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But I kept up a smiling face for my kids and enjoyed dinner with my family, especially when Aunt Lori proudly used her new mug for coffee with dessert.
Once it was over, though, Beck asked to have a private word with me in his office.
Aunt Lori said she’d put my kids to bed. So after I hugged them both, I followed Beck into the small room he and I shared as an office. Beck hated being indoors—so did I, truth be told—so it was fairly spartan with a desk, three chairs, a computer, a laptop, and a printer.
Beck gestured toward one of two chairs in front of the desk. Once we both sat, I asked, “What is it? You look all serious, which fucking makes me nervous.”
Beck said nothing for a second, the bastard, and then he snorted. “It’s nothing bad, I promise. But how often do I get to make you squirm?”
“I wasn’t squirming.”
“Yes, you were.”
I glared but decided to be the older brother for a change. “Just tell me what’s up, Beckie.”
He hated the nickname, and his smile disappeared. “Fine. The sample and monthly box orders from the expo are better than I’d hoped for.”
“That’s because of Abby.”
He shook his head. “Not entirely, from what I heard. She answered questions and described the wines. But you were the one giving sales pitches, West.”
I shifted in my chair. “I had to do that back in Ridgefield. I can never be charming, but I can be polite and persuasive without being creepy as fuck about it.”
Beck chuckled. “I’d like to see that. But in all seriousness, I worried at first, you know. That you wouldn’t try your hardest to learn about the business and put your heart into it. But I was so fucking wrong, West. So much so, Zach and I talked about the future.”
Even if each of us had a small stake in Starry Wolfe wine, Beck had the largest share, followed by Zach. The rest of us had sold most of our shares to them long ago.
“And what did you two decide?”
“We’d like to give you more responsibility, West. And if you handle it well, more say in the business.”
I stared at my younger brother, shocked. “I haven’t been here that long.”
Beck shrugged. “I know. And it’s not like I’m going to hand over everything tomorrow. However, Dad wanted the winery to remain in the family, and you’re family. If you want to stay and help us run the place, you should get the chance.”
My throat grew tight with emotion. Despite me running away, abandoning my family when they needed me, and even having to ask them to look after my kids for an entire summer while I dealt with my late wife, Beck didn’t hold a grudge.
I should be happy, ecstatic, and jump at the chance. I’d be an even bigger part of the family, not to mention possess a steady job and a future for my kids.
And yet, the thought of this being my life forever, growing grapes and making and selling wine when my heart wasn’t in it, made me hesitate.
Beck searched my gaze and said, “Take some time to think about it. Your life has changed a lot in recent months, and this is yet another change. A big one. But just know that Iwantyou to work alongside us, West. No one is forcing me to do it.”
“I know. And I’m really fucking grateful. I am. Just…”
Beck put up a hand to stop me. “It’s all right, West. Get your kids settled, find yourself a place to make your own, and then we’ll talk again.”
I nodded. “Thanks, Beck.”
I moved to stand, but Beck motioned for me to stay put. “Don’t leave just yet. Avery and Wyatt are distracting Aunt Lori, and I’d like some peace for a little while longer.”
I chuckled. “Scared of a tiny woman in her sixties?”
He scowled. “Being short has nothing to do with her personality.”
I laughed, and then we shared a smile, one full of love for the force of nature who helped keep the family together.
Then my smile faded as I remembered I hadn’t been here when Aunt Lori had.
