Chapter 4 - THE STRANGER AT THE VINEYARD
His name was Nathaniel Reed.
Thirty-six years old.
Architect.
Widower.
And the man who had quietly helped my father carry chairs after my wedding collapsed.
I didn't know that until two weeks later.
My father called.
“Madison, do you remember Nathaniel Reed?”
I frowned.
“No.”
“He was at the wedding.”
I closed my eyes.
“Dad, I don't remember half the people who were there.”
He laughed softly.
“Fair.”
I smiled.
“Why?”
“He helped us coordinate the vendors after you left.”
I blinked.
“Really?”
“Yes. Very kind young man.”
I laughed.
“Dad.”
“What?”
“Don't.”
He sounded innocent.
“Don't what?”
“Try to set me up.”
My father laughed.
“I'm just saying he was helpful.”
Three days later, I met Nathaniel by accident.
I was at a coffee shop in Austin reviewing paperwork when a man approached my table.
“Madison Hale?”
I looked up.
He was tall.
Dark-haired.
Warm brown eyes.
A quiet smile.
“Yes?”
He hesitated.
“I'm Nathaniel Reed.”
I stared.
Then laughed.
“Oh.”
He smiled.
“Your father may have mentioned me.”
I covered my face.
“Of course he did.”
Nathaniel laughed.
“Don't worry. He didn't give me your number.”
I looked up.
“Good.”
“He did tell me you were the bravest person at that wedding.”
My throat tightened.
I looked down.
Nathaniel continued.
“I hope that wasn't too forward.”
I smiled faintly.
“No.”
We talked for twenty minutes.
About architecture.
Nursing.
Austin traffic.
The weather.
Nothing dramatic.
Nothing complicated.
When he left, Nathaniel smiled.
“It was nice meeting you properly.”
I nodded.
“You too.”
He hesitated.
“Would you like to have coffee sometime?”
I stared.
Then laughed softly.
“I'm actually having coffee right now.”
He smiled.
“Fair point.”
I thought for a moment.
Then said:
“Maybe another time.”
Nathaniel nodded.
“No pressure.”
He handed me his business card.
“If you ever feel like it.”
Then he walked away.
I stared at the card.
For the first time since the wedding, I felt something unfamiliar.
Not love.
May you like
Not even attraction, exactly.
Possibility.
