Page 73 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“Anytime,” said Kayla, and turned to Griff with a smile. “She’s all yours.”

Griff chuckled even as he felt the tips of his ears turn red.

Lori couldn’t help laughing at his reaction and took hold of his hand.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

LORI

As she and Griff left the barn area, Griff asked, “What did you think of the winemaking we do?”

“I had just a quick overview, but I can see how important it is to have space and privacy for it. It is both a scientific and natural process. One mismeasurement, one wrong guess can make a huge difference.”

“My grandfather has succeeded in making superior wine from the beginning,” Griff said proudly.

They approached the reception building.

“Rosie has rearranged some things in the store, and she’d like you to look at it,” said Griff. “Afterwards, Grandad is asking us to join him for lunch.”

Lori gave him a surprised look.

“It’s something Grandad and I do every couple of weeks. It gives him a sense of being part of the action,” said Griff.

Lori admired how sweet Griff was with his grandfather. It told her many things about him.

They walked into the tasting room and beyond it to the store.

Lori stood at the entrance and glanced around the space. It was much more open, and the displays of different items were more inviting.

“I like it,” she told Rosie, who gave her a big smile in return.

“The more I work with the space, the better it is,” said Rosie. “Our sales are beginning to show a difference. I think by the time summer groups arrive, our sales will have an even greater increase.”

“Thank you, Rosie,” said Griff. “This is an opportunity for both of us.”

Beaming at him, Rosie said, “I think so, too.”

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Lori was a little nervous as they entered the house for lunch with his grandfather.

Griff led her to a small solarium at the back of the house.

“Thought we’d eat with sunshine and flowers,” said Sam, already seated at a round glass table.

“Delightful,” said Lori, watching as Griff hugged his grandfather before sitting opposite her.

“I’m glad you could join us,” Sam said to her. “Griff and I find this an easy way to catch up with one another.”

“Thank you,” said Lori. “It’s a treat to have a quiet, beautiful place for lunch. Back home, I usually have only a few minutes in the staff room to grab a bite to eat.”

Sarita came into the room and poured them each a glass of white wine, a sauvignon blanc, and announced that lunch would be an asparagus quiche and salad.”

“Thank you, Sarita,” said Sam. “As always, you provide us with superior meals.”

Sarita smiled affectionately with gratitude. “It’s always a pleasure. We’ve been a family since before Griff came to live with you.”

As Sam nodded, Lori noticed the moisture in his eyes.