Page 33 of A Vineyard for Two
A warm feeling enveloped her as memories came flooding back of the many Christmases in July she’d experienced. Maybe, just maybe, doing this wasn’t the worst idea in the world. Hugh had had a vision, and he’d placed the responsibility on her and Brookes to make it become reality. She still wasn’t convinced it was doable, but the least she could do was try.
SIXTEEN
The morning flew faster than expected and Harper hadn’t even noticed that there was someone else besides Brookes at the inn. When she checked the time, it was already lunchtime and she heard voices coming from downstairs. She found Brookes and Tyler looking at exposed wiring in the hallway wall.
‘I didn’t even hear you come in,’ Harper said giving her younger brother a hug. It felt like she hadn’t seen him at all since she’d been back, he was always coming and going.
‘Hey sis,’ he said. ‘Brookes slipped me in the back way.’
‘That does not look good.’ The wires were everywhere and it looked like an electrical fault waiting to happen.
‘Not as bad as it seems. We had to open it up to see if there were any issues. I’ve gone through the property, checked most of the wiring and it all looks in working order. Hugh was good at keeping everything updated and serviced so you’re definitely in luck with that department. I’m not sure about that wall, though. It looks like it’s taken a beating.’
‘It’s definitely seen better days,’ Harper said.
‘It was in the way,’ Brookes said. ‘I had to check whether we can rip it out and expand this space.’
‘Hmm, I’m not sure I like the sound of that.’
‘You’re going to love it when it’s finished.’
She wasn’t certain, but she wasn’t going to argue. She just hoped that Brookes knew what he was doing.
‘You should grab a hammer too, Harper,’ Tyler said smiling. ‘Wall smashing can be quite therapeutic.’
‘Are you implying I need therapy?’
‘You have been a little tense,’ Tyler said defensively. ‘I mean no offence.’
‘None taken. I think I’ll leave the bashing and smashing to Brookes.’
‘Fine by me, not sure if my first aid skills are up to scratch.’
Harper rolled her eyes. ‘I’m more than capable of handling a hammer.’
’No doubt about that,’ Tyler said.
Harper picked up the hammer, lifted it above her head and aimed at the wall.
‘Wow hold up. How do you know that this spot isn’t going to cause the entire place to crumble down?’ Tyler jested.
Harper raised an eyebrow. ‘Um, probably because there’s already a hole in it.’
‘Yeah, I suppose that’s a fair call.’
‘I’ll leave you two to it, there is still a heap of stuff to do upstairs,’ she said putting down the hammer. ‘Just don’t get electrocuted.’
Harper left them debating the electrical work and went into the kitchen to grab a banana from the fruit bowl and ate it as she admired the view from the window. The midday light showed the vineyard at its brightest and the winter sun was pulling all sorts of magic today. For a moment, she found herself imagining the hillside crowded with patrons, romantic rendezvous and families with kids running around. There was room for a small paddock with farm animals which would be a cute feature near the pond, maybe a kayak or two for those who wanted a paddle. Brookes was right, there was ample opportunity here for an incredible experience and he was the perfect person to do it. She couldn’t take that away from him by selling this place, and she wasn’t going to get in his way by staying after Christmas in July either.
‘Penny for your thoughts?’
She turned to see Tyler standing in the kitchen doorway. ‘Just enjoying the view. It’s a beautiful day out there.’
‘Sure is. I miss it every time I leave.’
‘And you always come back.’
‘I can’t imagine settling anywhere else. Once I’m done with the army, I’ll buy a little cottage, grow some vines, maybe get a couple of cats, and make an honest man out of myself.’