Chapter 2

2

THREE WEEKS LATER—SAN ANTONIO

R yland Blackwood glanced at his watch, knowing his plane would be landing in about twenty minutes.

He would finally be home…

Though he had regularly called and emailed his parents— even writing a handful of letters because he knew that would mean a lot to his mom —he hadn't set foot in his home state in over a dozen years. He and Todd Hart had joined the military fresh out of high school, reporting two weeks after graduation. They'd completed their basic combat training and advanced individual training together. After those weeks of instruction, they had received their TOD deployment orders to the DMZ along the North Korean/South Korean border.

Ry had joined the army as a culinary specialist because of his background. Being the only son of a dad who owned the best BBQ joint in the Texas Hill Country, along with a mom who owned a diner on the Lost Creek town square, cooking was embedded in his DNA. He'd breezed through the extra training he'd received and during his first tour had prepared high quality meals, first as a line cook and then a chef, training other soldiers. An army was only as good as the food it put in its soldiers' bellies, and Ry had cooked and serviced meals at home stations and in the field. As he'd become more experienced with army ways, he had been given additional responsibilities of ordering and inspecting food supplies, as well as keeping the kitchens clean.

He'd joined Todd, his best friend since they were in diapers, in South Korea for three years. They had both been smart but admittedly lazy students when it came to school, doing just enough to get by. Todd's family owned a winery a few miles outside of town, and one day he was destined to be the chief winemaker for Lost Creek Vineyards. Ry figured he would work with his dad at Blackwood BBQ. Because their career plans were set, ones which didn't need a college degree, they'd mutually decided to see the world via the army before settling down into their respective jobs.

During their first TOD, they took their five-day R&Rs to places such as Thailand and Vietnam. The break was too short to fly all the way home to Texas and back, and they enjoyed going to new countries and experiencing the cuisine and culture. Todd's duties were light since it was the rare occasion someone from North Korea tried to cross the DMZ. Only one nut job had crossed from South Korea into the communist side of the fence in the last several years. Ry had a blast cooking not only traditional American dishes for soldiers and officers, but he also learned Asian cooking techniques and practiced these dishes regularly on others.

They had decided to re-up their enlistment and serve another hitch, hoping to be reassigned to another part of the world in order to explore new places.

Then tragedy struck.

Todd was killed in a training exercise. A freak accident that only happened once in a blue moon.

And Ry blamed himself for having talked his best friend into joining him in the army.

He'd seen off Todd's body, walking the flag-draped casket to the plane, his hand resting atop it. His commanding officer had offered to grant him compassionate leave in order to accompany the body home, but Ry's guilt kept him in South Korea. He didn't think he could face Todd's family. Todd's parents had treated Ry as their bonus kid, and Todd's sisters were like Ry's own.

Instead, he'd signed up for another TOD. And another. And yet another. He'd done time in Turkey. The Middle East. Germany. But he couldn't run forever. He'd been gone long enough. It was time to return home and step up, helping both his mom and dad in their two businesses.

Ry stretched his arms over his head, hearing the bells sound, knowing it was a signal they were about ten minutes from landing. It was hard to believe his time in the military had come to an end. He'd jumped through all the hoops to separate from the army. Filled out his DD2648, noting the many resources he would have access to as a veteran. He'd also checked his VMET, verifying his military experience and training, finding one mistake on it and having it corrected. As so often was in the army, that had taken several months to sort out.

Most of the paperwork hadn't applied to him. He wouldn't be taking advantage of the GI Bill and doing additional schooling. He had nothing to be packed and shipped. He had attended the mandatory transition session, but he didn't need to write a resumé or network for a job. He did take advantage of a final physical exam and had chosen a temporary healthcare option. One thing his mom would be pleased about was he'd taken part in a photo session, dressing in his various uniforms. He had the digitals of it now and would have a couple printed and framed for his parents to display.

As for where he would live, he would stay home for a couple of weeks, just to please them. While he wasn't ready yet by any means to take advantage of a VA loan and buy a house, he would definitely need to rent something. He'd just turned thirty-one last week, and no man in his thirties needed to still be living at home.

"We'll be landing in San Antonio shortly," the captain said over the P.A. "Being Texas at the end of June, you'll be getting a balmy ninety-four degrees. Hope your visit to San Antonio includes a trip to a water park— or at least a cold margarita while you sit along the Riverwalk."

