She chuckled. “Yes, we have. But this gift is also from Merry and Jason. It’s a little weird, but I think you’ll be happy.”
He glanced at her sideways. “Weird, huh?”
“You’ll see.”
She took him by the hand and led him out of his apartment to the basement door. “Do you want to go first or shall I?”
“Why? Am I going to trip over it?”
She chuckled. “No. It might surprise you though.”
“Hmmm…” He bowed and swept his arm in a grand gesture. “Ladies first.”
Morgaine couldn’t wait to see the expression on his face when he saw the enterprise the four of them had set up. Gwyneth suggested the idea and then Merry and Jason hired some help to put the whole business together. Morgaine insisted on paying for the supplies. Her biggest and best surprise she’d save until last.
She flicked on the light switch and descended the stairs with Sly behind her. At the point where he could see the actual layout, he halted.
“What the…”
Morgaine giggled. “Can you tell what it is?”
“I see a big wooden vat, some shelves that look like they’re made for wine bottles and a few other pieces I’m not familiar with. It looks like a whole wine making operation.”
He descended to the bottom of the stairs and wandered throughout the set-up.
“It is. Gwyneth figured Sly Wine would be better if made fresh. We researched the necessary process, ingredients, and environment, and then Merry and Jason helped us with the business plan. Jason will import grapes from Central America. I even have a fireproof safe to store a few bottles, just in case. We’ll always have enough to hold us until we can set up the operation again.”
“You’re brilliant.”
“There’s more. Jason said I don’t have to pay rent anymore.”
“I see…sort of.” His brows knit in confusion.
“I think you’ll like the next part the best.”
He tipped his head and waited without saying anything.
“I’m going to run the whole thing. If you’re the super while I make Sly Wine for you…for us, I’ll have plenty of money from readings and can give up the phone sex business. Gwyneth’s already said she’ll take over the calls and help me stomp the grapes when it’s not busy.”
Sly’s posture straightened, and his jaw dropped. “Really? You’d want to do that?” His expression softened. “You know I never asked you to. Is this really whatyouwant?”
She smiled. “More than anything. I can still work from home, be sure our needs are taken care of properly, and show muwumfuoo.”
She couldn’t finish her sentence because Sly had grabbed and kissed her.
When he let her go, he laughed. “What was that last thing you said?”
“By doing this, I can show my love for you.”
“Oh, honey.” He held her, tenderly. “This means so much to me.”
She sported a grin he couldn’t see. She just hoped he’d hear it in her voice. “I thought you’d like it.”
“I love it. I loveyou.So much.”
She couldn’t speak around the lump in her throat, and tears formed in her eyes.
A couple weeks later, the operation was in full swing. The girls were knee deep in the vat, stomping grapes. Morgaine glanced up and spotted her beloved on the stairs.
