Chapter One

Mia Conti was finally home. Finally, where she belonged. Arriving on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina was the end of a long ride that began in New York City and now ended with a chance at a new life. She drove the palmetto tree lined streets, opened the windows to smell the ocean tinged air. A flock of pelicans flew overhead as Mia strained to see them out of her windshield. They were a lot bigger than the pigeons that called New York City home.

Mia followed the narrow streets, turning when she was supposed to and admiring the architecture as she drove. Well maintained homes came in every size from large to small, multiple stories to ranches. Each was surrounded by artfully landscaped lots that soaked up the sun. Having visited the island many times and fallen in love from the moment she stepped off the small plane at the island’s one airport, it was a no brainer that she should choose Hilton Head to set down roots and build a business. Her own destiny she controlled.

When her GPS signaled she had arrived at her destination, the device had no idea just how true its words were. Her destination was a rented one-bedroom cottage in a quiet part of the island with private beach access. Here she would have a fresh start, follow her heart, begin a new chapter in her life.

Parking in the small driveway, she turned off her engine, glad that the fifteen hours of driving were now behind her and she could get out of this vehicle. Stepping out of the SUV, Mia stretched her tired arms and legs, squinting against the early afternoon sun, as her muscles cried out to her. What she wouldn’t give to have a spa day with a massage right now.

The small cottage was welcoming with its large windows and a front porch made for sitting out on a pleasant evening. Mia hoped she would have time to enjoy the porch once the winery was up and running. The home was surrounded by loads of flowers just like the ones she saw at other homes on the drive up. A warm breeze blew from the water’s direction carrying with it the sound of seagulls. Mia closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, appreciating the tranquility of the moment. This she needed. This peacefulness. Nature’s beauty at its best.

Walking to the nearby main house, Mia followed the instructions her rental agent had given her twenty minutes earlier after she’d signed her lease and gave the rest of her deposits. She was to pick up the house keys from the owners, the O’Sullivan’s, who lived next door from her, since they were eager to meet her and wanted to provide her with a proper welcome. What exactly was a proper welcome?

Mia wanted to collect the keys and get inside to see the home she’d be renting at least for the next year. She had only seen pictures online but, nevertheless, it was promising. And it came with practically everything on her wish list, decent sized kitchen, beach access, privacy, easy maintenance, great Internet signal, bath with a shower and a tub for those nights when she needed to lose herself in a sea of bubbles after a long day’s work.

Bone tired to the point her feet hardly wanted to move, Mia hoped the owners were home and could give her the keys and let her get some much-needed rest. Leaving New York last evening and driving straight through, stopping only for gas and bathroom breaks, had been a test of stamina. But Mia had been too eager to get here to take time to stop and rest. Chugging caffeine rich sodas and protein bars gave her the energy to make the drive. Having ideal weather with no storms also helped her keep to her schedule and have an event free drive.

Mia Followed the white stone path between the cottage and the main house, walking under large palmetto trees that provided exquisite shade. It was only April but the heat could already be felt, signaling summer was very close. Leaving behind New York’s rainy April with temps in the forties practically every day was another bonus in choosing a warm state like South Carolina to settle down. On the island, she was sure to enjoy her spring with weather like this.

With her hand raised, prepared to knock on the double wooden door of elegantly carved mahogany, Mia stepped back as the door swung open.

“There you are, Mia,” an older woman dressed in Bermuda shorts and a short-sleeved blouse said as she motioned for Mia to enter. “Come in out of the heat, dear. Patrick, Mia is here,” she yelled over her shoulder. “I’m Erin O’Sullivan. Welcome to Hilton Head Island.” She took Mia’s hand and gave it a solid few pats before releasing it. “We’ve been over the moon awaiting your arrival.” She wore her strawberry blond hair short with bangs that suited her small round face dotted with a slight splash of freckles. The woman was as friendly as anyone Mia had ever met.

Mia stepped into an entryway with tall ceilings and walls covered in photos of oceans and boats, and family portraits.

“No need of shouting, Erin. I was right behind you,” a handsome man over six feet with thick, short white hair said with a wide smile that showed off impossibly straight teeth. “Welcome to Hilton Head, Mia. Hope the drive wasn’t too bad,” Patrick said, his height towering over his wife as he joined them. “Patrick O’Sullivan, pleasure’s all mine.” His extended hand took hers in a strong handshake that shook her entire body. 

Mia enjoyed their welcomes and bright smiles. “It was a really long ride, but I know it’ll be worth every minute now that I’m finally here and can get settled. I was told I should stop by to get the keys from you.”