Ry heard the chuckles around him. While he liked San Antonio, he was more than ready to get home to Lost Creek. He was surprising his parents, though. They knew of his decision to leave the army, and he'd given them an approximate date of his arrival, but they had no idea he would be turning up in Lost Creek today. He'd reached out to Harper Hart about bumming a ride home. He, Harper and Ivy Hart had sporadically texted over the years, and Ry knew Harper and Ivy had returned to their hometown this past year and that both had married. It would be good to see the Hart girls.

He only hoped they had finally forgiven him.

The plane landed on the tarmac. A sense of peace washed over him. He was back on Texas soil. Ready to start the next chapter in his life. He wondered if it would include anything besides working in the family BBQ business. For now, though, that would be enough. Simply to be home and not living on the edge. His last TOD had been in Germany, so he was far from a war zone. Yet he still was jumpy when he heard a loud noise. Had nightmares from his years in the Middle East. He had seen things he could never talk about to others.

As the plane reached the gate, Ry promised himself to put thoughts of war and the enemy behind him.

He helped two elderly women retrieve their carryon bags from the overhead bin and slung his backpack over his shoulder before heading to baggage claim. All that awaited him was one long duffel bag with all his worldly belongings— and hopefully, a life filled with peace.

Passing through the doors to get to the baggage claim area, he spotted Harper. Ivy was also with her, which was a nice bonus.

Ivy spied him first, her face lighting up. Of the pair, Ivy had always been the dreamer, while Harper was the organized, practical one. Ivy touched Harper's shoulder, and she also saw Ry. Both women came running toward him, slamming into Ry, their arms tightening about him.

"Ry, it's so good to see you!" Ivy exclaimed, kissing his cheek.

"You left Lost Creek as the best-looking guy in your graduating class," Harper told him. "You've come back even better looking, Ry."

He laughed. "I was thinking the same about you two," he said. "The last time I saw either of you, you were rising seniors in high school. Now, you're grown women— and damn beautiful ones, at that."

It was true. Harper's auburn hair and blue eyes had always stood out in a crowd, but she had a maturity about her now. She also had a glow that told him she was pregnant. Ivy, a brunette with hazel eyes and few inches shorter than her sister, had also matured into quite the beauty.

"You've been gone a long time," Harper noted. "Over a dozen years. A lot has happened to us in those years. Let's grab your luggage, and we'll catch you up on everything."

He glanced toward the carousel and saw his green duffel bag coming down the conveyor belt. "Be right back."

Ry strode toward it and lifted it up, placing the strap on his shoulder. As he walked back toward the Hart sisters, a lump formed in his throat. He hadn't known he would be so emotional seeing them. Tears stung his eyes, and he blinked rapidly several times.

"Is that all?" Ivy asked as he reached them. Then concern filled her face, and she touched his forearm. "Are you all right, Ry?"

He shook his head. "No. I need to say something to the two of you. Your parents, too, when I see them." He drew in a long breath and released it slowly. "I can't tell you how sorry I am about Todd." His eyes welled with tears. "I feel it's my fault that?—"

"Stop right there," Harper said, taking charge of the situation. "None of us ever blamed you, Ry. Not for one minute. Get that through your thick skull. Todd made his own decisions. What happened was weird and awful, but we never held you responsible for his death." She paused. "If that's what kept you away all these years, I'm sorry."

Ivy spontaneously hugged him again. "We love you, Ry. You're the only brother we have left. Nothing was your fault."

He grimaced. "I can't help but think if I hadn't talked Todd into joining the military with me, he'd be at Lost Creek Vineyards, making damn fine wines."

Harper took his hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "Todd had the most fun of his entire life during his army years with you. Do we miss him? Absolutely. But shake it off, Ry. That's an order."

He couldn't help but laugh. "Coming from The General, I guess I should salute."

Harper had always ordered everyone about as a small girl, and Ry and Todd had taken to calling her The General from the time they were young.

"This general better see you smiling and happy to be back in Lost Creek," Harper told him.

His gaze met hers. "I'm glad to be back. I'm just hoping I can fit in again."

She looked at the duffel bag he carried. "If that's all you brought back, then you'll need to go shopping for some civilian clothes if you really want to fit in."

Ry laughed heartily. "I left my favorite pair of boots at home. I don't think they'll fit me now, though. I grew two inches after I enlisted. Even my feet grew."

"You do look a little taller," Ivy pointed out.

"I'm six-two now. My body also filled out, thanks to all those calisthenics. Uncle Sam made me do."

