The gavel came down, and the room exploded in applause.
The auctioneer asked for a moment to tally the final totals. The buzz of conversation filled the space while we waited. Speculation ran rampant—three million, maybe three and a half, possibly four.
Saffron’s hand shook in mine. I brought it to my lips and kissed her knuckles.
“Whatever the number is, we won,” I said quietly.
“I know. I just—I’m having a hard time taking it all in. Believing it’s real.”
“It is, Saff, and so are we.”
The auctioneer returned to the stage, and the room went silent.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m pleased to announce that the final total for this evening’s auction of the Christmas Blessing Wine is four point two million dollars.”
Applause thundered off the stone walls. People were on their feet, cheering, and celebrating not just the wine but the story behind it.
Saffron gasped and covered her mouth with both hands. Her eyes filled, and tears streaked down her cheeks.
Lucas pushed through the crowd and lifted Saffron off her feet. Both of them were crying, holding each other like they were afraid to let go. Diana joined them seconds later, wrapping her arms around them as the celebration continued.
Ma found me and hugged me hard enough to crack ribs. “I’m so proud of you,mijo. So incredibly proud.”
“Thanks, Ma.”
“Your father would be proud too. Of the man you’ve become. Of what you did for this family.”
My throat closed, and I couldn’t speak, so I just hugged her tighter.
Tryst appeared next and gripped my shoulder. “Well done, nephew.”
“Couldn’t have done it without Los Caballeros,” I said quietly enough that only he could hear.
“That’s what the brotherhood is for.”
While our family and Baron offered to let the Hopes keep all the proceeds, Lucas wouldn’t hear of it. He insisted the profits be split three ways, and we agreed. Given the total raised, I had no doubt a one-third share wouldn’t just cover their debt; it would give them operating capital well into the future.
While payments were processed, we moved to a private room Sterling Creek had set aside for post-auction celebration. Champagne appeared, and glasses were distributed to everyone.
Tryst raised his glass first. “To family. To friendship. To partnerships that transcend generations and heal old wounds.”
“To family,” we echoed, and the sound of glasses clinking filled the room.
Lucas stood next. He looked around at the faces of the three families that were reunited after seventy years apart.
“When I thought everything was lost, when I’d accepted we would lose the winery, Saffron refused to give up. She found her great-grandmother’s journal, and she saw a possibility.” He turned to look at Saffron directly. “But she didn’t do it alone. She partnered with the Avila family, who gave their grapes and their expertise and their faith. She worked with Baron Van Orr, whose family’s contribution completed what our grandmothers started. This wine exists because three families chose to come together instead of staying apart.”
He raised his glass higher. “To partnerships. To faith. To second chances.”
“To second chances,” many of us murmured in response.
Baron stepped forward. “My grandmother made a choice seventy years ago that she regretted for the rest of her life. Tonight, that wrong has been righted. The Christmas Blessing Wine lives again, and with it, Ellen Van Orr’s legacy istransformed from regret to redemption. Thank you for allowing my family to be a part of this.”
He raised his glass and drank, and the room followed.
Brix spoke next about brotherhood and supporting your own. Alex talked about taking risks and believing in impossible things.
Saffron and I slipped out onto a small balcony that overlooked Sterling’s vineyard, and I wrapped my arms around her from behind as we looked out on the moonlit vines.
