Twenty-Seven
Peter
This week feels like the work has been so much harder than normal. We don’t do events like this often. At least, not yet. We did a big holiday party for Christmas and folks brought their families. This one is for adults only, though. Piper wants it perfect so we can gauge if these types of things are worth the effort.
Callie and Lexi came out when they could. But we were serious when we said homework comes first. Maybe if I’d taken it more seriously like some of my siblings, I would have options outside of the winery. Not that I don’t love working here. This was a place built by family, and I take a lot of pride in it.
“It’s a good thing we closed the winery today.” Piper stands next to me and admires everything we’ve done. “There’s no way we would have finished in time to get ready.”
“Yeah, that was a good call even if Pierce was mad about it.”
She waves the comment away. “He’ll get over it. The ticket sales we had for the event more than covers what we make on a typical Friday. We’re not losing any profits. Even with the cost of catering.”
“At least Paula, and Whoopsie Daisy, are doing the arrangements at a discount.”
“Yep,” Piper agrees. “Perks of having a sister in an adjacent field of work.”
I’ve never seen the winery like this. We have tables inside, of course, but the whole yard is decked out with tables and heat lamps. The perfect place for folks who want some privacy or need to get some air.
“Should we head out and get ready?” I’m anxious to see the dress Callie bought. Lexi told me it was red, but that’s it. Plus, I still need to run by Whoopsie Daisy and pick up the flowers I ordered.
“Absolutely.” Piper gives me a half hug. “Thank you for all the help this week. From you, Callie, and Lexie. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.”
“Don’t even worry about it.” I give her a tight squeeze before letting go. “We need to be here at six, right?”
“Yep. Now get out of here.” I don’t need to be told again.
Bouquet in hand, my steps are slow as I approach Callie’s front door. Why are my hands sweaty? It’s like we’re going on a first date, or a dance. I haven’t been this nervous since I was much, much younger.
I raise a hand and knock on the door. It takes a few minutes for it to open. I expected to see Callie, but Lexi is grinning at me.
“She’s almost ready.” She gestures for me to come in, and I follow her into the living room after closing the door. “You look a lot different dressed up.”
“Thanks?” Does she mean I look horrible when I come over in my work clothes?
“It’s a compliment,” she whispers and turns toward the hallway. “I’m gonna check on Mom. I’ll be right back.”
I hear a door close and take that as my sign to sit down. Anything is better than pacing around the room. Though now I don’t know what to do. The TV isn’t on, and Alice is snoring in her bed on the other side of the room. It’s way too quiet.
After what feels like an eternity, the door opens and Lexi comes rushing into the living room. “She’s coming out now.”
I stand and turn toward the hallway. The anticipation builds as footsteps approach us. With the way Lexi is acting, I’m not sure what to expect.
The flowers fall from my hand the second Callie steps into the room. She is stunning. Her long brown hair falls in loose curls over her shoulder. The dress is bold and clings to her body in all the right places. Her legs seem to go on for miles and she’s taller with the silver heels on her feet. What the hell did I do to deserve this woman?
“You’re gorgeous.” The words slip out of my mouth, barely above a whisper.
Callie’s cheeks redden. “Thank you.”
I bend down and grab the flowers, inspecting them for damage. “These are for you.”
She studies the red roses as she takes them from my hand. “They’re beautiful.”
“I told you he’d like it. And he didn’t pass out.” Lexi breaks the moment and both of us laugh.
“Do we need to take you to Abby’s?” I ask.
“Nope. Her mom is picking me up in a bit. I wanted to be here for the grand reveal.”
