Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 76759 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76759 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
“Yeah, sure. High tea served by an actual Englishman sounds awesome. Count me in.”
“It’ll be afternoon tea, not high tea like you get at the Brown Palace in Denver.”
I frown. “You mean I’m not going to get scones and clotted cream?”
“You might. I don’t know. But you love tea.”
“I do, and I’d love to meet him. I kind of remember him.”
“Yeah, he lived on the ranch after Uncle Ryan took over the winemaking, and then he moved back to England a couple of years later. So you may have some memories of him.”
“I remember he was nice-looking. I liked his accent.”
“Right.”
“So he wants to see us? How come?”
“Well, our family was a big part of his life for a long time. So we have to tell him…”
I swallow. “I suppose you’re right. You have to tell him what really happened to Patty Watson.”
He nods. “I know. Brock’s not looking forward to it.”
I bite my lip, thinking. “Maybe I shouldn’t go. Maybe it should just be you and Brock.”
“Don’t be silly. He’s going to want to see you.”
“We’ll be here for the next several days, and then we’ll be back after Scotland. I can see him then.”
“No, I’d like you to come along.” He wrinkles his forehead. “Or did you and Maddie already make plans for tomorrow?”
“Brock was going to take us sightseeing in the morning. Is it okay if Maddie comes along?”
“Callie isn’t going. Would she feel uncomfortable?”
“I don’t think so.”
“All right. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
A server comes and asks what we’d like to drink.
“Just a Coke for me,” I say. “Make it Diet Coke.”
“I’ll have the same,” Donny says.
I give my brother a punch in the arm. “You’re not going to have another pint?”
He laughs. “I don’t like beer that much, and I’m not sure if they serve margaritas on this side of the pond.”
“They probably do, Don. Just order what you want.”
He shakes his head. “I’ve had enough alcohol for the night. I need to get a good night’s rest. We all do. Jesse may be jet lagging worse than the rest of us, but it’s going to hit all of us soon. That’s why Callie’s tired.”
“I’m not tired at all,” I say. “I’m just so excited to be here.”
“Yeah, this can be a fun time for all of us. Especially you and Maddie. You’re going to get to go on the whole tour, see so much of Europe.”
“You could do that too, you know. You and Callie both.”
“The city of Snow Creek needs its attorney,” he says. “I can’t be away for that long. Besides, I already promised Callie an amazing honeymoon wherever she wants to go once we get married.”
I stifle a yawn. “So…when are you guys going to get married? And what about Brock and Rory?”
“They’re talking about a double wedding, which Brock and I are fine with. They think it will be easier on their parents. Of course, Brock and I have told both Rory and Callie not to worry about expenses, but they’re worried about what their parents will think. And I get it. So if they’re willing to have a double wedding, Brock and I are in.”
“Actually, a double wedding could be really fun.” I pull my phone out of my purse and tap the calendar. “What about dates, Donny?”
“Rory has to get through the tour first. Then we’ll see what happens next. Rory and Jesse are hoping that the band gets more popular, and maybe they’ll be able to open for some other big names, or maybe even get asked to tour themselves. Once we know what’s going on after that, we’ll set a date.”
“Oh, sure. I see. You don’t want Rory to miss out on any band stuff.”
“Of course not. Rory’s a big part of the band now. Emerald Phoenix wouldn’t have asked Dragonlock to open for them if not for her.”
I smile. “It’s so great that she’s finally found her true calling. She has a beautiful operatic voice, but boy, she can rock too.”
“You don’t have to tell me. She’s awesome. It’s funny how Rory and Jesse got so much musical talent, but Callie and Maddie don’t seem to have any.”
“Callie’s got the brains, though.”
“True enough.”
“It all kind of bothers Maddie,” I say quietly. “Jesse and Rory are so talented, and Callie’s so smart. Maddie feels really…ordinary.”
Donny frowns. “Really? She’s beautiful, and I’ve never really talked to her, but I assume she’s as smart as the rest of the family.”
“She is. She’s gotten straight As all through college. But she’s in the shadow of three amazing older siblings.”
Donny laughs. “That’s silly. I suppose you never had that feeling, huh?”
“What feeling?”
He chuckles. “Being in the shadow of three amazing older siblings?”
I give him a good-natured swat. “You guys are all amazing. You know what I think of you. But we’re all so different. I don’t know how we could ever be in competition with each other. You’ve got reclusive Dale, with his gift for winemaking. Then you, such a big personality who followed Mom into law. Quiet and brainy Diana, who completely does her own thing with architecture. And then you have me. The only one who’s really interested in what Dad does.”