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She laughs. “Yes, but I rather enjoyed being cut off this time.”

I no longer care that I’m all sweaty and gross. I lift her into my arms and spin her around. We still have a lot to work through, but Jessica just made me the happiest man alive.

CHAPTER 19

JESSICA

Every nerve in my body is on high alert. My hands won’t stop shaking and I’ve tripped over my own feet a half a dozen times since I arrived.

I personally invited all my local friends to join me for tonight's tasting. Everyone who’s important to me is here. Adam and Joseph are sitting at a table with some of their closest friends and significant others, and Gracie and Leann are sitting at the bar in front of me. In fact, Gracie’s family, the entire Strong Clan—all ten of them—is here for this soon to be celebration where I announce I’m moving back home.

But my nerves have little to do with announcing my plans to stay in Watercress Falls. Instead, it has everything to do with the man that just walked through the front door.

Matthew has never looked better in his tight-fitting jeans and snug t-shirt. Even with a shirt on I can see every curve and ridge of the muscles on his arms, chest, and abs. Matthew always had a great body, but the years have definitely been kind to him. Seeing him earlier shirtless and all hot and sweaty had been the sexiest thing I’d seen in years. Maybe even ever.

He makes a beeline for me like a man on a mission. At least three people call his name to say hi, but he doesn’t acknowledge any of them. It’s as if I’m the only person in the room even though we’re packed tonight.

He stops next to the bar in front of me and leans close. His bright green eyes darken as they rake down my body, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. My entire body feels like it’s been licked by flames. “Baby, you look amazing. I really want to kiss you right now.”

Feeling bold and so ready to take our relationship to the next level, I come back with, “What’s stopping you?”

He lets out a low rumbling growl before he straightens and walks around the bar. He marches right for me, swoops me into his arms, and kisses me. It’s hard at first, but as soon as I run my fingers around his neck and into the back of his hair, he melts into me, and the kiss softens.

I’m completely lost in him. Until he breaks the kiss and sits me back down on the ground, I don’t hear all the whoops and cheers of support. When I glance around, all our friends are standing and clapping.

Joseph is the first to reach across the bar and slap Matthew on the back. “Well, it’s about fucking time!”

More cheers erupt, and I bury my face in Matthew’s chest to hide my embarrassment. While this is exactly what I wanted him to do when I practically dared him to kiss me, I didn’t actually think he’d do it. He slips his hand under my chin and lifts my face to his. He kisses me again before he whispers in my ear. “Never be embarrassed, baby. When you know what you want, own it.”

My face heats at his words, because he’s right. I know what I want, and I want him. I don’t care who knows it. This may not have been how I planned on telling our friends and family we were giving our love another shot, but it works, and it makes me feel good.

I glance around the room, and all I see are smiles. Everyone is happy for us, just as they should be. My eyes meet Adam’s, and his smile grows. He lifts his glass of wine and nods his approval. I still haven’t fully learned to trust Matthew again, but I have forgiven him just like Adam said I needed to. He was right. My love for Matthew is stronger than the pain I’ve lived with over the years. That love helped me forgive him, and with time, he’ll earn my trust again. I know it.

“So, is this why you invited us all out here?” Joseph stood with a smirk on his face. “To tell us you’re back together.”

I rest a hand on Matthew’s chest and look up at him with a grin. “Not exactly.” He takes my hand and squeezes it. I look back out at the crowd and smile. “My real announcement is to tell you all that I’ve decided not to sell the vineyard. I’m moving back to Watercress Falls permanently to run it myself.”

More cheers erupted. Again, Joseph is the first person to raise his glass in a toast. “Thank God for that. At least now we don’t have to worry about you selling to some weird Frenchman that’ll come in here and mess up a good thing.”

“Now why would a Frenchman mess it up.” I chuckle. Not that I had any intentions of selling the vineyard to a foreigner if selling had ever really been an option. “Aren’t they supposed to be good at wine making?”

“Who knows?” Joseph barks back. “Regardless, we don’t need them barging into our town and trying to steal all our women.”

“Well, I don’t know,” Gracie pipes up. “After meeting my sister’s French boyfriend, I think the young ladies of Watercress Falls could use the variety.”

A darkness passes over Joe’s eyes before he smiles. My gaze shifts back and forth between them, and I can’t help but wonder if there’s more to Joseph’s protests. “Well, if you like snooty dicks, I guess we men can change our approach to flirting.”

Gracie snorts. “Joe, please. Your idea of flirting is a little wham bam, thank you ma’am. I think a Frenchman could teach you a thing or two.”

He growls before taking another drink of his wine. The room erupts in laughter again because everyone knows Joseph is about as romantic as a wilted flower. But he is a charmer, and from what I understand, he’s never had trouble picking up women.

I arriveat the house before Matthew does. We left at the same time, so I assume he had to pick up Emmie before coming home. Disappointment washes over me. I was hoping to have the house alone with him tonight.

I head to the kitchen to get a glass of water. I’m by no meansdrunk, but I’ve had enough wine that I need to rehydrate or else I’ll wake up with a headache. I hear the front door open and close, then the soft sound of footsteps heading toward me. Matthew stops at the kitchen entrance—alone—and leans against the door frame.

“No Emmie?” I ask.

He shakes his head and stares at me with so much heat I have to clench my thighs together. “She’s staying the night at Momma’s. She won’t be home until after work tomorrow.”