Chapter 57
Nine months later
Maybe there’s something to Lucy’s theory about the way the air smells on the cusp of autumn. Or maybe it’s nostalgia for the month of September and joy that it’s finally here.
It solidified itself as my favorite month last year, when I met the love of my life. So, it seemed only right to make sure Serendipity Brewing Co. was ready for its grand opening when the first sign of yellow leaves and chilled breezes arrived.
“Taproom is ready to go,” Tad announces, walking through the garage door to my brewing space.
I look up from the checklist in my hand, an ink black mark in each box. “Fermentation temperatures are steady and kegs are properly carbonated,” I reply.
The last few months have been a whirlwind, but I was more prepared than I thought. My journal of flavor profiles and little tips proved to be extremely helpful, and it only took a call—or ten—to my old mentor back in the city to give me my start.
Today, we’re opening with five different beers on tap—four foundational brews and a seasonal special. A pumpkin cinnamon ale with an amber base and caramel malt backbone. I settled on the name Pumpkinville, for the source of my secret ingredient in the mash.
“Ready to do this?” my friend asks.
We turn back for the taproom, and I take a second to savor the scent of malt and warm grain lingering in the air.
“Looks like we’re ready.”
The brew menu is freshly written out in crisp blue chalk, and glass amber jars hold flickering candles on each polished wood table. Behind the bar, brand new glasses are stacked in a neat row, and each tap is poised and ready for pouring.
“But are you ready? This is your baby, after all.”
I quirk an eyebrow at Tad. “This is our brewery.”
“I’m proud of how I do my part. But you’re the brewmaster. These are your creations, and this is your brewery.”
Creations. I let out a satisfied snort. I really did create something real here. And I know who I have to thank for that.
As if on cue, the front door opens and Lucy comes sweeping inside on a gust of wind. Her hair dances around her, and once safely inside, she pauses to fix those cute bangs of hers.
She’s in a long, silky dress with a tiny cardigan over top, and it’s a deep red color that matches her lips.
Beautiful as always, but today in particular those lips are drawing me in like a moth to a flame.
I want to ruin her lipstick. Completely devour her until we’re both thoroughly drunk without a sip of Pumpkinville ale.
Turning, she notices me watching and flashes a grin that I feel from head to toe. “You have quite the crowd lined up out there,” she tells us breathlessly. Like she had to fight through it to get inside.
“So, are you ready?” Tad asks again.
I cross over to the entry way and pull Lucy into my arms. She’s got a spot of pale blue paint on the corner of her lips, like maybe she tapped the tip of her paint brush there in thought. I reach out to rub my thumb over it before placing a kiss there.
“Yeah,” I answer without looking away from her. “Now I’m ready.”
Lucy wasn’t exaggerating about the crowd. It seems like all of Ellicottville showed up for opening day, and then some. And the best part is the faces I not only recognize but am lucky enough to call friends now.
Mack is behind the bar with Tad, happy to be hired on as my brewing apprentice.
The two of them don’t miss a beat slinging drinks as my sister runs table to table as our server.
We hired regular staff, of course, but Taylor insisted on being a part of this.
Seeing as I gave her a Manhattan apartment.
But there’s Mr. and Mrs. Hart, and Claire and Levi too. And everyone from the animal shelter. At a table in the corner sits the board of trustees with Lauire keeping them enthralled with a story that involves frequent gesturing.
My father won’t be here today, but that’s fine. As I wrap my arm around Lucy’s waist, standing off to the side to admire the whole scene, I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything at all.
She thinks it was serendipitous that I came along and shook her from her artist’s block. But the truth is, meeting her was the real magic. I came to Ellicottville looking for a break, a chance to breathe. And instead, I found everything I never knew I could have.
I found her. And that’s the real wonder of it all. A wonder I plan to appreciate for the rest of my life.