“You think that’s pressure?” Devon asked. “Bryson and I are the ones who have to create wines worthy of not only our premium lines, but ones to set aside for these rare auction items.” He motioned toward another hallway that led deeper into the house. "Come on, let's go see what empire-building scheme he's cooked up overnight."
As they left the kitchen, Emery caught Riley's encouraging smile and felt some of her nervousness ease. Whatever came next, at least she wasn't facing it alone.
"By the way," Bryson said as they walked down a hallway lined with more family photos and wine awards. "I owe you an apology."
Emery looked at him in surprise. "For what?"
"For being resistant to hiring you. It wasn't personal—I'm just protective of what we've built here. But Devon was right to push for you, and I'm sorry if my hesitation during the interview process made you feel unwelcome."
The admission was unexpected and clearly cost him something to make. Emery felt a rush of gratitude for his honesty.
"Thank you for saying that. And for the record, I understand the hesitation. If I were in your position, I'd probably have the same concerns."
"The difference is, your baby sisters wouldn't have been so harsh with their opinions regarding you and your reservations," Devon said with a grin.
"Ashley and Hasley ganging up on you is a fate I wouldn't wish on anyone," Bryson agreed. "They're ruthless when they think they're right."
"They’re usually right," Devon pointed out.
"Which makes them even more dangerous—and annoying.” Bryson chuckled.
They stopped outside a heavy wooden door marked with a brass nameplate reading: "Walter Boone, Proprietor." Devon knocked once before opening it, revealing an office that was both impressive and welcoming. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined two walls, filled with volumes on viticulture, business, and what looked like several decades' worth of wine industry publications. A large desk dominated the space, but Walter rose from a comfortable seating area by the windows where he'd apparently been reviewing documents.
"There you are," he said, standing to greet them. "I hope you found everything you needed in the guesthouse, Emery."
"It's perfect, thank you. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your hospitality."
"Nonsense. You're family now." Walter's smile was warm and genuine. "Now, shall we talk about how we're going to take Stone Bridge Winery to the next level?"
Emery settled into one of the leather chairs arranged around a coffee table, notebook in hand and professional mask firmly in place. This was her chance to prove herself, to show that Devon's faith in her wasn't misplaced.
She just hoped she was ready for whatever Walter had in mind.
The morning sun had climbed higher by the time they left Walter's office, burning off the last wisps of fog that clung to the valley floor. Emery felt energized despite the information overload from their two-hour planning session. Walter's vision for Stone Bridge's expansion into premium collectors' markets was ambitious and exciting—exactly the kind of challenge that made her pulse quicken with professional anticipation.
"So," Devon said as they descended the stone steps from the main house. “Honest assessment. How do you think that went?"
"Your father is either a visionary or completely insane."
"Those aren't mutually exclusive in the wine business."
Emery laughed, adjusting her blazer against the warming air. "I think it went well. The authentication and provenance documentation program he outlined could really set Stone Bridge apart in the premium market. Building those relationships with high-end collectors and auction houses..."She paused, remembering her own painful exit from that world. "Well, it's exactly the kind of work I used to love doing."
"Used to?"
"Before Harold made me toxic in those circles." The bitterness crept into her voice despite her best efforts to sound professional. “I worry that my name will make this harder for Stone Bridge Wines—especially with this interview Riley’s set up.”
Devon stopped walking and turned to face her. “You're not toxic. A bad thing happened, and unfortunately, it went viral on social media. But Riley’s plan to introduce you as a member of our team is brilliant.”
"Try telling that to the collectors who won't return my calls." She held up her hand when he opened his mouth in protest. “Before your family offered me this job, I tried to find work. I couldn’t get a single interview.”
“We have established relationships, and you’re working for us. We’d like to believe that means something. And we’ll find the right buyers." His conviction was so absolute it almost made her believe it. "That's part of why we hired you—not just for your experience or existing connections, but for your expertise and innovative ideas. This isn’t going to happen overnight. It’s going to take time to get this program off the ground.”
That was if her scandal didn’t destroy everything they wanted to achieve. She really needed to push those kinds of thoughts from her mind. They weren’t constructive. She drew in a deep breath, forcing her attention to the vineyard around them.
They continued down a gravel path that wound between meticulously maintained flower beds toward the heart of the vineyard. The property stretched out before them in geometric precision—row upon row of vines creating perfect lines that seemed to stretch to the horizon. The leaves had begun their autumn transformation, shifting from deep green to gold andcrimson, creating a patchwork of color that took Emery's breath away.
"This is incredible," she said, stopping to take in the view. "How many acres?"
