I grabbed a clean coffee mug and poured some of the carafe for myself. “He said he had an errand in town, but he’d be back.”
This was way better than any brew I’d done in my coffee pot. I swallowed and ignored the tingles on my lips from the many kisses I’d been partaking in.
Sabrina offered me a croissant. “So you seem happy.”
I nodded and pulled the still warm bread out. “I am. I understand you’re leaving the farm for a few days to head up to Paris.”
I then tasted the divine pastry, and it melted in my mouth. This was even better than the delicious ones in Paris or in Monte Carlo. As I finished, Sabrina said, “This place is beautiful. I’ll be back for your wedding, but I want to see Paris for myself.”
She’d have a vacation and stay in Quentin’s apartment he apparently still owned as Desiree had moved out without taking ownership. I’d see it soon enough, but right now I hugged my coffee and said, “I’m glad you came.”
She stood and took the empty plate to the sink. “Me too. Looks like your fiancé is back.”
I craned my neck and saw him walking toward the house in a hurry. I finished my coffee and beamed when he entered.
However, he motioned for me to join him at the door, and his lips were pressed together. I jumped out of my chair and took his hand. “Quentin, what’s going on?”
He guided me outside, and we stood in front of the vineyard that smelled so sweet. Then he took both my hands in his. “Kara, I put our names down for a court wedding. We need to wait a few days, but in the meantime, I had the jeweler adjust my family ring for you. And I bought you this.”
He went down on one knee and a tear glistened from my eye as I took the diamond he’d offered. “This is beautiful.”
The round diamond shone brighter than any other ring I’d ever seen. He stood up as I placed it on my finger. “I wanted you to have something new, just for you. You only have to wear my family heirloom for special occasions.”
He then handed me the citrine and diamond ring, and I slipped it on my other finger like I was a princess. “I’ll wear both with pride. Thank you.”
I threw my hands around his neck and followed that with my entire body pressed to his. I’d not had enough. I kissed him.
His dimples showed when let me go, and he squeezed my ass for a moment. “Now let’s go inside; my father wanted to talk to you in his study.”
Goosebumps grew on my arms. “Your father?”
He placed his hand on my back like he’d protect me. “Yes, but you can tell him no if you don’t like what he has to say. I absolutely understand.”
I ignored the little trembles in my spine. “Okay… This sounds serious.” Quentin stayed with me like there was trouble ahead, but we walked into his father’s office. It was a large white room with the latest computing systems and an older model laptop on the ivory desk. His father closed his laptop as we took seats on our leather chairs across from him.
I squirmed and said, “Hello. Mr. I mean, Monsieur La Trimouille.”
“I’m glad you could join me,” he said and offered us two glasses with water.
“Thanks.”
He settled in his chair. “My son told me you worked in a bottling factory in America.”
I nodded. He didn’t need to think I’d be just lounging around if that’s what today was about. “Yeah, it’s boring to do the financials, but I’m going to find a job about numbers when I can.”
He folded his hands on his belly. “Why don’t you work for me?”
My eyes widened. “Excuse me?”
He scooted his chair closer to the desk. “My son is a doctor, but one day he’ll inherit the entire company, and you know the manufacturing part of the business already.”
Was this on the level? I glanced at Quentin who almost glared at his father like he crossed a line. “So?”
His father ignored him entirely. “He’s not interested in running a vineyard.”
I turned and squeezed Quentin’s hand. “Is that true?”
“Yes,” he said.
My mind whirled with questions as I moved my chair closer to the desk. “I don’t have a lot of experience with growing grapes.”
He pointed to Quentin. “My son knows about the vines, and we can teach you that. What he’s not interested in is the numbers or running the corporation.”
He moved next to me. “Dad, you’re asking for too much.”
I understood he wanted to protect me, but why? I blinked a few times. “Are you asking me to take over your entire company?”
He leaned backward in his chair like I’d won the question of the day. “If you’re interested. I’d rather keep this in the family then go public.”
“And you’ll train me?”
He nodded. “I can’t pay you legally until the government approves your permanent residency.”
This was a pay increase. Wow. My skin buzzed; I’d have responsibilities and not just be a stay at home wife who never worked. I loved working.
Quentin said, “Dad, don’t push this. Let Kara think.”
Would this be a problem for Quentin if I said yes? I pivoted, and our knees brushed. “Can I talk to Quentin for a minute?”
His father jumped up. “Certainement.”
I waited till he walked out. Then I squared my shoulders. “This is an amazing opportunity. Do you want me to stay at home and do nothing? I thought you knew I wanted to work.”
He patted the back of my hand. “I don’t want you to feel pressured.”
Pins and needles of excitement ran through me. “That’s it?”
“Oui.”
Working with his family ensured ours stayed together, but I wasn’t sure of the entire backlog of their family history. “Are you sure you wouldn’t mind for any other reason?”
He shook his head and also seemed more relaxed now. “I’m more interested in helping people with their medical problems.”
“Your dad told the truth about you helping with the vines, though? I can handle spreadsheets and people, but agriculture is not something I’m confident with.”
He smiled. “We can work together, if that’s what you want to do. It’s your choice and yours alone.”
This hadn’t ever entered my mind as an option.
“Oui.”
He laughed, and I knew he’d be okay.
I held his hand. “Call your father back in.”
He let me go and opened the door. A moment later, he returned with his father. I waited till everyone was settled and then said, “I’d love to start working with you.”
He smiled at me.
Quentin added, “After our honeymoon, Dad.”
He made a motion with his hand like he was screwing in a lightbulb as his way of saying yes. “Then in a month, I’ll start showing you around.”
“Thank you for trusting me,” I said.
A huge smile that Quentin inherited graced his father’s face. “I’m glad to get to know you then, my new daughter.”
“Me too.” I’d always defined myself as a hard worker. Now I’d ensure a dynasty was left to my own children one day.
It was like I was given a green light to live happily ever after… with Quentin.