“Right, but I’m glad that we’ve moved on.”
“I want to hear more about that when we’re finished here.” She stared down at our wine-stained calves.
Marco ambled over to the big wooden tub. “You look beautiful, Cara. And such a good worker.”
When he talked to Christina like that, I felt I shouldn’t be here. That look in his eyes as he took in his new bride sent my own tummy swirling. “So you guys do this every year?” I asked, just to remind them that I was still here.
“Yes, the harvest is very special for us. In the old days, we didn’t have the presses to crush the grapes.” He gave a cute shrug. “So what you’re doing is symbolic. Acknowledging the past.”
“Beautifully said.” Christina gave him a smile and kept stomping, her dark blonde hair flying every which way.
“I like your hair, by the way.” What a relief to discover she’d ditched the stern topknot.
“And so do I.” Marco overheard us. “But now I must circulate. That is a new concept Christina has taught me. Circulating.”
“Just a suggestion, Marco.” Christina sent him a sweet grin. I had a feeling these two teased each other a lot.
“And maybe stop such hard crushing with your delicate…,” he looked at me, “…feet.”
Turning, he began talking to his sister-in-law Sofia, a neat lady who’d stopped by when I arrived from England.
“I wish I could have been here for the wedding,” I managed to say between breaths. Although I’d tucked my skirt up in my waistband, it kept slipping.
“Everything happened so quickly.” Propped on the edge of the oaken tub, Christina smiled that secret smile, no doubt reliving wonderful moments. Her wedding pictures brought tears to my eyes. Their love was so palpable. Lexi and Gregorio seemed to share in that joy.
“I’m happy for you. You’ve inspired me.” But that pinch in my chest may have been a little jealousy.
She leaned closer. “Let’s take a break so you can tell me about breaking up with Judd. And I want to hear more about England and your Aunt Penelope.
Marco had returned. Time to leave the grapes behind for some girl talk. Grabbing his hand, Christina stepped from the vat. I was next. A woman rushed forward with a warm, damp towel for each of us.
Sporting purple legs, we made our way to a table. Lexi was there to give me a big hug. “Aunt Reena, look at you! You’re such a good sport.”
I ruffled her hair. Although I wasn’t biologically her aunt, I sure liked that title. She’d grown up over the summer. “Talk about a good sport, Lexi. You came all the way over here with your mom. That was pretty brave.”
She rolled her eyes. “Like I had a choice. At first I was mad, but things got better. Gregorio and I are buds now.” She nodded to her new half brother, who smiled shyly. He was kind of quiet and still in that awkward teenage phase, but he clearly adored Christina and Lexi.
Sitting down in a chair, I wiped my forehead with the towel before starting on my legs.
“When will these grapes be used for wine?” I asked Christina.
“Marco tells me they will begin to ferment immediately. But it will be years before this batch is wine.”
“These grapes mean a lot to the family.” Yesterday Marco had taken us out to his vineyards. Pride shone in his eyes. Christina had shared Gregorio’s story and how Marco had reluctantly approved a change in the plans for his son’s future.
“Yes, the vineyards and the olive trees. Gregorio has been talking to his father about those olives. Something to do with his future culinary studies.”
One of the staff members passed by with wine and mimosas. Setting the towel aside, I snagged a mimosa and turned to Christina. “How about you?”
“Grape juice, please?” she asked the man. “But in a wine glass please, Alfredo.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
Christina shook her head as the man turned and walked away. “I just can’t get used to that title.”
“Mom, just tell ‘em.” Lexi spoke up. “I told the men to call me Lexi, not something royal.”
I totally understood why Christina looked so uncomfortable. This was a huge leap for her. “Yes, sweetheart, but it’s good to remember that we aren’t royal,” she said. “I happened to marry into the royals.”
