Page 126 of The Voice We Find

“Given the current state of things, not to mention our growing family”—her focus falls to Natalie’s growing baby bump—“we’ve agreed it would be best to temporarily close the doors of the winery. I plan to call the family attorney later today and inform him of our decision once I find Jasper’s bookkeeping records.”

“Mybookkeeping records,” Natalie respectfully corrects. “Not Jasper’s. I’m the one who’s handled all the finances. I can show you anything you’d like to see, Anita.”

“Thank you, Natty,” Mom says, sounding a bit dumbstruck. “That would be helpful.”

My mom isn’t the only person at this table who didn’t realize Natalie was so involved in the finances. I didn’t have a clue.

“Thankfully,” Natalie continues, “despite Jasper’s terrible spending habits, the stocks Ron invested in years ago, plus the interest we’ve made on the assets owned by the winery itself, should be more than enough to float us long after we provide severance packages to the employees and pay off our current debts.”

Mom’s face reveals she’s more than a little impressed with her daughter-in-law’s insight. “That’s ... good. Yes.”

“You likely didn’t know I graduated top of my class,” Natalie confirms before taking a sip of her water. “It wasn’t something Jasper liked to mention, seeing as he barely passed economics.” She shrugs. “Numbers are kind of my thing.”

I beam at my sister-in-law. “I’m glad math is a skill for at least one of us at this table. It certainly isn’t mine.”

Natalie looks to me and seems to remember something. “As far as Sophie’s trust payout is concerned, I’d like to propose she receive the full amount due to her next week as the van in question is now a key piece of evidence in a federal investigation. Maybe that’s something you can bring up to the attorney?”

“Oh, well, yes. Certainly.” My mom blinks. “But I think before I do that, I should bring up something else to him.”

We all wait patiently for my mother to form her thoughts into words. “I’d like to propose we draft a revision to the board of trustees. We’ll need a new quorum for future decision-making now that ... now that things are different.” She blinks away fresh tears. “Would you consider joining Sophie and me as trustee members, Natalie? We’ll still have to vote, but I have no doubt our attorney will be in agreement.” Her gaze falls on her mother’s cross pendant around my neck. “I’d like for both you girls to have an active voice here. Gigi would want it that way.”

Though it’s impossible to wrap our minds around the future, Natalie thanks my mother in earnest, and I’m grateful when August takes my hand under the table and reminds me that he’ll be with me through it all. Come what may.

Once breakfast is cleaned up, August asks me to walk him out to his car. I know he needs to get home to Gabby, but it’s still difficult to see him go when I’ve only just gotten him back.

At his car, he presses my back against his door and leans in close. “What do you think about a date tomorrow morning?”

Elation sings through me until I remember what day it is. “Tomorrow is Sunday. I don’t want to miss church.” And I was hoping, given August’s revelation last night, he wouldn’t either.

“We won’t. It will be a bit earlier than that.”

I scrunch my eyebrows, and he kisses my nose. “How early?”

“I’ll have to check the tide schedule and get back to you on that.”

“A pre-church surfing date?” I throw my arms around his neck and then shiver involuntarily. “But won’t the water besocold this time of year?”

“Gabby won’t care about the temperature. She’s a freak when she’s up on her board.”

And just like that, the elation is back. “You’re planning to invite Gabby to surf with us?”

“It’s time.” He nods in earnest. “I think it’s probably time to say yes to a lot of things she’s been asking to do. And before you say it”—he cocks an eyebrow and rolls his eyes good-naturedly—“Yes, I’m already planning to invite Tyler along, too.”

I gasp and bite my bottom lip. “Are you trying to win the Best Brother of the Year Award?”

He cinches me closer. “I’d much rather win the Best Boyfriend of the Year Award. I hear the perks are much better. Although, I’m still waiting to collect on that VIP tour I was promised months ago.”

“I think that can be arranged.”

His wide grin spreads as he leans in just enough to whisper four words against my lips that I’m absolutely positive I’ll never grow tired of hearing: “I love you, Sophie.”

Voice Memo

Gabby

3 years, 3 weeks, 2 days after the accident

I’m absolutely exhausted after today’s events, but I didn’t want to forget any of the fun details, so I decided to make a memo. I haven’t done one of these in a long time, but let’s face it: I’m a better talker than I am a writer. So here we go.

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