I pull my phone out of my pocket and step away from her. The lights are glowing behind her as I snap a photo. “There. Now you have one.”
“Thank you.” She pulls my jacket tighter over her shoulders.
My brothers and sisters are waiting for us in the building most of the event will take place. The catering staff is done setting up, and the Whoopsie Daisy crew are finishing the tables.
“It looks fantastic, Piper.” I tell my sister. “Your vision truly came to life.”
“Thank you.” She clasps her hands to her chest. “I couldn’t have done it without y’all.”
“Most of us.” Pierce mutters under his breath.
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“You haven’t been here as much as you used to because you’re too busy playing house with a girl you used to know.” He crosses his arms as if somehow that makes his statement more important.
Callie gasps and that’s what does me in. I feel her try to pull away from me, but I’m not letting that happen. She has enough insecurities after everything her ex-husband pulled. She needs to know she doesn’t have anything to worry about with me.
“That woman is standing right here. You’re only mad because I’m done being your fucking lap dog and no longer spending all my time up here. Callie is the woman I love, and it shouldn’t be a problem for me to be home and spend time with her. Just because this,” I wave my hands to encompass the winery, “is your life, doesn’t mean it has to be the rest of ours. I’m so sick of you playing at being our overlord. It’s not what Dad did, and it’s not what he wants for us. He’s always valued family over work. Your refusal to do that is what is going to make us hate the business our family has built.”
The rest of our siblings are staring at me as if I’ve lost my mind. In my entire life, I’ve never spoken to Pierce like this. I point one finger at him because I’m done tiptoeing around the fact he’s tearing this family, and business, apart. “You need to change and figure out what’s important.”
He doesn’t say anything. Only stomps out of the building and we’re left to deal with the aftermath of my outburst.
“Holy shit.” Parker says. “That was epic.”
I half expect them to slow clap like they do in the movies, but Piper must know I need some time with Callie. “Okay, everyone. Let’s make sure the lastminute things are done. People will arrive soon.”
Once the family is out of earshot, I turn to Callie. “I’m sorry about that. Someone needed to say it, and I guess it’s only right it was me.”
She places a hand against my chest. “You love me?”
That’s what she got out the whole thing? I guess I did say it in the most unromantic way possible.
“Yes, Callie, I love you.” I place my hand over hers. “I’m pretty sure I’ve been half in love with you my entire life. I didn’t know what to do with the feelings back then. But, now I do.”
I bend down and place a soft kiss to her lips. As much as I want to ravage her, this isn’t the time or place. Even if I’m not technically working, I’m still required to be here tonight.
She melts into me and pulls away when she hears a throat clear behind us.
“Not to kill the vibe, but people are pulling in.” Parker taps my shoulder. “So be all romantic when you get home. I know I will be.”
“With who?” I glance over at him. “This whole evening is about couples and you don’t have a date.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. Piper included singles tickets and we have our own little area. I’ll be leaving here with one.”
“You’re way too cocky for your own good.”
He shrugs and walks away. I turn my attention back to Callie. “We’ll stay until after dinner then we’re out of here.”
“We can stay as long as we need to.” She pats my cheek. “And I love you, too.”
After all these years, we’re finally able to say the words we always wanted to. There’s no way I’m ever letting her go a day in her life without showing her how much her and Lexi mean to me. Even if it’s only been a short time, I can’t imagine my lift without them in it.
Epilogue
One Year Later
“Mom.” Lexi barges into my room. “We’re going to be late. We’ve been waiting on you for like thirty minutes.”
