“You’ll get more work after the wedding.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
She bites back a smile, her white teeth sinking into her lower lip. “Okay, Mr. Know-It-All, what’s something Foster House can do for the wedding that would double as marketing?”
I narrow my eyes at her. She’s still gnawing on that lower lip, and I’m tempted to take over for her, but we’retalking about her work. “I feel like you already have an idea.”
“I do.” Her grin breaks free and it’s an arrow to my goddamn heart. “I’m sure it’s way too late to do anything about my idea, but I thought those little single-serve bottles would make great wedding favors for the reception.”
“How many would you need?”
She rolls a shoulder. “Fifty would be enough.”
I do some quick calculations. That’s no amount at all. “If I give you some spirits for the bride and groom to choose from, we can bottle them this week.”
Her eyes flare and she sits straighter. “Really?” She hugs the cat closer to her. “I wasn’t even going to ask. I could put them on all the tables after the meal is served.”
I laugh. “When it’s too late to say anything?”
“She won’t be able to without looking like a dick. Everyone’s going to be gushing about them and she’ll have to eat her irritation. Then it’s all done and I don’t have to talk to either one again.”
“Deal, but put the blame on us. We’ll call it Chapel House. I’ll run it by the guys, but it’s such a small batch, it won’t be anything. Haven can make a quick label for it in minutes.”
“Chapel House.” The awe in her voice nestles around my heart. I could trick ride around her and she wouldn’t blink. I’m just doing my job, and she’s impressed. “What kind of whiskey will it be?”
I know just the barrel to take it from. “It’ll go well with the vanilla bean in the wedding cake. I’m aging it in an ex-sherry barrel, hoping to bring out the apricot and almond.”
“Oh, yum.” She sounds like she means it instead of tuning me out.
“Regardless, it should be a nice mix of fruit and spice. I’ll save you a bottle.”
“I’m taking you at your word.” She stretches her long legs out and disrupts the sleeping creatures on her lap. They hop off and lope to snuggle with Mama Cat and Coal. “What do you do on a lazy Saturday?”
Nothing this special. “I usually go to the distillery, but Lane and Cruz are getting everything done today. They wanted me to take this weekend off because of the wedding next weekend, and then Mae Bailey is coming to town Monday. They want to get everything ready to show off to her even though she’s seen the distillery already.”
Her brow furrows. “I know that name.” She snaps her fingers. “Copper Summit Bourbon. She was your foster mom.”
Pleased she remembered when I haven’t talked about Mae a lot, I nod. “She’s disappointed to miss the monthly crochet club.”
“I’ll get her the dates. The weather’s nice and Edna will make her a bestie in no time. Do you get to hang out with her?”
I’ve seen Mae a couple of times since we opened the distillery, but this time, she’s staying for a few days with Lane. “Lane wants to plan a get-together at the tasting room. He’ll haul some grills in and whoever can show is invited.”
“Good. She should see that not only can you make some good spirits, but you’re a beast at the grill.”
I laugh, but she’s right. I want to see Mae and show her that we turned out okay. Three months with theBaileys was a blink, but it was needed after losing Dad. “You’re coming too, right?”
Surprise lights her eyes. “Like I just happen to show up? I know Haven knows about us, but he also knows the arrangement.”
The goddamn arrangement. I just want her there. I want to introduce her to Mae. My mom isn’t in our lives, and I don’t even know where she’s living anymore, but Mae’s arrival is creating that same sensation. ThatI want you to meet my mothersensation. Which is crazy. Campbell isn’t my girlfriend, and Mae’s not my mom.
How do I get Campbell to the gathering without revealing ourselves? “You’re doing work for Foster House. Therefore, you’re invited.”
Her pleased smile turns wicked. “Stanford is going to be so irate I have plans for Monday.”
“He’s going to make you give him a discount.” My blood boils. That fucker should pay her for every second of her life he wasted.
