Her Lucky Star

By Mary Rogers

Welcome to the small town of Ditter's Holler, Ohio, population 3,012. From the local wineries, where you can sample ice wines, to the covered bridges, there is lots to do while you're here! Fall in love with the scenery, stick around for the gossip, and stay for the romance... Because love is in the air!

 

Amanda Remington grew up among the vines, planning to work side by side with her father in their family vineyard and winery. But life took both away from her, leaving her with one goal—to make the Kennedy family pay for what she lost. When Quinn Kennedy returns home to take the reins of the family business, Amanda has her shot at revenge.

 

Quinn Kennedy never had an interest in the vines or the wines. Instead, he was searching for his place in the world. When he's called home to take over for his ailing father, he depends on his best friend's kid sister to help him learn the ropes.

 

When their bottled-up attraction ripens, will either one of them be able to resist becoming just a little drunk on love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mary Rogers
• Release date: Aug 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223053095

Book preview

Dedicated to small towns.

<3

Welcome to the small town of Ditter’s Holler, Ohio, population 3,012. From the local wineries, where you can sample ice wines, to the covered bridges, there is lots to do while you’re here! Fall in love with the scenery, stick around for the gossip, and stay for the romance... Because love is in the air!

Amanda Remington grew up among the vines, planning to work side by side with her father in their family vineyard and winery. But life took both away from her, leaving her with one goal—to make the Kennedy family pay for what she lost. When Quinn Kennedy returns home to take the reins of the family business, Amanda has her shot at revenge.

Quinn Kennedy never had an interest in the vines or the wines. Instead, he was searching for his place in the world. When he’s called home to take over for his ailing father, he depends on his best friend’s kid sister to help him learn the ropes.

When their bottled-up attraction ripens, will either one of them be able to resist becoming just a little drunk on love?

Chapter One

Rumors were a reality in small town life, but that didn’t mean Amanda Remington usually spent a lot of time thinking about them. What did she care if Bobbi Dunlap was pregnant for the third time (she was) or if the father might not be her husband? So what if she got preggers by her high school boyfriend who was in town for the reunion? Bobbi Dunlap’s uterus didn’t concern Amanda, and neither did half the other things the residents of Ditter’s Holler found worthy of whispering about. Amanda chose to spend her precious time and energy on the one thing that mattered—her family legacy.

She was a third-generation vintner, raised in the vines and madly in love with wine. Her entire world revolved around South Paw Vineyards. She’d gone to college and earned degrees to increase her ability to make the family business grow—an associate’s in applied science in viticulture, another in enology, then a bachelor in marketing. Now in her mid-thirties, to be entirely honest, she was sick of sharing South Paw with the Kennedy family, especially since her family put in all the work while the Kennedy clan didn’t further the company and uphold their half of the business. But that time was nearly over—Sean Kennedy, the last of the older generation still working for the vineyards and restaurant, had to be planning to retire soon. It was all he talked about, ever since her father passed away from a heart attack a few years back. And when he did retire...

The winery would be hers. Well, hers and Sean’s son’s technically, but she only barely remembered Quinn Kennedy. The Kennedy heir apparent had been raised by his mother somewhere out West after his parents divorced, rarely visiting his father, and not once in recent years that Amanda could recall. He hadn’t ever showed an interest in any of it, so did she care if she was in charge and had a silent partner?

No, she did not. Mostly. Well, anyway, once she was in charge, she’d simply buy him out of his half of the company someday. Then South Paw would be as it always should have been—owned and operated by the Remington family.

Even without being interested in gossip, out of habit more than anything else, Amanda paused at the coffee maker when Nora Caldwell called her over.

What’s up? she asked her coworker.

Nora clamped a hand over Amanda’s mouth. Shh, I don’t want anyone to overhear.

Plucking her friend’s fingers from her lips, Amanda cocked a brow. Overhear me asking you what’s up? You’re right. That’s confidential South Paw material, there.

Come with me, Nora said, tugging Amanda toward a supply closet.

You’re being weird, Amanda replied, but she allowed herself to be tugged and only frowned a little bit when Nora practically shoved her into a mop bucket before closing the door.

Did you hear the news? Nora whispered.

Is it about Bobbi Dunlap? Because, honestly, I don’t really care.

Nora rolled her blue eyes and stuffed a stray lock of tarnished gold hair behind one ear. No, although I found that tidbit fascinating. Have you seen her ex? I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole, but I hear he was hot back in high school.

Whatever. If it isn’t about the great baby fiasco, what’s your news? Amanda glanced at her cell phone to see the time. Per the memo Sean Kennedy emailed her earlier, she was supposed to take a tour group around the winery and then drop them off at the South Paw Restaurant for a lunchtime cheese and wine tasting in about ten minutes. Afterward, he’d called a meeting, which wasn’t entirely bizarre for a Wednesday. Kind of weird, because it wasn’t on the monthly schedule, but not the oddest thing ever.

