She nods and reaches for my hand. “It looks pretty, Mommy. Like you.” Sweet words from my little girl that wrap around my heart and squeeze it. She came into our lives at a time when I came to Australia with only hope in my heart. Brandon and I understood what she meant as he had breathed the word every day, praying for his mother. When she was born, he wanted to name her Hope, but I liked Nadine as the name had the same meaning. We are at a different stage in our lives, and I wonder what will inspire the name of our next child.
I smile, imagining it. I can picture us surrounded by our families, our children immersed in their love. “Shall we get ready before everyone arrives?”
“I can’t wait to see Nana and Papa.”
“Me too.” It’s the first time all my family will be here together. And for the first time in years, we’ll be surrounded by their security. Until now, we haven’t required any, but for the future, it’s something we’ll need to discuss.
I’m going to miss the freedom of not having a shadow.
Late September isspringtime in southern Australia, but that doesn’t mean the weather will be fine. The flowers are in bloom, and a wonderful scent wafts across the countryside. I walk through the winery one last time, ensuring everything is where I planned. Huge glass doors open to a hardwood deck with views of the rolling hills in shades of green right down to the ocean. There is a grassed area for picnics and for children to play. We have the heating on the deck, but tonight, I close the glass doors to keep the heat inside, and thankfully, it won’t detract from the view.
It’s two o’clock in the afternoon, and I expect our guests to arrive soon to celebrate the third anniversary of our winery. It’s the first time we will all be together in Australia, and that’s something to celebrate.
After Nadine’s birth, my family came to see me, but not all at once. I understood they needed to plan their visits around work and other commitments.
Mel comes to stand beside me. “Is there anything else you need, Ms. Hendricks?”
“No, thank you, Mel. Oh yes, can you please check if the side room is set up for the children? All the games and movies, whatever they need.” Between all our children and the varying ages, I have two nannies to keep them occupied. One in the house and a room here in the winery.
Brandon’s parents are the first to arrive. His father looksswish in a suit, and his mom is wearing a navy dress. Her peppered hair has grown and been styled in a short bob. She beams her warm, caring smile at me. “We thought we could do something to help?”
I hug them both. “Everything is ready. I’m just waiting for BJ and Nadine.”
As though he heard his name, Brandon strides into the room, holding Nadine’s hand. He is wearing a dark suit and black tie, and it looks every bit as sexy as the day I met him. Nadine is wearing a soft pink dress, and she holds the hem with her fingertips as though her father just told her she is a princess.
I smile at my family. “Are you ready?”
“Alongside you, always.” He pulls me into his arms and kisses me hard. “I love you.”
“Mommy,” Nadine complains. “Stop it.”
“I agree,” Byron says as he strides in holding his daughter in his arms, and Leo on the other side holding his hand. Giana is beside him, her brown hair is now cut into a short bob style, and she is wearing a long red dress. I rush to them and hug them.
“We’re so thankful you could make it.” My heart is racing with excitement as Byron is the one I have seen the least since moving to Australia. I miss him.
“I have my latest artwork being delivered as a gift,” Giana says. “I hope you love it. I designed it to reflect the countryside here.”
I give her another hug. “I’m sure we will.”
Through the window, I see the rest of my family emerging from two stretch limousines. Franklin’s kids jump out first. “We have a lot to catch up on,” I say quickly. “I want to know about the team’s plans for the year, but it might need to wait until later in the night.” I nod toward the door.
“We’re still in the rebuilding era,” Byron says. “After BJand I retired, and then Leroy and Simpson followed, it left a huge hole. But we’re recruiting some big names.”
“I heard about Jenkins.”
He grins. “Someone else. You’ll be happy.” He winks at me. Before I can ask more, my family rushes through the doors, and the noise level blocks out the music playing in the background.
Franklin has more gray hair. Penny looks radiant in a white gown, and their three kids. I’m sure Summer has grown since I was home only six months ago. She now stands level with Penelope’s shoulder. Carson Jr. is also growing fast, and their youngest, Richmond, is almost five years old.
“The winery looks fabulous,” Penny coos after hugging me.
“Thanks to some of your ideas,” I say, the pride showing in my voice. “Remodeling was more fun than I anticipated.”
“You’ve done a great thing, Lottie.” Franklin leans in with Richmond still by his side. He’ll start school on their return, but he is not as brave as his siblings.
“Thank you. I am pleased with the result.”
“Not just the winery.” He gives me his trademark serious look. “You coming here, making a life with BJ. Creating all this. I’m proud of you.”
