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I waited for the gates to swing open fully then crept forward, taking us along the winding drive to my parents’ house and the family business. The sun was just starting to set on the rows of vines stretching out in front of us.
“Are there any grapes on them yet?” Beau asked as the gnarled branches crawled past us.
“No. It’s too early in the season. The vines are just starting to wake up after the winter.” He looked disappointed. “But there’s plenty of wine. We always have wine.”
He laughed.
We turned another corner before the house came into full view.
“Shit.” I didn’t mean to say it out loud.
“What’s wrong?”
In the driveway, parked next to the house, was a line of cars. We had company. “Oh, nothing. It will be fine. You’re going to get to meet more of my family than I thought.
”
“And the mysteries keep coming.” Beau opened the door and stepped out of the car.
I was on my way to the trunk of the car when I felt my body lifted in the air and tossed over a shoulder like a sack of potatoes. “Gotcha, little sis.”
“Austin?”
My oldest brother ran a circle around my car while I bobbed up and down on his shoulder. If I kicked too much he might drop me.
“Seriously, put me down. I’m going to throw up, Austin.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He deposited me at the bumper. I reached out for the trunk to steady myself, but felt Beau grab me by the arm to keep me from stumbling.
“Hey, man, I’m Austin.” My prankster older brother reached out to shake Beau’s hand. “Welcome.”
“Thanks.” Beau shook his hand, and then turned to me. “Brother?”
I grinned sheepishly. “Well, about that. I was getting ready to tell you—” Before I could finish my sentence I was whipped up into the air again.
“London! You’re home! We haven’t seen you since Christmas.”
“Ok, you all have got to stop picking me up.” I pounded on my brother’s back. He set me down in time for me to see the other two on their way over to our sibling reunion.
Austin stood next to Beau. As the oldest, he often took charge. “Beau, this is Nash, Jackson, and Roman.”
Beau performed the customary handshake ritual with each of my brothers.
“I’m just so shocked to see all of you here. Nash is right; we haven’t all been together since Christmas.”
“Mom called us and mentioned you might be bringing a guy home this weekend. Couldn’t miss it.” Jackson punched Beau in the arm.
“Oh, no you misunderstood,” I stammered.
“London, come inside and get out of the chilly air. Boys, get her things out of the car.” My mother was standing on the front porch, smiling sternly.
I shrugged my shoulders at Beau. Clearly, I had not prepared him for the onslaught of the James boys. How could I? I had no idea they were going to be here, at least three of them. Roman was the youngest and a senior in high school. My older brothers: Austin, Nash, and Jackson were all grown up and living on their own.
“Hi. I’m Lydia James, but you can just call me Mrs. James.” I sighed as my mother introduced herself to Beau. She was always so formal.
“Thank you for letting me crash this weekend, Mrs. James. The vineyard is impressive.”
“Why thank you. London will have to give you a tour tomorrow. Now, everyone inside. Dinner’s on the table and we don’t want to make Dad wait for supper.” She herded the pack along the porch and into the front door.
