He shrugged. “Okay.”
But as they were driving the road that linked Damico’s to Sorrentino’s she seemed to change her mind. “You know, I could probably get the things on my list from your house. Sophie always keeps your pantry so well stocked. Let’s just stop there and grab a few things. Then you can take me back home. I’m ready for my afternoon nap now anyway.”
Glad to cut this trip short, he pulled up to his own house. They were barely in the front door when he heard choruses of “Surprise!”
“What?” He looked to see all three of his daughters and Sophie’s family, as well as Gina’s guests and several other friends from neighboring vineyards. And standing by herself, near the dining room, was Brynna. She had on an apron and a slightly impish smile.
Leroy laughed loudly. “You guys really got me.” Although he’d never been a big fan of surprise parties, he went around greeting everyone and thanking them for coming.
“Were you really surprised?” Sophie asked him.
“Blown away.”
“I’ve been planning this for days, and I asked Grandma to keepyou until two.” Sophie patted her grandmother’s back. “Good work, Grams.”
“Well, this is really nice.” Leroy hugged Sophie. “Thanks, honey. I’m sure it was a lot of work.”
“Bree’s been helping me a lot.” Sophie nodded to where Brynna was just ducking into the kitchen. “And I kept everything the way you like it, Dad. Hamburgers on the grill, potato salad—just simple food.”
“A girl after my own heart.” He grinned at Luna and Gina as they made it over to him, hugging him and wishing him a happy birthday.
“I never expected to see you today, Luna.” He kissed her cheek. “I thought the lawyer lady would be too busy to tell her old man happy birthday.”
“I took a couple of days off this upcoming week. I got here late last night.” She lowered her voice. “I’m staying in the guest cottage with that new manager you fired. Gina told me she’d left, but she’s back, Dad. Maybe you should—”
“I know she’s back,” he told her. His pulse quickened. “Her name is Brynna, and she’s here because I asked her—”
“You mean youwanther here?” Luna frowned.
Before he could answer, other friends came over to greet him, including Mike and Jan. Leroy patted Luna on the back, hoping she’d understand this was a conversation for later. As more guests came up to share their well-wishes, he tried to catch another glimpse of Brynna, but she had vanished into the kitchen with Sophie.
“Well, birthday boy.” Judith linked her arm in his. “It’s time for you to come outside so that we can treat you like king for a day.” She laughed as she led him to the back deck. Other guests were already settled in deck chairs. A few children were playing on the lawn below. Feeling conspicuous and a bit irritated by Judith’s proprietary airs, Leroy forced a smile as he greeted Sherry and Tony, then waved to his nephews, who were starting to play horseshoes.
“Here you go.” Judith pointed to a chair that had been decorated specially for him. To make matters worse, she put a birthday hat on his head. Not the kind of attention he enjoyed, but realizing he would offend her by objecting, he sat down.
Judith sat next to him with Luna on the other side. Meanwhile, Gina brought over a tray of appetizers and took drink orders. The whole while, Judith congenially chatted with him and others—playing the part of hostess. She was so comfortable in the role, it was clearly not her first rodeo. Before long, food was being served, so when no one was watching, Leroy removed the silly hat.
As they ate, Judith, Gina, and Luna engaged him in conversation. And then some old friends from a neighboring vineyard took over. His time was so occupied that he couldn’t get an opportunity to seek out Brynna like he’d wanted. He’d been hoping for the chance to invite her to join them, as a way to introduce her to family and friends, but perhaps it was for the best. Maybe she wasn’t ready to meet all these folks. Still, he would’ve preferred spending his time with her.
“Time for gifts,” Judith announced as people were finishing up their meals.
“Oh, no,” he said. “Please, no gifts. I don’t—”
“You can’t refuse our gifts.” Judith shook her finger. “After that we’ll have cake.” Judith summoned Cassie to gather up a small pile of wrapped packages and present them to Leroy. As she set them down, Leroy noticed Brynna lurking just inside the doorway, watching with interest. He gave her what probably looked like a wimpy smile. But what could he do?
Uncomfortable with this fuss, Leroy knew it was best to just get it over with, so he tore into the gifts. Fortunately the ones from his friends tended to be silly gag gifts, providing some levity. His family’s gifts were a bit more personal, but there was nothing he particularly needed or wanted. Even so, he feigned proper appreciation. Judith’s gift, the largest package, was expertly wrapped and looked a bit more daunting. He opened it to find an expensive-lookingcrystal wine decanter and a set of goblets. He felt more aggravated than grateful. Why was she going to all this trouble for him? He tried to look congenial as he thanked her, but he mostly wanted this whole thing to end.
“Well, that’s my way of thanking you for our lovely visit here. You’ve made us feel so at home, Leroy. Almost like family.” Judith smiled brightly.
“Oh, here’s another one. I didn’t see it before.” Cassie held up a small package wrapped in brown paper. She handed it to him. Leroy examined the delicate bouquet of wildflowers tied on the front with a twine bow.
“No card?” Leroy slowly unwrapped the package. Inside was a little wooden bear with the words SURFSIDESHORESCAMPGROUNDSat the bottom.
“Who’s this from?” Judith asked. “Looks like a tourist trinket.”
Leroy recognized the name of the camp. It was where he and Brynna had first met. A miniature of the big carved bear on the dining hall porch. He glanced over to see Brynna watching him and had no doubt it was from her. He held it up with an appreciative nod, then slipped the bear into his shirt pocket. He would thank her later.
After the cake was presented and everyone sang to him, Leroy finally managed to extract himself from the “birthday boy” chair. His hope was to get a moment alone with Brynna, but instead he found himself trapped once again. In the living room, he was forced to engage in more small talk with his guests who were just leaving.