Erin sort of skipped in place as if remembering something. “Oh, yes, our realtor just called and said you were all set with the paperwork. I hate paperwork to be honest. It’s such a formality. I prefer laid back,” Erin continued with a giggle, opening a drawer on a small desk off to the right and removing a set of keys. “Here you go. We just wanted to welcome you and let you know if you need anything, anything at all, you just let us know.”

Mia took the keys from Erin, enjoying the satisfaction that they were her own and this was really happening. “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. O’Sullivan. I truly appreciate it.”

“Patrick and Erin are fine, sweetheart,” Erin said with another wide smile that touched her blue-green eyes.

“Heard you’ll be taking over the old Billows Winery here on the island,” Patrick said and continued when she nodded. “Well, if you ask me, it’s about time someone did. Old man Billows didn’t know the potential he had with that place. I hope you do, Mia.”

“Absolutely,” she said, swallowing a yawn that wanted so bad to come out.

Patrick crossed his arms and continued. “With the tourism we receive as well as the island’s residents, you could do very well. It’ll be good to put that place to some use.”

Mia smiled, squeezing the keys in her hand as sleep called to her. “I passed papers last month and have been getting some renovations done to be ready by the time I got here. I can’t wait to see the place.” Excitement raced through her veins every time she thought of the winery now being hers. This time she couldn’t fight the yawn, though. “I’m sorry. Guess I’m more tired than I thought,” she said, the back of her hand covering her mouth too late to hide the yawn.

“Oh, honey. Now look at us talking your ear off like we have no business to do,” Erin said, a faint Irish accent in her words. She reached behind Mia and opened the door. “You go on now and get yourself settled.” Her eyes widened. “Oh, do you need some help? Don’t let our age fool you. We’re sturdy folks and can help you haul stuff in.”

Mia smiled, thoroughly enjoying Erin’s spunky spirit. “No, I think I can manage, but thank you. Only have the suitcases and clothes for now. The rest of my stuff will be delivered during the week.”

“Very good. I hope you don’t mind, but I stocked the fridge with some essentials to hold you over until you get to the market.”

Did she mind? Mia’s heart melted and her stomach growled as if it understood food was in the very near future. “Oh, my gosh! How thoughtful. Thank you. I really appreciate that. I hope to return the favor someday.”

Erin waved her hand in the air. “Now don’t you go worrying yourself about such things. We’re all like a big family on this island. Get some rest now. We’ll be seeing you soon.”

“And holler if you need help with anything,” Patrick said as she waved bye to them and walked back along the white stone path to her home. Her home.

Unlocking the front door, she found it to be exactly like the pictures. No, even better.

Walking through the emptiness, she imagined her things and how perfectly they would fit in the rooms. With no furniture, she’d have to rough it for a few days. For now, she’d sleep in a sleeping bag and pillow until her bed arrived.

Making quick process of unloading the SUV, Mia shut the front door, kicked off her sneakers and dug through her bags until she found some shorts and a T-shirt to sleep in. In the full-sized bathroom, the tub beckoned her to draw a bath with tons of bubbles but her sleep deprived mind might cause her to drown so she’d forego that luxury for now. Splashing cool water on her face would have to suffice until she could enjoy a good soak.

Another yawn escaped her, so she made her way to the back of the house where her bedroom would be. The view of the ocean was amazing. It must be low tide because the surf was further out with whitecaps marking where the small waves crashed. The white sand soaked up the sun and, while very much inviting, would have to wait until she got some much-needed sleep. She ignored the rumble in her belly and chose sleep over sustenance, for now. Opening the windows for fresh air, she was immediately rewarded with the smell of sea and sun. Closing the curtains cloaked the room in semi-darkness. It would have to do.

Laying on her sleeping bag, Mia was asleep as soon as her eyes closed.

****

Mia awoke to the sound of seagulls and crashing waves. Shaking the sleep from her head, she sat up and looked around. The room was still dark and it took a moment for her to remember she was at her new home on Hilton Head Island. Not knowing how long she was asleep, she tossed aside her sleeping bag, stood and enjoyed a nice long stretch. The yoga classes she had taken back in New York to help with stress had really paid off. Her body was now limber and her muscles better suited to handle the long hours she’d be spending on her feet working at the winery.

She pulled open the curtains to see the tide had come in. It was still a good distance from the house but close enough that the waves made their presence known as they broke over the white sand.

Famished beyond measure, she made quick use of the bathroom to freshen up hoping to wake up further. In the kitchen, she opened the refrigerator to find it almost fully stocked. Her hand settled over her heart. “Oh, wow. Thank you, Erin.”

