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"Yes, but this is from what the past owners left behind. Our wine will take five more years to be ready," Guy murmured while beckoning Chase to follow him outside toward the wine shed. Shaking our heads in amusement, Ariel and I watched the men depart. Then quickly, Ariel swooped in to help Jonathan out of his swing while I filled a small bowl with my homemade macaroni and cheese.
"It looks delicious!" Ariel exclaimed.
"I hope he likes it," I replied, smiling at Jonathan. He beamed in response before giving us a mischievous grin that made us laugh aloud. So, while Ariel fed the baby, I showed her what was in store for dessert.
"Girl, did you get that from our favorite deli? Of course, Amy will be mad when she finds out."
"I don't plan to tell her unless we have some leftover." I giggled.
A few minutes later, the men were back, and Guy moved Jonathan's swing closer to the dining room so we could keep an eye on him during dinner. After pouring the three of them a glass of wine, we gathered around the table.
"To family," Guy proclaimed, raising his glass in a toast. I wasn't sure what Guy was alluding to since Chase was not a part of our family. Still, then again, Guy often referred to his business partners as family — or was my busy-body manipulating brother up to something behind my back? Over dinner, the conversation soon turned to business. I raised an eyebrow. Wasn't this supposed to be a pleasant family dinner? But then again, I should have expected this. After all, my brother would never change, and these two were workaholics. So I kept my thoughts to myself.
As the three discussed their business ventures, I let out a small sigh and glanced at Jonathan. He was peacefully sleeping in his swing, and I realized nothing would ever be more important than family, no matter how much the other three talked about Rosedale Technologies' business ventures — then again, their livelihoods depended on Rosedale’s success. I guessed that meant mine did too. At least for the time being until I could get my grant writing business up and going. I soon joined Ariel and listened with great interest as the men spoke about the Golden Key Project and how it was set to be their primary source of revenue for the year.
"Sounds like you both have been busy," I commented.
"Indeed. We've encountered a few roadblocks but nothing that can't be overcome," Chase said, looking over at Guy for confirmation, but he got none. Instead, Guy frowned and threw back the rest of his wine.
"I'm not convinced Clint will finish the job."
Chase grinned and glanced over at Ariel. "Well, we've got our ace in the hole, don't we?"
Guy shook his head, disagreeing. "I didn't get to tell you because we both got busy before leaving work."
Chase knitted his brows, "What did I miss?"
"Ariel got a new book contract which means..."
"It means what?" Ariel hissed.
"You can't help with the grant..."
"I didn't know I was supposed to...What are you talking about?" Ariel asked, her eyes darting back and forth between Chase and her husband.
"I'm confused," Chase admitted.
I sat back as Guy explained that Clint had walked out on them, leaving the grant for the Golden Key Project only a little over halfway finished. "And Ariel, since you are a great and famous author who is world-renowned for her way with words..."
"Oh, God... this is just too rich. What the hell are you getting at, Guy?" Ariel asked, throwing her napkin in her lap.
Chased cleared his throat. "Ariel, we had a meeting today before anyone knew about your awesome book contract, hoping that you might be able to finish the grant for us. I mean, Guy was right. You are an accomplished author... and we are at a point of desperation."
"I'm an accomplished fiction writer! Even if I didn't have a book contract, I would be absolutely useless to you. I'd love to help... but..."
With a confident grin, Chase declared, "I've got just the person for this job!"
Suddenly three pairs of eyes were staring at me. "Let me go get the tiramisu," I stammered, hoping I misunderstood their intent.
"Does that mean you agree to it? Chase asked, with a sideways grin.
"It means I'll try. But just for the record. I'm a long way from finishing my course."
"We have faith in you, Meagan," Ariel said. "I can help with editing, and of course, there is always Marcie. She's the best editor in the world.”
They clicked their wine glasses to celebrate, like it was a done deal, as I gazed down at my bottle of Perrier at a loss for words.
Chapter Fifteen
