Taking a Chance (13 page)

“Maddie, everything is perfect. Not only is the place fantastic, but you also had every detail taken care of. I don’t know how you did it, but I hope you know I appreciate this more than I can ever express.”

“You’re so welcome. All that matters to me is you have the wedding you want!”

Amanda helped Maddie grab her luggage and they headed into the mansion. “I will take you to your room. You have your own room tonight but I hope you’re still planning to stay with me tomorrow night. Everyone here at the winery has been wonderful and accommodating. They didn’t have one of the rooms ready when we got here yesterday, but they had it set up by evening.” As they stepped inside, Amanda said, “Isn’t the place gorgeous?”

Maddie laughed. Amanda was definitely running high on adrenaline. She tried to take the place in as they walked. The building was over a hundred years old, but the renovations made the place feel new. The character of the original building had been preserved with the refinished dark wood floors, woodwork and beams and the antique brass accents including wall sconces.

The entryway was magnificent and led to a double winding staircase, which met at the second floor. The huge antique brass chandelier hanging high above, combined with the grand windows lining the front of the building, made the entryway bright and inviting. Just off the entryway, Maddie could see a room with old photographs of the property and the family that owned it lining the nearest wall. She could not wait to explore every room.

“Wow, this place is gorgeous! Everyone is going to love it here!”

“I know. I’m so excited. We are going horseback riding if you’d like to come. Just a short ride. When we get back, it should be time to get ready for dinner, which we are going to have here tonight. I love having everything available to us here.”

“That’s okay, you guys go ahead. I want to walk around and explore. I also want to make sure everything looks good for tomorrow and Saturday. Besides, I’m not crazy about horses. I fell off one when I was younger and never had the nerve to get back on. Not sure I’m ready to get back on a horse this weekend.”

“Sounds good, you’re going to love everything about this place. I know you enjoy the details and history. Dinner is in the upstairs dining room tonight. I’ll show you where it is on the way to your room. If I don’t see you before, meet you there at six.”

• • •

A
ll of the floors throughout the house appeared to be the original wood and the area rugs lining the hallways and in each room appeared antique. Maddie loved everything about her room. She ran her hand along the stone mantle. A loveseat and two oversized chairs surrounded the fireplace. Maddie thought it would be a perfect place to curl up with a blanket and good book on a cool evening. All of the windows were wide and finished with an arch at the top.

Off her room was a wrought iron balcony, facing the back of the property. She opened the French doors and stepped out. If it was possible, she thought the land behind the property was even more beautiful than the front. A majority of the winery’s fruit was grown on the property, and Maddie could see the rows of grapevines ran the entire length of the property. Each row appeared precisely straight and each vine groomed to perfection.

Even from her balcony, she could see the heavy grape clusters hanging on the vines. She had spoken to the family and other staff members a few times in the last month and knew it was going to be a late harvest that year. The summer had been cooler than expected and they were hoping for a warm spell to ensure the final ripening of the fruit. Maddie hoped the weather they were having would give them the extra help they needed.

Maddie had worried the harvest would be at the same time as the wedding. Even though the staffs were different at the mansion and wine production facility, she did not want the family to have two major events going on at the same time. They were so generous to accommodate the wedding on their property, and Maddie hoped they would be able to enjoy some of the events with them.

She stepped back into her room and left the doors open for now. She changed into comfortable clothes and her running shoes to explore the property. On her way down the stairs, she found a member of the staff. The young lady assured Maddie she was free to walk around anywhere on the property, even in the grapevines.

She was walking through two rows and stopped to take a picture of the clusters hanging on one of the vines.

“Ya know, the grapes can get upset by a stranger walkin’ ‘round the vineyard,” a man said.

Maddie’s stomach dropped. As the older man came around the end of one of the rows, and she saw the smile spread across his face she relaxed.
Thank goodness.

Dressed in old jeans, cowboy boots, a cowboy hat and a flannel work shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, he looked at home in the vines. Deep wrinkles creased the skin around his eyes.

“Hi. I’m Maddie. I’m here with the wedding party this weekend. This place is fabulous,” said Maddie. She reached out to shake his hand and felt the calloused skin from years of hard work.

