Seven years younger than Meg, he was tall, strong, and ruggedly handsome. He also filled out his old Levi’s quite nicely, with a small firm butt and muscular thighs.

Maybe that was his secret. That hot bod of his.

Her lips curved again and yet her chest felt tight. She’d hit forty a couple years ago and had begun to feel a little too settled. No wonder Chad’s energy was appealing. To be young and hot and so very alive…

She watched him nod and smile at the woman on his left, and found herself wishing she was one of the women he was smiling at. Not because she loved him, or wanted him, but because she’d love to have a man look at her as though she was beautiful. Fascinating. An object of desire.

Not that Meg Roberts, aka Mary Margaret Brennan, had ever been the beautiful Brennan sister, or an object of desire. She was the practical, hardworking one. The sister who made sure all the others were dressed, face washed, hair brushed, and by the front door ready for Mass.

A light hand touched her elbow. “Meg, thank you so much for inviting me. I’m glad my schedule opened up so that I could come.”

Meg turned toward Amy Chin, the young producer from the Food Network, who’d surprised everybody by showing up tonight. “I’m glad, too. And I know Craig and Chad are really pleased you showed.”

Amy’s lips curled as she threw a quick glance in Chad’s direction. “They’re certainly telegenic, especially that one.”

So another one had fallen, Meg thought, checking her own smile. “Chad’s very comfortable in front of the camera,” she said blandly.

“I think Dark Horse Winery is perfect for a new show we’re discussing at the Food Network. I’ll be in touch next week?”

“Of course. Anytime.”

Then Amy was walking away, out through the Tuscany-inspired front door into the night. Meg watched her brisk, confident walk until she disappeared from sight, and then drew a deep breath, pleased that tonight’s party had been such a resounding success.

One hundred and seventy-five guests had attended. Seven members of the media actually showed—two TV stations, two newspapers, three magazines, and one TV producer. The caterers’ menu had wowed. The floral arrangements elicited numerous compliments. Her bosses, vintner brothers Chad and Craig Hallahan, couldn’t have been happier.

She was happy, too, but in a subdued sort of way. Meg had never reveled in her accomplishments. She put it down to being Irish-American, Catholic, and the oldest of five. She had to succeed. It was expected of her. But then, from the very beginning she’d been the go-to girl in the family. Need something done? Ask Meg.