Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 75592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“Doing what?” he asks.
“Stable workers, grooms, trainers, veterinarians, administrative staff, maintenance techs. That’s just off the top of my head.”
Gabe issues a low whistle. “Impressive. I wish I’d asked more about it before.”
I’m uncomfortable that he’s bringing up our past, especially with Sylvie sitting beside us and the chance that the conversation could turn volatile. I shift attention back to him, delving into something that’s been on my mind. “Tell me more about Alaine. What was she like?”
I’ve heard Sylvie talk about her mother on many occasions because it’s a subject everyone in my family encourages. None of us forget that only a few short months ago, Sylvie lost her mother to cancer and then was thrust into an alien world. So we push to keep that connection alive, which is also why Ethan allowed her to come to France with Gabe.
Expression softening, Gabe taps his finger against his glass as he ponders. “I don’t quite know how to describe my sister. She was incredible, the best mom to Sylvie. She was so passionate about everything she did, especially the vineyard. That made her a formidable businesswoman and yet… she was really down-to-earth. Nothing like me or my parents in that respect, but I expect that’s because she got away from them as soon as she could.”
I don’t point out there was a time when I found Gabe to be genuine and down-to-earth but instead say, “I can tell you were very close to her just by the tone of your voice.”
Gabe settles back in his chair and nods. “We only had each other. Our parents weren’t very… well, parental. I guess it’s okay for me to say it out loud now given everything that’s happened the last few weeks, but they’re both cold. Detached. Alaine and I were raised by a rotating door of nannies. So yeah… we only had each other.” His gaze shifts over to Sylvie. “And now she’s all I’ve got.”
Understanding dawns on me. Sylvie isn’t just his niece, she’s his last connection to his sister. The only part of his family that was genuine and loving. The only part of his family that would speak to his own humanity.
Gabe clears his throat and rises from his seat. He’s dressed casually in a pair of khaki pants and a black polo shirt with the Mardraggon Bourbon logo of a flying golden dragon over the left breast. “Excuse me a moment… I need to check on something.” He moves to the back of the plane, pulling his phone out of his pocket. He puts it to his ear, connecting a call.
I know he would like me to believe that he has business to attend to, but I can tell that he was feeling emotional in remembering his sister. I don’t begrudge him that vulnerability and God help me, it makes him more attractive. It reminds me of the man I knew long ago, the one I lost my heart to.
CHAPTER 16
Kat
When I think of growing up in Kentucky, especially the feud between the Blackburns and the Mardraggons, I often get a sense of awe over how long ago it started. Over a hundred and seventy years—that span used to seem unfathomable to me. But as I walk the ancient streets of Saint-Émilion, I realize our American feud happened the equivalent of a yesterday to the French.
I can understand why Sylvie is so homesick for this picturesque town in the Bordeaux region. The town was formed in the eighth century—over a thousand years ago—and while math has never been my forte, those numbers make my head spin. I’ve been absolutely charmed by the stone architecture and the narrow cobblestone streets. Because the town sits atop a hill, stunning views of the vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, the Dordogne River meandering in the distance.
I’ve walked the streets early in the morning each day we’ve been here, feeling more confident in myself to bridge the language barrier by lucking into residents who speak English or miming what I need when inside a bakery or coffee shop.
Gabe has taken to working on Mardraggon business first thing in the morning and I’ve used the time to explore. Sylvie has been the social butterfly, visiting dear friends she was forced to leave behind without proper goodbyes. While I wanted her by my side as I experienced my first trip to Europe, I also could never deny her the opportunity to soak up every bit of homecoming that she could. She stayed at a friend’s house yesterday and last night.
Glancing at my watch, I see it’s nearing nine a.m. and I have to be back at the château in about an hour to meet Gabe. We’re going to review the notes from our meetings regarding the expansion as well as the portfolios of interested investors.