A Little Piece of Heaven

The head table had been placed under the canopy, which now glowed with little white fairy lights. More grapevine garlands decorated the high stone walls, and arrangements of twined branches hung with grape leaves and glass candle holders set off each table. I heard low murmurs of admiration as people took their seats. I gave Pieter’s hand a quick squeeze in thanks. He smiled down at me.

“You like it?”

“Like it?” I shook my head. “I love it. I love this whole place—it’s just like heaven.”

His smile deepened. “I’m glad…more glad than you could know. I did want this day to be perfect.”

“It is.”

We took our places at the head table with the rest of the wedding party. I grinned a little as I saw Leslie deep in conversation with Wilhelm; she gesticulated with her martini glass and said, “A Bugatti Veyron? Really?”

I missed Wilhelm’s reply, as Pieter pulled out my seat for me at the same moment. But I sent a questioning look in my husband’s direction as he sat down. I asked, “Exactly what does Wilhelm do? Is he another shipping heir?”

“No.” Pieter’s mouth quirked a little. “There aren’t quite as many shipping heirs in the world as you might think. His business is cars—specifically, restoring and dealing in classic and antique automobiles. I believe he does quite well at it.”

Talk about your matches made in heaven. Then I shook my head at myself. Married barely an hour, and already I was trying to make sure all the unattached people around me achieved the same blessed state. Still, at the very least it seemed Leslie had a dinner partner who shared some of her passions.

Dinner was just as sublime as the setting—filet mignon in a wine reduction, or grilled ahi for those trying to avoid red meat. Reserve vintages from the winery were served along with the meal. I didn’t know much about wine, but the cabernet tasted amazing to me, and I told Pieter as much.

“This place is an undiscovered jewel,” he said. “I had intended to bring in wines of my choice if I didn’t care for the offerings here, but they do produce a rather spectacular cabernet.”

“I’m glad you found it.”

His gaze met mine, and he raised his glass to me in salute. “I’m glad I found you.”

Heat rose in my cheeks, but I raised my glass as well and said, “Maybe we should send the people at Craigslist a thank-you note.”

He laughed then. All around us people began tapping on their own wineglasses, and we had to lean toward each other and trade a kiss—not that either of us minded too much.