Page 74 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

Griff cleared his throat. “Lori, I hope you don’t mind my talking business with Grandad.”

“Not at all.”

While the men discussed the week’s activities, Lori gazed around. The room was hexagonal, with sliding glass doors leading to an outside garden. She noticed how plants in large pots were mounted on platforms with wheels, which made it easy to move them around. She wondered if the room was used for small, private weddings. It would be a charming location.

She was startled out of her thoughts by Sam asking, “What about you, Lori? You leave in a couple of days. What will you do when you return home?”

“I’ll go back to teaching at the preschool where I work. It’s a rewarding job and keeps me close to my family. I’ve already registered my godchild, my niece, Eloise, who was born a few months ago.”

“Are you sure we can’t talk you into returning to the vineyard?” Sam asked bluntly, ignoring the discomfort on Griff’s face and hers.

“That’s a big move,” said Lori.

“Sam, are you making the kids uncomfortable?” Sarita asked, carrying in a tray of their lunches.

Sam chuckled. “You know I like to come right to the point.”

Sarita set the lunch plates in front of each of them and placed a kind hand on Sam’s shoulder. “Settle down,” she said softly, bringing a smile to Lori. She noticed the way Griff’s expression relaxed.

For the remainder of the meal, the conversation was kept to polite talk. But Lori saw how Sam’s gaze kept flitting from her to Griff.

When Sam signaled that he was ready to leave, Griff jumped to his feet, helped his grandfather out of his chair, and then walked with him out the entrance.

Lori took that time to get up and go outside to the garden. Standing there in the sunshine, she saw some flowers in bloom and noticed the valley below. It was a perfect place for a garden wedding.

Griff found her there. “Sorry to leave you like that, but I could see that Grandad was getting tired and needed to lie down.”

“I understand. No problem. I like looking around,” Lori replied. “This house and the grounds are full of one surprise after another. I love this garden. Is it used a lot?”

“Not as often as one might think,” said Griff, coming up from behind and wrapping his arms around her. “Perfect wedding space, huh?”

She turned around and met his lips with her own. Beneath all the business talk, there lurked a romantic man.

When they finally pulled away, Griff said, “Sorry, but I have an online meeting. I’ll pick you up at four o’clock to head into town. Pete and Cristina will meet us there, along with Mia and Mike Davidson. Sound good?”

“Yes, I’m looking forward to it,” said Lori, delighted to have some time to herself.

###

After a few quiet hours of relaxing, Lori got ready for an evening out. She was happy that Kayla and Rosie also planned to join them. They helped make it a congenial group that she’d miss when she returned home.

Lori checked herself in the mirror. Being outdoors in the sun had brought a rosy hue to her cheeks. Her brown curls had softened into a halo around her face, and her eyes sparkled. She looked healthy and happy, with just a few freckles sprinkled across her nose. This week had been one she would cherish.

When Griff picked her up, he gave an appreciative glance at the simple black sleeveless dress she wore with a soft green cashmere shawl she’d received for Christmas.

He swallowed hard. “You look beautiful,” he said, holding out an arm to escort her to his car.

“Is everyone else meeting us there?” asked Lori as Griff got behind the wheel.

“Yes. Pete’s already gone, and Kayla and Rosie are leaving soon.”

“It’s an easy, pleasant group,” said Lori. “I’ve enjoyed meeting them.”

“Good, because they’re my friends,” said Griff. “I’m glad you fit in with them.”

“Where are we going?” Lori asked, excited about the evening ahead.

“We’ll start at a rooftop bar called The View and go from there,” said Griff. “By trying several places, you’ll get an idea of the wine and food in the area. In addition to wine, you can always find a cocktail, a craft beer, or soda, if that’s what you prefer.”