He stood for a moment with his arm around his board and watched the laughing group pile into a taxi. With a deep sigh and a slight shake of his head, he moved off. Time to get back to reality.

He’d been away longer than he’d intended. No doubt his sister would give him a lecture about his lack of communication. He could put up with that if it meant a few more days respite before he returned home. Times had changed, there were issues he could no longer avoid, and then there was his son. Euan loved the tranquillity of his winery on the river and he knew the mounting business pressures could be faced, but it was Flynn’s disapproval that he dreaded most.

* * *

Kat pulled the cap from her head, shook out her thick brown hair and fluffed up her fringe. She took a long, deep breath and drew in the fresh scent of a perfect river morning. Thank goodness she had insisted on staying the night in Perth before making the three-hour drive. Pappou had wanted to meet her at the airport but she had remained firm on driving herself. She’d had a good night’s sleep in their Perth townhouse. Refreshed and looking forward to visiting her grandparents and Margaret River again, she had relished the freedom of the wind in her face and the joy of the little car all to herself. Pappou would have wanted the roof closed and would have driven at a much slower pace.

She opened the door and stepped out onto the new concrete drive. She’d already taken in the huge additions to the old house used for cellar-door sales and noted the sign describing the meals now available. River Dynasty had certainly gone more upmarket since her last visit as a teenager.

“Katerina!”

She whirled around. The old man emerged from the rows of vines behind her, his arms flung wide.

“Hello, Pappou.” She surrendered to his big squeezy hug and kisses.

“You look wonderful. Maybe a bit thin though, hey?” He grabbed her arms and she noticed the deepening wrinkles on his face and the streaks of silver through his hair. When had that happened? It was hard to imagine he was getting older. Not her Pappou; he was always so vibrant and strong.

“It’s good to see you, Pappou. I’m so glad I could come.”

He touched her cheek with one hand while still holding her arm with his other and she noticed tears welling in his eyes.

“Thanks for lending me the car,” she said quickly.

He pinched her cheek. “I hope you didn’t take that machine too fast. I really shouldn’t let you drive it.” The serious moment was replaced by his hearty chuckle.