Fruits, veggies, milk, eggs, yogurt, you name it, Erin had stocked it. Making a mental note to give Erin the first bottle of wine her winery produced, Mia checked out the freezer. Frozen pizza caught her eye and that would be ideal to feed her hunger.

Opening the pizza box, Mia found a stack of paper plates and plastic utensils on the counter. Erin had thought of everything. Mia used a plate to heat the pizza in the microwave that was above the stove. The bell chiming indicated the pizza was done and Mia didn’t hesitate. She took a bite, closing her eyes and enjoying the taste. Her stomach was happy to have sustenance. 

Walking onto her porch, Mia held the remainder of the pizza, eating while looking up and down the street. The houses were spaced apart so no one lived on top of their neighbors. Everyone seemed to have a good amount of personal space. Palmetto trees lined the narrow road, not only providing shade but a soft breeze as well.

A glance at her cell phone showed it to be a little past five o’clock. Swallowing the last bite of pizza, Mia decided she couldn’t wait until tomorrow to see her winery when the fire inspection would be done to approve her final permits. She wanted to see it now, see how the renovations turned out even if her construction manager assured her everything was completed to her specifications.

Running inside, she quickly showered, loving the strong spray from the shower head. Braiding her long black hair, kept her from having to fuss with it. Locking up, she got back into the SUV, remembering all the hours she had just spent in it.

“Just a short ride,” she told herself, roaring the engine to life. “Just a short ride.”

Finding the winery was easy enough and only a short ride from the house. Mia stepped out of the truck and stood in front of the building just taking it all in. Staring back at her was the newly hung sign ‘White Sands Winery’, chosen to represent the pristine beaches of Hilton Head.

A man in his fifties stepped out of the front door carrying a large tool box. She recognized him from their previous meetings, Jerome Butler, her construction manager.

“Hello, Mia,” he said once he saw her. “Nice to see you again.” He placed the tool box down and shook her hand.

“Jerome, I can’t believe we finally meet again. And look at that sign. It’s amazing.”

“I was just doing a final walk through, make sure we’re ready for tomorrow’s inspection,” he said, looking over his shoulder before facing her again. “Everything looks ready to go.”

“That’s great,” Mia said. “I just got into town this afternoon. I wanted to stop by because I couldn’t wait to see all you’ve done.”

“Well, then let’s take a look,” he said, headed back up the few steps.

“Oh, I don’t mean to keep you, Jerome,” Mia said, running up behind him to keep up.

“Not at all.” His southern accent was very apparent as he held the door open. “I never mind showing off my work.”

Inside was better than she could ever imagine. “Oh, wow.” She stopped and stared. “Jerome. I don’t know what to say. It’s perfect. The pictures you sent just don’t do it justice.”

They stood in what would be the retail section where she would host wine tastings and private functions. The open floor plan had gleaming light brown hardwood floors, white shiplap ceilings and light grey walls. Recessed lighting provided the ambience she wanted of cozy and elegant. Large ceiling fans kept the air flowing and would be useful on warm days. A long mahogany bar sat off to the side with shelves on the wall behind it to hold wineglasses. Centered in the back of the room was a floor to ceiling stone fireplace.

All her furniture had arrived and been put in place. A long leather couch by the fireplace, tall tables with metal chairs. It was all there and came together nicely.

“Everything is picture perfect here, Jerome.” Mia fought back the tears that threatened to spill down her face with her happiness. “Just perfect.”

“Tour’s not done yet, Mia. Follow me,” Jerome instructed, bringing her back to the winery in a separate building behind the main one. “Welcome to where you’ll make your magic happen.”

The massive room had been renovated to store the oak wooden barrels used to age the red wines and the stainless steel drums for the white wines. There was an area to receive the grapes, an area for her crusher and de-stemmer machine, the fermentation area, the pressing area, and bottling and labeling area.

With her hands covering her mouth, she wanted to shout. “I’m speechless, Jerome. My family will be so jealous to see this state-of-the-art facility.” And they would be. This place beats making wine in the cellar as her father grew up doing.

“Just followed your plans, Mia. Credit is all on you,” Jerome said, standing tall and proud.

She swallowed hard. “So, does this mean we’re ready to pass the inspection tomorrow?”

“With flying colors,” Jerome said, certainty in every word.

“Okay, then. Will I see you there?” she asked, light headed from the reality that her dream was coming true.

“Absolutely. I told you when you hired me, I’d be in this with you until the end. If the fire inspector has any questions, I’ll be there to answer them. Not to worry.”

