When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 167

Chapter One Hundred And Sixty–Seven: Ready To Get Married Again.

The next morning. The group woke to the scent of fresh coffee and warm pastries drifting from the manor kitchen.

Their sleep was not interrupted by alarms, emails, or city noise. But just birdsong and the distant hum of workers already moving among the vines.

After a leisurely breakfast on the terrace–fresh figs, goat cheese, crusty bread, and strong espresso- Matteo suggested a morning activity that felt perfectly suited to the place.

“Today we learn the art of wine blending,” he announced with a quiet smile. “Each couple will create their own signature cuvée. Something personal.”

The idea delighted everyone.

They gathered in the bright, modern blending room attached to the production facility. Sun streamed through skylights onto long wooden tables lined with dozens of small glass beakers, each holding different base wines, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, even a touch of Viognier for aroma.

Matteo walked them through the process: measuring, tasting, adjusting acidity and balancing tannins.

Cassienne and Dreston worked side by side, heads close over their beakers. She took her role seriously, swirling, sniffing, sipping with the same focus she brought to code reviews.

“This one needs more body,” she murmured, adding a few drops of Syrah.

Dreston watched her with open affection. “You’re turning wine into software again.”

She laughed softly. “And you’re enjoying it too much.”

Their final blend was elegant. It was deep ruby color, notes of black cherry and dark chocolate with a silky finish. They named it “Second Chance.”

Garry and Aurora created something bolder, spicy, and vibrant, full of life. Aurora’s cheeks were flushed the entire time from the way Garry kept leaning in to whisper suggestions against her ear.

Ray and Daisy’s blend was the most surprising: bright, almost rebellious, with unexpected floral notes. Daisy kept stealing tastes from Ray’s glass, and he let her, eyes never leaving her face.

By lunchtime they were slightly tipsy and laughing more freely. They carried their personal bottles to a shaded picnic spot by the small lake. 1

Blankets spread on the grass, baskets overflowing with charcuterie, fresh salads, and still–warm focaccia. The water sparkled under the sun. For two full hours they simply existed with no phones, no agendas, just stories, teasing, and easy silence.

In the late afternoon they took a gentle horseback ride along the vineyard trails. Cassienne rode beside Dreston on a calm chestnut mare. The rhythm of the horse, the warm breeze, and the man beside her made everything feel possible.

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Chapter One Hundred And Sixty Seven Ready To Get Married Again..

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That evening, after showers and a light dinner, they gathered around the massive stone fireplace in the grand living room. Logs crackled and popped, casting dancing shadows across the walls.

Soft jazz played from hidden speakers. The women claimed the wide velvet sofa near the fire. The men stood a few feet away by the tall windows, whiskey glasses in hand, talking in low voices.

Cassienne curled her legs beneath her, the fire warming her cheeks. She felt lighter than she had in

years.

Aurora sighed happily. “I don’t want to leave tomorrow. This place is magic.” 1

Daisy nodded, swirling the last of her wine. “Same. Three days and I feel like I’ve known this place

forever.”

They turned to Cassienne.

“And you,” Aurora said gently, “you look so happy. The way Dreston looks at you now… it’s like he finally woke up.”

Cassienne blushed, fingers tracing the rim of her glass. “He did. We both did.” She hesitated, then smiled shyly. “I think… I’m ready to get married again. For real this time.”

The women gasped in delight.

Aurora clapped her hands together. “Cass! That’s wonderful!”

Daisy leaned over and squeezed her knee. “I’m so happy for you. The old Dreston was cold. This version? He looks at you like you hung the moon.”

Cassienne’s blush deepened. “He does, doesn’t he?”

Aurora’s eyes sparkled. “Garry asked me to date him properly. Like, official. Dinner dates, flowers, the whole thing. And I said yes. I’m so into him it’s ridiculous.”

Daisy laughed. “Look at us, falling like dominoes.”

The mood shifted slightly when she spoke again in silence. “Ray told me he wants something real. A relationship. But…” She shrugged, staring into the fire. “You all know me. I don’t do relationships. I can’t afford another broken heart.” 1

Cassienne reached for her hand. “Maybe this time it’s different.”

Daisy gave a small, uncertain smile. “Maybe.”

A few feet away, the men’s conversation had turned serious.

Garry took a slow sip of whiskey. “So… now that Cassienne’s mom has gone back home, is this thing with you two still real? Or are you still pretending for appearances?”

Dreston looked straight at them, voice steady and low.

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Chopper One Hundred And Sixty–Seven Ready To Get Married Again.

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“It’s real. Completely real.” He glanced toward the sofa where Cassienne sat laughing softly with the women. “I love her. I’m going to marry her again. And this time the right way. I finally let go of my childhood attachment to Tina. It took me too long, but I see clearly now. Cassienne is the only woman I’ve ever truly loved.”

He paused, emotion thickening his voice.

“I regret those five years more than I can say. Every cold night she slept alone in that house. Every time I chose distance instead of her. If I could go back and reverse it all, I would. In a heartbeat.”

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