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As we drove into the distillery, the place was quiet, as the operations of the day had long died down.
We headed for the room–which was covered in exposed brick and had a window that allowed a beautiful view of the fields in the setting sun. String lights and candles lit the space and bathed Arya in a beautiful glow.
We ordered drinks–a bourbon for me and a mocktail the server suggested for Arya.
“Let’s make a toast,” I said, lifting my glass. “To our baby and our future together.”
Our glass clinked, and we took a sip. I had arranged the meal ahead of time. I wanted this evening to be as intimate as possible. The covered plates held roast duck with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. It smelled delicious. The chef here was amazing and had clearly outdone himself.
“This looks wonderful,” she said. “You'd better be careful, I'm going to make you arrange everything from now on.”
She dug into her plate and I sat and watched her for a minute.
“Regina came to see me,” she said. I paused with my fork half-way to my mouth, unsure of if this was a good thing or a bad thing. I didn’t have any idea that Regina was going to visit Arya. And I hadn’t told Arya that I’d shared the news.
“How did that go?” I asked anxiously.
“I didn’t know if we were sharing the news yet,” she said. Shit. I hoped she wasn’t upset.
“I’m sorry. I had no idea she’d go talk to you about it. I just wanted to give her the heads up.”
“Don’t worry,” Arya said as she waved my concern off. “She and Grace were very supportive.”
“Wait, you told Gram?”
“Nope. She just knew. It was really weird, honestly,” Arya said, laughing. That sounded like Gram.
“She’s the smartest woman I know,” I said truthfully.
We both laughed and started sharing stories about all the crazy things my Gram has either guessed or known. It was a long, long list between the two of us. But I loved this. How we laughed and talked like we had a history for longer than we really did. I guess that's small town life for you.
We finished our meal, and the table was cleared. I asked her to take a walk outside around the distillery to enjoy the warm summer breeze. As we walked, I took her hand.
“I wish we didn’t have to sneak around,” she said, looking at me.
I felt the same way and I hated that it was my parents who were keeping us from going public with our relationship.
“We just need to give things time,” I said. But I was unsure if that was true and exactly how much time was enough.
“I know. What about Mason? I hope your friendship isn’t ruined because of me.”
“Nah,” I said, shaking my head. “Mason and I have had a lot of fights over the years–both real and dumb things–we’ll get past this. You don’t need to worry about us.”
“I’m afraid that he might lose his job if your parents find out about us and the baby,” she said.
“If that happens, I’ll help him get a new job–however I can. He’s really good at what he does. He’ll land on his feet, don’t worry. This is Kentucky. There is no shortage of bourbon distilleries after all. And I know a few people.”
“But I don’t think Mason wants to leave Bardstown.”
“I know, and I’ll do what I can to stop my parents from being vindictive. But let’s just try and enjoy tonight,” I said, stopping. She turned to face me and searched my eyes as if they held the solution to our problems.
“I promise, no matter what happens, you’ll be okay. The baby will be okay and your family will be okay.”
Arya snuggled herself into my arms and I kissed her forehead, desperately hoping I could keep my promise.
Chapter 25
Arya
