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“Is Buster cat-friendly?”
We both look over at Rhonda, who nods. “Yes, we’ve tested him several times with cats and kids, and he’s just the sweetest guy.”
“Good to know.” Sophie gives Buster one last kiss on the head before we put him back in the kennel long enough to do our chores.
“Don’t tell me you want a cat, too.”
“Maybe not today. But someday.”
Chapter 15
Sophie
“So, your family owns an entire vineyard?”
“Yep.” I grin over at Ike as he maneuvers through traffic on the freeway, heading toward Uncle Dominic’s vineyard. “Dominic Salvatore has become quite accomplished in the wine industry over the years.”
“Even I recognize that name, and I don’t drink a lot of wine. Is he an uncle by marriage?”
I frown over at him. “No, why?”
“Because he doesn’t use Montgomery as his last name.”
“Ah.” I nod and then let out a little laugh. “No, he doesn’t. It’s a sordid family story. A long, long time ago, when my uncle Caleb was just a toddler, my grandma and grandpa separated for a little while. During that time, my grandpa met an Italian woman and had an affair with her. Dominic was the result of that, but no one knew it for decades.
“Grandpa broke things off with Dom’s mother to get back together with my grandma before anyone knew that the other woman was pregnant. And no one told him.”
“Ouch,” Ike says with a wince. “That’s gotta hurt.”
“I was alive when Uncle Dom came to find Grandpa, but I don’t remember anything. I was little. Basically, his mom had passed away, and he was curious about his father. And, just as the Montgomerys always do with just about everyone, Dom was welcomed with open arms.”
“Even by your grandma?”
“Especially by her,” I reply with a nod. “I’m sure it hurt. It had to, right? But as far as I know, she’s always been gracious and sweet to Dom. She always said that it isn’t his fault. And she’s right.”
“Is this his only vineyard?” he asks as he changes lanes.
“No, he has one in Italy, as well, and I think he recently bought in as a partner down in California.”
“That’s pretty cool.”
“Just wait until you see this place. It’s gorgeous.”
Before long, we’re pulling through the gates, and there are attendants to show us where to park.
“No paps,” I say with surprise as Ike parks where directed. “I’m shocked.”
“You said yourself that they arranged it this way to keep things under wraps.”
“Yeah, but nothing is ever completely under wraps.” I shake my head as he hurries around the truck, wearing an amazing tux that fits his tall body perfectly, and opens my door.
“Have I mentioned that you’re absolutely stunning tonight?” He kisses my hand as I step onto the ground and grin up at him. Even in heels, he’s far taller than me.
“Only twice.”
“This dress.” His eyes dance down over the burgundy dress I bought just last week when he was out of town. I’m relieved that it’s not too cold outside because this little number has spaghetti straps, and the neckline falls down between my breasts, leaving no room for a bra.
My dad might have a heart attack.
The skirt is sheer, with velvet flowers that cover up all the important parts.
And with the strappy black heels, I’m feeling damn hot today.
“This dress,” he says again, “should come with a warning label.”
“Oh, I think it did. I must have forgotten to give it to you.”
His lips tip up into a smug grin, and he leans in to whisper into my ear. “I can’t wait to see it on the floor later.”
“Can I keep the shoes on?”
He laughs now. “By all means, please do.”
“Okay, enough flirting. Liv told me that she’s mimicking Will and Meg’s wedding. She wants the ceremony to be in the middle of the grape vines, with the reception up on the hill because of the amazing view.”
“This place is something out of a magazine.”
“Right? I told you it has a wow factor.” I link my fingers with his, and we follow the others, making our way to where it looks like chairs are set up for the ceremony. “Not many chairs there.”
I frown and look around, then flag down my aunt Alecia, Dom’s wife and the organizer of this soiree.
“There aren’t even fifty chairs out here,” I say when she approaches.
“Sixty-five,” she replies with a smile and then leans in to hug me. “And you’re so dang beautiful, Sophie. This must be Ike.”
She doesn’t bother shaking his hand. She just hugs Ike as if she’s known him forever.
“I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Same goes,” Ike says. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“So, this shindig is smaller than I thought.”
“Just close friends and family,” Alecia confirms. “Liv didn’t want anything huge. And so far, we’re all clear on the media hounds.”
“Good job on that.”
“Thanks. We told everyone it was happening in LA. I’m sure there are some confused paps down there today. I kind of love it. Anyway, I have to go check on dinner. I’ll see you in just a bit.” With that, she hurries off to make sure this event goes off without a hitch.
