Page 181 of Lovestruck at Sundown
“The other interesting symbolism I found in this painting is how the overflowing abundance of wine represents spiritual abundance, inner fulfillment, and the realization of one’s true potential,” he explained. “And I know that if I hadn’t met you, I wouldn’t have challenged myself to get out of my comfort zone and explore other things close to my heart, nor would I have pushed myself to earn my culinary degree once and for all. I fear I would have stayed in a constant state of comfortable stagnation, growing as an actor but not really as a person.
“But that being said, all my experiences have blessed me with abundant wealth, and the best way to express my gratitude toward the universe is to have someone to share it with. From the moment I met you, I’ve wanted to give you everything I have, and I’ve had to constantly fight you on it because I know how important it is for you to feel self-sufficient and unrestrained. You were taught that accepting money or financial support came at a high cost to your freedom. But as long as you let me take careof you, I promise never to hold it over your head or think I’m entitled to control you in any way, shape, or form.
“Owning and operating our winery as equal partners makes even more sense now and serves as a symbol and reminder of this shared abundance and respect I’ll always have for you as a business, life, and romantic partner.”
William let go of my hands and reached inside his inner coat pocket, pulling out a small, green, velvet box, and got down on one knee. My sobs flooded the empty gallery room, and I covered my mouth with my hands, trying to calm myself, but failed. I was overtaken with emotion.
“Marry me, Guille.” He opened the box, and a familiar oval-shaped solitaire diamond gleamed on a thin, golden band, dazzling me with its perfect brilliance. “My entire heart and soul are already forever yours.”
“Yes!” I cried, the non-stop shuddering pants impeding me from formulating a longer sentence. I extended my shaking hand and watched as William placed my mom’s engagement ring on my finger.
He stood and embraced me, lifting me from the floor and spinning me. “I was terrified you’d say no,” he said, staring into my eyes after a few spins.
“No, you were not.” I laughed through the tears. “There’s not a single universe where I say no to you.”
“Wife,” he whispered in my ear, making my entire body vibrate with adoration. He kissed me, his soft, warm lips meeting mine as he slowly put me back on my feet. He grabbed my face and broke off the kiss for a second to say, “The gods are never mistaken.”
EXTENDED EPILOGUE
Five years later … Midsummer 2018
Ever sinceSagaponack Fields had opened its doors almost four years ago, we had moved our Midsummer celebration over there. The number of people attending Midsummer grew with each passing year, so even if our home was big enough to fit everyone, it was easier to use the restaurant’s tables and the industrial kitchen to cook everything.
William finally allowed others to help him cook that day, and by others, I mean three people: Moira, Jan Parker, and Eric, who had been working at Sagaponack Fields since its grand opening. After graduating, Eric was hired as a kitchen porter because William wanted him to start from the bottom so he would learn how to run every aspect of the kitchen. He was quickly promoted to commis chef and had been doing a stellar job as chef de partie for over a year now.
Nemorino’s Winery was built on the same plot of land next to the restaurant. Although the construction took a bit longer to design and develop, I felt so proud when it was finally done and the first batch of wine came out.
Nina and Cecile’s marketing firm was handling the winery’s marketing and social media strategy, and they were killing it. The public adored the love potion storyline, and it quickly became a national bestseller. Everything William touched turned into gold.
Everyone had arrived, the food was almost ready, the musicwas playing, and the drinks started flowing. This was the first time we asked some of the restaurant’s servers to stay and help with the service. We usually did everything ourselves, but it made for a more peaceful experience if we didn’t have to argue about who helped the least each year.
“Where should I put these, Lily?” Zara asked as she carried out two medium-sized vases filled with beautiful flowers in vibrant, colorful shades. The restaurant had a lovely outside seating area on the terrace, and that’s where we usually held the party.
“Those should be distributed along the table!” Lily yelled from where we stood, setting up the build-your-own-flower-crown station. Nothing had changed much. We still relied on Lily to tell us what to do.
Moira and Eric rolled in a service cart and spaced out the plated snacks and other typical dishes along the length of the main dining table. Tobias was quick to snatch an olive and a piece of cheese from one of the plates and took them to his mouth.
“Mmm,” he groaned with delight, grabbing another olive and rushing to where Cecile stood to feed her one. Tobias had recently proposed to her with a gorgeous two-stone engagement ring made of a pear-shaped and an emerald-cut diamond on an elegant golden band.
“Ruth, can I get you something to drink?” Zara asked my father’s girlfriend, who was sitting in one of the chairs at the flower crown station, watching us finish setting everything up. Ruth and my dad had met through a mutual friend at an event. She was a widow, too, and a sweet and lovely woman. She’d arrived in my dad’s life at the right moment, and they seemed happy and at peace.
“Wine would be great, dear,” Ruth replied in her usual elegant voice.
“Coming right up.” Zara turned on her heel and strutted toward the bar, where two bartenders were ready and eager to start taking more drink orders.
“Incoming,” Moira warned as she stepped out onto the terrace carrying a large plate. Zara stepped to the side to let her through.
“Careful, princess.” Moira winked at her and left the plate on the table to swiftly return to the kitchen.
Moira and Zara had dated for a while, but it never got too serious. After Lily and Joel’s wedding, they realized they were better off as friends. Moira’s lifestyle didn’t match Zara’s. Moira worked long hours, and Zara was too much of a free spirit. She loved partying and going out with her friends from Juilliard and other celebrities she met through her brothers and the famous Netflix show she’d been working on for the past couple of years.
Aaron parked in the distance, and Sivert and he got out of the car and walked over to us. Aaron had gone to pick him up from the airport. He was still working with us and wasn’t only our private security and driver but also an esteemed member of our family. Naomi and him were still together, but she couldn’t make it to this year’s Midsummer celebration because she had to work in L.A.
My phone’s alarm went off. I killed it and left my phone on the table, letting Ruth know I’d be right back. I walked inside the restaurant and headed straight for the kitchen. “Dad?” I shouted.
“We’re in here!” he shouted back.
I pushed the swivel doors open and stepped in. My dad was carrying Adina as William fed her a strawberry. “Mama!” she yelled excitedly when she saw me walking inside the kitchen. My baby girl was wearing a beautiful pink lace dress with a matching headband made of flowers with the same lace.
