excellent harvest,” Ivy said, raising her glass again.
Emilie gestured to a table that held a cornucopia of delicacies. “We also have an assortment of cheese, bread, paté, and olives. Please help yourselves.”
Shelly caught Ivy’s eye and nodded across the patio. Not too far away, a younger, tattooed man approached the barn, his longish brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. He led a horse, stroking its neck and speaking to it as he walked.
Shelly raised her brow. “Horse whisperer?”
“Actually, he’s the finest doctor around,” Emilie said. “Excuse me, I should have a word with him before he leaves. We asked him to stay for the party, but he has another appointment. He’s very much in demand.”
Mitch asked Tristan a question about the winemaking process, and soon he and Bennett were immersed in conversation.
Several young women beside them noticed the doctor, too. Shelly nudged Ivy. “Looks like he’s part of the show.”
Ivy shot her a look and smiled at her sister’s antics. “It wasn’t that long ago you were one of those women. Not anymore.”
Shelly tossed her hair back. “I’m married, not dead. I can still appreciate art in all its forms. My sweetie knows I’m all his.”
Ivy leaned in toward her sister. “Do you know the big secret that Emilie and Tristan are planning for tonight?”
Shelly grinned. “I can’t say, but I promise it’s something you’ve never done before. Go with the flow, Ives. You’ll love it.”
When Ivy cast a look of concern toward Bennett, he simply shrugged, so she let it go.