Page 1 of Just One Spark

1

Rowan

It was the Hart's Holiday Illuminary, which took place the first Saturday after Thanksgiving when my family lit thousands of white lights across the grounds to officially welcome the Christmas season.For the event, Mom had insisted on a live band, a hot cocoa bar, and plenty of food to keep visitors entertained.

I stood on the raised wood platform where the band had set up to perform, holding the ceremonial switch to light the property.My father usually had the honors, but Malcolm did it the year he opened the restaurant, and since I was opening the brewery, I was nominated for it this year.I wasn't used to being the face of Hart's Inn.

I cleared my throat, and the crowd looked in my direction.Hattie's hot cocoa bar was set up off to the side, and there were tables of holiday crafts to purchase, and food to eat.Hattie usually worked out of a truck but tonight, Mom had convinced her to set up a table.She wanted the entire event to feel warm and inviting.

We'd spent the week setting up picnic tables around the property so that guests could sit and drink or eat and listen to the band.

My heart pinched when her gaze met mine.We were childhood friends but at some point, she'd drifted away.I'd heard the rumors about her father's struggles with alcohol, and I'd tried talking to her, and she was polite but dismissive.I wanted to know why we drifted apart, but I wasn't positive she'd ever share her feelings with me.

When I saw her, I felt sad for the friendship we lost, but there was a ripple of something else, probably the underlying crush I'd had on her.I wondered if she'd ended our relationship because she knew how I felt about her.The thought made my skin prick.

Malcolm leaned close."It's time to turn on the lights."

I refocused on the rest of the crowd."I want to thank everyone for coming tonight to celebrate the annual Hart's Holiday Illuminary.It's the night that we celebrate the official start of the holiday season.This year, I was granted the honor of turning on the lights since I'll be opening Hart's Brewery in the new year—" I broke off to cheers.

The community seemed genuinely excited for the opening of the brewery.I'd had to delay it a few months so that Boone could finish making the bar, and other furniture that would go inside.It was worth it to feature his woodwork, and I wanted everything to be perfect.

"I'm excited to start this new chapter with all of you."I paused, letting my gaze rest on Hattie."Let's the holiday season begin."I pushed the ceremonial button with a click, and there was an audible gasp from the crowd.The lights were timed to go on in succession, not all at one time, to heighten the effect.The trees lit first, then the Inn's wraparound porch, the various gazebos scattered across the property, the restaurant, and finally the lights on the trails that marked the various walking paths.

It was beautiful and I was proud to be given the honors to light the property tonight.For once, I felt like a part of the family business.I wasn't just helping at the inn or the restaurant, I was contributing to the addition of the brewery.It was my idea, and I couldn't be prouder.Malcolm was reluctant to let us open the brew bath along with the brewery but he'd come around eventually.And I wanted the opening to be successful.

Malcolm motioned for me to move off the stage."There's a reporter here who wants to talk to you about the opening of the brewery."

"Okay."I was not prepared to talk to a reporter.Why hadn't anyone mentioned that this was a possibility?

Malcolm guided me to a spot behind Hattie's hot cocoa bar where a woman wearing a red wool coat, and knit cap over dark jeans and boots waited."This is Jane Larson.She's writing an article forThe Telluride Times.Jane, this is my brother, Rowan Hart."

A smile spread over her face."Rowan, it's so nice to meet you."

I shook her hand, aware that Hattie stood a few feet away, probably listening to our exchange."The pleasure's all mine."

Jane smiled wider."You're opening the newest Hart sensation, Hart's Brewery."

"That's correct."I wasn't the usual spokesman for the business, so I hoped I didn't screw this up.

A crease appeared between her brows."What can we expect from this Hart addition?"

"We're renovating one of the existing buildings on the property to keep the feel of the inn and restaurant, including an addition for the brew baths.We're planning to serve my personal brews.Tonight we're serving Hart's Holiday Brew for the first time if you'd like to try it."I waved a hand in the direction of my table with the banner Hart's Brewery where Boone was pouring samples.

"I'll have to taste it in a bit."Her gaze followed my gesture.Then returned to mine."Are the rumors correct that you're opening a brew bath too?"

The addition of the brew bath was risky, and I was worried about what people would think."Guests will be able to soak in a tub of warm water, infused with hops, barley, and seasonal herbs."

Hattie had turned to listen to our conversation.

"Is it like a spa treatment?"Jane asked.

I nodded."Guests can enjoy the view of the mountains, and sip on the newest brews while they relax."

"That sounds delightful.When can we expect Hart's Brewery to open?"

"Sometime in the new year.Boone's making the bar and furniture by hand, and it takes time.But we thought it was worth it to include his craftsmanship."

"Do you think we can get an exclusive tour before it opens?We'd love to do a piece in the paper."