Page 36 of Only Fate

Some are yelling their orders to the bartenders.

Smiling, I take in the space. Amelia gave me a tour a few weeks ago, but the place wasn’t finished. Long picnic-style tables and stools are the only furniture, except for the stools at the bar. She wanted the brewery to feel like a family gathering.

I say hi to a few people, shuffle through the crowd, then walk outside to the beer garden.

When Amelia told me they were putting one in, I said, “What the hell is a beer garden?”

“Just wait,” she replied eagerly. “You’ll love it.”

And she was right.

Plants and greenery provide a serene atmosphere, and the patio furniture has similar tables to the ones indoors.

I beeline straight to my friends.

“This place is incredible,” I sing out before hugging Amelia. “I’m so proud of and happy for you two!” I hug Jax next.

Amelia’s cheeks blush. “Thank you.”

Jax stares devotedly at her.

Their happiness and how they helped each other heal is inspiring.

“Hey, Sis,” River greets, lifting me off the ground in a hug.

I hug Callie, Ava, Mia, and Easton next. Easton is Mia and Ava’s cousin.

Hugs for everyone!

This is our circle.

We might have disagreements, but when it comes down to it, we always fully support each other.

Amelia and Jax leave to talk with customers and local journalists who came for the opening. A news crew is filming inside.

We order pizza and nachos, and I sit beside Callie. As soon as the server delivers our food, I snatch a cheese slice and drop it onto my plate.

“How was the party?” Mia asks, sipping her beer. She’s normally a martini girl, and Down Home is the only beer she’ll drink.

Instead of telling them about my talk with Adrian, I dive straight into the gossip. “Everything was fine until it was time to unwrap presents. Brielle and the nanny—a.k.a. Rhett’s mistress—bought the kids the same thing.”

Callie covers her mouth with her hand.

“You’re joking?” Ava asks.

I shake my head. “Literally the most awkward moment of my life.”

“Did Brielle freak out?” Callie asks.

“Nope,” I reply. “She stayed surprisingly calm until Rhett, with his big mouth, said, ‘Look at that. Great moms think alike.’”

Mia twists the gold bracelet on her wrist. “Please tell me Mistress Nanny also has children?”

I shake my head again.

Callie gasps.

“What a scumbag.” Mia rolls her eyes. “Give me Brielle’s number so I can tell her to hook up with Rhett’s hot cousin.”

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