Page 39 of So Right
The beer was usually only from Archer, but last year, they’d invited another brewery to join them. This year, that brewery was back, plus two more. Brewers had clamored for the chance, but Rob Archer had invited small, up-and-coming breweries. He’d always gone out of his way to help others, and this was just another way he was doing that.
It was louder here in the tent, since the sound was contained. He leaned close to her and caught the scent of honeysuckle. “What’s your poison?”
“I think I’d like to try the Brigand.”
That was one of the new invitees. “I’ve heard good things about them,” he said. “Let’s give it a go, shall we?”
They walked to the Brigand counter and ordered their pints. Along with the noise, it was warmer in here than outside. Once they had their beers, he asked if she wanted to go outside. At her nod, they moved through the crowd to the back door, which led into a contained outdoor area with tables. There was, however, nowhere to sit.
“Luke!”
He turned at the sound of his name and recognized Liam Archer standing over near the white picket fence that provided the enclosure. He was the oldest of the Archer sextuplets and ran the Archers’ real estate interests. He was also a bit of a thrill seeker and had taken Luke and his brothers skydiving last summer.
Luke waved at him and leaned close to Kelsey once more. “Do you know Liam Archer?”
“Not well.”
“Come on.” He slipped his hand against her lower back again, this time touching her a little more firmly.
They walked to Liam and his wife, Aubrey, who clutched a glass of water and, frankly, looked a bit pale.
“Hey, Aubrey, everything okay?” Luke asked.
Aubrey offered a wan smile. “Just peachy.”
Liam put his arm around her and pulled her against him. “I think we’re going to have to go. Mama-to-be here is suddenly feeling…well, not great.” He pressed a kiss to her temple.
Luke hadn’t known they were expecting. “Congratulations! Do you know Kelsey McDade?” He kept his hand against her back.
Kelsey nodded at Aubrey. “I think we’ve met.”
Aubrey sipped her water. “Yes. You’re the awesome librarian, and you’re putting together the Ribbon Ridge exhibit that I’ve heard so much about. I’d love to help in some way, if I can. I think my uncle has some photographs and other items he’d loan you. He and my aunt have been on an extended vacation the past several weeks, but they’re due back shortly. I’ll get in touch with you.”
Kelsey grinned. “Thanks, I’d love that.” She looked toward Liam. “How are you?”
“Good, thanks. My mom raves about your library. I need to stop in.”
“You should. We’re open every day but Mondays and Wednesdays.”
Aubrey’s pallor took on a greenish tinge. “Okay, babe, I need to go.”
“Let’s hit it.” Liam slammed the rest of his beer and slid them an apologetic glance. “Sorry we have to bail. But here come Tori and Sean. See you guys.”
Tori was another of the Archer sextuplets, and Sean was her British husband. She was a successful architect, while Sean operated a production company with Alaina Archer.
“Hey, Tori, Sean.” Luke reached out and shook Sean’s hand. He was a cool dude.
Tori smiled at them. “Hi, Kelsey, Luke. What’re you drinking?”
Kelsey winced. “Don’t shoot us, but it’s Brigand.”
Tori leaned forward and looked side to side before whispering, “We’re drinking that too. Shhh. Don’t tell my dad. Or Bex.”
Hayden’s wife, Bex, was the brewmaster at the pub located at the hotel the Archers owned in the hills above Ribbon Ridge. And of course Rob Archer had started Archer Brewing and still handcrafted new recipes that were brewed at their ten-plus brewpubs.
“Wait, is that George?” Sean asked, pivoting toward the tent flap.
George and Ruby moved out of the tent. They were a handsome couple. George was tall and still very athletic, his gun-metal gray hair cropped close to his head in a not-quite-military cut. Ruby was small, almost petite, really, with short white hair styled immaculately so it swept back from her face.
