Page 53 of Gabriel & Skye

I raise an eyebrow. “You can always use one of mine if you need to. I have the truck and the Lexus.”

“Alright, sounds good,” Skye says as Trin runs up to me and wraps her little arms around my legs. I bob down to scoop her up.

“Be a good girl for Daddy, princess.”

“I will!”

I give her a kiss and set her back down on the floor.

“Call me if you ladies need anything.”

“We will.” Geraldine grabs her purse as Skye takes the last couple of sips of her tea and they’re out the door.

I walk with them and lean in the doorway, watching them all get into the car.

That feeling of rightness overwhelms me again. It’s a good thing. I’m glad I’ve found her, even if it is only temporary. I need this to go well until I find another replacement.

I don’t want to worry about that now or put a damper on things, so I push it to the back of my mind for the moment. First things first.

The fact is, she’s here and things are going well, so I’d say that’s a win.

I wave them off as Geraldine toots the horn on her wagon and I catch a glimpse of Trin from the window, waving Bunnykins in my direction. A smile forms on my lips and I take an extra indulging moment to watch the car disappear.

* * *

I get to work a little earlier than usual as it gives me time to catch up and prepare some reports for when I sit down with Grayson. We have some discussions about the exports today and what suppliers are asking. I know he and Brooklyn have been cooking something up in the cellar, affectionately known as ‘the vault’. They think I don’t know, but my eyes and ears are everywhere.

I know it probably has something to do with Brook’s idea about adding to the bourbon flavors and making something a little edgier. He put the idea to Dad some time ago, but it didn’t come at a good time with the barn renovations and redesigning the Bassett logo and branding. It’s an interesting concept, even if I haven’t delved too far into it or his ideas. I didn’t take to the idea at first, the same as Dad. But the more I’ve thought about it, the more I am willing to hear Brooklyn out. I’m all about expanding and making more profit for the business, and this could be the way forward.

It all comes down to costs and profit margins.

I decide to head down to the rickhouse before my meeting with Gray. It’s two flights down from the main floor and everything you’d expect for the manufacture and distillation process of our three whisky types; straight Bourbon Whiskey, original cask strength, and our American blended rye.

It’s a copper still city down here. It’s fair to say they dominate the area, as well as the oak barrels that add a touch of character and infusion. We’ve used the copper stills for decades because of their durability, resistance to corrosion and heat conductivity.

Crafting a quality and exceptional tasting bourbon took time and patience when the business started with our grandparents. My great grandad had the concept and put the wheels in motion for my grandad, and so it was passed down the lines eventually to us.

We still honor the distilling traditions they used back then. BBB results from the careful blending of our mash bill to create our original four-grain straight bourbon whisky.

Brooklyn oversees the rickhouse and all the cellar operations with his assistant manager, Jarrod.

We grow the majority of the grains on the property, but we have had to source corn in the past due to the amount we need versus the amount we can grow. Often other grains are bought in from a variety of farms for that same reason.

To see how the company started out so small in one tiny, rustic outbuilding, to the two-story distillery with a huge production basement, retail store, offices and a tasting room, is a testament to everyone before us who has had a hand in BBB.

I love it here. There’s nothing else I’d ever want to be doing. I live and breathe the brand because I believe in it. I believe in the quality of the product and the memories that can be made over a glass of the good stuff and some good quality conversation.

That’s what it’s all about. Making memories.

When I get down the steps, I hear voices in the vault; that’s where we keep most of the aged barrels with our safe buried in the back, which contains our secret recipe that’s been passed down.

Jarrod and Brooklyn look up when I walk in. They’re pouring over some paperwork and talking about bottling tomorrow.

“Hey.” Brook does a double take, surprised to see me. I don’t get down here that much.

“Hey yourself.” I give Jarrod a chin lift.

“Time for a break,” Brook says.

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