Are you even listening to me? Nora said, looking annoyed.

Of course I’m... Amanda paused. To be honest, no. I totally wasn’t listening. Sorry.

Okay, you know the meeting Sean called later today? Nora asked.

Yeah, Amanda replied. The one that she’d have to go to right after the stupid tour, which wasn’t even part of her responsibilities. That was Jenn’s job, but Sean said she had to take over for the day so—

Supposedly, he’s announcing that he’s stepping down, Nora said. She’d said other words, but Amanda hadn’t been fully focused on her. Once she said those words, however, Amanda was rapt.

Today? He said he was announcing he was stepping down today? Was it finally time? Would she—at last—be in charge of South Paw? Sean did say he was impressed with her scoring the wine festival slots...

Yes! And so I had to tell you. I mean, oh my god! Today is your day! Nora gave her a hug, and it took a second for Amanda to return the gesture. Shock warred with pleasure. Finally, she did return the hug, bouncing on her heels in excitement.

He’s going to step down! Amanda practically shrieked.

Shh! Nora warned. This is just a rumor. But...

"But it could mean my dreams are finally coming true," Amanda finished.

Exactly. Her friend beamed at her. Oh, honey, I’m so happy for you.

We don’t know it’s me. Even as she said it, Amanda knew it sounded like a humble brag or that she was fishing for reassurance.

Nora didn’t seem to care. The grin splitting her face didn’t waver in the least. Who else could he possibly promote? You’re practically running this place already.

Amanda breathed deep. Nora was right. No one else was in the position or knew the winery enough to possibly take over. It was real—and finally happening. She would be running South Paw from today onward. Her dreams were coming true and she’d finally get a chance to fulfill her legacy—one handed down to her by her father and grandfather.

As she headed to the tour—even if it wasn’t her job—she was walking on clouds. Her mood couldn’t possibly get better. Or at least she thought so until she spotted the hot guy at the back of the tour group.

Most of the people in the group were the typical sort for this kind of thing—young couples, older retired folks, the usual. But the guy? He was alone. And sexy. His hair was wheat blond, his arms thick with muscles. That physique carried over to his chest, which stretched an olive V-neck tee in a way that begged her to reach out and stroke. He had lovely green eyes. They were a little familiar for some reason...

She shook off her study of the guy when an older woman asked about the fermentation process. Mr. Sexy Pants stepped closer to her, as if to pay close attention to her words, and she nearly stumbled over the speech that she’d recited about a hundred times since she’d first come to South Paw and worked the tours. He smelled great. Some feminine part of herself she’d never really noticed before wanted to sigh in pleasure. And based on the way he kept checking her out and hanging on her every word—how interesting could the workings of a winery be to a single guy, anyway?—it suggested he was in to her, too.

She blushed and said a little mental thank you to the universe. South Paw and a hot stranger in one day? She should buy a lottery ticket.

Before long, the tour was over. Standing at the bar, she pointed to the previously prepared cheese and cracker sampler before explaining how the tasting would work. Instead of taking a seat at one of the round tables throughout the restaurant, the hot guy was lingering near her, so Amanda stuck out a hand. Amanda, she said.

I know, he said, pointing to her South Paw nametag. He took her offered hand and held it for a few seconds longer than necessary. Was it her imagination, or did she feel a zing of connection from the contact?

Amanda laughed nervously before shrugging. Did you enjoy the tour?

The guy nodded. I guess I didn’t realize how much went into making the wine, he admitted.

Few people do. I grew up here and went to school for years to study wine, yet there is something new to learn every day. The industry is always changing and... And you’re babbling, Amanda. Shut up.

She forced a smile and looked up at the guy who was still studying her. His smile was warm and friendly, though, so she must not be making too much of an idiot of herself.

Opening her mouth, she planned to say more, but Nora appeared in the doorway of the restaurant. The other woman gestured at her watch frantically before pointing a thumb toward the hallway that led to the offices and conference room. Was it time already?

A glance at her cell phone confirmed it. With a little regret, Amanda faced the hot guy again. It was nice meeting you, but I’ve got to go, she confessed.

Turning from him, she sped to join Nora. Sorry. Did you see that guy? He was crazy hot, am I right?

You’ll have time for men tomorrow, after you take over the company. They rushed down the hall and entered the conference room as everyone else was finding their seats. A seat at the head of the table would be presumptuous, so Amanda chose a point midway down the table. Nora squeezed her hand in support and they both turned in their seats as Sean entered the room.

