Page 123 of Irreplaceable

“Mama!” Aiden called out for me on the monitor. “Mama!”

I smiled and headed toward his room, Juliana on my heels. “Let me get you a robe or something to protect your dress.”

“It’ll be fine,” I said, opening the door to Aiden’s room. Alexis, Juliana, Lauren, and I had taken over the house, along with my mom, Jo, and Mackenzie. The guys were getting ready in the barn we’d just finished converting into a space for events. And the tasting room would be ready to open to the public in a few weeks.

Enzo might have retired, but he was still active in the sport through his foundation. And now he had the winery to run. I’d continued to take freelance photography assignments, and I loved the freedom and flexibility.

“This place looks great,” Alexis said, joining us.

I smiled. “Thanks.”

She’d only seen pictures of the property but had yet to visit. Alexis had connected us with a local agent—Vanessa Nguyen—to help us secure the winery and house. Lauren had visited a few times to help with the interior design, and I loved seeing her touches throughout the space. She’d done a great job of making it feel both beautiful and livable.

“Aiden.” I smiled, opening the door to his room. Apart from the amazing darkroom that Enzo had surprised me with, Aiden’s room was my favorite place in the house.

Aiden smiled and squealed as I picked him up from the crib. He was getting so big. Sometimes it was easy to forget he’d been born five weeks early and spent so much time in the NICU. He was healthy and well and such a happy little boy. A chubby one, too.

“Oh, it looks great in here,” Lauren said, admiring all the details. The built-in bookshelves with all the children’s books I’d collected during my travels. Even without reading my note inside, I could remember where I’d purchased each and every one. And I was so happy they finally had a home.

Sunlight filtered through the window, rows of grapes glistening in the sun. It would be vintage soon, and then the grapes would be harvested and the wine made. Enzo was excited about it, and I was glad he had something to occupy him during retirement.

“It looks great, thanks to you.” I grinned, elbowing Lauren.

Aiden reached out for Lauren and said, “Lor-lor,” his name for her. She smiled and took him in her arms, talking to him as she bounced him up and down. I smiled at them and then joined Juliana where she stood next to the crib, her hand lingering on the edge.

“Having second thoughts about children?” I asked, though I was pretty sure I already knew the answer.

“No.” She smiled wistfully. “I was actually admiring the artwork.”

I glanced up at the wall where the batiks Enzo and I had painted hung on either side of Aiden’s crib. I smiled. “Enzo and I painted those in Bali.”

“They’re beautiful.”

I nodded. “They are.”

I couldn’t believe that was two years ago—almost to the day. So much had changed since then. We’d had a baby. He’d retired. We’d moved to the Alondra Valley and bought a winery. And now we were getting married.

As always, it was out of order. But as Enzo liked to remind me, there was no “right order.” There was only what was right for us. And this town, this new adventure, were definitely right for us. I could feel it deep in my gut, and I could envision many happy memories here.

There was a knock at the door, and Landon said, “Almost showtime.”

“Awesome. Thanks,” Juliana said.

Juliana had helped plan our wedding, but Landon was executing the vision so that she could enjoy the event with us.

“Should I tell Doc we’re ready for him?” Landon asked.

I nodded. “I’m ready.”

I gave Aiden a kiss, and Lauren carried him out with Alexis. Juliana remained behind with me while we waited for my dad. I assumed he’d gotten caught up in some conversation, and the idea made me laugh.

“You look absolutely stunning,” Juliana said, handing me my bouquet. It was a mix of sunflowers and wild flowers that had come from a local farm and bed-and-breakfast, Alpaca Acres.

I glanced at my reflection and smoothed my hand down my stomach. The stones on my engagement ring caught the light, and I smiled. Enzo had picked the ring because he said it reminded him of us, but I often caught myself thinking of the day we met. The design was dark and light, a study in contrasts. Just like he’d been a man of hard lines and shadows, standing in the sunshine.

I liked to tease him that it looked like the colors of a soccer ball. But I loved that he’d selected something so unique, so me. It was one of a kind, just like our relationship.

“Thank you for making this day special,” I said to Juliana. “I’m so glad you’re here with me.”