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behind them Max grinned over at Carrie. ‘Having kids around is a bit like having a whirling dervish rushing through the house, isn’t it?’
    ‘Yes, but the funny thing is that as soon as they have gone and peace reigns supreme, you find yourself thinkingit’s too quiet.’ She smiled. ‘Strange thing is that I used to think I enjoyed my solitary life…pleasing myself…going out when I wanted. But I wouldn’t change what I’ve got with Molly for all the treasures in the world.’
    Max smiled. ‘Well, hopefully you won’t have to.’
    ‘No…hopefully.’ Carrie fell silent as she helped herself to some paella made with tiger prawns and smoked fish.
    Max lifted the wine bottle. ‘Would you like another glass?’ he offered politely.
    She shook her head. ‘No, I have to drive back, plus I need my wits about me when dealing with Molly’s grandmother. Carmel is quite a formidable character.’
    ‘Yes, I suppose we both need to keep a clear head, Carrie. Seeing as I’m going back to the hospital to try persuade my father to forget about the business and that I have it all in hand.’
    ‘He doesn’t want to let go of the reins, I take it?’ Carrie asked.
    ‘Well, it’s a similar situation to yours with Molly’s grandmother. If I told him I was settling down and getting married he’d feel a lot happier leaving things in my hands. But as it is he thinks I jet off too much with my job and that the vineyard needs more full-time attention.’
    ‘And does it need full-time attention?’
    ‘At the moment I’m afraid it does…with my father’s health being bad things have slipped a bit recently. Plus we have an added predicament that Manuel is leaving to set up his own business. He has been the cornerstone of the Santos vineyard for a long time and I think he feels bad that he is leaving now when my father is so ill, especially as he is part of the family. But he has been offered a wonderful opportunity and I’ve told him he should take it.’
    ‘So who will take over the running of the vineyard here?’
    ‘Well, if I know my father, he is going to insist on going back to work as soon as he can,’ Max said, his voice grave. ‘I’d suggest getting in another manager, but I can’t see him being happy with that. Unfortunately he is a stubborn traditionalist and he’s not going to be happy retiring until I take over full time. Preferably with a wife at my side.’
    ‘I’m surprised you aren’t married,’ she said nonchalantly. ‘You seem very good with children.’
    ‘Hey, don’t you start.’ He grinned. ‘I have enough of those kind of statements from my parents. But for the record I very nearly did tie the knot a few years ago. What about you?’ he asked suddenly.
    ‘I was married when I was in my early twenties but it was a mistake; we were divorced three years later.’ Carrie’s lips twisted wryly.
    Watching her closely, Max wondered if that accounted for that wariness he saw in her deep blue eyes on occasions. ‘And you’ve never considered taking the plunge again?’
    Carrie shook her head. ‘That’s too much of a lottery for my tastes. I like my life exactly the way it is. It’s orderly and uncomplicated and I feel as if I’m in control, which makes me happy…’ She trailed off, wondering why she had just told him that. It was far too personal.
    ‘So, apart from Molly, you are a true career girl.’
    ‘Yes, I suppose I am.’
    ‘I can relate to that,’ Max answered with slow deliberation. ‘Like you, I enjoy being in control of my own destiny. That’s why I decided to carve out my own business instead of staying here in the family firm. Obviously my father wasn’t too happy about my decision at the time, but I think he realises now that it was something I just needed to do to prove I could be successful in my own right.’
    ‘And what will you do now that the vineyard is in crisis?’ she asked curiously. ‘Will you give your work up and take over the reins full time