Laughing at his horse’s antics, Morgan left the stables and headed to the cellar, opening the doors. The beautiful sandstone building had come at a huge cost but it was worth every block laid in his opinion. The high ceilings laced with heavy wooden beams gave the building an old world look that fitted in perfectly with the old homestead his grandfather had built many years ago. The counters were made from heavily glossed slabs of local timber cut lengthways with the tree bark still attached giving it an earthy ambience.
Behind the counters, shelves lined the walls from floor to ceiling, holding all of the different wines he and James had produced. Through a big glass door, visitors could see the room where James tested the grapes, and the stainless steel vats the liquid was initially steeped in before being placed in the oak barrels.
The slate flagstone floors had been swept yesterday and trays of glasses had been cleaned and stacked up on the counter. Music would be from his collection until the band arrived and he flicked the switch on the stereo now, listening as the slow crooning music played through the speakers set throughout the building and the gardens until a catering van pulled into the driveway.
He watched it drive sedately up the tree lined property and come to a halt behind
his car. Two burly looking guys stepped out and called to him as they walked over. "Morning Mason, beautiful day for your party as usual."
"Sure is, Wallace, let's hope it stays like this all day. Hi Peter." He shook hands with both men and chatted for a moment before they left to set up the spit roast.
Mason headed inside. The phone was ringing and he reached to pick it up. "Hello."
"Mason, darling how nice to hear your voice. I can't wait for today's party." His mother cooed over the phone.
"Looking forward to seeing you too. How is Dad?" He leaned his hip against the counter and listened to his mother.
"Fine, dear, fine. It will be wonderful to get him away from the office for a few hours."
"I know what you mean. He spends too much time there, a day off will do him good. Listen Mum, I was going to talk to you anyway. I wonder if you would mind having a quiet word with him about the farm next door."
"Of course darling, what can I do?" His mother, the peacemaker, was all ready and willing.
"I've already had a word with Sami about buying the land I want and she has said no. I don't want Dad to pressure her any more, apparently he has every time they have spoken about her inheritance." He took a deep breath. "Her brother told me to leave it for her to think about and I might be in with a shot but not if Dad attacks her every chance he gets. James and I already have other plans in place if she doesn't come around to the idea anyway. She will be here today and I want him to say nothing about it. If you could talk to Dad I would be grateful."
"Of course, darling. I understand totally and will speak to your father now before we come out. Anything else I can bring for you?"
"No, all organized Mum. Come out and enjoy yourself. See you soon."
Mason hung up and breathed a sigh of relief. If he could keep his father away from Sami it would save a heap of stress because even though his mother would talk to him, Mason doubted it would work out how he wanted it to. His father was like a bull in a china shop and didn't hold back the punches. Exactly the opposite to the way he wanted to handle Sami.
Chapter 13
Sami brushed her hair and left it loose over her shoulders. Looking in the mirror she sighed and put down the brush. She resorted to pulling it into a messy top knot and instantly felt better. It was off her face and out of her way. One less thing to think about.
She slipped on the red sandals and paused to admire her glossy red toenails. Happy with the look she finished off her dressing and then sprayed herself with the perfume she brought on impulse along with the nail polish. One final look in the mirror and she was ready to face the jury. Taking a large breath she opened her bedroom door and walked out, holding her head high.
"Holy cow, you look great." Garth was sitting at the kitchen table with Tibby and jumped to his feet. "Wow, really hot. What do you think, Tibby?"
"Wish I was younger, all I can say." He winked at her and Sami laughed happily.
"Um, gee thanks guys." Sami hooked her hands behind her back and looked at the two of them. "Maybe we should go then and get it over and done with."
"It's not a prison sentence you know, it's a party." Tibby frowned at her.
"Same thing in my mind."
"Haven't you ever been to a party, ever?" He had an astounded look on his face.
"No, we kind of lived in the middle of the desert if you know what I mean. It was too far to travel for something frivolous, not that we ever got invited to much anyway."
Tibby scratched his head. "Well, looks as though you are in for a treat then. Let's go."
He walked out of the house and Sami had no option but to follow. Garth smiled at her and patted her on the shoulder as she passed him.
