She wasn’t ready, but she didn’t think she’d ever be.
“I don’t want to talk or even think about it,” Jack said, echoing Jessica’s exact thoughts. “But we can’t avoid it, and it’s going to happen whether I want it to or not.”
Jessica knew he didn’t want this, but as much as she loved him, she couldn’t give up on this dream for him. But she was going to do everything in her power to make long distance work for however long they had to. One day down the road, they’d be living together, happily ever after. She had to believe that.
“I know this isn’t going to be easy,” she said to him finally. “But…I love you. I hope you always remember that.”
Jack reached across the console and gripped her hand, bringing it to his mouth and pressing a kiss to the back. “I know, sunshine.”
“I never knew anything like this existed in Michigan,” Jack said, clearly awestruck, and Jessica grinned.
“It’s pretty amazing, right? Unless you’re from Michigan, most people don’t realize this place is tucked away up here.”
Admittedly, people from all across the globe traveled to the Traverse City area—and the Old Mission and LeelanauPeninsulas—to visit Michigan’s version of wine country. Jessica knew the Great Lakes State wasn’t exactly synonymous with wine when places like Napa existed, but Michigan wineries had routinely produced award-winning wines. The climate in the area was similar to that of Washington and Oregon, making it ideal for whites such as Riesling and Pinot Grigio, but the wineries in the area offered a wide array for every wine drinker.
When they’d cobbled together their little bucket list, this was the only thing Jack had asked for, and Jessica loved her hometown with her whole heart, so she was more than happy to make it happen.
Upon arrival, Jessica immediately took Jack out to the balcony at Chateau Delatou—which was located in Suttons Bay on the Leelanau Peninsula—overlooking the verdant vineyard sloping up and down the soft rolling hills far into the distance.
“It’s beautiful up here,” Jack said.
And it truly was. Chateau Delatou was one of the oldest wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula and was owned by close family friends. It was also Jessica’s favorite winery in the whole state.
“Well, well,” a soft female voice said from behind them. “Look what the cat dragged in. We haven’t seen you guys up here in a while!”
“Chloe!” Jessica’s mom said excitedly, standing from the cushy patio chair she’d dropped onto the moment they arrived to draw the woman into a hug.
Chloe Delatou was average height and curvy, with a heavy curtain of near-black hair that fell halfway down her back in soft waves and flawless olive skin that indicated her Greek heritage. She was the oldest of the five Delatou sisters, and was Logan’s age. In fact, Jessica’s older brother and the eldest Delatou sibling had spent enough time together from childhood until they graduated high school that Jessica had started to consider Chloeanother older sister. Chateau Delatou was owned by her parents, and as the oldest, it would one day pass to her.
Chloe made her way around the group, starting first with Jessica’s dad, then Logan, who gave her a healthy squeeze and said, “It’s good to see you, Clo.”
There was nothing romantic about the hug, but still…Jessica had read too many romance novels not to let her mind wander. She would bethrilledif Logan ended up with someone like Chloe, and she knew the rest of the family would be, too.
Chloe paused for a moment to give Berkley a congratulatory hug and coo over Brooks, who, in Jessica’s humble opinion, was the cutest baby alive.
Finally, Chloe set her sights on Jessica.
“How’s my favorite little sister?” Chloe asked when she pulled Jessica into an embrace.
Jessica laughed and said, “Don’t let your actual sisters hear you say that.”
Chloe pulled away and waved a dismissive hand. “They’ll survive. But that’s beside the point. Tell me everything! What’s new with you? You’re getting ready to graduate, aren’t you?”
With the mention of graduation—and thus Jessica’s impending move across the globe—Jack stiffened beside her, and Jessica reached down to squeeze his hand.
“Things are good! I graduate next week, and then I’m moving the week after.”
“Moving where?” Chloe asked, fully invested. “You’re going to be teaching right?”
Jessica nodded, swallowing hard before she answered. “I got a job teaching English as a second language in Saint Petersburg.”
Jack tensed further, and Chloe, whose golden eyes missed nothing, easily latched onto his change in body language. “I take it you don’t mean Florida.”
“No,” Jessica said. “Russia.”
“And we’re so proud of her,” Logan said, walking up to sling an arm around his little sister.
“Thanks, Logan,” Jessica said, giving her brother a tight but grateful smile.
