‘Hello, Kenzie, I’ve been waiting to meet you. I’m sorry we couldn’t get here earlier.’ Like Ewan, Floss had a slight accent, not as strong as her parents’, but the longer she spoke, the more noticeable it was.
‘Considering you were off winning awards for Laire-Mor, I guess we can excuse you,’ Callum’s booming voice cut in as he strode into the room.
‘Technically, Dad, it was a win for Swagman Creek Wines,’ she pointed out lightly.
‘Which is funded by who?’ he asked, smiling benevolently.
‘Laire-Mor,’ she said in a weary tone, and Kenzie wasn’t completely sure if this was friendly banter or not. From theslight strain around Vera’s eyes, she suspected maybe not.Not my monkey, not my circus.
‘And this is Poppy,’ Vera said, cutting in, smiling down at her little shadow. Poppy hadn’t left Vera’s side all day.
‘Well, hello, Poppy,’ Floss said, taking a chair opposite the little girl and smiling brightly. ‘I’ve been really excited about meeting you,’ she said meaningfully, her gaze seeming to roam every inch of Poppy’s face before she gave a small, delighted chuckle and clasped her hands together. ‘You are just too cute,’ she said, looking up at her brother and sharing a smile. ‘My boys have been waiting to meet you,’ she said, waving over the two young boys, who were greeting their grandfather. ‘This is Angus and this is Cameron. Say hello to Poppy, boys,’ Floss instructed.
Kenzie watched the shy exchange, which only lasted a few moments before Vera stepped in and asked who wanted to go into the kitchen for a surprise.
Once the chorus of excited shouting faded down the hallway, Floss turned to Kenzie and her smile widened. ‘It’s just the best surprise ever. We’re all so excited to meet you both.’
‘Thank you. I’ve been looking forward to it as well. It all happened quite suddenly. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind.’
‘I can imagine. Ewan tells me you’re an event manager. I’ve worked closely with a few over my time, I used to be in marketing for an overseas corporation until I came home and got married.’
‘Yeah, I love it. Congratulations on your award.’
‘Thank you, we’re pretty chuffed. We’ve worked hard for it, so it’s nice to finally get some industry recognition.’
Peggy came into the room, carrying a tray of drinks and refreshments. Kenzie was still half expecting to see her dressed in a long black maid’s uniform with an apron tied to her waist,Downton Abbey–style. The leathery-skinned, jeans-wearing version of a housekeeper took a bit for Kenzie to get her head around. She looked like she would be far more at home outside working cattle and riding horses than cleaning and cooking inside. However, there was no arguing the woman could cook. Everything Kenzie had eaten had been delicious.
‘I’d love to have a look at the winery sometime,’ Kenzie said, thanking Peggy for the glass of wine she offered, and also accepting a cracker and dip.
‘Absolutely. Anytime.’
Kenzie took a sip from her glass. ‘Is this your wine?’
‘Sure is.’
‘Nice drop, sis,’ Ewan added, savouring his own glass.
‘Of course it is. I wouldn’t be backing anything less than top-notch,’ Callum said, tossing down half a glass before putting it aside. ‘Personally, though, I’d rather a good scotch any day over wine,’ he said, getting up to pour himself a square, squat crystal glass of amber liquid.
Vera returned to the sitting room with three children in tow and a platter of kid-friendly finger food, which she set up on their very own little table.
Outside, the growl of another engine approached. ‘That’ll be Joe,’ Floss said. Moments later, a brawny man dressed in jeansand a long-sleeved work shirt entered. After greeting his wife with a kiss, he shook Ewan’s hand heartily, the two men grinning.
‘Good to see you, mate. It’s been too long,’ Joe said.
‘This is Kenzie and Poppy,’ Ewan said, turning to introduce his brother-in-law.
Joe nodded at Kenzie and smiled warmly, ‘Nice to meet you,’ he said before dropping his gaze to Poppy. ‘Nice to meet you too, Poppy. Don’t you look just like your dad,’ he said, and then froze, his gaze quickly lifting to Kenzie and Ewan. ‘Shit. Sorry.’
‘You know my daddy?’ Poppy asked, tilting her head up quizzically.
Joe’s expression would have almost been comical if the entire room hadn’t been in shock.
Kenzie felt her heart falter with panic—it’s too soon, it’s not what we planned, what if she gets hurt—before meeting Ewan’s eyes, finding a quiet certainty in his gaze.What if it’s something wonderful?She gave him a small, helpless shrug.
Ewan nodded once, then swallowed hard. He crouched down to be at eye level with Poppy. ‘Yeah, he does, sweetheart. That’s who I am. Your daddy.’
Poppy’s eyes grew wide before she looked over at Kenzie, uncertainly.
