Wed on His Terms: Million-Dollar Marriage Merger

“It was a good year for cabernet. Our fifth anniversary.” Rena walked into the office with a cup of coffee and set it down on the desk.

Tony stared at the photo. “You look happy.”

“David made me dinner that night. He set up twinkling lights out on the patio. We danced in the moonlight.”

Tony put the frame back, deciding not to comment. What could he say to that? “Thanks for the coffee.”

She shrugged. “Well, this is the office. Our accounts for the past ten years are in those file cabinets.”

Tony picked up the coffee cup and sipped. The liquid went down hot and delicious, just what he needed. “I’ll start with the past year and work my way backward.”

“Okay, I’ll get those for you.”

“Are they all paper files? Do you have anything loaded into the computer?”

Rena glanced at the machine. “We have our inventory computerized now. And David had started to enter the paper files. But he didn’t get very far, I’m afraid.”

Tony sat down at the desk and signed on. “Want to show me where everything is?”

Rena came close, her hair still slightly damp from her shower. She bent over the computer, clicking keys. Her clean scent wafted in the air. “What is that?” he asked.

She looked at him in question. “What?”

“You smell great.”

She smiled softly. “It’s citrus shampoo.”

Tony met her eyes, then took her hand gently. “Rena … listen, about this morning.”

She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head. “Don’t, Tony. I can’t help how I feel.”

“How do you feel?”

She hesitated for a moment, but Tony fixed his gaze on her and wouldn’t back down. She sighed quietly. “Like I sold my soul.”

“To the devil?”

Her lips tightened as if holding back a comment.

Tony leaned in his chair, releasing her hand. “Physically, are you okay?”

“Yes,” she said. “I’m fine. I see the doctor next week, but I’m healthy.”

She continued clicking on keys, showing him where the files were kept and how to access them. Then she came upon a document and lingered, her gaze drawn to the words on the screen: Vine by Vine. “Don’t worry about this,” she said, her finger on the delete button.

“Wait.” Tony stopped her. “What is it?”

“It’s nothing.” Rena said, but he wouldn’t let it go. Something in her eyes told him, whatever it was, it was important to her.

“I need to see everything, Rena. If I’m going to help you.”

“It’s got nothing to do with the accounts, Tony. Trust me.”

“So why won’t you let me see it?” Determined, he pressed her.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake!” Rena straightened, her eyes sparkling like blue diamonds. “It’s just a story I was writing.”

“A story?“ That sparked his curiosity. “What’s it about?”

“It’s about a girl growing up in the wine country.”

“It’s about you?”

“No, it’s a novel. It’s fiction, but yes, I guess some of it is about what I know and how I feel about living here. It’s sort of a wine guide but told from a different perspective. It’s an analogy of how a girl grows to womanhood—”

“And you relate that to how a vine grows? Sort of like, how you need to be cared for and loved and nourished.”

“Yeah,” she said, her expression softening. “Something like that.”

“You’re not finished with it?”

She made a self-deprecating sound. “No, I’d forgotten about it. There’s too much to do around here.” She shrugged it off. “I never found the time.”

“Maybe someday you’ll have time to finish it.”

Rena stared deeply into his eyes. “Right now, I’m more interested in saving my winery.”

Tony glanced at the computer screen, satisfied that she’d removed her finger from the delete button. “Agreed. That’s the first order of business. We have to find a way to keep Purple Fields afloat.”

Rena walked into the gift shop through a door adjacent to the office, leaving Tony to work his magic on their books. She’d given him all the files, answered his questions and left once he was neck-deep in the accounts, unaware of her presence any longer.

Her small little haven of trinkets and boutique items always perked up her spirits. She loved setting up the displays, making each unique object stand out and look desirable to the customer. They made very little profit on the shop, but it complimented the wine-tasting room and made the whole area look appealing.

Rena sighed with relief rather than anguish this time. For so long she’d had the burden of saving Purple Fields on her shoulders, and the weight had become unbearably heavy. Now she knew that with Tony’s assets backing her up she had salvaged the future of Purple Fields, thus insuring her baby’s future as well. She could only feel good about that.

