Chapter Eighteen #3
“Extend if possible, or start a new one. I just know that over the years, having that money set aside to help care for this property has been a godsend. My desire is to do that for future caretakers.”
“Would you take the final payout from the trust?”
“I would. Although, I’d like to avoid taking all of it, but that’s probably not realistic. I’d want to do some work on the kitchen so it’s more event friendly. And rehab the barn and purchase distillery equipment. Those are the biggest expenditures for a tasting room and distillery.
"If I can grow the events beyond weddings that can sustain the estate while I get the distillery up and running. It will take time getting licensing and permits. And finally, recipes and distilling.”
Rachel appeared as if she were about to say something, but seemed to change her mind.
“What is it?” he asked. “You not a big fan of whiskey?” he laughed even while his stomach twisted a bit. Did she think his dreams were stupid?
“No,” she replied quickly. “I do like whiskey, although I can’t say I’ve tasted many, so I really know nothing about it.
“The distillery sounds great. I think if you refitted the barn like you did the chapel, it would become a breathtaking location. One that could have its own events as well.”
“That’s true. Actually, I was thinking besides having events at the distillery, I could incorporate it into the wedding packages or retreat offerings.
Like this weekend’s wedding, you saw how the couple had some really specific requests, like the pinball machines.
I think people would appreciate something unique they could add to their wedding, or retreat, or gala experience. ”
“That’s a fantastic idea, Cal,” she agreed.
He smiled, enjoying her enthusiasm. He was quickly becoming addicted to her praise and acknowledgment of his efforts. She saw so much of him it was scary and exhilarating at the same time. Kind of like riding a roller coaster.
“Is it still okay,” she asked as they neared the house. “If I stop by to see the arcade wedding tomorrow night?”
“Sure thing,” he agreed. “That way you’ve seen all aspects of an event from inquiry to execution.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it,” she bit her lip, hesitating.
Cal couldn’t stop from zeroing in on her mouth. He wanted to reach up and rescue that bit of lip. Maybe even take a nibble for himself. He dragged his gaze away back to her eyes, “What is it?” he asked, his voice rough.
“I was wondering if it would be alright for my sister to join me? She’s dying to have a look at the inside since you refurbished it,” she added in a rush, as if he would deny her.
He cleared his throat and agreed, “Oh, you should certainly bring her.” She should bring her sister for so many reasons.
He loved that she’d been talking about his renovations.
Beside Jess had given them a lot of help recently.
He’d treat them both to dinner after they checked out the reception. “I’d love to meet her in person.”
“Thank you, Cal,” Rachel beamed. “She’s really going to love seeing it. And I’d like to share it with her. My sister and I… well, we’ve been working on our relationship.”
“Oh,” he said quietly, hesitant to push, but hoping she confided in him.
She sighed and looked out over the lawn.
“We had a rough couple of years, but sort of found each other again and have been trying to regain the close friendship we had when we were growing up. In many ways, my sister has been starting her life over. Personally. Professionally. So we’re kind of in our own fresh start.
“After my parents died,” she continued, seemingly lost in her thoughts. “I felt as if I had no family anymore. Jess wasn’t around. I had to shoulder it all. Alone. The police notification. Making funeral arrangements. Telling extended family of my parent’s passing. Dealing with their estate.
“I felt so isolated. My parents’ friends helped, but they had their own families and lives to attend to and we didn’t really have any other family. Jess was really it, as far as that goes.”
“Strangely enough my parent’s accident was the catalyst that eventually brought Jess home. But our relationship was severely strained.”
Rachel stopped and shook her head before looking over. “Sorry. I didn’t intend to lay all that out there. Must be something about this view.”
Cal was close enough to see her cheeks stain with pink and wasn’t sure how to comfort her. Hearing what she’d gone through made him admire her even more. The grit and determination it must have taken to get through that time in her life was awe-inspiring.
Before he could offer any reassurance, she cleared her throat. “So, as you can imagine, that’s why seeing her recover and us establishing a genuine relationship is so important to me.”
“I can certainly understand that Rachel,” he said gently. “I think it’s wonderful that both of you are reaching out to each other,” he felt a stab of sadness that his relationship with James was not better. Rachel certainly had endured so much more, but she was making the effort.
The least he could do was try to be closer to James.
It was just so hard to be continually compared to his older brother and found lacking.
It wasn’t James’ issue. He’d never been the one to compare them.
That was all his parents. Cal swore then to reach out more when things were a little less crazy.
Maybe even invite James for dinner or something.
“Yes. Things have been going well and she is interested in seeing this.” She stared up at the house now that they’d stopped beside it.
“I thought having her come and the two of us seeing it together for an event… it would be like.. a nice thing to do together.” She shifted her gaze back to him.
The slight rise in the ground near the house had her almost eye level with him, so he could easily read the apprehension on her face.
He stepped closer and grasped her hand. “I think that’s a very thoughtful idea, Rachel.
” He hadn’t consciously thought to hold her hand, but now that he had, he liked it.
A lot. His eyes roved over her face, cataloging all of her little movements.
Like how her pupils dilated and her breathing quickened.
The moment stretched between them. Heavy. Full of possibilities. It felt as though they were having an entire conversation without saying a word. His thumb gently caressed her hand, her skin petal soft under his rough fingertips. Holding her hand shouldn’t feel this momentous, but somehow it did.
When she nervously wet her lips, he longed to kiss her. He needed to know how she tasted. Before he could put action into that thought, she leaned over and kissed him.
It happened in the blink of an eye and in slow motion.
She bridged the gap between them, and before he could think, her lips were on his.
Then he didn’t want to think, because she was everything.
Her delicate perfume surrounded him, making him feel dizzy.
Her lips were as soft as he’d dreamed, melding perfectly with his.
She tasted like no dessert he’d ever had but wanted for the remainder of his life.
Caught by surprise, he stilled. Fearing any movement would break the moment as he reveled in her.
And when her hand gently cupped his jaw, he felt as though he’d been electrified. Desire shooting through him, making his heart race and his blood heat. Just as he reached for her, she pulled away, her hand covering her mouth.
“Oh no. I’m so sorry,” she whispered. With a shake of her head, she whirled around, breaking into a run.
He reached out, but she was already around the side of the building. Why was she running from him?
“Rachel,” he called, finally getting his body to respond to commands and move. When he rounded the corner of the house, she was climbing inside her car.
“Rachel,” he yelled again. But she didn’t acknowledge she’d heard him. She didn’t even look in his direction as she drove off.
He wanted to go after her, but to what end? To ask her what the hell was with that kiss? For him to kiss her, but this time dominate her every sense like she had his? To hold her in his arms and worship her like she was his last breath?
Turning, he walked back behind the estate, not stopping until the ocean came into view. But even the sound of the waves couldn’t quiet the turmoil in his head.