Page 9 of Just One Spark

I rested my arm on the back of the bench, not touching her shoulders but offering her a solid show of support."That's really sweet.You should tell people that."

Her startled gaze flew to mine."You mean when they come to my window to order?Because no reporters are interviewing me."

"Beck thought it would be a good idea to tell the story of our family's inn, so we're printing it.We're also hunting for old pictures to add to it.You know, the inn before it was what it is today."

"You have quite a history with the inn to share.I hardly think my trite story about my mom making me hot chocolate when I was sad as a little girl is the same."

She was either putting herself down intentionally or didn't even realize she was doing it."I think it's just as important.Customers love to know the story behind the business.That's how they relate to you.A good story can bring in a lot of business."Then I shook my head with a chuckle."Or I've been spending too much time with Beck.His voice is in my head."

"I talked to him that time in the restaurant during the tasting.He asked me a lot of questions, and I was surprised.I assumed he'd think my truck was too small for him to even consider."

"Beck loves what he does.You can't take him into a store or restaurant without him asking a million questions about their business model.He's always evaluating."

"Ah.So it wasn't just me then."

"If he was talking to you, then he was interested in your business.Do you want me to ask him to talk to you about it?He loves to give unsolicited advice."

She looked away."Oh, I couldn't afford him."

"I'm sure he'd help you for free.You are my fiancée."

"I looked him up after I talked to him.He was in several business magazines."

Had she been interested in him then?He was dating Clara, but they'd kept it a secret from everyone.That night, I'd hoped Hattie was thinking of me, but she'd looked up Beck.

She'd drifted away because she didn't want to be my friend anymore.She hadn't harbored a crush like I had.

"I wanted to know why he was so interested in my business.He didn't have to take the time to ask so many questions.He was nice."

I wondered if that meant she didn't have a lot of support."Does your mom support your business?"

She winced."We don't really talk about it.She's preoccupied with other things."

I wanted to ask what she could possibly be preoccupied with, other than her daughter, but she'd lost her husband.The rumor was that it was suicide, but I didn't want to bring up a painful topic tonight."How's she doing?"

"She's okay."

That topic wasn't one she wanted to discuss.At least not with me.I'd already gotten more from her tonight than I had in years.

"Is this the brewery?"Hattie asked, leaning over me to get a better look.

The carriage had passed the brewery building when I wasn't paying attention."Can you stop here for a minute?"

The driver acquiesced to my request.

The building was dark, but we'd hung lights around the area where guests would gather in the future to drink the brews and eat pizza."What do you think?"

"It's amazing.You should be proud."

I was proud of what I'd built.But I was concerned that her tone was wistful.Did she feel like her dreams were out of reach?I was very aware of how privileged I was to already have the building and the property, Beck's expert advice, and my family's support.She might not have any of that, and the thought made my chest ache."We wanted to create an inviting place where people would want to gather."

"They're going to love it.It's secluded here in the woods, and with that outdoor area, you've really created something amazing."

"Thank you, Hattie.That means a lot."I wasn't sure I'd ever get a chance to talk to her like this again, and it was great being alone with her.Or at least mostly alone.The driver wasn't intruding on our conversation.

She smiled at me."You're really doing it.You're living your dream."

The driver urged the horses to continue our ride, and I settled into the seat, content to be here with Hattie."You are too."