Page 27 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

Sarita chuckled. “Quite a few. I’d like to see you happily settled, too. But I won’t push you into anything.”

“Thank God. I’ve got enough on my hands,” said Griff.

“How’s the winemaker turning out? She’s new to us but not new to the business, and she has her degree in Oenology.” Sarita shook her head. “Who knew there’d be a degree for the study of wine and winemaking?”

“I got my degree in viticulture, the science of growing, cultivation, and harvesting of grapes,” said Griff.

“That’s why the two of you will be competent working together. Your grandfather said Kayla Nielson is a natural with an exceptional ability to know excellent wine when she tastes it. She’s pretty too.” Griff cocked an eyebrow at Sarita, and she laughed. “I’m just saying …”

“As long as she can help me with the winemaking, Pete and I can handle the grapes,” said Griff. “That’s all I’m interested in. It’s the slow time of year for us, and I can get the business side of things under control.”

After Sarita left, Griff stared out the window at the rolling land striped by rows of grapes, relieved he didn’t have to worry about the stress of trying to please his grandfather, Sarita, or anyone else. The last thing he needed was a woman in his life. Period.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

LORI

As soon as Lori entered her mother’s house to help with the baby shower, Aurelia approached her. “Well? How was the date with Guy?”

Lori shrugged. “It was nice to spend some time with him, but, really, it was just friends meeting up.”

Aurelia studied her. “Are you disappointed? I thought you’d be thrilled. Guy was a catch back in the day and is considered one today.”

“I’m not saying I won’t go out with him again if he asks. However, as I mentioned, it was more like old friends getting together.”

Aurelia chuckled. “Trust me. He’ll respect you as you are. You are considered a very special woman by many in town.”

“We’ll see. Now, let me help with the party,” Lori said. “Flo told me she doesn’t plan to have more children after this one. And heaven knows if I’ll ever be more than an auntie. Let’s make this fun!”

Aurelia threw her arm around Lori. “You really are making this new year different. Love you, sis.”

Later, after decorations were up, they made punch, plated cookies and other treats, and set the table. Then, Aurelia, Lori, and their mother sat in the kitchen with a cup of coffee.

“I can’t believe all the lovely things Flo will be getting. I think the dollhouse is my favorite,” said Lori, smiling at Aurelia and her mother.

“Sarah and Lizbeth have enjoyed theirs, and I wanted to make sure Flo’s little girl has one too,” said Aurelia. “Mom and you helped me pay for it. I think Flo is going to be surprised.”

“She’ll know Mom will be giving books, but she won’t suspect this,” said Lori, thrilled she was included in buying this gift and fitting it out with all the furniture and decorations.

“With the children close in age, Flo didn’t need a lot of equipment for this baby. Still, I’m glad she’ll be getting lots of girly things,” said her mother.

“But who doesn’t love Hudson and all his boyish toys?” said Lori. She loved having a boy in the family.

“Of course we love him,” said Lori’s mother.

Lori rose. “I’m going home to change. I’ll be back a little early to help greet guests.”

As Lori got into her car, she sat for a moment to look at the two-story colonial home that she’d always loved. Perhaps because the house had always been filled with warm acceptance and eager encouragement for each person who was there. That’s what she’d wanted with Nick.

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Two hours later, Lori entered her mother’s house just before their guests were due to arrive. The pink balloons tied to the front porch banister were a dead giveaway that not only was a party going on, but it was for a girl.

Aurelia and her daughters were already there. Sarah, 9 years old, was selected to help greet guests at the door with Lori’s mother, and 7-year-old Lizbeth was thrilled to help Lori with placing coats in the den. Both girls were wearing their holiday dresses and looked adorable.

Aurelia was tending to the buffet table, where Lori would join her after the guests got settled in. Flo wasn’t allowed in the kitchen or near the laundry room because that’s where the doll house was hidden. When the time came, Aurelia and Lori would carry it into the living room, where the gift opening would take place.

After twenty family members and friends had arrived, the party began with plenty of food, drinks, and talk. Lori’s father had taken off for the day with a buddy to attend a high school football game in a neighboring town, declaring his ears were too sensitive to hide out in the house.