One Tiny Lie – Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,41
fix everything. I want the vineyard to be successful, but not at your expense. I want you to marry for love,” he said tenderly.
A smile tipped Luna’s lips. “I am.” Happiness percolated inside her. At least that was one thing she was sure of. She was in love with Hudson.
His jaw grew slack. “You are?”
“Absolutely. I love Hudson.”
He frowned. “But you were so against the marriage before. You and your mother had that big blow-up about it, and then you left.”
“I know. I needed time to work everything out in my head.” How easily the lies were flowing from her lips. Luna felt a twinge of guilt for everything she and Ava had done. This poor man thought he was talking to his daughter, not an imposter. Heat crawled up Luna’s neck as she pulled at the collar of her blouse.
Todd pushed out a dry laugh. “Okay, then I guess everything’s working out for the best.”
“It is,” she said heartily. She expected her statement to lighten his mood, but it didn’t. She could tell that something was still wrong. “What’s going on?” she implored.
He offered a tight smile. “Nothing that you should worry your pretty little head about.”
“Dad,” she said sharply, “I saw your face when I stuck my head in. Something is wrong.”
Surprise flicked over his expression as he let out a heavy sigh. “The truth is, I don’t know that I can keep doing this.”
Luna’s heart dropped. “Doing what?”
“Running the vineyard and the winery.”
Panic raced a hot trail through her. Everything she and Ava were working for revolved around the vineyard. She balled her hand, her fingernails digging into her palm. “I don’t understand. The vineyard is your life.”
“Yes,” he answered sadly, “but no matter how hard I try to make a go of it, I can’t seem to make any inroads.” He shook his head. “This is a tough business, and an incestuous one,” he said darkly.
“What do you mean?”
“Most of the vineyards in Sonoma have been passed down several generations. Beverly and I acquired ours.”
“Yes, in the 1990s. You’ve been here a long time.”
“We’re seen as newcomers ... outsiders”
“But what about Alistair Davenport?”
“Alistair and Juliette are great. They’ve been huge supporters of the vineyard, but it takes more than one family. The vineyards operate as a good ole boys club. They pull together to market. They decide which labels will soar in the industry. It’s all about perceived value. Even if the Davenports give us a cash infusion, I don’t know that it will make a difference in the long run. Not unless I just allow them to buy us out. Alistair and I could make the same exact wine, and his would go great guns because of his family’s reputation. I just don’t know how long I can keep playing their game.”
“Maybe that’s the problem.”
His head snapped up. “What do you mean?”
“Well, you’re trying to play the game according to their rules. Maybe you should stop doing that—take a different look at the situation.”
A cautious hope moved across his features. “What do you mean?” he repeated.
“You should assess the vineyard’s strengths, find out where you can shine and then go after that specific market. For example, if the majority of Sonoma is going after the high-end clientele, then maybe you should shift your focus to the middle class. Make a wine that’s more affordable.”
“Like a zinfandel,” he pronounced.
“Yeah, maybe.” Luna searched her mind, trying to remember what a zinfandel was.
Todd began drumming his fingers on the table, a new energy buzzing through him. “Zinfandels are much more affordable. Our grapes would lend themselves well to it.” He tipped his head. “I’ll have to give it some thought. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Luna laughed, “but I don’t think I really did anything.”
His eyes shone with gratitude and love. “You did. More than you know.”
“I’m glad I could help.” Luna cleared her throat, gathering the courage to say what needed to be said—not only for her, but also for Ava. “Don’t give up on the vineyard. This is my home.” Her voice caught. “I want you to keep it going.”
He blinked. “I didn’t realize it meant so much to you.”
“It does.” She swallowed the emotion rising in her throat. “More than you’ll ever know.”
A smile spread over his lips. “I just want you to know how much I love and appreciate you.”
“Thank you,” Luna said, her eyes misting.
“You truly are a gift to me and your mother.”
Luna nodded as she blinked to stay the tears. She dreaded the