“Pleasure to meetcha. I’m Frank, grandfather of the winery and a few of the folks ‘round here. I’m s’prised a purty girl like ya is walkin’ ‘round in these here vines. I’d think ya might be ‘fraid to get dirty.” He tipped his hat and winked.

“Oh no, I could hang out here all day.” Maddie couldn’t tamper the excitement in her voice.

Frank laughed. “Well, if ya like it so much, why doncha come with me to the production facility? If ya think the grapes and vines are excitin’, wait ‘til ya see what goes on behind the scenes.”

“Really?” Maddie asked. “I would love to, if you don’t think I’ll be in the way. I know you’re preparing for harvest.”

“I don’t think a girl like ya can get in the way. I need to report some of my findin’s in the vineyard, so I’m headin’ that way.” He turned to her. “So, ya know a lil’ somethin’ about wine making, do ya?”

“Very little. I have read about the process and I love drinking it, so I enjoy learning what needs to be done to get the perfect bottle of vino.”

“Ah.” His eyes crinkled around the edges as he smiled. “The perfect bottle, a story I don’t think we’ve time for. But the process, I think I’m qualified to talk ’bout that.”

They got into his truck and took the short ride to the production facility on the other side of the property.

“So, Maddie, tell me ’bout yourself.”

Maddie began a brief synopsis, but the moment she stepped inside the production facility she lost focus as she admired the huge stainless steel tanks and rows of barrels stacked up. By the time she’d finished walking through the facility, asking a million questions and meeting much of the family, it was after five. Dinner was in an hour, so she gratefully accepted Frank’s offer of a ride back to the mansion and began getting ready.

• • •

M
addie had not seen Amanda’s dad or brother for a long time. She didn’t know Amanda’s stepmom very well, but she was friendly and always asked questions about Maddie’s life. Steve’s parents would also be at dinner. Maddie had met them a few times during some of the pre-wedding festivities over the last year.

Maddie put on a casual navy and white long-sleeve dress, threw her hair up into a loose knot and touched up her make-up. She explored as she made her way across the second floor. The art hanging throughout the mansion was a mix of antique and modern paintings. Many were wine-inspired landscapes and table settings done in different colors and styles. The entire mansion was a combination of modern and old fashioned and done with exceptional taste.

Near the dining room was a built-in hutch made of dark wood with glass doors housing about fifty wine bottles. Each bottle had a different label, but they all had the winery name, Chicory Hill Vineyard. A bottle on the bottom shelf dated back to 1960. During her time with the winery staff, Maddie had learned they released a vintage with an artist label each year. As she scanned the labels, she was mesmerized, noting flowers, angels, grapes, scenery paintings and even one with an oil painting of a family. It was one of the earlier bottles and Maddie assumed it was the family running the vineyard at the time. Every bottle in the collection was also signed by the artist, which made that a priceless collection for the family.

“Maddie.”

Maddie jumped at the sound of her name but smiled the moment she turned.

“Hello, Dr. Brinkley.”

“Cut it out. Why do you always have to call me that?” Amanda’s brother leaned over to give her a hug.

“Because you
are
a doctor. It’s not like I’m making it up.” She teased as she hugged him back.

Tim was a psychiatrist and Maddie was always intrigued by his stories. Hearing how other people dealt with life and the world, certainly some better than others, was always interesting. Last time he had told her about a woman who could not leave her house unless she was wearing the color red. As he had explained, that did not mean she just had to have the color on; her entire outfit, including shoes and underwear, had to be red.

“I know, but I think it’s more appropriate for you to call me Tim. Let’s see, I have seen you in the college years at our house in your pajamas, drunk and playing games in our backyard. Oh, and weren’t you and the other girls hitting on my friends? If I remember correctly, I think you even tried it out on me a time or two. I think that means we’re on a first-name basis.”

She laughed as she thought back to the first year of college with Amanda. They had been paired as roommates and became instant friends. Tim had always been a protective older brother to Amanda, and he kept an eye on Maddie too. He had been a junior at the same college when they started, so they had had him watching over them for two years.

