Page 72 of The Wedding Toast
“And your father?”
Ollie loved the way Reaves smiled whenever he spoke about his dad.Charles was such a good guy.He might be older and a little stuck in his ways, but he was not just respected but genuinely loved by many around here.
“He’s doing well,” said Reaves.“He said to tell you he’s looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
“The feeling’s mutual,” said Alexandria.“It’s been too long.”
“That’s what he said, too.”
Alexandria cocked an eyebrow at Ollie as she asked Reaves, “And how about you?Is there a young lady in your life at the moment?”
Ollie tried to hold back a laugh but didn’t quite manage it, and Reaves shot him an evil look.
“Oh,” said Alexandria.“There’s a story here, I can tell.”
Reaves shook his head.“Not the kind of story you think.”
“It’s true,” said Ollie.“The reason I laughed is because the girl who’s stolen Reaves’s heart is much, much younger.”
Alexandria didn’t look impressed, so he hurried on.“As in she’s six years old.I don’t know if you’ve heard about little Zia?”
Alexandria smiled.“From the names she’s given my children, I’m rather looking forward to meeting her.I don’t know that Bentley is thrilled to be King of the Bluebells; however, I have to agree with the child that Willow is a warrior princess, and she’s more than capable of taming the growly dragon who is Slade.”
Ollie and Reaves both laughed.
“Oh, sorry, I have to go,” said Alexandria.“Russ is calling me over.Although, I’ll be keeping an eye on you both.I’m going to want progress reports on these young ladies of yours.”
As they watched her go, Reaves asked, “Young ladies?As in plural?What did you tell her about Callie?In fact, what’s going on with you and Callie?”
“Nothing yet,” said Ollie.
“I hope you’re going to do something about that before she leaves.”
Ollie nodded.He’d like to, but he didn’t know if it’d be a wise move.So far, he’d gotten along so well with Callie because, from the moment they met, he’d assured her that he wasn’t one of the wine country royalty, and she’d relaxed with him.Even now, she was a little on edge with some of the others – he could tell.
He hadn’t lied.He didn’t come from one of the wine families.But it wasn’t wine that was the problem.He knew that.
Reaves gave him a puzzled look.“Or are you not that into her after all?Have I got the wrong idea?”
He shrugged.It was too much to explain right now, so instead he went with, “I’ll figure it out.But what about you?”
Reaves chuckled.“What about me?There’s no hope for me, is there?The girl who’s stolen my heart is only six years old.”
“And her mom…?”
Reaves met his gaze.“That remains to be seen, doesn’t it?I said I’d take Zia over to see my dad in the morning – to keep her out of harm’s way while it’s busy around here.”
Ollie laughed.“Damn.Can I come too?Your dad and Zia together – that’s going to be… Please say I can come too.”
Reaves laughed with him.“Sure.Why not?You know Dad loves having you around.”
“Thanks.But seriously – what about Alara?”
Reaves shrugged.“There’s interest there… but… there’s probably no point.”He gave Ollie a sad smile.“Just my luck, huh?”
Ollie shook his head.“You’re always lucky with the ladies.What do you mean?”
His friend surprised him when he said, “I mean that the first time I see the appeal in something more than just getting lucky, it’s not going to happen, is it?She’s on her way to Oregon.”
