Sweet Sierra Gulch (A Paige MacKenzie Mystery Book 6) by Deborah Garner

Author:Deborah Garner [Garner, Deborah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cranberry Cove Press
Published: 2021-10-21T22:00:00+00:00

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The driveway leading into the Cielo Dorado Winery was long and winding. To the right, row after row of grapes basked in sunshine under a sapphire sky with only a dot of a cloud here and there. To the left, a lengthy splash of roses and azaleas offered a stark and pleasing contrast to the greenery of the vineyard. Several guests sauntered along garden pathways lined with sunflowers and hollyhock. A sculpted fountain of water added a touch of natural music.

Paige pulled into a parking spot in front of an impressive hacienda-style structure, noting a sign over one door that identified it as the entrance to the tasting room.

“I say we start there,” Paige said as she and Jake stepped out of the car. “We’ll have a sip or two and then take a walk through the gardens.”

“You won’t get an objection from me.” Jake extended an arm toward the entrance. Paige took the cue and led the way. Once inside, they were soon seated at a counter with two wineglasses before them, the name of the winery etched into the sides. A gentleman in his thirties approached. He wore a classic waiter’s apron and a name tag that said Marc.

“What would you like to start with today?” Marc smiled at them as if they were long-lost friends.

“What do you suggest?” Jake said.

“We had your cabernet up at Sierra Pizzaworks last night,” Paige added. “It was wonderful. What else should we try?”

Marc raised a finger in the air as if just coming up with an idea. “I recommend beginning with the sauvignon blanc. It’s crisp and dry, a good one to start with.”

“We’ll go with your recommendation,” Paige said.

Marc poured an inch of the wine in each glass and slid a petite tray of cheese and crackers onto the counter to go with it. “Compliments of Cielo Dorado,” he said. “Garlic and herb chèvre, enjoy!” He moved away from Paige and Jake to allow them privacy.

“How nice!” Paige admired the presentation, a miniature cheese loaf on a wooden tray the size of an index card. A small knife accompanied it, the handle elegantly shaped like a cluster of grapes.

“Cheers,” Jake said as he lifted his wineglass in the air. “To our winery tour.”

Paige greeted his glass with hers, creating a light clink before they each brought the wine to their lips. “Ah, crisp and dry,” Paige said after taking a sip. “I like this one. Maybe we should get a bottle of this to take with us.”

“Good idea,” Jake said.

Paige set the glass down and sliced a small portion of cheese from the loaf, layering it on a cracker. She checked to see that Marc was far enough away to not overhear before turning to Jake. “Don’t you think Sarah acted a little weird when we dropped the invoice off at the museum?” She took a bite of the cheese, her eyebrows lifting in approval.

Jake shrugged. “A little. Maybe she felt awkward about her friend’s behavior. Or she might have been preoccupied with work.

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