I reached for another cookie. “Montgomery Estate Vineyard is probably their best customer in two counties. My family has been buying plants from Seely’s Garden Center since Noah’s father opened the place fifty years ago.”

“It’s your first Christmas together, too,” Frankie said. “You and Quinn. Any special plans?”

“Quinn’s always been sort of a minimalist about Christmas. And you know me, I go overboard decorating the house, trimming the tree, holiday baking, Christmas music … all of it, just like you do. I think we’ll have to see how this works out.”

“I was hoping he’d play Santa when we have the tree-trimming party. I’ve got the suit and beard. You think he’ll go for it? I already got Eli to agree to dress up when he plays the piano for our caroling night.”

If my brother hadn’t been an architect, he would have been a concert pianist. Once upon a time he had considered applying to Juilliard.

“Eli is a natural ham. He’ll do anything. As for Quinn as Santa Claus … I don’t know. I’d love to be around when you ask him,” I said.

“Actually, I thought you could do that.”

“Me? Why me?”

“Who else? Come on, he’s less likely to turn you down. Please?”

She gave me her sunniest smile.

“All right.” I relented. “He’s coming by after he examines the diseased vines in the Merlot block and checks some things in the barrel room. By the way, we gave everyone the day off. That includes you. I hope you’re not planning to stick around and work all day.”

“It’s quiet. I thought I’d get a head start on things for next week. Especially since I’ll be one person short without Kellie.”

The front door opened and closed. It was too soon for Quinn to have finished in the vineyard. I turned around to tell whoever it was that we were closed.

It was Bobby Noland and he wasn’t here to buy wine.

“I saw the Jeep in the parking lot as I was driving over to your house,” he said. “So I took a guess you and Quinn might be here.”

“Quinn’s either in the vineyard or the barrel room,” I said. “He’ll be here shortly. Is something wrong?”

Bobby was wearing a pair of jeans and work boots. An open-necked plaid flannel shirt under a navy blazer. As he walked over to us, I caught a glimpse of his shield attached to his belt underneath the blazer. This was not a social call. He was here on business.

He glanced at Frankie, who immediately got up and said, “I think I’ll get the rest of the Christmas decorations from the storage room, if you two don’t mind.”