You're Still the One by Darcy Burke

The Alex. Next week I’ll probably spend some time at Archer Enterprises to see what’s up with the transition. You heard all about that, right?”
    â€œI think so. Your dad’s splitting the brewing into a separate company now that he’s going to bottle, and Derek’s running that, right?”
    â€œYeah. Dad says he’s going to semiretire.”
    She tipped her head to the side and her ponytail grazed her shoulder. “You don’t believe him?”
    Hayden shrugged. “I think he wants to do that, but we’ll see if he can. He’s pretty passionate about his beer.”
    She smiled, revealing the dimples he’d loved so much. “I know. But this will free him up to actually brew more, especially here at home.”
    Dad had an incredible microbrewery on the ground floor, which he kept pretty busy with home brew. “Yeah, just when I think he can’t possibly come up with new varieties, he does.”
    â€œIsn’t it the same way with wine? Can’t you think of a thousand ways to blend it?”
    He blew out a breath. “I don’t know about a thousand, but a lot, yeah.”
    â€œI’m so happy for you, that you’ve found your place.”
    Did she mean his place was halfway around the world while everyone else, including her, called Ribbon Ridge home? That was absurd. She meant he’d found his calling. Or something like that.
    â€œThanks,” he said. “You, too. Funny that it’s back here in Ribbon Ridge, though, right?”
    â€œYeah. The timing was just right, I guess. Everyone’s been so welcoming.” She gave him a look that seemed to hint at gratitude, as if to thank him for being cool with it, too.
    And he was cool with it. In fact, this conversation was surprisingly normal for a couple with their history. It felt good to be able to do this. It meant he really was over her.
    â€œIt’s different, isn’t it?” he asked. “Everyone’s married or getting married. Weird.”
    She laughed softly, and the sound heated dormant places inside him. Places he chose to ignore just now. “Is it weird?”
    â€œTotally. I was the Ribbon Ridge guy with the live-in girlfriend. And now it’s like Opposite Land.”
    Her laugh was stronger this time. “You’re right. On all counts. I can’t believe Liam’s engaged or that Evan’s going to be a dad.” She gave her head a quick shake. “He and Alaina are the craziest pairing. If you’d told me he would end up with a famous actress, I would’ve bet my annual salary against it.”
    Now he chuckled. “No kidding. On paper they make absolutely no sense, but in reality, they’re perfect for each other.”
    â€œI guess you just never know what will stick and what won’t.” Their gazes connected for a moment, and he knew she was thinking the same thing he was—they were supposed to stick. That was something everyone would’ve bet on. Yet, they’d fallen apart.
    â€œSean told me he might film you brewing. Has he talked to you about that?”
    â€œVery briefly. We’re going to talk more about it after the wedding.” She looked down at the carpet and drew a shape with her big toe. “I’m not sure if I want to be on film. It’s a little strange, right?”
    â€œYes, and I speak from experience.”
    Her lips curved into a smile, and once again her outrageously cute dimples peeked out. “Of course you do. If I decide to do it, do you have any tips?”
    He thought back to the show they’d done as kids— Seven is Enough . The show had focused on the sextuplets, but Hayden had made them the seven. That he’d come as a surprise after his parents had undergone so many fertility treatments had been a recurring theme. As if he could ever forget that he wasn’t one of the core six, the ones his parents had wanted more than anything. It