"Let's go home," Harper said, linking her arm through his, as Ivy did the same on his other side.

In the car, he asked about what brought them back to Lost Creek, knowing both had gone to college and taken jobs in cities much larger than their hometown.

"I was working for an event planning company in Austin," Harper began. "Engaged to a guy who was a jerk. He cheated on me in the most spectacular way."

"Don't make her go into details," Ivy warned. "They're pretty sordid and will only rile her up."

"Okay. Jerk fiancé," he said. "We'll leave it at that. If I know more, I might just have to kick his ass."

"It was the kick in the pants I needed," Harper admitted. "He came from a political family, one whose politics I really didn't agree with. I would've been miserable, having to keep my mouth shut and toe the line. So, I decided to leave Austin and start my own business in Lost Creek. Weddings with Hart. We've built an event center on the winery grounds."

"That's a smart idea," Ry said. "How is it going?"

"Business is booming," she shared, a wide smile on her face. "More and more brides want to move beyond the traditional scope of what a wedding has been in the past. I have outdoor space if they want to wed outside. The event center can be split so that a wedding ceremony can be held on one side, while the reception can take place on the other."

"It's more than weddings," Ivy added. "Some people host big birthday parties there. Quinceaneras. Anniversary parties."

"In fact, that's where we'll be surprising your parents tonight with you," Harper said. "I decided to tell them we were catering a small party of less than twenty. Shy provides the barbeque for many of the receptions we hold at the center, so he won't think anything of it. I told him he and Shelly could handle it since it was such a small group. Your mom still closes the diner at three every day, and she often accompanies him and helps set up the catering for receptions and parties."

He beamed. "To see Mom and Dad and have barbeque as my first meal in Texas will be amazing. Thanks for setting this up, Harper."

"I know you're a beer drinker," she said. "Even if you and Todd weren't old enough to be doing so before you left Lost Creek. But we'll be serving some of our wines tonight." Her face softened. "My husband Braden is the head winemaker now."

"And soon to be a dad, I see," Ry said.

Harper grinned. "Yup. I'm due in mid-November. Just starting to show now. We've bought a house and everything. I can't wait for you to meet Braden. He'll be there tonight. Pretty much all your friends have moved away from Lost Creek, so I hope the two of you will hit it off. He's a Californian. Tall, rangy, and tan, with dark blond hair and beautiful sky-blue eyes, which I'm hoping our kids will inherit."

"You sound happy, Harper," he said. "I'm glad you've moved on from the jerk and found love." He glanced to Ivy. "I know you're married now, too. Give me the scoop on your man."

"I decided to come home when Harper did," Ivy said. "We took a girls' trip together and did a lot of serious talking about our futures. I was working as the assistant manager of an art gallery in Houston. By working, I mean I had no life. I did everything the manager was supposed to do, as well as my job, while he got the big pay and all the credit."

"You were always a talented artist. I thought you'd do something with your art."

"I wanted to, Ry, but I never had time," Ivy shared. "I came home to Lost Creek just as our tasting manager retired, and I've assumed his duties at the tasting room. It gives me a lot of satisfaction, being able to share about wines with others, and I also have plenty of time to paint."

"Tell him about your show," her sister prompted.

Ivy smiled. "I've been asked by a big name in the New York art world to hold an exhibition at his Soho gallery this coming fall. I've taken to painting landscapes of the Hill Country. You know how this place is in our DNA, Ry. My roots are here, and so is my heart. I feel I'm painting better than ever these days."

"She has a studio over the mayor's hardware store. You need to stop by and see what Ivy has painted," Harper encouraged.

"If Ivy doesn't mind, I'd be happy to. I'd also like to come do a tasting. See what Lost Creek Vineyards wines are about." He paused. "Tell me about your husband, Ivy."

The look on her face told Ry all he needed to know. Ivy was one happy wife.

"Dax is a couple of years older than you. He was an accountant in Dallas before his divorce and decided he wanted a different life for himself. He drove around until he came to Lost Creek, and it just felt like home to him. He's opened a coffeehouse— Java Junction —on the square. He also writes music and plays guitar. He DJ's events for Harper or his band, the Lone Star Rebels, plays live music."

"Two artists coming together," Ry mused. "I like it."

"He's a lot of fun. Laid back and smart and funny," Ivy continued. "He's a runner and runs every morning."

"And thinks of new love songs to write about his wife," Harper teased, causing her sister to blush.

"Dax will also be coming tonight," Harper informed him. "He'll provide some music. I think the two of you will hit it off."