“Oh, Jerome. Thank you. Thank you.” She launched herself at him, giving him a big hug before stepping back.

“Are you all set if I head on out now?”

“Go, go,” she said, shoeing him away. “See you tomorrow.”

He hurried out, leaving her to her thoughts. Walking around, she realized her dream was about to come full circle.

Thinking back, she remembered how this all came about. After being forced out of her position at her accounting firm in New York City, she had been left without a job, without a career. The scene with her boss still vivid in her memory five month later.

“Sometimes I have to make tough decisions, Mia,” her boss, Mr. Fletcher, said after summoning her to his office. “I’m sorry but the firm is letting you go.” He handed her an envelope. “There’s a decent severance package and, of course, we’ll give you a good referral if you leave quietly.” Her height towered over him but his ego made him appear larger than he was. He sat behind the large cherry wood desk that dwarfed him more.

By the time she had picked her jaw up off of the ground from the unexpected news, she was shaking. She had never been fired before. “I….I don’t understand, Mr. Fletcher. Did I do something wrong?”

“No, Mia. It’s just that the firm is going through a re-organization and I’m afraid your position will not be part of it.” His beady little dark eyes held no emotion.

“But, I’m in charge of the corporate accounts. How can you not need my position?” Something didn’t feel right in his explanation. “What really is going on?” Her palms were sweating as her body overheated.

Mr. Fletcher sighed and sat forward in his chair behind the large desk. “I will be frank with you, Mia. My nephew just graduated and I will be taking him onboard to replace you.”

She was being replaced? “How? He hardly has the experience to do my job. I had to work my way up over the years.”

“I will help him.” He stood, hands in his pockets. “It’s my brother’s only child. Family helps family. I’m stuck here, Mia. I’m sorry. I think you’ll find the severance more than generous. You’re young. Go out into the world and follow your dreams. You’ll get another job without a problem. I’ve voided the non-compete clause in your contract so you can work for my competitors if you wish.”

“Please. You act like you’re doing me a favor. That clause is automatically voided should I be terminated for no just cause which is exactly what is happening. I know I won’t have a problem finding another job with my experience, but this is a really horrible thing to do to an employee who has been nothing but loyal.”

Knowing when she had lost a battle, Mia stood and left, not having another word to say. Collecting her things from her office took a mere few minutes and all fit in one box. Turning in her security credentials and walking out of the building, she had to be true to herself. She hadn’t been happy with her job. The long days and unappreciated sacrifices. Clients who were never satisfied even though she didn’t write the tax laws. Still, she deserved better than being fired, to be replaced by a recent college grad who knew nothing about her position, the one he’d take over.

Going back to her apartment, she had opened her laptop to get her parents online to have someone to talk to. The picture of a small fledging winery on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina stared back at her. She had forgotten to close out the search she had played around with the evening before. On the table next to the laptop sat her notebook where she had scrawled the name of the winery along with designs of labels for the wine bottles if the winery had been hers.

The business was being sold ‘as is’ and for cheap but needed a lot of work. Probably more work than she could afford. But it called to her when she had come across it while looking for wineries to visit. Her father had wanted to expand the family business, wanted her to follow in his footsteps as a winemaker.

The envelope that Mr. Fletcher had handed her containing her severance caught her eye from where she had tossed it onto the table. Kicking out of her heels, she opened the envelope and stared at the amount. And stared more until she shook her head and glanced back at her laptop and the ‘for sale’ sign in front of the small winery. The check she held in her hand could make this dream come true. It may be tight, but it was possible. And she had her savings so why not?

Picking up her cell phone, Mia dialed the realtor’s number. “Hello, this is Mia Conti. I’d like to make an appointment to see the Billows Winery tomorrow. Yes, that’ll work. I’ll see you then.”

Hanging up the phone, Mia logged on to buy her plane tickets and a hotel room for a few nights. If nothing else, the trip would allow her to clear her head and decide where she wanted to apply for a job. But owning a winery was so much more thrilling than a new job prospect.

A clap of thunder pulled Mia out of her thoughts and she found herself standing in her winery. Her winery. “Yeah, being fired was the best thing to ever happen to me,” she said out loud, listening to her voice echo in the large room. 

She shut the lights and locked up as fat raindrops landed on her. Back in the SUV, she took her time driving back to her house, taking in the sights, enjoying her moment.

As Mother Nature put on a show with flashes of lightning in the evening sky and thunder roaring, Mia smiled and knew she was where she was supposed to be. This was now her home.

Coming Soon!