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“Yes, Brodie. I am very happy you’re coming.”
“Very? That’s even better. See ya, Peyton.”
After ending her call, Peyton put her cell phone in the pocket of her apron, then pulled it out again. She opened her photos and studied the last one Kade had sent her. She recognized the palm trees and the outdoor walled-off area from other photos he’d sent, so she knew it was taken at the base in Afghanistan.
He was wearing sunglasses and had a greenish-tan Yankee baseball hat on. The front pockets of his protective tactical vest were full, and beneath it, he wore a black, short-sleeve shirt.
The morning after he’d sent the photo, she got a call from one of the guys he served with, telling her he’d been killed.
She’d asked him once how she’d know if anything happened to him. “Either Paps or Razor will get in touch with you.” She recognized both names. The call that morning came from Razor, so she knew what had happened without him having to say it.
For a long time, it hadn’t felt real. There were times when it still didn’t. She’d told Brodie she’d sometimes dream it was a mistake and that Kade would walk into the tasting room, like he did before they started dating. He’d smile and say hello, and she’d welcome him home.
What would Kade think about this thing between her and Brodie? If she had to guess, she’d say he’d be okay with it. He was protective of her and the boys. He’d want her to be happy and cared for, especially by someone he trusted.
Alex peeked her head into the office door. “Everything okay?”
“Yep.” Peyton stuffed her phone back in the pocket of her apron.
She’d lost track of time, waiting on customers, and was stunned when she heard the knock on the rear door and looked at the clock.
“You want me to go?” she asked Alex, who was talking to one of their regulars.
“Sure, if you don’t mind.”
Peyton opened the door and saw Maddox and Brodie loading the barrel onto a dolly. She shielded her eyes from the afternoon sun and moved out of their way.
“Hey, Peyton,” Maddox said as he wheeled the barrel past her.
“Hi, Maddox. Thanks for doing this. We love barrel tastings around here, and most of the wineries think it’s too much trouble.”
“No trouble at all.” Maddox smiled as she watched him walk inside.
He looked more like Kade than Brodie did. She hadn’t realized it until now, since he kept his head shaved, like Kade used to. Instead of a goatee, Maddox had a full, dark beard. His deep blue eyes were the same color as Kade’s and Brodie’s, and most of the time, Maddox looked as though he was smirking.
He was taller than Kade, like Brodie was, but built more like his older brother. He probably could’ve swung two wine barrels on his shoulders and carried them both inside without a problem.
“Mmm, that man is fine,” Alex gushed when she passed Maddox in the hallway. “Do they need any help?”
Brodie was unloading cases of wine from Maddox’s truck, but if they were anything like their older brother, they would never allow her or Alex to help carry them in.
He stacked one on top of the other and hefted them up on his shoulder. “Hey, pretty lady,” he said, noticing her holding the door.
“Hi, Brodie.” She grinned, shaking her head.
“What?”
“You’re such a flirt.”
“Only with you, Peyton.” He smiled. As he walked through the door, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Hi,” he murmured, staying close and looking into her eyes. “How are you?”
“I’m fine.” She chuckled. “How are you?”
“Better now. I missed your pretty face.”
When she groaned, he laughed and took the cases into the tasting room.
Alex directed Maddox and Brodie to set up near the front. On the left side, there was a double-wide garage door that opened out to the patio. It was a brilliant set up. Any woman walking by would want to come in, if only to flirt with the two hot men offering wine tastes.