But saving the winery had come at a high price. If it weren’t for the promise she made to David, she wondered if she’d be standing here right now. She’d been set to sell Purple Fields and move away, making a fresh start with her child. Now she was tied to Tony Carlino, and the notion prickled her nerves.

She didn’t want to enjoy being in his arms this morning. She didn’t want to admit that having sex with him made her world spin upside down. She hated that she’d liked it. That she’d responded to him the way she always had. Tony wasn’t a man easily forgotten, but she’d managed it for twelve years. Now he was back in her life and planned to stay.

Solena entered the gift shop, thankfully interrupting her thoughts. “Hey, you’re up and out early this morning.”

Rena smiled at her friend, happy to see her. “It’s just another workday.”

Solena eyed her carefully. “Is it? I thought you got married two days ago.”

“Seems longer,” Rena said, lifting her lips at her little joke.

“That bad?”

Rena glanced at the door leading to the office. “I shouldn’t complain. He’s in there right now, going over all our files and accounts. He’s owning up to his end of the bargain.”

Solena walked behind the counter and spoke with concern and sympathy. “Are you doing the same, my friend?”

Rena lowered her lashes. “I’m trying. I’m really trying. I never thought we’d live together like this. We, uh—” Heat reached her cheeks, and she realized she’d blushed, something she rarely did.

Solena spoke with understanding. “Tony’s a very handsome, appealing man, Rena.”

“So was David.” Tears welled in her eyes.

Solena leaned over the counter to take her hands. Rena absorbed some of her strength through the solid contact. “David is the past, Rena. As hard as that is to hear, it’s true. You have to look forward, not back.”

“But I feel so … guilty.”

Solena held firm. “Remind yourself that David wanted this.”

“There are times when I really hate Tony,” she whispered. “And I’m ashamed that I’m not too thrilled with David for making me do this.”

“But we both know why he did.”

Rena tilted her head to one side. “There’s more. I should have told you sooner.”

“What?” Solena’s dark eyes narrowed with concern.

Rena hesitated, staring at her friend. Finally she blurted, “I’m pregnant.”

Solena drew in a big breath then let it go in relief. “Oh! You had me scared for a second there, imagining the worst.” Quickly, she walked around the counter to give Rena a hug. “This is good news … really good news.”

“Yes, it is. I know.” A tear dropped down her cheek. She’d already fallen in love with her baby. “I’m happy about the baby, but now do you see why I’m so, so—”

“You’re torn up inside. I can see that. But you have hope and a new life to bring into this world. Oh Rena, my dear friend, I couldn’t be happier for you.”

She glanced at the office door and lowered her voice, speaking from the heart. “David should raise his child, not Tony.”

Solena’s eyes softened with understanding. “But that can’t be. Your feeling bad isn’t going to change that. It takes a remarkable man to raise another man’s child. Tony knows?”

“He knows.”

“You resent him.”

“Yes, I do. I resent him for so many reasons. I’m so afraid.”

“Afraid?” Solena met her gaze directly. “You’re afraid of Tony?”

She shook her head. “No, not of him. Of me. I’m afraid I’ll forgive him. I don’t want to forget the hurt and pain he caused me. I don’t want to ever forgive him.”

Tony spent the morning loading the Purple Fields files into a new database program. His first order of business was to update the computer. He wasn’t a genius at business like his brother Joe, but he knew the value of state-of-the-art equipment. Rena needed a new computer, but for now he’d do what he could and download everything to a flash drive.

Rena walked into the office holding a plate of food. “It’s after one, and you haven’t eaten lunch.”

Tony glanced at his watch, then leaned back in his seat. “I didn’t realize the time.”

She set the plate down onto the desk. “Ham and cheese. I have chicken salad made if you’d prefer that instead?”

Tony grabbed the sandwich and took a bite. “This is fine,” he said, his stomach acknowledging the late hour. “Did you eat?”

