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She paused what she was doing, those words obviously meaning something to her. When she kept moving and placed the slices of French toast on the plate, she spoke again. “So, did you tell them that we’re getting married?”
“No. I’m glad I didn’t since Vanessa and Griffin got engaged. That would have been the worst time.”
“You’re right, it would have been.”
“I’ll tell them soon. Give it a few days.”
She dished the rest of the food onto the plate before she handed it to me. “Sounds good. I wonder how they’ll react.”
“I’m sure they’ll be happy.”
“Really?”
“They seemed happy to see us together last night.” I didn’t tell her that my parents knew I had serious feelings for her. It seemed easier to keep it this way, to keep it lighthearted without any expectations.
“That’s different…”
“I wouldn’t worry about it. They like you a lot, Mia. And they like the way I am with you.”
A few days later, I stopped by the winery at lunchtime.
My father was talking with my uncle in the tasting room, my aunt Pearl standing with them.
“It doesn’t seem like you guys are working much.” I saw them gathered around the table with a few empty bottles of wine. It seemed like they were drinking more than actually getting things done.
My father turned around and grinned, knowing I was making a joke. “And what are you doing here? Doesn’t seem like you’re working either.”
I gave my father a hug and did the same with my aunt and uncle. “I never got the chance to tell you congratulations the other night.” My aunt and uncle must be thrilled about Vanessa’s engagement.
“Thanks,” Aunt Pearl said with a smile. “Our daughter is very happy, and that makes us happy.”
“Griffin is a strong guy,” Crow said. “He’ll do a good job taking care of her.”
“No doubt,” I said. “Where’s Griffin now?”
“He’s doing work at the other winery,” Father explained. “I don’t think he’d be too happy to know how much we’re slacking off.”
“He’s a great worker, so we have more time to do nothing,” Crow added with a laugh. “He’s been a great addition to the team.”
“So, is there something you needed, son?” my father asked. “It’s unlike you just to show up here.”
“I wanted to talk to you about something,” I said. “In private.”
“Alright.” Father walked away with me and headed toward the gravel pathway in front of the cars. “Everything alright?”
“Yeah, everything is great,” I said quickly. “It’s good news, not bad news.”
“I’m all ears.” He stopped and crossed his arms over his chest.
I felt strange saying the words before I even spoke. I slid my hands into the pockets of my jeans before I braced myself for the impact. “Mia and I…we’ve decided to get married.”
His expression was blank for five seconds before his skepticism kicked in. “What?”
“We’re getting married.” I did my best not to smile, but it was difficult to fight the happiness exploding from my chest. “We were talking last week, and she kinda asked if that’s something I would want to do. She said she needs someone to protect her and Luca, and in return, she would make me a home and raise any kids I want to have…” As I said the words out loud, I knew how they must have sounded to my father. It didn’t make any sense from an outside point of view.
He continued to give me the same look. “So, you’re getting married because it’s convenient?”
“I guess you could put it that way,” I said with a shrug.
My father wasn’t the least bit happy. He rubbed the back of his neck, sighed in disappointment, and then gave me a bitter look. “You’re a nearly thirty-year-old man who knows what he’s doing. You started your own company the second you were out of the house because you’re so damn smart. So I don’t understand why you’re being so stupid right now.”
“You think marrying Mia is stupid?” I asked, surprised by his frankness.
“No. But I think the two of you are stupid.”
I raised an eyebrow, unsure what that meant. “What?”
“Why can’t you just tell each other that you love each other? Why do you have to make some bullshit excuse and say it’s for convenience? It doesn’t make any sense to me. If you want to get married, fine. But at least be honest about why.” He smacked me upside the head, something he hadn’t done since I was young. “Where’s that brilliant brain of yours?”
“Look, it’s not that straightforward. I know how I feel about her…but I don’t think she feels the same way.” I’d never admitted that truth to myself or out loud. It was the first time I’d ever truly acknowledged my feelings.
“You’re kidding, right?” He cocked his head to the side, looking furious. “She just asked you to marry her?”