“How are you doing? I don’t see a ring on your finger. Is there a serious girl?”

“Nope. Still trying to find that lucky lady. Speaking of, and I swear it’s the only time I will mention it, but I just want to tell you I’m sorry about the break-off of your engagement. That’s it, I promise.” He threw his hands up in defense, anticipating her reaction.

“Thanks, Tim. I appreciate the words and I appreciate even more that we will not speak of it again. It does feel good knowing you are always there if needed.”

“Always. Shall we head to the dining room to eat, my lady?” Tim bowed slightly while offering his arm.

Maddie laughed and hooked her arm in his as they made their way to the dining room. Everyone else was in the dining room greeting each other. Maddie made her way around to hug everyone. After a few minutes, one of the staff members came in to say they were going to start serving. They were having a six-course dinner with wine pairings. Maddie sat between Tim and Amanda and Amanda immediately grabbed her hand.

“I’m so glad you’re here, Maddie, this would not be the same without you. You’re one of the family.”

“So, I hear you’re dating a rock star,” said Amanda’s father.

“Well, I don’t think I would say that. But, yes, my date for the wedding happens to be a musician.”

“A famous singer is coming to a wedding across the country to be your date. I think that means you’re dating a rock star,” said Tim.

Maddie blushed and went for a subject change. “I guess it’s true, but I really don’t see it that way. By the way, I met a lot of the winery family today and they are excited to stop by and meet everyone throughout the weekend.”

The food was fantastic and the company even better. By the time the last pairing was finished, they had been in the dining room for over two hours. Maddie stayed a bit longer, but jet lag and a long day finally got the better of her. Exhausted but happy, she said goodnight and went to bed.

M
addie was up early to get things done before the rest of the house was moving about. Work emails done, she moved on to open wedding items. After an hour of working, she decided to go for a run to fully wake up and get a little exercise in for the day.

Nearing the house at the end of her run, she saw Frank’s truck parked at the end of a row. Maddie wandered over and found Frank crouched down by a vine. He wiped off his refractometer with a rag and tucked it back into his pocket.

“Good morning, Frank.”

“Hello ther’, kid. Yer up ‘n’ about early this mornin’.”

“Yep, I’m still on Chicago time, so I thought I would get up and start my day. How’s everything going out here?”

“I think we’re gonna begin harvestin’ in a few short days. The grapes have ripened this last week. I’m just testin’ a few to make sure I still got the touch, or should I say taste.” He winked. “Try one of these here grapes and tell me whatcha think.”

Maddie had tasted wine grapes before and knew they were different from table grapes. She put it in her mouth and could taste some sweetness, which she assumed meant the grapes were ready for picking.

“Wow, Frank. I think those taste fantastic. Are they ready to be picked? When are you going to start?”

Frank chuckled. “I think ya have a great taste for this. Yer correct. Most likely we’ll start pickin’ Sunday mornin’.”

“Really!” Maddie exclaimed. “Do you think I could come over that morning to see the process? I promise I won’t get in the way. I don’t want to disrupt any of the work, but I would love to see everything in action!”

“Tell ya what, come find me and I’ll show ya anything ya want. I’d love to have someone ‘round me with this much excitement. It feels like it’s been a long time and it can only mean good things for the grapes. I think they’d ‘preciate the enthusiasm.”

“That would be great. I will have a friend with me on Sunday, so I may only have a little bit of time. But I will stop by. I can’t wait!”

“Bring ‘m with ya, we’ll put both of ya to work.”

“Thanks, Frank.”

She smiled and waved as she turned to run the remaining bit back to the mansion. Hanging with Frank all day sounded like a wonderful idea to Maddie, but there was still a lot to accomplish today. Hoping Austin would enjoy spending a little time around the winery, she looked forward to Sunday. The entire process fascinated her and she thought it would be amazing to see all the workers in the field picking. As soon as the grapes hit their ripeness, they had to get them off the vines to avoid overripe fruit. She had learned yesterday they had an area of the vineyard they were going to leave the fruit on longer to produce some late-harvest wine too.