Prologue

Griffin

Four Years Earlier

Sunday dinner with the Atwood family is a lifelong tradition, a ritual that holds a special place in my heart. It's been a while since I was here, but after finishing culinary school, I'm back in Magnolia Ridge. It feels good to be home. It feels great to be with my best friend, Callum, again. He's the brother I never had, the only person who knows my secrets. Without him and the Atwood family, I'd have no one.

Now that I've earned my culinary degree and Callum has finished his training to become a brewmaster, we can finally build our dream—a brewery.

While Carol, Callum's mom, is busy in the kitchen, and Don, his father, is outside with Tripp and Brock, Callum's youngest brothers, I'm sitting with Callum, Shepherd, and Paxton at the dining room table. Callum is the oldest, followed by Shepherd, who's more of a lone wolf. He enjoys staying home and working around his house. Next is Paxton. He's probably the most rambunctious of the group. He loves beer, and I think the brewery may have even been his idea when we were in high school. After Paxton is Anya, and what can I say about Anya? She's tough. You'd kind of have to be, to be the only girl with an onslaught of guys in the house. After her is Brock. He's strong, and confident, and loves the outdoors. Lastly is Tripp, the baby of the family. He's your typical kid. Loves video games and that's about it.

The aroma of Carol's cooking wafts through the house, a comforting mix of spices and roasted meats that brings back countless memories. Laughter and the sounds of clinking glasses fill the room as the family catches up on the week's events. It's a lively, bustling atmosphere that I've missed dearly.

"So, how does it feel to be back?" Shepherd asks, leaning back in his chair and regarding me with a smile.

"It feels incredible," I reply. "I've missed this—the noise, the chaos, and especially Carol's cooking."

Paxton grins. "Yeah, Mom's food is something else. You're in for a treat tonight. She's making her famous lasagna."

Callum nudges me. "And don't forget, we've got our brewery plans to discuss. We've been dreaming about this for years, and now it's finally happening."

I nod, excitement bubbling up inside me. "I know. I can't wait to get started. We're going to make something amazing."

The four of us continue talking about getting the brewery going and I can't remember a time I've been more excited about something. Callum will own the brewery outright, and bring me on as the head chef. I wish I had the money to buy-in, but that's just not in the cards right now. Maybe someday I can.

We're young, Callum and I are the oldest at twenty-three, while Shepherd is twenty-two, and Paxton is twenty-one, but we're ready. We're all in. This idea is something we've had for years and I know it's going to be a success.

"So, the old power plant is for sale and I think it's the perfect location. The building is huge, the property is great, and there's so much we can do with it. Dad and I already talked to his realtor friend who has it on the market and he's willing to cut his commission in half," Callum says, crossing his arms as he looks between us.

"That sounds amazing," I say.

"Yeah, I think we should all go for a tour and check it out," Shepherd replies.

Paxton nods with a big grin. "Let's do this."

"Since Dad is our investor, we need to make sure he agrees with it all. I'm sure he will, but until we pay back what he's invested, there's a lot at stake for him," Callum explains.

Imagine having a father who is not only supportive of your dreams, but actually puts his money in to make it a reality? Donald Atwood is that father. He's not my father, but I can't tell you the amount of times I've imagined he was.

Being a part of this makes me feel like I'm more of a son and brother than anything has before. It's something I will never take for granted and I will be grateful forever.

"This is all so exciting," Paxton says.

Callum nods. "Okay, let's go over positions."

Shepherd nods, and we all lean in closer.

"I'm now a master brewer and I've made a spreadsheet of what everyone can do. Obviously, Griffin will be our head chef." He glances at me and grins. "You ready for it, man?"

"Hell yes. It's the chance of a lifetime," I reply, excited to create my own menu.

"You could cook before, I can't imagine how much better it will be now," Paxton says.

I chuckle and lean back in the chair. "Just wait, you're gonna be blown away."

I'm not a cocky guy, but I am confident in my cooking. I've worked my ass off to get to where I am and while everything else in my life may be a mess, my cooking is flawless. I can't wait to create menus and show off all the new skills I've learned.

This brewery will have the best beer and the best food around. I have no doubt about that.

"Shep, we'll create beer recipes together and you'll be the one putting it all together in the barrels. Once Brock and Tripp are old enough, you can bring them in and teach them everything," Callum says.

That's the Atwood family motto, always being there for each other. While we are the ones getting the brewery up and running, Callum would never leave out his younger brothers. Even if they are just outside throwing the ball back and forth to each other right now, their futures are being taken care of.

It's kind of amazing.

"I can't wait to try some of these beer recipes I've been working on," Shepherd says with a nod.

"And Paxton, you'll go out and sell our beer. If anyone can do that, it's you." Callum says.

Paxton smiles, folding his hands on the table. "Believe me, I can sell anything to anyone."

This is it. This is the beginning of our future and it looks bright and successful.

"What about Anya?" Paxton asks.

Callum puts his spreadsheet back into the folder as he dips his eyebrows. "What about her?"

I look at Paxton, proud that he's looking out for his only sister. I wanted to ask, but it's not my place, but if Brock and Tripp have spots waiting for them, why wouldn't Anya?

"Well, aren't we going to offer her a job once she graduates? I mean she is our only sister," Paxton says.

