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“Probably.” Since leaving Sicily, Marcos had discovered that whatever he turned his hand to made him a decent return. “What is it?” he asked Cameron who was still looking thoughtful.
“I’m not going to say yet, in case it doesn’t pan out, but I heard something the other day that might be perfect for you. I’ll follow up on it on Monday and let you know.”
“Thanks.” Marcos wanted to ask for more details, but the burgers were ready, and Molly was coming to see what they were up to. He’d mentioned buying some land and making wine again to her, but they hadn’t talked about it in any detail yet.
“Do you need me to …”
“No.” Antonio grinned at her. “We’re all under strict orders that you’re not to lift a finger.”
Molly made a face at Marcos, but he shrugged innocently. “You can’t blame me. I would have told them that, but Chelsea already did before they arrived.”
Cameron laughed. “And no one wants to piss Chelsea off.”
Molly laughed. “That sounds about right. All you big macho men afraid of a pint-sized pixie.”
Marcos laughed with the others. It was true. Chelsea might seem small and dainty, but she was fierce.
“She can be mean!” said Antonio.
Molly laughed. “You should be ashamed of yourself. You’re twice her size.”
Marcos put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “I’m not ashamed of you; I’m proud of you.”
Antonio turned around and hugged him, making the others laugh.
“Sentimental Italians,” said Molly with a laugh. “If I’m not allowed to do anything, I’m going to sit back down, but someone had better feed me soon. I’m hungry.”
Marcos had everything set up buffet style in the kitchen. He took the burgers and grilled chicken breasts through and let everyone fend for themselves. He filled a plate with a little of everything for Molly and took it outside to her.
“Are you sure you want to eat?”
She smiled. “I am. I told you, I feel fine. Whatever was wrong with me this morning disappeared as quickly as it came. I feel like a fraud sitting here with you taking care of me and everyone else coming to visit as if I were really sick.” She took the plate from him. “The only lasting effect is that I’m starving because I parted company with my breakfast too soon.”
He chuckled. “Okay, then. Let me know if you want more.”
She shook her head. “If I do, I’ll go and get it myself. It’s sweet of you, but I really am fine. Why don’t you get yourself a plate and come sit? It’s been great catching up with the girls, but I don’t like this boys on one side, girls on the other set up. We’ve never been that way before.”
He smiled. “Okay. I’ll be right back.”
When he returned, Chelsea and Grant were sitting with Molly, and Cameron and Piper were sitting at the table with Antonio and Mary Ellen. He smiled to himself. He loved knowing that this was going to be his life here; good times with good friends and family, and most importantly, being with the woman he’d always loved.
“So, when are you going to start making wine again?” asked Chelsea.
Marcos had to laugh. She didn’t know how to beat about the bush. He looked at Molly. “We haven’t talked about it properly yet, but I’ll be keeping my eye out for a place to buy.”
Chelsea eyed him suspiciously. “You don’t have some grand scheme in place already?”
“No. I’m kind of honored, kind of saddened that you all seem to think I have this great Machiavellian plan to take wine country by storm, but I don’t. I’m just a lost soul who found his way home.”
Molly leaned her head against his shoulder. “And who somehow managed to learn to say all the right things while he was away.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I just learned to listen to and to speak my heart.”
“Aww.” Chelsea grinned at him. “Didn’t you turn out to be the sweetest?”
Marcos rolled his eyes at Grant, who laughed. “Sorry, I can’t help you.”
“That’s okay, I’m not looking for help, just sympathy.”