“Solena and I had a bite earlier. Since David’s death, she’s been babysitting me. She thinks I don’t know it, but it’s sweet. We usually have lunch together.”

“What about Ray?”

“He eats a huge breakfast at home and skips lunch.”

“Do you have time to sit down?” he asked. “I could use the company.”

He rose from his chair, offering it to her. He waited until she took the seat before he sat on the edge of the desk, stretching his legs out. He wasn’t used to poring over a computer screen for hours. He wasn’t used to being holed up behind a desk in a small office either.

He gobbled his sandwich and began working on the apple she’d cut into wedges. “How’s your day going?”

“Good,” she said. “I gave a wine tour at eleven, and we sold a few cases today. Want something to drink?”

“I’ll have a beer later. I’ll need it.”

She tilted her head, her pretty blue eyes marked with question. “Too many numbers?”

“Yeah. I’m inputting files. Setting up a database. My eyes are crossing.”

She laughed. “I know what you mean.”

Tony liked the sound of her laughter. He stared at a smile that lit the room. “You do?”

“All those numbers can make you crazy.”

He grinned. “I think I’m there now.” He gobbled up the apple wedges. “Thanks for lunch.”

Rena watched him carefully. “You’re welcome.”

“You need a new computer and some stuff for the office. This thing is outdated. We’ll work out a time to do that.”

Rena’s eyes widened. “A new computer? I, uh, we never could afford—”

“I know,” Tony said softly. “But now we can.”

“And you need me for that?”

“Yes, I need your input. Look, we can drive into the next town if you’d feel more comfortable, but—”

“I would.” She offered without hesitation.

Tony’s ego took a nosedive. He’d promised her a secret marriage and he’d stick to it, but he wasn’t accustomed to women not wanting to be seen with him. Usually, it was just the opposite—women enjoyed being seen around town with him.

Irritated now, he agreed. “Fine.”

“So what are your plans?” She stood and picked up his empty plate.

“I loaded the info to a flash drive. I’m going to have Joe take a look at everything. Though I have my suspicions, I need his opinion.”

“You’re going home tonight?”

Her hope-filled voice only irritated him some more. With legs spread, he reached out and pulled her between them, the plate separating their bodies. “Yeah, but I’ll be back.” He kissed her soundly on the lips reminding her of the steamy way they’d made love early this morning. He nuzzled her neck, and the devil in him added with a low rasp, “I have more inputting to do.”

Rena’s eyes snapped up to his.

He smiled and then released her.

He’d told her no more tiptoeing around and he’d meant it.

Eight

Tony entered the Carlino offices, a two-story building set in the heart of Napa Valley. The older outer structure gave way to a modern, innovative inner office filled with leather and marble. The mortar and stone building had been classified as a ghost winery, once owned by an aging retired sea captain who had run the place in the 1890s until Prohibition put him out of business, along with nearly seven hundred other wineries in the area. While some wineries had been turned into estates and restaurants, some held true to their original destiny, haunted not by ghostly spirits but by the passage of time and ruin.

The place had lain dormant and in a state of wreckage until Santo Carlino purchased the property then renovated it into their office space.

Tony walked into the reception area and was greeted by a stunningly gorgeous redhead. “Hi, you must be Tony Carlino.” The woman—her cleavage nearly spilling out of her top—lifted up from her desk to shake his hand. “Joe said you’d be stopping by. I’m Alicia Pendrake, but you can call me Ali.”

“Hi, Ali.” He grasped her hand and shook.

“I’m Joe’s new personal assistant. Today’s my second day on the job.”

“Nice to meet you,” Tony said, curious why Joe didn’t mention hiring anyone new when they spoke, especially one who looked like an overly buxom supermodel, with rich auburn curls draping over her shoulders, wearing a sleek outfit and knee-high boots.

She pointed to the main office door. “He’s inside, crunching numbers, what else?”

Tony chuckled. The woman was a spitfire. “Okay, thanks.”

“Nice meeting you, Mr. Carlino.”

“It’s Tony.”