Hot guy from the tour followed him inside seconds later, and Amanda started to stand. She wasn’t sure why he followed her, but it wasn’t the time for them to continue their little flirtation, if she could even call it that. Planning to lead him back to the tasting, she froze in place as she noticed Sean gestured for the guy to take a seat at his right hand before taking his place at the head of the table.

Slowly, Amanda sat, completely confused. Had they hired more help? And if so, why was he on the tour with the visitors for the tasting?

Thanks for meeting with me, everyone, and on such short notice, Sean said.

He faced them all with his hands on his hips, looking like some kind of old god, surveying his kingdom. After a moment, Sean cleared his throat before he began. I’m really glad you all were able to drop what you were doing and come in for the emergency meeting. You all know I wouldn’t waste your time if it wasn’t important, and in this case, it is the future of South Paw that we’re here to discuss.

Amanda fisted her hands, her nails cutting half-moons into her palms as her breathing sped. She was right. This was it. He was going to hand over the proverbial torch. In her head, she began crafting a speech—not too long, since nobody here planned to be at work at this hour. But something tactful, maybe a mention of her own father and how the vines and the land came down through the family... for sure, she’d mention that their families—the Kennedys and Remingtons—had always been close. Their fathers had been best friends, just like their grandfathers before them. For generations, their ancestors had tended the vines side by side. Perhaps with some playful competition, but always having each other’s backs.

Focusing on Sean again, she listened as he mentioned family... and the families who made South Paw what it was today. I’ve become forgetful in my old age, to the point that I’m noticing it might be affecting the business. The time has come for me to let younger, stronger minds take over the day-to-day business of South Paw. I’ve built my legacy; now it’s time for the next generation to take their turn at the helm. Generations have worked the land, and generations have tended the vines. Due to that, it should come as no surprise to you that we’re planning on keeping South Paw in the family.

Sean glanced at her with a little smile. Amanda, as you know, you’re invaluable to the company. The ideas you’ve come up with... well, I wouldn’t have thought of most of them and I figured they were foolish, but we’ve seen a real uptick in sales since you started helping out.

She gritted her teeth. Helping out? She’d practically grabbed the company by the arm and dragged it into the future. But, whatever... he could say it however he wanted. He was about to give her control of the winery, so did it matter how he phrased it? She forced a smile past her frustration. Helping out, my ass. I’ve worked hard, you old goon.

Sean continued, That said, I think the challenges that will face you in the future will probably be the hardest yet. Even so, I’m confident that the family will stay strong and will keep the company strong. My son, Quinn, has come home to take over the reins of South Paw.

For long moments, there wasn’t a sound in the conference room. The sound of the hot guy’s chair scooting out from the table rang loud in the silence. He stood, smiled at everyone, and a spattering of slow and awkward applause filled the room. Amanda replayed Sean’s words in her head about three times before they really settled in and took meaning. By the time she’d actually processed that the old bugger was going to give her family legacy to a complete stranger who knew nothing about the vines, Sean had continued his speech. I’ll expect all of you, most especially you, Amanda, to help my slacker son get into shape as we transition into him leading our company into the future. I see great things coming, with this fresh new blood at the wheel, driving South Paw into a new—

Seriously? Amanda said, smacking both hands down on the table as she stood. "You’re putting him in charge of the operations of the winery? Some random guy that I just showed the winery?"

Sit down, young lady. He’s not some random guy; he’s my son and the heir to the South Paw legacy.

Quinn Kennedy reached a hand out toward her. Let’s all just calm down and talk about this—

For real, Sean? You’re putting him in charge? But I—?

Amanda, you know the winery is a family business. You’re exceptionally valuable, and I’m trusting you to hold Quinn’s hand a bit while he learns the ropes. All in all, I think the two of you will work well together. Sean smiled, a twinkle in his eye as he considered her. You’ll make a helluva team.

He was right, it was a family business. Their shared family business, and half hers by right. Work with his son? While they literally stole her family legacy out from under her by making him her superior? There was no way she could do it. But what choice did she have? A glance at Quinn showed the man looking distinctly uncomfortable, as if he wasn’t nearly as pleased as a guy should be after being handed one of the biggest businesses in the county.

This was all his fault. He knew nothing about the vines, about South Paw, or about wine. If he had an iota of integrity, he’d admit he wasn’t the right person for this job. Instead, he was simply going to swoop in and try to learn something it took her a lifetime to master.

Sitting slowly, a plan began to formulate in her head. Fine, so the Kennedys were going to pretend that the Remington family wasn’t part of their success, were going to put a complete know-nothing stranger in charge of her vines and legacy? And they wanted her to help them with the transition?

Oh, she’d help all right. And god help them for asking, because she’d run this business right into the ground with a smile on her face before she handed