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And right now, her broken heart needed the comfort of this place. She didn’t know what she’d expected when she left here almost two months ago. She felt like a totally different person but not in a good way.
She felt as though she’d aged ten or twenty years. She was disillusioned, disheartened and wanted to disappear. She’d wanted to avoid the main house, but she needed to grab her keys from the office. She’d left them there for safekeeping.
It was late enough in the evening that she hoped to avoid everyone, including her big brother. She just needed time to think—to settle back into her life...without Ric or the puppies. Another wave of sadness struck her.
She heard some laughter. And then a woman said, “I think your wine is a winner. The best I’ve ever tasted.”
“You don’t have to say that.” Enzo’s voice trailed down the hallway.
“No. I mean it. You were definitely born with a gift to run the vineyard.”
When the couple stepped into the kitchen, they came to a halt. The other voice belonged to Sylvie, the wedding planner. And these two looked really comfortable together. Obviously, Gia had missed more than she’d thought while she was away.
“Hello, Enzo. Sylvie.”
Was her brother blushing? Impossible. He didn’t blush about anything, but then again, she’d never caught him with someone he was attracted to. Interesting. Very interesting.
“Gia, what are you doing here?” Enzo’s voice held a note of irritation.
Was he upset that she was back? Or was he upset because she’d interrupted something? Gia was willing to go with the latter. And as much fun as it’d be to tease her brother about this thing with Sylvie—if there was a thing—she just wasn’t up for sibling banter.
She was beat from traveling. She was torn up on the inside from not just the rejection of one man but two. Just the thought of Ric caused the backs of her eyes to sting with unshed tears. She blinked them away.
She swallowed hard, hoping her voice wouldn’t give away her turbulent emotions. “I just got back. Sorry to interrupt you two—”
“You didn’t interrupt,” Sylvie said. “In fact, it’s getting late. I should go. It’s good to see you back, Gia.” And with that Sylvie made a quick departure.
“So, you’ve decided to return. At last.”
Gia halted at the sound of Enzo’s voice. Her shoulders lowered with guilt for abandoning the only family she’d ever known to go off on a search for a biological parent who wanted absolutely nothing to do with her—who’d have been just as happy to never know she existed.
She turned to her brother, prepared for his anger. She deserved it. She’d handled things wrong. She’d freaked out knowing she wasn’t a Bartolini.
She drew her gaze up to meet his. “I’m sorry, Enzo. I really messed up this time.”
To her surprise, there was no anger—no resentment—in his eyes. Only a brotherly love. “I’m just glad you’re home. You were missed.”
His kindness, understanding and caring crumbled the wall she’d put up to keep her emotions in check, and she rushed forward and he wrapped her in a big bear hug. She couldn’t believe she’d run away when she had everything she’d ever need right here. This was her family. She may not have Bartolini blood in her, but that hadn’t stopped her father from loving her. She had been his daughter by choice, and that meant the world to her because he didn’t have to love her but he did anyway.
Gia pulled back and swiped at her damp cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’ll do better.”
Enzo searched her eyes. “You don’t have to apologize. It wasn’t fair what you’ve had to go through. I just wanted to be there for you.”
Fresh tears spilled onto her cheeks. “Have I told you lately that you’re the best big brother?”
“No. But it’s about time you realized it.” He sent her a teasing smile. “I thought you weren’t coming back for a few more weeks.”
“Things changed.” Her thoughts turned to Ric, and the pain in her chest still felt raw. She wasn’t ready to talk about him. “I’m going to bed. Good night.”
“Night.”
* * *
“Gia?”
Who was calling her name?
She wasn’t ready to wake up. Gia snuggled farther under the downy soft duve