“Okay, Tony.” She granted him a pleased smile that sent his male antenna up.

He found Joe seated behind his desk, staring at the computer screen. He made sure to close the door behind him. “Whoa … where did you find her?”

“Find who?” Joe said, his attention focused on the computer.

“Alicia … Ali. Your new PA.”

Joe’s brows furrowed and he took off his glasses, rubbing his eyes. “I met her in New York last year. She’s efficient and capable.”

“I bet. What happened to Maggie?”

“I had to let her go. She wasn’t doing her job. This place was in chaos when I got here. I remembered Ali, and I called her. Offered to pay her way out here, gave her an advance on her salary to get set up. I didn’t think she’d take the job.”

“But she did. Just like that?”

“Yeah, I got lucky.”

“You got lucky? Joe, the woman is beyond gorgeous. Haven’t you noticed?”

Joe rubbed his jaw. “She’s attractive, I suppose.”

“You suppose? Maybe you need better glasses.”

“My glasses are fine. I’m not interested, Tone. You know that I’ve sworn off women. After what happened with Sheila, I’m basically immune to beautiful women … to all women actually. Ali is smart. She’s dedicated, and she does her work without complaint. She’s very organized. You know how I am about organization.”

Tony’s lips twitched. “Okay, if you say so.”

“So, what’s up? You said you needed a favor?”

Tony tossed the flash drive onto the desk. “I need you to compare these accounts from Purple Fields with ours, for the same dates. I’ve been going over Rena’s books. I just need your expert opinion.”

“How soon?”

“Today?”

“I can do that.” Joe inserted the flash drive into his computer. “I’ll upload the files and let you know what I find out.”

“Great, oh and can you burn them to a CD for me? There’s something else I want to check on.”

“Sure thing. I’ll do that first.” While Joe burned the information to a disk, Tony walked around the office, noting the subtle changes Joe had made to Santo Carlino’s office. Joe had secured even more high tech equipment than his father had used and updated the phone system. He was determined to make the company paperless, sooner rather than later.

It would seem that the only thing left from the older generation of the winery were the vast acres of vineyards—six hundred in all—the grapes that couldn’t be digitalized into growing faster and the wine itself.

After a few minutes, Joe handed him a CD of Rena’s accounts. “Here you go.”

Tony tapped the CD against his palm. “Thanks.”

“So how’s married life?”

Tony shrugged, wishing he knew the answer to that question. “Too soon to tell. I’ll be back later. You don’t have plans tonight, do you?”

Joe shook his head. “Just work.”

“Okay, I’ll see you around six.”

Tony walked out of the office after bidding farewell to Ali, who was as intent on her computer screen as Joe had been. He drove out of town and up the hills to the Carlino estate, waving a quick hello to Nick as he drove off the property with a pretty woman in his car. Tony only shook his head at his happy-go-lucky brother, thinking “been there, done that.”

Tony entered the house and grabbed a beer out of the refrigerator. Taking a big swig from the bottle, he walked upstairs to his quadrant of the house, entered his private office and sat down at his desk. He logged onto his computer and inserted the CD into the slot.

He stopped for one moment, contemplating what he was about to do. Taking another gulp of beer, he sighed with indecision, but his curiosity got the better of him. He searched the files and finally found what he’d been looking for. The screen popped up with the title Vine by Vine by Rena Fairfield Montgomery.

Tony began reading the first chapter.

Roots.

In order to make great wine, you need good terroir, meaning the soil, climate and topography of a region that uniquely influence the grapes. A wine with a certain terroir cannot be reproduced in close resemblance of another, because the terroir is not exactly the same. Much like the DNA of a person each wine has a one-of-a-kind profile.

I guess I came from good terroir. That is to say, my parents were solid grounded people, rich, not by monetary standards but by life and vitality and a grand love of winemaking. My roots run deep and strong. I come from healthy stock. I’ve always been thankful for that. I’ve had the love of the best two people on earth. A child can’t ask for more than that.