Callum shakes his head as he stands up from the table. "She's going to school for interior design. Why would she even want to work at the brewery? She's got a successful future ahead of her."

For the next several minutes, we dive deep into discussing theme and design ideas for the brewery. We envision a hipster, old warehouse type of vibe, drawing inspiration from industrial aesthetics and vintage charm. The goal is to create an atmosphere that feels both trendy and timeless, appealing to a diverse crowd.

"Maybe some exposed brick walls?" Shepherd suggests.

We all nod.

"Love that idea, and I was thinking we could source materials from old barns or factories to maintain authenticity." Callum jots down his idea in his notebook.

"That's a great idea. I could even shop for ingredients at local farmer's markets," I say.

"We should definitely showcase some of the brewing equipment so customers can see where the beer is made," Paxton says.

"Definitely," Callum says, jotting down each idea as it comes. "Maybe get some local music on the weekends."

"Maybe we should have a huge chalkboard wall where customers can leave their names, or artwork," I say, loving the whole vibe of the brewery.

"That's a great idea," Shep says with a nod.

"I like the deep oranges, blood reds, and mustard yellows for the color schematics," Callum says, and we all agree.

"I can't wait to see the old power plant. Hopefully it has a few things leftover from when it was up and running," I say.

"For sure," Paxton says with a wide smile.

"I'll talk to Callum and get a day and time that we can all go tour the building. But, let's keep the work talk out of dinner since Anya is coming home for the first time," Shepherd says, getting up and going outside with his father and younger brothers.

"Anya's coming home?" I ask.

"Yeah, first time visiting since she left for college. Why do you think my mom is so happy?" Paxton asks.

Anya Atwood is the only girl in a slew of boys, and Carol is so grateful to have some estrogen among all the testosterone in the house. It must be hard for her being the only girl in the house now that Anya is gone.

"You look lost in thought," Callum says, slapping my shoulder as he comes back to the dining room. "Everything all right?"

I grin, nodding. This is my best friend. He's been there for me when no one else was. He might be a hard ass, but he's one of the kindest people I've ever met. He let me stay here countless times over the years without question. He knew I needed to get away and there was never any judgment, he just let me stay.

As for Carol and Don. They welcomed me into their home with smiles on their faces. That's just how they are. They love having a full house and welcome anyone at any time. Their door is never locked.

"This is it, man. All these years of talking about starting a brewery and it's really happening." Callum squeezes my shoulder as he grins. "I told you when you're focused and determined anything is possible."

"Hello?"

Callum jumps up as all the Atwood's rush to the front door at the sound of Anya's angelic voice.

"My baby girl," Carol says, rushing toward the front door with her arms outstretched.

Don and the boys are loudly talking and I hear a soft laugh drift around the corner. I can't see them, but I can hear the happiness in their voices. It makes me smile, just feeling like I'm a small part of it from another room.

Anya walks into the dining room and the wind is knocked out of me.

Holy fuck.

I haven't seen her since her freshman year of high school and wow how she's grown up. She's a knockout.

The tight shirt and jeans she's wearing show off her body, which up until right now I never would've noticed. But now I'm noticing, and I can't pull my eyes away.

She's always been pretty, but she's gorgeous now. Her big green eyes, full lips, and long brown hair, somehow seem matured, in the best possible way.

I stand up as she makes eye contact with me. "Anya, you've grown up," I say, wrapping her in a hug that is a little too tight and lasts a little too long.

"Hey, Griffin," she replies, almost like she's out of breath.

I force myself to let go of her, which is harder than it should be. My eyes run up and down her, which I swear causes her a chill. "How's school?"

"It's great. Couldn't love being away from all these boys more," she says, laughing as her brothers join us.

"Please, you miss us," Brock says, wrapping his arm around her.

I can't keep my eyes off her. It's impossible.

Even as we sit down for dinner, I can't help but constantly glance in her direction. I may even have laughed a little too hard at something she said, causing everyone to look at me. I played it off by coughing, but it was embarrassing.

"Mom, this meal is outstanding as always," Callum says.

"Truly, thank you again for having me," I say.

Carol smiles, waving my comment away. "You're always welcome, Griffin, you know that. No thanks needed."

"Boys, clear the table since your mother did all the cooking," Don says, grabbing a few plates.

All the Atwood boys and myself, get up and clear everything off the table.

Carol and Anya continue to sit at the table laughing as they talk. I don't even realize I'm staring until Callum slaps my shoulder.

"Griff, you good?"

I try to act unaffected as I look at him. "Never better. Can't stop thinking about the brewery."

He puts his arm around me and leads me into the living room, away from everyone. He sighs. "You sure about that? It seemed more like you couldn't stop thinking of Anya."

"What? No, come on. No, absolutely not," I say, tripping over my own words.

He lifts an eyebrow as he shakes his head. "You can date anyone you want, Griff. I'm always supportive. But my baby sister is off-limits. Starting this brewery, you're like family now. You get that, right?"

It feels like a knife to my chest, but I'll never admit it to anyone. It's just another secret I'll keep buried inside. "Of course, man. I would never cross that line."

He smiles and steps back out of my personal space. "Good."

But I don't feel good. In fact, I feel very, very bad.