Free Vintage Ladybug Farm by Donna Ball

bottles.”
    “The good news is that you have all the equipment,” Dominic said, almost apologetically. “The presses, the barrels, the bottling apparatus. Really, you can’t imagine how important that is. It puts your chances of success in the highest percentile. But even starting out with custom crush, as you can see, you’re looking at a significant investment.”
    For a moment, no one said anything, and no one dared to raise her eyes from the paper. Bridget swallowed. Cici cleared her throat. Lindsay murmured, “Too bad we can’t afford to make wine. I sure could use a drink.”
    “Come on, we knew this wasn’t going to be cheap,” Cici said. She drew a breath and looked at Dominic. “So how do people generally go about financing this sort of thing?”
    He shrugged. “Various ways. A lot of folks these days are using their retirement funds and cashing in their investment portfolios. A small business loan isn’t out of the question. You have all the elements of a solid business plan. You just have to put it together. Of course, it would help if you could get a few investors.”
    “Investors,” Bridget agreed, cheering somewhat. “I like that idea. Where do we get those?”
    Dominic’s smile seemed a little hesitant, almost shy. “Well,” he said, “if you’ll permit me … I’d like to be the first. Not for money,” he added quickly, as he saw an excited mixture of hope and protest form in their eyes. “But if it suits you, I’d like to offer my services as operations manager and vigneron for a percentage of the profit. That will cut your operating costs almost in half, and we’ll draw up a contract that you can take to the bank.”
    Bridget’s eyes grew big. “You would do that? For us?”
    “I’d do it for me,” he corrected, and a noticeable relief relaxed his expression and caused his eyes to crinkle at the corners. “I’ve got a good pension and I don’t need the income, plenty of time, and nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see this winery up and running again.”
    Cici gave a muffled cry and flung her arms around his neck, hugging him hard, followed by Bridget. Lindsay stepped forward awkwardly, gave him a brief, one-armed embrace, and took a quick step back, looking embarrassed. “Thank you,” she said. “This is incredibly generous of you.”
    He extended his hand to her formally, a spark of amusement in his eyes. “I look forward to a long and prosperous partnership,” he said.
    Lindsay laughed and shook his hand, relaxing a little. “Really,” she said. “How can we thank you? Would you like to come for dinner Sunday? The least we can do is make you a meal.”
    “As much as it pains me to turn down a chance at your cooking, Miss Bridget,” he said, with a nod in Bridget’s direction, “it appears you all are going to have your hands full meeting the in-laws on Sunday.”
    “Oh, that’s right,” Lindsay said, obviously disappointed.
    Cici spoke up quickly. “You don’t have to be here for that, Lindsay. Why don’t you take Dominic to lunch for all of us?”
    Lindsay swung an alarmed look on her, but Bridget chimed in, “What a great idea! There’s that darling new B&B out on the highway, and I heard they serve a wonderful Sunday brunch.”
    “I’ve been wanting to check that place out,” Dominic said.
    Lindsay looked back to him. “So have I.”
    “We’ll need a reservation,” Dominic said.
    “I’ll make it,” all three women said at once, and when Lindsay once again shot a look at them, Bridget and Cici just smiled sweetly.
    “Sounds like it’s a date,” Dominic said, smiling at Lindsay. “I’ll pick you up after church on Sunday.” He turned to Bridget and Cici. “Give me a call if you need any help with the business plan. Meanwhile, I’ll get the paperwork started for you to take to the bank, just to show you’ve applied for your licenses and permits. You’ll need to incorporate, and when you’re just starting up, it’s