"Leave your brother alone," his mother said, but her tone suggested she was just as curious as her daughters. She sat curled against his father’s side on the wide outdoor sofa, her hair catching the firelight and her green eyes bright with maternal interest. "Though, I do think it's wonderful that Emery is finally joining our team. Such a bright girl, and so accomplished."
Gabe stood. “I’m sorry. I need to go.”
“Why?” Devon’s father asked.
Gabe ran a hand over his mouth. His dark eyes still reflected the weight of Gabe’s personal loss. “I promised Olivia I wouldn’t be too late.”
“Please let her know if there’s anything at all she needs, we’re here for her,” Devon’s mother said.
“She appreciated the flowers and food,” Gabe said. “We’d barely even gotten used to the idea when she miscarried. The doctor said we’ll be able to try again soon. It’s just that she struggles late at night.”
“We understand, and we don’t want you to keep her waiting,” Devon said. “However, I was hoping you’d be here when Emery rolled in, which should be any minute. I know you’ve had some concerns about her joining the team. You’re a big part of why this winery’s daily operations functions so seamlessly, and you’ll be working closely with her.”
“You’ve always encouraged me to express my opinions freely. I have no reservations about her qualifications, but with her current reputation, there hasn’t been enough time between the scandal and the present day. I just want what’s best for Stone Bridge Winery.”
Bryson sighed from his position leaning against Riley's chair. “I don’t disagree with you, but Emery has a lot to bring to the table.”
Riley reached up to squeeze Bryson’s hand, where it rested on her shoulder. Even after three months back in Stone Bridge, she still carried herself with the easy confidence of someone who'd seen the world. However, Devon could see how she'd softened around the edges since returning home. “I’ve come up with an entire media package to help Emery with her image. I’m happy to sit down with you and go over it, if it will help ease your mind. And from what I remember of Emery from high school was that she was always composed, always smart, and always figured out a way to come out on top."
"Exactly," Walter agreed, his deep voice carrying the authority of someone who'd built a successful business from nothing but his father’s passion and a dream. "Her expertise in provenance and authentication is exactly what we need as we expand into premium markets. The scandal at Pemberton’s? I heard her side, and I just don’t understand why Harold wouldn’t at least investigate the situation further. Or have a chat with her before publicly calling her a liar and then allowing that crap to be posted on social media.”
“It's not about whether she's innocent or guilty. But this is about public perception,” Gabe said. “People are still viewing that horrid scene. So, sure, I’d love to see what you have in mind. Maybe I can come up with some ideas, too. I do have a little experience in small-town gossip.”
“That you do.” His father leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Your perspective on this would be appreciated. Riley, you should email him your ideas.”
“I can do that tonight.” Riley smiled her sweet, genuine smile that lit up any room. She was so damn good for Bryson—for the entire family.
“I’m happy to take a look.” Gabe ran his fingers through his hair. “You gave me a chance in Napa Valley when most probably wouldn’t have, based on my name. I’m the grandson of a murderer. Jasper Callaway’s muscle. I didn’t do anything wrong. Nor did my parents. But who I am isn’t always seen over the gossip this town churns. What’s going to be hard with Emery is that she’s at the center of this—not an ancestor. And her transgression was caught on video for the entire world to see, judge, and convict.”
"Since when do we make decisions based on what other people think?" Devon asked, finally looking up from his wine. "We've always done what we believed was right, not what was safe."
Ashley shifted on her bench. "I'll admit I had reservations, initially. But after talking with Emery during the interviews, I think she'll be an asset. Besides her expertise in authentication, I was impressed and surprised at how well she knows the premium market. She’ll be an asset when we launch.”
"And she's not afraid to admit when she doesn't know something," Hasley added. "That kind of honesty is refreshing in this industry."
“That’s exactly what I plan on playing into,” Riley said.
“That should help.” Gabe rubbed his jaw. “But if people are going to forgive and ignore the video, they’re going to need to know the woman behind the mistake. They’re going to need to know the things that make her tick, just like this town needed with me. Still does.”
“That makes sense.” Walter clasped his fingers together. “When we hired you, we did a full page spread on who you were and why we came knocking on your door.”
“It worked, and it might work again with Emery,” Gabe said, glancing over his shoulder, as if looking for something or someone.
Devon had known Gabe a long time and while he was sure that Gabe needed to get home, he also knew that Gabe was itching to leave before Emery showed up.
“I like this approach.” Devon wanted Emery at Stone Bridge Winery, but he had concerns about the media circus and the gossip that had built this town.
“On that note, I'd best get home. Thanks for a lovely evening.” Gabe waved as he strolled toward the driveway.
“I’ve always appreciated his honesty.” Devon’s father leaned back, lifted his glass, and sipped.
“He’s a good boy.” Devon’s mother’s smile turned sly. “I’m glad he can pivot so quickly. Emery is such a lovely young woman. Don't you think she's lovely, Devon? And pretty, too.”
"Mother," Devon warned. “She’s here to work. Not be set up with me, or anyone else for that matter—and we don’t need to give Bryson something else to complain about.”
Bryson raised both hands. “Me? Why are we picking on me? I didn’t say anything.”
“Maybe not, but we all know what you were thinking.” Devon bent over and tossed a wad of grass at his little brother. “A couple of mistakes in my youth, and this one never lets me live them down.”
