That made it the perfect place for our new tasting room. My old family home would be converted into one amazing tasting space for both wineries that included separate areas for hosting private parties and classes that Jeanine planned to offer on wine and food pairing. She also wanted to host bachelorette parties, bridal showers, and classes for couples only, and I told her that once it was set up, she could go wild. Speaking of wild, she and Dane had recently started dating after months and months and m-o-n-t-h-s of incessant and annoying flirting. James and I had been so relieved once Jeanine finally caved and asked Dane out, saying she was tired of waiting for him to take the hint already. Thank God he’d said yes.

I reached for a tasting glass before allowing a small amount of the dark red liquid to pour out from the barrel. I was nervous the blend still wouldn’t be ready. Yesterday, it had been so close but not quite there. My mind drifted to the barn, and I saw my man sitting in his upstairs private painting studio, creating new beautiful pieces that we’d offer for sale in our gift shop below. I wondered if any of our future children would inherit his artistic talent.

Glancing at my workspace, I noticed the mock-up of a La Bella–Russo label I’d had done, featuring one of James’s paintings. Just like I’d promised him, I was going to use his art for every La Bella–Russo wine, and eventually, I’d expand to put them on more exclusive items. No one loved his talent more than I did, and I wanted the whole world to see it.

Allowing the wine to sit for a minute, I sipped at it, realizing that a mere twenty-four hours had done the trick. It was darn near perfect. I absolutely loved the way it’d turned out.

My fiancé sauntered inside. “Is it ready?” he asked.

“Come taste for yourself.” I held out the small sipping glass, and he took it, giving it a hearty swirl before drinking it all.

“Babe”—he poured himself more before swallowing it in one gulp—“this is epic.”

“I know. It’s really good,” I agreed, knowing full well that this would win the next competition we entered.

“Did you name her yet?” He gave me a half-cocked grin.

“Sort of, but I wanted to run something by you first.” I scrunched up my face and waited for his response.

“I’m listening,” he said as he poured himself another half-glass, smelling and swirling it before drinking the whole thing.

“I was thinking that all of our La Bella–Russo blends should be named in honor of our old rivalry. A sort of homage to our families’ history and all we went through to get to this point. Is that dumb?”