Page 17 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“We’re having a baby shower for her this week at my house,” said Aurelia. “Mom and I decided we shouldn’t wait any longer.”

“Okay. I already have my gifts,” said Lori. “I can’t wait to add another girl to the group.”

“I love my boy, but I’m thrilled to have a girl. I think the two of them will be just fine. I don’t need more than that,” said Flo.

Lori remained quiet. She and Nick had wanted at least three. She shook off thoughts like that and told herself the past was the past. A fleeting thought of Griff entered her mind and was pushed away with determination.

Aurelia elbowed her. “Guess who’s back in town?”

Lori’s pulse speeded up as she studied her. At Aurelia’s sly look, Lori said, “Do you mean Guy Phillips?”

“The one and the same,” said Aurelia. “He’s divorced now and joining the law offices of Bingham and Smith downtown.”

“That’s news indeed. I lost track of him. It’ll seem funny to have him back in town,” Lori said. Guy and she had been together briefly in high school. But when his family moved to California during their junior year, distance was a problem, and they lost touch.

“He’s already asked about you,” said Aurelia, beaming at her.

Lori held up her hand. “Don’t rush me.”

“Right,” said Flo. “But, Lori, since the news came out, every unmarried woman under forty is thinking he’s the best thing to happen to Ellenton in years.”

Lori laughed. “I’m not surprised. He was the star of the football team and was used to all the attention. Remember?”

“Yes. And I remember he liked you a lot,” said Aurelia. “Don’t start pushing him away before you even see him again.”

Aware she’d been doing exactly that, Lori nodded. But it didn’t mean she’d be one of the single women in town running after him. That wasn’t her style.

Lori’s suitcase arrived on the baggage belt, and she picked it up. Aurelia rolled it to her SUV, while Flo and Lori followed, carrying the smaller bags.

After they were buckled into their seats, Aurelia turned to Lori sitting in the back. “Mom and Dad want me to stop at their house before dropping you off at home. Are you okay with that? They’re excited to see you again.”

“That’s fine,” said Lori. Part of living in town with her family was being there for one another. After all her parents had done for her with this trip, it was the least she could do. Afterward, she hoped to go home, unpack, and get ready for school.

Reality meant leaving those moments in Florida behind, especially those spent with a very handsome, kind man.

CHAPTER TEN

GRIFF

Griff sat beside his grandfather’s bed in the local hospital and watched as the man slept, breathing heavily. Since Griff had arrived some days earlier, Grandad had made a lot of progress. The doctor was supposed to make a visit soon to arrange to release him.

He’s a tough old bird, thought Griff. But there was no doubt that the mild stroke had shaken everyone at the winery. The man once thought of as invincible needed their help going forward. As much as the old man thought he was in charge, it became apparent to everyone else that the person in charge needed to be Griff, and that idea wouldn’t be easy to implement.

Now that the humiliation of his failed wedding was behind him, Griff intended to stay focused on the business. Pete had warned him that he needed to look at the books, that Grandad hadn’t been keeping things as up to date as he should have. Griff had been upset when he discovered how many bills hadn’t been paid. Even now, as he was sitting with Grandad, he was reviewing the online accounting program for the winery and deciding how to pay for everything. The wine business was suffering, and Adeline Hills Winery had to proceed with the usual goal of keeping to a small but excellent harvest with exceptional wines.

Grandad’s eyes flicked open. “Griff, that you?”

“Yes,” said Griff leaning toward him. “I’m right here.”

“Well, damn it, when are you going to get me out of the hospital?”

Griff sighed and drew in a breath. “Dr. Elliott should be here soon. He’ll sign the release papers, and then I can take you home.”

“Humph. It’s almost noon,” Grandad said, trying to sit up. “Help me get my clothes on. I’m gonna be ready for him.”

Griff retrieved the plastic bag holding the articles Grandad had requested him to bring from the house.

Granddad swung his legs over the side of the bed and yanked on the hospital gown he wore. “I hate this damn thing. Get it off me.”