Page 18 of Bearly Frosty

After a while, we come across him sunning himself on a huge rock next to the small pond. “You took too long, and I ended up enjoying my snack without you guys.” His bear stretches lazily and rolls over onto his back.

“Greedy little shit,” my dad mumbles under his breath while stretching out on the green grass next to the water’s edge. After a few minutes lying out in the afternoon sun, we all decide to take a dip in the chilly pond to cool off.

By the time we make it back to my house, it’s later than I’d realized. We round the corner to find Gianna standing on the back patio next to the large table with our clothes. “I figured it would be better if you all had clothes on when you meet Dillon’s mate.” She turns to head to the door and calls over her shoulder, “Hurry up and get ready. Bethany started getting hangry two hours ago. We stopped and picked up snacks for her, but I’m sure that will only hold her off for a few more minutes.”

Chapter 12

EMILIA

After a busy butexhausting day of shopping with Tilly, Gianna, and Bethany, we return to Glacier Pass with an SUV full of bags.

As we step into the house, I'm greeted by the delicious aroma of marinated meats and herbs wafting through the air.

The kitchen is immaculate, everything neatly in its place, except for five piles of neatly folded clothes sitting rather conspicuously on the planning desk.

“The boys have been busy,” Tilly observes, a smile playing on her lips. “And it smells wonderful.”

“But where are they?” I wonder aloud, glancing around as if Dillon and the others might suddenly emerge from the shadows.

“They couldn’t have gone too far,” Bethany says, nodding toward the neatly folded clothes. “Especially not naked.”

“I’m betting they’re out torturing small forest creatures,” Gianna chimes in with a laugh. “Since I know Dillon will have a stroke if Emilia is greeted with five naked men, I’d better take their clothes out back and see if I can find them.”

Her words leave me half-laughing, half-embarrassed at the thought of such a peculiar welcoming committee. Gianna gathers up the clothes with a knowing grin, disappearing through the back door to search for the guys.

“Good idea,” Tilly calls to her daughter before turning to the rest of us and gesturing toward the kitchen. “While she does that, we’ll take over finishing up dinner before Bethany passes out from hunger.”

“Suddenly, I’m hungry enough to eat everything in that refrigerator,” Bethany declares, patting her baby bump affectionately. “Those chips and granola bar I had in Arctic Landing didn’t hold my little cub for very long. Let’s get this show on the road.”

We move about the kitchen, picking up where the guys left off, assembling salads, arranging side dishes, and finishing up the last-minute details of tonight's barbecue.

“Today was fun,” Tilly begins, slicing cucumbers with precision. “We loved having you with us.”

I beam at her compliment, feeling the warmth in her words. “Thank you. I had a wonderful time. I really feel like I’m part of the family.”

“Emilia definitely passed the family shopping initiation test,” Bethany adds with a wink, mixing a fresh vinaigrette for the salad. “You certainly held your own today against our various ventures.”

“I’ll admit it was a bit of a workout, but you three make it so much fun.” I chuckle while mentally calculating how much today’s purchases will dip into my monthly budget.

Just then, Gianna returns, a victorious smirk on her face as she announces, “Clothes delivered, and I'm pretty sure they’ll be dressed in about five seconds.”

The timing couldn't be more perfect. As we set the finished dishes on the dining table, the back door opens to reveal Dillon and the others, looking amused and clothed. Thank goodness. Relief mingles with humor on Dillon's face as he strides over to me, wrapping me in a bear hug that lifts me off my feet.

“I fucking missed you,” he growls and kisses me until my knees turn to jelly.

“I missed you, too. A little tiny bit,” I tease, grinning up at him as he sets me down. It feels so natural, surrounded by the warmth of family and the promise of a great evening.

“I can see that girl is going to keep you on your toes, son.” Mr. Bearly walks over and smiles at me. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Emilia. I’ve heard so much about you, but Dillon wouldn’t let any of us come over until he convinced you to mate with him.” He glances over my head and rolls his eyes at his son.

“I was scared one of you would scare her off,” Dillon defends himself as the other men jump in to give him a hard time.

“That won’t happen.” I snuggle up against his warm body. “I’ve grown pretty attached to you.”

“I’m glad to hear it, little goddess.”

As we shut the door behind his parents, Dillon turns to me with a look that sends a shiver up my spine. The unspoken heat shining from his eyes causes my heart to race.

“Ready to head upstairs?” he asks softly.

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