Ryann started drinking a moment later, letting the others talk around her. They were laughing and discussing the details for the beer, wine, and liquor for the wedding, and she should probably be paying attention since she was going to be a part of this thing, but her attention was centered on the little glasses in front of her. She’d taken a hesitant sip of the first—not sure what to expect—and had been pleasantly surprised. It was a honey lager, but unlike any she’d had before. It was refreshing, light, and almost sweet for a time before the slight bite of light hops took over her palate.

Stuart had mentioned that the beer in Colorado was the best he’d ever had, but she hadn’t really expected that he meant the beer here in this little town, too. She’d thought most of the best places were in the bigger cities. She was no connoisseur, and she’d never really been in a brewery before, but this might be the best lager she’d ever had. She continued down the line, mostly just tasting, and each beer was surprisingly good and refreshingly different from the one before it. She especially enjoyed the two sours at the end of the first flight board, but her favorite was the last beer—the darkest. It was sweet and bitter, with the slightest hint of cherry on the back of her tongue.

She could tell Erin had been trying not to watch her this entire time, but when Ryann put the final glass down, Erin turned in her stool toward her, smiling.

“Did you like any of them?” Erin asked, clearly excited.

“I loved them. I mean, really loved them. I didn’t know what to expect, but they’re all great.”

Erin’s grin became wider, and she heard Stuart sigh next to her.

“You’re going to give her an even bigger ego than she already has,” he said.

“You like them?” Erin said, ignoring him. “Really?”

Ryann nodded. “I really did. I’m blown away. I’m more of a wine person. I’ve never enjoyed any beer this much. I mean it.”

Erin blushed prettily, and Ryann was pleased she’d managed to convey what she actually thought. She liked these nice people and was always glad to give a compliment when it was deserved. The beer was helping with her nerves, too.

“Which one is your favorite?” Erin asked, almost babbling in her glee and standing up. “Can I get you a glass of something?”

“Hey, hey,” Stuart said, gesturing in a calming motion. “Sit down, lady. Give her a second to breathe. She just got here. Remember she still has her sea legs.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Ryann asked.