Stuart touched the back of her hand. “It’s not personal, hon. You came from sea level to elevation. Beer and alcohol will hit a little harder for the next day or two—that’s all. Let your body adapt a bit before going all out.”

“Okay, okay,” Erin said, holding her hands up in defeat. “I won’t get her drunk…yet. Still, which one was your favorite?”

Ryann didn’t hesitate, pointing at the last glass—the Cupid’s Kiss. “It was delicious.”

“I knew it!” Erin said, high-fiving Jai.

“What kind is it?” Ryann asked.

“A chocolate-cherry stout,” Erin said. “There’s a Valentine’s contest between brewers around here at the festival, and lots of us submit a beer for it. I think this is our best one yet.”

“It’s delicious,” Ryann said.

Erin’s face went red again, and she turned to her wife, fanning herself with a hand. Darcy laughed and kissed her lightly, slinking an arm around her shoulders. Ryann had to admit she was a little surprised by this, too. She hadn’t expected them to be so open in public—not in this small town. She realized then that Stuart and Jai were holding hands, and not a single person in the rest of this crowded room seemed to care.

The beer had warmed her, and she started removing her outer layers and hat. Jai stood up, taking the clothes from her and hanging them on a coatrack a few feet away. Erin and Darcy were staring at her again, eyes wide.

“What?” she asked.

“It’s just—” Erin began.

“Your hair,” Darcy finished. “It’s glorious.”

“Amazing,” Erin added.

Ryann touched it self-consciously, pulling one of her red curls straight for a second. “Oh yeah?”

“I haven’t seen it natural in years—not since we were kids,” Stuart said to the others. “She normally straightens it.”

“What a tragedy that would be,” Darcy said. Her icy blue eyes were locked on Ryann’s, and Ryann heated even further under that cool gaze.

She looked at Stuart, desperate to detract attention from herself. “I haven’t had time to go to a salon in a while.”

“It’s really long, too,” Stuart said, pulling one of her curls lightly. “I don’t remember seeing it this long before. It’s gorgeous.”

All four of the others were staring at her, and her cheeks warmed even more. “Thanks,” she managed.

“Okay!” Jai said, clapping his hands. “We’ve embarrassed her enough. We’ll save the rest of the wedding details for another day, if you don’t mind, Erin. I want to get to know my fiancé’s friend a little, and then we need to get something to eat.”

“All right,” Erin said, standing up. “I know when to leave a party.”

Darcy stood with her, taking her arm. “A lady always does.”

“I wouldn’t call myself a lady.”