Old Mill Brewery is a restored red-brick mill, home to a vintage waterwheel, that still turns with the current which is where the brewery got its name. The brewery hosts a variety of events from small get-togethers to weddings, one of my friends even had her child’s first birthday there.
It’s one of my favorite places to take my family to when they are in town. I’m glad Archer’s family enjoys it as well. I’m relieved that his family is keeping it casual. I change from my ‘teacher’ clothes to my favorite jeans, and sweater. Quickly brushing and styling the rat’s nest from earlier before heading back out to the main living space where the Bell families await.
I’m greeted with Archer’s deep laugh when I do finally emerge from our bedroom. He looks incredibly relaxed laughing with his family. His grandparents introduce themselves to me and his Uncle Robert shakes my hand so vigorously I’m surprised he didn’t dislocate it. My heart overflows seeing how much Archer is loved and adored by his family. He’s clearly in his element here. Teasing his brother, charming his grandparents, and adoring his niece and nephew. My heart squeezes in my chest.
Trish has her work cut out for her corralling all of us and assigning carpools, but she manages it with poise and grace. I’m driving Lucas, Mari and their kids in my car. Archer is driving his parents and his grandparents in his truck. Uncle Rob is taking an uber because he’s meeting a friend from college after.
We reach the brewery and are immediately ushered
in by a hostess who is flirting openly with Archer, earning her the wickedest glare from Grandma Bell.
On our way to the backroom, we pass the beer garden which showcases the river, the small stage is tucked away into the corner allowing plenty of space for everyone to mingle. Edison bulbs illuminate the space, allowing people to see where they’re going but not too bright where it distracts from the stage. Right now, there is a cover band playing their hearts out to a decent sized crowd. I see Jaxon point to the band and I’m pretty sure he’s asking his dad if they can go watch the show.
The hostess winks at Archer and squeezes his bicep as she drops us off at the backroom, Archer’s ears are pink, a tell-tale sign he’s embarrassed.
No one else seems to notice his discomfort as they disperse throughout the private party room. I make my way up to him and squeeze his hand. “You do look very handsome tonight; you can’t blame a girl for shooting her shot.” I tease.
“You’re an absolute menace.” He smiles and places a kiss on the top of my head. “Lexi, Jax, you two better get your cups of root beer before I absolutely destroy this keg!” Archer jokes as he releases me and heads over to the cask of house made root beer the brewery left for the nondrinkers. Since he has an upcoming game, he is abstaining from alcohol.
I take in the space around me, it’s got a rustic-industrial charm, the room itself is trendy with the mismatched furniture that just clicks together perfectly. The cake stand that my friend usedfor her baby shower is actually a wood and iron table surrounded by comfy leather chairs. There’s a polished farmhouse table in the middle of the room which has plenty of seating for our party.
The private room doesn’t have a private bar which makes sense from a liability standpoint, so we have to go out to the main area to get drinks. I offer to get the first round with some help from Archer’s dad, David.
While waiting for our drinks I feel a tap on my shoulder and I turn around to see Vi and Phoenix. I smile and wrap Vi in a hug.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, Vi doesn’t drink beer so seeing her at the brewery is a rare sight.
“One of my friends from work is playing in the band.” Phoenix answers.
“That makes a lot more sense than thinking Vi suddenly developed a taste for beer.”
They both laugh.
“We have the back room if you guys want to join us.” David supplies. I smile sheepishly; I turn and make introductions. Something I should have done from the get-go. David doesn’t seem to notice my blunder and smiles good naturedly through it all.
“Archer’s family is in town for the game Sunday.” I explain.
“Oh, we’d love to join! I wanted to talk to you about the bachelorette anyway!” Vi smiles, grabbing my arm. Phoenix graciously grabs what should have been myload of beer to carry and the four of us make our way to the backroom.
“I’m thinking Nashville,” Vi says, “I want to go to one of those cowboy strip clubs.” She whispers conspiratorially. Luckily, it’s loud enough through the main room that Phoenix can’t hear my reply, “Is Phoenix okay with that?”
“I mean is it really any different than when we get drunk and watch Magic Mike?”
“Well I mean it wouldn’t be a work of fiction.”
Vi waves her hand, “It will be fine, I told him he can go to strip club if he wants, it’s our last flings before the rings, and I want sexy shirtless cowboys.”
“Alright, I will relay the message to your sister.” Vi’s older sister is her Matron of Honor but since I’m local, I’ve been tasked with more of the duties and none of the glory, I don’t really mind to be honest. “Want me to start looking at Airbnbs?”
“Oh! Iris has already done all that.” Vi smiles. “I told her that I wanted Nashville and she was able to find a swanky place.”
“Who says swanky?” I tease. Vi playfully swats my arm.
Once safely inside our backroom we make our introductions and not surprisingly Mari and Trish are gushing over Vi’s unique engagement ring and the engagement story. They also offer suggestions for the bachelorette party. Mari lived in Nashville for a few years and knows of several bars that arefrequented less by tourists and more by locals if one of the nights we wanted a more low-key experience.
The remainder of the night goes by with laughter, embarrassing stories of Archer and engaging conversations. Archer’s ears remain pink as he catches snippets of his childhood blunders. Archer’s grandma is absolutely smitten with Vi and wants to make a separate trip to make some pottery at her studio. Archer tells Grandma that after the season is over, he will plan a trip for her and his grandpa to come down.
We finally make it home around eleven thirty which is probably later than Archer wanted but he’s not complaining about it.
