“You didn’t have to come out in this weather, but I do appreciate it. I hadn’t expected the weather to change so drastically tonight. The walk through town would have been interesting.”
Dakota laughed at Ethel’s humorous reply.
“Especially in those shoes you wore. My dear, I’m going to make sure you’re dressed properly before venturing out in the evening.”
Dakota loved how Ethel looked out for her. She’d never had that with her own mother. She promised Ethel from now on, she’d be prepared for unexpected weather.
Dakota decided on a hot bath before bed to warm her chilled body. As she sank into the warmth of the bubbles that surrounded her, she closed her eyes and thought about the next day. She’d forgotten about the little piece of paper she’d placed in the side pocket of her purse. She thought about the man she’d see at the hospital the next day. Through her investigation she’d seen a few pictures of him, so she knew she’d recognize him. But she wondered what to say to him. So many questions went through her mind. She knew she couldn’t blurt out why she’d tracked him down. She figured it would be best just to get to know him and in time she hoped she’d be able to share what she’d discovered: that he was her biological father.
Chapter Five
“Good morning, are the lovebirds ready to run away?”
Tristan’s greeting made Becca laugh and then she accepted the coffee he offered.
“Morning Tristan and thank you, I’ll be ready once I get caffeine into my system. Those ice pellets came down hard last night. I barely slept.”
He watched her slowly walk to the kitchen table, dragging her feet in slippers across the floor like a child. He loved being at the ranch with her and Chase. When she reached for the newspaper as she sipped her coffee, he heard the familiar sigh.
“Hmm...Your coffee is the best.”
“And it’s just the appetizer. I want the lovebirds to have a good breakfast before venturing off on their second honeymoon.”
After friendly rivalry with Chase he’d won and took over the kitchen. Tristan picked up the spatula and turned back to the skillet on the stove.
“I’m making my famous egg and bacon rings.”
“You’re spoiling us Tristan, but please continue to do so.”
Chase’s laughter was heard as he entered the kitchen. He leaned down to kiss Becca on the top of her head and then landed a gentle punch to Tristan’s arm.
“Whoa! Watch it. The chef is hard at work.”
The laughter that filled the kitchen and the scent of breakfast cooking made Tristan happy. He’d missed being around family. He’d always treasured the memories when his parents were alive and they joined the Tanners every summer. He’d lost his father to a heart attack the summer before his final year of high school. Shortly after his graduation, his mother had been killed by a drunk driver. In less than a year, he’d become an orphan. His uncle invited him to come live in Vinegrove at the time but he’d been so grief-stricken, he’d decided to study abroad. Tristan always planned to return to the States, but one year had turned into the next. His mind had drifted between thoughts of family, his parents, to his focus of cooking. He hadn’t heard the phone ring. He felt a tap on his arm and then turned to find Chase holding the phone for him to take.
“It’s for you, Cuz. Sounds like a European accent.”
He thanked Chase and took the phone. Chase reached for the spatula and took over control of the breakfast preparations. Tristan mouthed a thank you to Chase and answered his call.
Ten minutes later, Tristan returned to the kitchen. He didn’t want to ruin the lovebirds’ plans but the news he’d just received, hit him hard.
“You look like you’ve just lost your best friend, Cuz. Is everything okay?” Chase had just finished setting the food on the table.
“Actually, I did.” Tristan sat down at the table. Memories of losing his parents rushed through his mind. He felt the same blow he had when he’d heard of their deaths. After a heavy sigh he ran his hands through his hair.
“A dear friend and great wine mentor I’d known in Tuscany just passed away. That was his son who called.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss, Tristan.” Becca reached out for his hand and then Chase announced his sympathies.
“Thanks. The service is in two days and it takes almost a day to get there. I don’t want to mess up your plans. Do you think Reece can run the winery for a couple of days?”
Reece, Chase’s brother, took care of the bookkeeping. He’d always been more of a numbers man than a ranch-hand. He’d only ever managed the financial side of the vineyard.