I didn’t think men like him existed outside of books.
He’s almost too perfect.
Certainly, when compared with my imperfections and fears about relationships.
I wonder if someone like me could ever permanently hold on to someone like him.
As soon as that thought lands in my brain, I mentally swat it away, unwilling to let any of my insecurities ruin this beautiful moment. Swiping at the tears spilling from my eyes, I smile and gaze adoringly at him as he finishes the song.
Garrick gets rid of the guitar, scoops me up into his arms, and kisses me passionately as the crowd roars their approval around us.
“Garrick,” I choke out when he finally puts me down and releases my swollen lips. “That was so romantic and one of the most beautiful things anyone has ever done for me.”
He brushes the dampness on my cheeks as his arms tighten around my back. “I plan to serenade you every day for the rest of my life, sunshine.”
Now I understand the meaning behind the word, I practically melt into a puddle of goo. Garrick undoes me in the best possible way. “I love the song, but I don’t think I’ve made it all that easy for you.” My fingers trail up his solid arms as I lean back and stare up at him.
If ever there was a pinch-me moment, it’s now.
I cannot believe I landed a guy like Garrick. I must have done something right in this life to deserve him because he’s like the manifestation of my every dream and then some.
“That’s not how I see it.” He rests his brow against mine. “You make me into the man I want to be. A man worthy of you, and it’s as easy as breathing being with you. You feel like the other half of my soul, Stevie.” He slaps a hand over his chest. “I’ve never felt so whole, so complete, so content.”
“Stop it,” I say, half laughing, half crying. “You’re too perfect, and I’m the one who isn’t worthy.”
“How about this,” he says, moving his mouth to my ear so I can hear him over the noise of the crowd. “We are worthy of each other, and we won’t ever stop to question it.”
“I like that,” I say, clutching his waist as I sense movement behind me.
Garrick turns us as one, pulling my back against his chest as he circles his arms around me from behind. Mom and Nana lift a small table with a large birthday cake onto the stage.
Garrick has spoken plenty about moments and memories, and I know this one is one I will cherish forever. Enveloped in the arms of the guy I’m falling in love with while my mother and my nana join my friends and our neighbors in singing happy birthday to me.
As I blow out the candles, I make a wish.
Wishing to always remember how loved I am in this moment and to never be without this feeling.
ChapterTwenty-Two
Stevie
“You were right. It’s beautiful here, and I love it,” I truthfully admit after Garrick has given me a tour of the vineyards and winery in Woodinville. It’s their flagship operation and the most successful one under the Allen Wineries brand. The setting is idyllic, nestled on acres of mature lush land. The sleek wood and glass modern building at the front of the property houses the tasting room, a restaurant, and a massive shop. A small function room is tucked into the back with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views over the exquisite grounds. Garrick explained it is rented out by wine clubs and book clubs and for small parties and weddings.
The building faces the high ornate wrought iron entrance gates and the road at the front, but it’s walled in on both sides, ensuring security and privacy. The entire rear of the structure surveys the sweeping landscaped gardens abundant with neatly trimmed shrubs and colorful flower beds. In the distance, bracketed by dense woodland that appears to run the perimeter of the estate, are several large barn-like structures where the wine production takes place, and beyond that, barely visible from here, are rows upon rows of vineyards. Sweet floral notes waft on the warm evening breeze, comingled with earthier tones, tickling my nostrils, and tempting my palate.
“I’ll give you a tour of the vineyards tomorrow,” Garrick says, threading his fingers in mine after we drop my weekend bag off at the cabin. The three-bedroom wooden cabin manages to be luxurious and homey at the same time. Visions of drinking wine in front of the open fireplace, naked after making love on the rug, was the first thought to accost my mind when I stepped foot inside. From the way Garrick looked at me, I suspect he knew exactly where my mind had gone. Nerves fired at me as he showed me around the place I’m staying the next couple of nights, which is another first for me.
“And I thought we might go hiking and take a picnic,” he adds, yanking me out of my inner monologue. “The weather forecast is good.”
“That sounds great. I’m happy to do whatever.” This is Garrick’s territory, and I trust him to show me the best time. Hopefully, there will be many more weekends in Woodinville before summer ends.
This place automatically feels like home, and I could easily get used to hanging around here more often. It’s serene with no outside world interferences, and I felt instantly relaxed the second I arrived. It’s like a little corner of heaven in Seattle and our own private getaway.
Garrick points out places on the grounds as we stroll from the cabin back to the commercial side of the property. He’s as animated as when he is on stage, and I can tell his enthusiasm is coming from a genuine place. He truly loves it here, and he’s passionate about his family business. It’s one of his most endearing qualities, and I’m happy to sit back and let him do all the talking.
It’s still light out, though nightfall is encroaching, and a gentle scented breeze swirls around my bare shoulders as we take our time meandering the grounds of the winery. My white cardigan and Garrick’s sweater are draped over his free arm as we walk. Garrick’s palm is solid and comforting against mine, and I’m blooming with happiness as I listen to his husky voice and his obvious pride.
Our feet crunch on the stones underfoot as Garrick leads me around the main building heading toward a cute outside area. I’m glad I wore white tennis shoes with my dress. I had a sense wearing heels on the grounds of a winery might be challenging. I’m also glad I opted for pretty over sexy with my choice of dress.
