agr

ey meant he could get better care for his sick mother and quit the back

the fire in my eyes and, for the first time, saw me not just

, the intuition behind every step. We spent long hours in the brewery, experimenting with grain bills and hop schedules. A genuine connection started

mother wouldn't l

It was a busy afternoon, with the taproom full of custom

Liam said loudly, making

easonal ales. I didn' t look up. "There' s not

so cruel?" she wailed, her voice cracking. "My son' s future, his dreams.

anger, but I kept my voice level. "His dreams wer

g this to hurt me! You found some new boy toy to play with?" He gesture

ood beside me, a solid, calming presence. He was taller than Liam, broader

' s this? Your new bodyguar

xpression unreadable. "

am took an involuntary step back. He looked from Noah' s steady gaze to m

er' s arm. "Fine! But this isn

eaving a wake of un

t, everyone," I announced to the tapro

ced at Noah. He gave me a sma

eam. And Li