"The army turned me into a runner," he admitted. "Maybe I can run with him some mornings. I'm pretty addicted to running now."

"Our parents are also coming," Harper said. "Mom and Dad can't wait to see you. I've also asked a couple of friends of ours to come, as well. Do you remember Finley Farrow?"

"Vaguely," he said. "The name sounds familiar. "Blonde? Younger than you?"

"Yes," Harper confirmed. "Finley was a year behind Ivy and me in school. She also went to UT and pledged my sorority. I was her big sis. She came home to teach, but she just turned in her resignation because she's going to pursue photography full-time. Finley photographs most of my weddings and receptions and other special events."

"And she just got married," Ivy said. "Her husband's famous although you probably wouldn't know him. He's a writer. And he's just finished working on a screenplay for one of his books which is being filmed around here. Holden is your age. You'll like him. We have dinners every Wednesday night and get together to try new foods Braden and Finley cook."

"Don't forget Emerson's desserts," Harper said.

"Who's that?" Ry asked.

"She's the last of our friend group since we've been back in Lost Creek," Ivy said. "She and Finley taught school together and were roommates. At least they were until Finley and Holden bought their house. They got married at the end of May, so they're newlyweds."

"Emerson is the official cake baker for Weddings with Hart," Harper told him. "She's also turned in her resignation because Ethel Frederick left her The Bake House. Ethel passed away from cancer three weeks ago. Em's just taken over the bakery. I had her make you a chocolate cake tonight, knowing how much you like chocolate."

"You'll have to come to dinner on Wednesdays," Ivy insisted. "Harper takes Wednesdays off since she works every weekend. We really enjoy getting together."

"I'll be happy to come. I can even bring the barbeque."

"Are you going to work for your dad?" Harper asked. "I know that was in the cards all those years ago."

"It still is," Ry confirmed. "We'll need to talk things out. Decide who'll do what. I'll have to ease back into things. I don't know who Dad has working for him now. I don't want to usurp anyone."

"He's got his hands full," Harper said. "I opened the event center last fall, and Blackwood BBQ has been my go-to caterer, so Shy is working non-stop. He'll appreciate the relief."

"Maybe I can take over the bridal catering then," he mused. "I'm sure Dad and I will work it all out."

"You will," Ivy said. "You'll figure out your place, Ry."

"I hope so," he said, knowing he had a lot of new ideas to bring to the table and worried how his dad would react.

They reached Lost Creek, and Harper said, "I know it was a long flight. I'm going to drop you at my house so you can shower and relax a little. If that's okay."

"Sure. What time is the surprise dinner?" he asked.

"Six," Ivy informed him. "Dax and I will stop by about five-thirty and pick you up. He's already got his DJ equipment at the event center, so we can grab you and waltz in."

They dropped Ivy at her studio, and Harper drove to her house, coming inside with him and showing him the guest room and bath.

"I think everything you need is out. There's food in the fridge if you'd like a snack. Wi-Fi password is HarttoClark. I need to get back to work."

She hugged him tightly. "We're so glad to have you back in Lost Creek, Ry."

"It's good to be home," he agreed. "Thanks for picking me up and arranging everything tonight."

"Happy to do so. See you later."

After she left, Ry stripped off the clothes he'd worn for the last thirty-six hours as he'd changed planes a few times before arriving in San Antonio. He showered and shaved, dressing in one of the few shirts and pairs of pants he owned. Harper was right. He'd need to shop and begin building a new wardrobe, starting with jeans and boots.

He made himself a sandwich and poured a tall glass of iced tea from the pitcher in the fridge. The first drink of the sweet tea let him know he was truly back in Texas.

As Ry sat enjoying the solitude, he thought about what his role at Blackwood BBQ might be. Shy Blackwood was a man set in his ways. While it had made him a master at barbequing, Ry doubted his dad would be open to some of the Asian-inspired barbeque dishes Ry wanted to place on the menu. Still, he drew up a list of those dishes, starring the ones he'd like to implement first, wondering if it might be better to open his own BBQ joint. Then again, he didn't want to compete with his family's business. He wanted to be a part of it.

The doorbell rang, and he glanced at his watch. Five-thirty on the dot. Ivy was right on time.

When he answered the door, however, Ivy was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a curvy woman with raven hair and gray eyes stood on the porch.

"Hi, I'm Emerson. Ivy asked if I could stop by and pick you up and bring you to the winery."