Page 68 of Snowbound with the Vineyard Owner
"Yes, because my vision includes actually sharing your wine with people who would appreciate it, rather than hiding up here on your mountain, pretending that obscurity somehow makes your work more authentic."
The words hang between us, too sharp to take back. Dominic's expression closes completely, the final drawbridge raising on his emotional fortress.
"Perhaps this partnership isn't the right fit after all." His voice is deadly calm, more devastating than if he'd shouted.
Before I can respond, Merlot barks frantically at the front door, breaking the tension. Dominic moves to investigate, visibly relieved at the interruption.
Two figures approach through the snow—a woman and a small boy, both on snowshoes. Dominic's posture changes immediately, softening as he opens the door.
"Hannah, Liam. What are you doing up here?" His tone holds genuine concern.
The woman—Hannah—is beautiful in an understated way, with auburn hair escaping aknit cap and cheeks flushed from exertion. The boy beside her, no more than seven or eight, beams at the sight of Merlot bounding toward them.
"Sheriff said the roads would be clear soon, but Dr. Morrison was worried about Merlot." Hannah holds up a small package. "The medicine you called about last week? For his ear infection?"
"You hiked up here for that?" Dominic sounds both exasperated and touched. "You could have waited until I came to town."
"And miss a chance to be the first to meet your mysterious guest?" Hannah's smile is teasing but genuine as she spots me hovering in the background. "Hi there. I'm Hannah Lewis. Town librarian and occasional delivery service."
"Elena Santiago." I step forward with a practiced smile. "It's lovely to meet you."
Hannah's gaze flicks between Dominic and me, a knowing gleam in her eyes that suggests she's reading far more into the situation than I'm comfortable with.
"So you're the wine expert everyone's talking about. Mabel has been beside herself with curiosity."
"Mom," the boy interrupts impatiently, "can I play with Merlot now?"
"Outside only, bud. Remember what happened last time." Hannah's fond exasperation speaks of familiarity with both dog and owner that twists something uncomfortable in my chest.
As Liam leads an eager Merlot into the yard, Hannah turns her attention to Dominic. "How are you holding up? When Sheriff Donovan said you had a guest stranded here, I was worried you might not have enough supplies."
"We're fine," Dominic assures her, his tone warmer than anything I've heard since our argument began. "But I appreciate you checking on us."
The "us" feels performative given the tension still cracklingbetween us, but Hannah seems not to notice or care. Her eyes linger on Dominic with unmistakable affection, confirming my suspicion that her interest goes beyond neighborly concern.
"Dr. Morrison says to put three drops in each ear twice daily," she explains, handing over the medicine. "And Merlot needs to finish the full course this time, even if he seems better."
"I know, I know." Dominic accepts the package with a rueful smile that I've never seen him direct at me. "Can I get you two something warm before you head back? It's a long trek down."
"That would be great." Hannah beams, unwinding her scarf. "Liam insisted we could make it up and back before lunch, but I'm already dreading the return journey."
As they settle in the kitchen, the easy camaraderie between Hannah and Dominic becomes increasingly evident. She knows where the mugs are kept, how he takes his coffee, which cupboard holds the special hot chocolate she makes for Liam when he's called inside. The domesticity of it all—this pretty, capable woman so comfortable in Dominic's space—sends an unexpected pang of jealousy through me.
I excuse myself to check on Merlot and Liam, needing a moment away from the cozy kitchen scene. Outside, the boy carefully examines Merlot's ears while the dog sits with surprising patience.
"Are you a dog doctor?" I ask, crouching beside them in the snow.
Liam looks up, his serious expression giving way to a gap-toothed smile. "Not yet. But I'm studying. Merlot's my best patient 'cause he holds still."
"He seems to like you a lot."
"He likes everyone," Liam says with the certainty of childhood. "Even Mr. Dominic, andhe pretends to be all grumpy."
I can't help but smile at the astute observation. "Does he? Pretend to be grumpy?"
"Mom says he's just sad inside but doesn't know how to say it." Liam gently strokes Merlot's head. "That's why she keeps trying to make him come to town stuff. She says solitude is solitary confinement you give yourself."
The insight, delivered with the innocence of childhood, strikes uncomfortably close to the heart of my argument with Dominic. I help Liam check Merlot's other ear, contemplating the concept of self-imposed isolation as protection rather than punishment.
