He fills our glasses with fresh Mimosas. “How does the new place feel?” he asks.
“Exciting,” I say. “I’m dying for the studio to be done next week. I have orders and shows, and painting to do.”
His phone buzzes with a text and he glances down at it. “Rita made it down to the winery to help Carrie this morning. Rita says that she is impressed. And we both know that Rita is not easy to impress.”
Carrie being Kasey’s long time second-in-charge who is now running the winery. “I like Carrie, too,” I say. “I always liked her but she was just overshadowed by Kasey. And now that the government came in and claimed the mercury we don’t have to fear another problem. I can’t believe Bill and Kasey went to jail and so quickly.”
“A plea deal works that way but he’s still going to be inside a long time while Kasey will be out in a year.”
“I still can’t believe he was involved. And Jess Wild. We’ll never know what happened to him, right?”
“The CIA deal with their own.” He changes the subject. “Back to the winery. No regrets over keeping it?”
“No regrets at all. You know how the fire affected me. I gave myself the freedom to live and to let it go.”
“But you didn’t let it go.
“No. We’ve made it possible to maintain my father’s legacy, while I’m creating my own, at least I hope that I am.”
He holds up the card from my father. “Then you’re ready for this.”
I swallow hard. “Oh.”
“No?”
“Yes.” I firm my voice. “Yes I am.” I stand up and take it from him, walking to a small sofa seat a few feet away. Nick joins me and I slowly peel open the seal and remove the handwritten note. Just seeing my father’s script steals my breath. I start reading out loud:
Faith:
If you aren’t painting right now, it never really mattered to you. It wasn’t your passion. Because when something is your passion, you can’t let it go. You can’t walk away. The winery was that for me and so was your mother. Both had flaws but it’s the imperfection in things that are often perfection.I always assumed that one day I’d tell you how proud I am of you for fighting for what matters to you, for embracing your passion. I just needed it to be the right time. If you’re reading this, I never got the chance to pick that time and the moral of the story, is that life is short. It could end tomorrow. All or nothing, Faith.
I love you forever,
Dad
Tears are streaming down my cheeks and Nick is on his knee beside me. I lean forward and press my hand to his cheek. “All or nothing.”
He kisses my hand and says, “Let’s set the wedding date. We were waiting until things calmed down. That’s now.”
“Let’s elope. Now. Right away. All or nothing.”
Nick smiles. “All or nothing. Name the place.
THE END
BUT I HAVE TWO BONUSES FOR YOU IN THIS BOOK, SO KEEP READING!
Have you read Chris and Sara’s story yet? Start with book one in the Inside Out series, IF I WERE YOU, which is now in development for film/TV—BIG ANNOUNCEMENT COMING IN THE NEXT 30 DAYS!!
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And just for a teaser, I’ve included Chris and Sara’s infamous, and oh-so-sexy Window Scene—turn the page to read it!
THE WINDOW SCENE FROM IF I WERE YOU
The elevator is right off of the fancy lobby and past a security booth. Chris punches the button and the doors open immediately. I follow him inside, and watch as he keys in a code. The doors shut and he pulls me hard against him.