Intoxicating (15 page)

“You actually expect me to believe that?”

“I stopped talking to my brothers. It's why they approached Lauren to sabotage your wine. They knew my allegiance had changed.”

“You're telling me you're not part of DeSalme Wines?”

“I was never really a part of the company. I didn't enjoy the corporate culture. And because of the trust fund my grandmother left me, I'm afraid I was just…irresponsible. But all that changed when I came to Idyll. When I met you.”

“So why did you do it? Why did you play spy for your brothers if you weren't a part of DeSalme Wines?”

“I was flattered that they asked for my help. They'd never asked for my help before, and even though I didn't consciously know it, I was looking for where I really belonged.”

“Belonged?” she echoed.

“I was tired of playing. Tired of casual affairs. I wanted a solid life, solid work. And I found it. At Bella Notte, with you. I want to make wine the way you make wine. Small-scale, focus on quality, not quantity. Surrounded by family, not suits and spreadsheets. I want an intimate and romantic atmosphere, instead of cold and sterile corporate headquarters. But most of all, Kiara, I want to be with you. Please tell me there's a chance for us.”

She stood there looking at the man she'd come to love in a very short length of time. The maelstrom of emotion had vanished, passed through her, quieted. In the lemon tree a blue jay scolded.

Slowly, she held out her hand to Wyatt.

He didn't bother taking her hand, but instead let loose with a whoop of joy and pulled her into his arms. “Kiara.” He covered her face in kisses.

“We've still got a way to go.”

“I know. I'll be patient. I'll prove myself to you. I'll tell you everything about me.”

She nodded. “I'm sorry for running out on you this morning. That wasn't a very mature thing to do.”

“I understood.”

“You've got a big heart, Wyatt.”

He reached up to wipe away the tear she hadn't even known had tracked down her cheek. “Not as big as yours, Kiara Romano. So as far as the legend goes, is that myth just a myth or confirmed?”

She couldn't help but smile. “That myth's confirmed.”

He put his arm around her shoulder. “C'mon. Let's go watch Decadent Midnight kick DeSalmes' ass.”

Grafting: The act of attaching one plant to
another so that the two will grow into one.

D
ECADENT
M
IDNIGHT DID
indeed take first place in the Best of the Best. And Wyatt insisted his brothers pay restitution for the Bella Notte wine they'd spoiled. In typical form, they refused to give him the job they'd promised and even took his face off the advertising, but they did apologize to Kiara for the vinegar incident.

Wyatt didn't care about not working for his brothers. He'd found his true home. On Idyll, at Bella Notte, with Kiara and her warm, welcoming family.

The following June, under a full moon, they got married at the top of Twin Hearts, adding another perfect romance to the legend of Idyll Island. Their families and friends came. Even Scott and Eric, who were on their best behavior. Steve showed up as well. He'd turned out to have a talent for knowing the exact right moment to pick late-harvest grapes, so he stayed on at Bella Notte. Lauren did indeed go to work at DeSalme. She and Eric were dating and quite often, she put him in a full Nelson.

Wyatt, with his charming ways and unexpected head for business, finagled a proper distribution agreement for Decadent Midnight that increased Bella Notte's revenue tenfold. Allowing more money for research and development. Kiara's dad remained cancer-free and he and Kiara's mother were planning an Alaskan cruise.

Kiara and Wyatt were spending their honeymoon on Idyll. Neither one of them wanted to stray far from the vineyard they both loved. After the wedding guests had departed, Kiara took her husband by the hand and led him to their spot beneath the olive tree.

“You know,” he said. “Whenever I think back on my days growing up on my family vineyard I get this flash of playing tag in the vineyards and this little red-haired girl looking so stern and serious and tagging me out.”

“That was me. Your family invited mine to a barbecue. I have flashes of a little brown-eyed boy plowing into me.”

Wyatt's smile split his face. “I should have known that was you.”

“I hope he looks just like you did when he's five. Gap-toothed, brown eyes, cute little flop of hair over his forehead.”

Wyatt frowned. What was she talking about? “He who?”

Kiara put a hand to her belly. “Okay, it might be a she, but I still hope she gets your eyes.”

It took a moment for the words to register. “You're pregnant?”

Kiara nodded happily. “Six weeks.”

“That's why you wouldn't drink any wine at the wedding.”

She ducked her head. “That's it.”

Excitement sent his pulse throbbing. “I'm going to be a dad?”

“You are,” she confirmed.

It was an earth-shattering moment for a man who'd once thought he wasn't the kind to ever settle down. A dad. He was going to be a dad.

“Are you happy?” she asked. “You can be honest. I won't be upset if you're not overjoyed. I understand this is a lot—”

“Kiara.” Her name came out on a husky breath of air and Wyatt reached for her, pulling her into his embrace. He kissed her. “I'm happy.” He kissed her again. “I'm excited.” Another kiss, harder this time. “I'm thrilled at the notion of being a father.”

He felt her relax in his arms. She'd been worried. He kissed her again for good measure, squeezed her tightly. “I can't think of better news.”

“It's not going to crimp your style?”

“Sweetheart,” Wyatt said, “crimp away. I love the kinks and twists that I've experienced ever since I came to Idyll. You have turned me every which way but loose and I am so grateful for that. For you.” He paused and placed a hand to her belly. “And now for our baby.”

“Wine will be in his blood.”

“Can't avoid that,” Wyatt said. “She'll be growing up in a winery.”

“Surrounded by his family.”

“Who love her very much.”

“You really want a girl?”

“One who looks just like you.” Wyatt pressed his lips to her throat. She tasted of salty sea air. His Kiara.

“I want a boy who looks just like you.”

“We could have twins,” he said hopefully.

“I think we should take them one baby at a time.”

“C'mon,” he said and laid her down on the blanket.

Then as the full moon rose over Idyll and sleepy stars dotted the sky, Kiara and Wyatt made love slowly and sweetly, far into the decadent midnight.