Page 107 of Whispers and Wildfire
“You know, I’m almost related to the family who owns this place,” Luke said, gesturing to a wedding photo on the wall.
“How can you be almost related to someone?”
“You know Annika’s husband, Levi Bailey?”
“Yeah.”
“His oldest brother, Asher, is married to Grace. She’s a Miles—related to the Miles family who owns Salishan.”
“So your sister’s sister-in-law is related to the family who owns this winery?”
“Exactly.”
I paused to let that process. “Okay, I suppose that qualifies as almost related.”
A young woman dressed in a black blouse and skirt came out from another room with a friendly smile. “Hi, can I help you?”
“We’re here for a wine tasting,” Luke answered.
“Great,” she said. “I’ll take you back to the tasting room.”
We followed her into a room with a bar fronted by cushioned stools. Low light, dark wood, and more greenery created a comfortable ambiance. A group sat at a long table with bench seats, but the others were empty. The woman gestured to a small table with two chairs, and we took a seat.
“Brynn will be right with you,” she said.
Another woman came out, also dressed in black. Her dark hair was pulled back and she smiled as she handed us menus. “Welcome to Salishan. Have you visited us before?”
“I have, she hasn’t,” Luke said.
“Wonderful. Are you from out of town or nearby?”
“Tilikum,” he said. “And I’ve been here for a few weddings.”
“I love Tilikum. My sister and her family live there.”
“Grace Bailey?” Luke asked.
She smiled. “Yes! Do you know her?”
“A little bit. My sister is married to Levi Bailey.”
“Oh my gosh, we’re practically related.”
Luke grinned and winked at me. “See?”
“I’m Brynn, by the way. Brynn Reilly, although my maiden name is Miles.”
“Luke Haven. And this is my beautiful date, Melanie Andolini.”
I smiled. “Nice to meet you. So this is a family business? You’re very brave. My parents own Home Slice Pizza in Tilikum and I shudder to think of what would happen if I worked there.”
“Home Slice is my favorite,” Brynn said, her voice enthusiastic. “My husband drove out to Tilikum just the other day because I mentioned pizza sounded good.”
“Sounds like you married the right man,” I said.
“He’s the best. Anyway, if you’d like to take a minute with the menu, that’s fine. We have several different wine flights and a selection of hors d’oeuvres. Or I can treat you to the family special.”
Luke raised his eyebrows at me. “Family special?”
