章 7: The past Influences the future part 5

Malcolm was elated, he knew how much his mother would plan for this and how very detailed she was whenever something needed her expertise in planning and accomplishing the impossible in a very short time. He graciously thanked his mother and they finally ordered their late lunch. Exactly one week later Malcolm was nervously getting dressed after arriving at the vineyard. He was feeling good but at the same time he was so nervous that he was feeling nauseous.

He fidgeted with the cuff links of his fancy shirt and he looked exceptionally handsome in his custom made suit. He was standing in front of the mirror taking a final look at himself before living the room to meet his love. "Alright Malcolm, take a deep breath and relax. You can't mess up, just think about your future wife and family. You can do this." He nervously patted his pocket to feel the little ring box and smiled thinking that Elizabeth would love the dainty ring. After making sure he had the key to his room he left, he was leisurely walking towards the balcony were dinner was going to be served.

As he approaches he sees his godmother Nellie supervising the last details for tonight's romantic dinner. She turned as she hears footsteps behind her and she smiles fondly at Malcolm. "Ah, you are here early Malcolm. So what do you think? Do you love it or not? Let me know we still have time to change things around." Malcolm gives his godmother a hug and a tiny kiss on top of her head. "It's perfect auntie. I'm so grateful for all of your help." Nellie grab his hand and pats it fondly, "Good. Oh, Malcolm, she's such a beautiful girl and she's so talented. We were discussing a marketing campaign for the vineyard and she gave me some amazing advice. I think I'm going to talk to your cousin about implementing some of the strategies she mentioned for our next autumn campaign."

Grinning widely Malcolm felt proud of Elizabeth, she was so selfless and he appreciated the care that she showed Nellie who was as important to him as his mother. "She's a keeper auntie. How is my cousin doing? I haven't seen him since his wedding three months ago. Is everything ok?" Nellie smiles sweetly, "Ji is doing great. Him and his wife Laila are out of town until next week. They are visiting her parents."

"That's great, let him know that I ask about him and his wife. We need to get together so they can meet Elizabeth." Malcolm glanced at his watch, it was almost time for dinner. Nellie saw it at the same time and hurriedly informed the staff to go to their assigned positions. Elizabeth was putting the last touches to her outfit, she was feeling butterflies in her tummy as she tried to guess what Malcolm had planned for the night. She dabbed her favorite perfume delicately in her wrist and behind her ears and left the room. The delightful fragrance lifted her spirits and somewhat settled her nerves.

Elizabeth elegantly walked towards the balcony, she looked calmly around at the views of the vineyard as she took her time strolling towards Malcolm. Her hair was styled with soft curls framing her small face, fresh natural makeup complemented her beautiful face, her lovely dress and accessories looked perfect. Wow! He looks so dashing and handsome, I can't believe that he invited me here for the weekend, it's such a beautiful place to just relax and enjoy time together. Malcolm walks towards Elizabeth lovingly smiling at her as he grabs her hand and kisses it softly. "You look lovely tonight my dear." Elizabeth blushed delighted at Malcolm's compliment. "Thank you. You look very dashing yourself." Malcolm guides her to the balcony and her breath is taken away by the gorgeous views of the vineyard. The sun setting lights up the sky like a beautiful golden palette of color mixed with orange and reds, it's uniquely beautiful.

She was guided over to the table taking a seat she sipped the sweet refreshing wine. The vineyards wine was very famous and it was a treat for her to be able to see the grapes grown and how the wine was produced. Nellie, the owner was a sweetheart and she loved Malcolm as if he was her son which was a plus in her eyes. From what she understood Malcolm was very close to her and her spending a l oh t of time with her family since his parents traveled a lot when he was young.

"How do you like the vineyard?" Malcolm elegantly sits down and drinks some wine as he smiles at her. She smiles, "Its perfect, so tranquil and just lovely. I forgot to thank you for bringing me here for the weekend but there's something I'm curious about. Why are we so dressed up for dinner? I thought you said you wanted to relax and I don't think getting all dressed up is very relaxing."