I take a step closer to Callie. “Shall we, then?”
She hands the flowers to her daughter. “Can you put these in water for me? Have fun tonight. If you need anything, I have my phone. I’m sure Peter has his, too.”
I pat my pocket to show her that I do have my phone. Piper said I had to have it on me at all times for the day.
“Yep. You kids have fun.” She pushes her mom close to me. “But not too much fun.” She winks and darts off to the kitchen.
Callie loops her arm through mine and we’re off for the night. I’m still trying to figure out how I’m going to handle her in this dress without carrying her back to my place.
The lights on the trees were a good idea. It looks like a fairy wonderland. Piper has good instincts when it comes to things like this.
I park the truck at my parent’s house because people won’t be over here, and I don’t want to take up space where a valet will be parking cars for the guests. The last thing I expect to see is my parent’s car off to the side.
“Mom and Dad are home,” I say in awe.
Callie looks over at me. “Wouldn’t they normally be?”
“Not lately. Since they retired, they’ve been traveling around the country and taking cruises.” I shake my head, but I’m happy for them. They deserve it after all the years they’ve put in here. I hope I can do the same one day…with Callie by my side.
“That sounds exciting.”
“Yeah, they send us pictures all the time.” I glance from her to the house. “Do you want to re-meet them?”
She glances at what she’s wearing. “Aren’t I a bit overdressed?”
“Nope.”
Shrugging, she turns to me with a smile. “Sure.”
I turn off the truck, hop out and rush around to the passenger side to help Callie out. It’s a bit difficult for her with the heels and everything. I pretty much have to pick her up and set her on the ground. I pull off my jacket and set it around her arms. I asked if she needed a jacket before we left her house, but she said it would ruin the look.
She slides her hands into mine as we step on the porch. I see Dad’s silhouette in the window and don’t bother knocking.
“Is this something you and your siblings do? Just walk into each other’s houses?”
“Pretty much. There’s pretty much zero privacy in this family.”
“It’s cool y’all are so open with each other.”
“It’s a blessing and a curse.” I laugh. “Mom? Dad?”
“You’re the first one who’s noticed we’re home.” Mom rushes up to me and gives me a hug. “Who’s this?” Dad comes up behind her and gives me a nod. He’s not big on hugging.
“Y’all remember Callie? Miles’s sister?” I give her and a quick squeeze. “She moved back to Asheville and we’re dating.”
“It’s about time.” Mom claps her hands together before pulling Callie away from me and into a hug. “I saw the way both of you looked at each other as kids and always wondered why nothing ever came from it.”
“I didn’t get my head out of my a— butt.” I change the word at the last second when Dad gives me a look.
“Well, I’m happy for you.” She glances at the clock on the wall. “Don’t you need to get up to the winery. You know your sister is probably freaking out.”
“Yeah, I only wanted to re-introduce y’all so you weren’t taken by surprise. You know since you’re actually home.”
“We’ll be home for a while this time.” Dad says at my accusation. “We’ll see you over there.”
They are shooing us out the door. I wrap my arm around Callie to keep her as warm as I can on the walk over. Luckily, it isn’t a long walk. Their house is the closest to the actual business.
“Wow.” Callie gasps as we come into the main yard. “This is gorgeous. I want to take a picture of it before we leave. I’m sure Lexi would love something like that for her birthday.”