My parents, like the trellis system of a vine, show you the way yet cannot dictate the path you will ultimately choose. As I grew I felt their protection, but as I look back I also see the strength they instilled in me. After all, a new vine needs to weather a vicious storm now and again. It needs to withstand blasting winds, bending by its might but not breaking.

I remember a time when I was in grammar school …

Tony read the chapter, smiling often as Rena portrayed anecdotes from her childhood, relating them to the ever-growing vines, taking shape, readying for the fruit it would bear.

He skimmed the next few chapters until he came upon a chapter called “Crush and Maceration.”

The crush in vintner’s terminology is when the grapes are harvested, broken from the vine by gentle hands. The crush happens each year between August and October, depending on the kind of grapes that are growing in your vineyard. For me, the crush happened only once. It’s that time in your life when you break off from the ones that graciously and lovingly nourished you to become your own person. I was sixteen when that happened. I grew from an adolescent girl to womanhood the autumn of my sophomore year. The day I met my first love, Rod Barrington.

I had a big crush on Rod from the moment I laid eyes on him. He was new to our school, but his family was well known in the area. Everyone knew of the wealthy Barringtons, they owned more property in our valley than anyone else.

While my friendship with Rod grew, I fell more and more in love with him. For a young girl, the pain of being his friend nearly brought me to my knees. I couldn’t bear seeing him tease and joke with other girls, but I kept my innermost feelings hidden, hoping one day he’d realize that his good friend, Joanie Adams might just be the girl for him.

Tony read a few more passages, skimming the words on the page quickly, absorbing each instance that Rena relayed in the story, vaguely recalling the circumstances much like Rena had written. It was clearly obvious that though Rena had changed the names, Rena had written about his relationship with her, reminding him of the love they once shared. As he read on, the smile disappeared from his face, Rena’s emotions so bold and honest on the page. He knew he’d hurt her but just how much he hadn’t known until this very moment.

In winemaking once the grapes are gently crushed from the skins, seeds and stems, allowing the juices to flow, maceration occurs. The clear juice deepens in color the longer it’s allowed to steep with its counterparts, being in direct contact with stems and seeds and skins. Time blends the wine and determines the hue and flavor, intensifying its effect.

And that’s how I felt about Rod. The longer I was with him, the more direct contact I had with him, the more I loved him. He colored my every thought and desire. I knew I’d met the man of my dreams. We blended in every way.

Tony skimmed more pages, his stomach taut with regret and pain. He stopped when he came to a chapter titled “Corked.”

He knew what that meant. He forced himself to read on.

Wine that is “corked” has been contaminated by its cork stopper, causing a distinctly unpleasant aroma. The wine is ruined for life. It’s spoiled and will never be the same. Fortunately for wine lovers, only seven percent of all wine is considered corked or tainted. A sad fact if you’d invested time and energy with that bottle.

Wine shouldn’t let you down. And neither should someone you love.

Tony ran his hands down his face, unable to read any more. But a voice inside told him he had to know the extent of Rena’s feelings. He had to find out what happened to her after he’d left her. He continued to read, sitting stiffly in the chair, woodenly reading words that would haunt him.

“Rod called today, after his first big sale. It killed me to talk to him, I felt selfish for wishing he’d flop in his high-powered position in New York. I was dealing with my mother’s terminal cancer, needing him so badly.”

After reading Rena’s story, which ended abruptly when Rena’s mother died, Tony slumped in the seat. Drained, hollowed out by what he’d learned, he simply sat there, reliving the scenarios in his mind.

Eventually Tony logged off of his computer, leaving the disk behind, but Rena’s emotions and her silent suffering while he was winning races and pursuing his dreams would stay with him forever.

He met Joe at the office at six o’clock as planned, his disposition in the dumps. “Did you find anything unusual?” he asked his brother.

“No, not unusual. Dad did screw a lot of people over, but I’ve never seen it so clearly as now.”

Tony groaned, his mood going from gray to black in a heartbeat. “I was hoping I was wrong.”

“No, you’re not wrong. Your instincts are dead-on.” Joe shuffled papers around, comparing notes he’d written.