Page 55 of Beary In Love

"Among other things." Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Your cooking's improved too."

"Is that so?" He wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her closer. "Would you do me the honor of going on a date with me? A proper one, not just festival dancing or sanctuary work."

"I'd like that." Her smile was bright enough to rival the morning sun. "Though I have to admit, I kind of love our sanctuary work dates too."

Logan chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. "Good, because those aren't stopping anytime soon. Someone's got to keep me from being too stubborn."

"That's a full-time job," she teased, her eyes dancing with mischief.

"Lucky for me, I found just the right person for it."

Logan's bear practically preened with contentment as he led Serena through the town square. Her hand fit perfectly in his, just like it used to, and every brush of her shoulder against his arm sent electricity through his body.

"Remember that ice cream shop we used to go to?" He nodded toward the corner store with its striped awning.

"Rocky Road's?" Serena's eyes lit up. "They still have the best butter pecan."

"Let's find out if that's still true." He guided her inside, breathing in the sweet scent of waffle cones and sugar that mixed pleasantly with Serena's lavender perfume.

They got their ice cream - butter pecan for her, dark chocolate for him - and walked along the shoreline. Theafternoon sun painted everything golden, including the slight flush on Serena's cheeks when he wiped a drop of ice cream from the corner of her mouth.

"Your hands are still warm," she murmured. "Even with the ice cream."

"Bear shifter perk." He grinned, his chest swelling with pride when she leaned into his touch.

They spent hours exploring the places they used to go together - the pier where they'd had their first date, the bookstore where she used to practice her potions. His bear rumbled contentedly as they discovered new favorites too, like the art gallery that had opened last spring.

As sunset approached, they ended up at the lighthouse point, watching the waves crash against the rocks below.

"This was perfect," Serena said, her gray eyes reflecting the orange sky. "Just like I remembered, but better somehow."

Logan pulled her closer, his arm wrapping possessively around her waist. "Because we're better. Stronger." His voice dropped lower. "Would you like to come back to my cabin? I could make us dinner."

Her smile sent his pulse racing. "I'd love to."

The drive back to his place was filled with comfortable silence and shared glances. His bear remained contentedly alert, knowing she was close, knowing she'd chosen them again. This time, Logan swore to himself, they'd get it right.

When they pulled up to his cabin, the porch lights created a warm glow that welcomed them home.

"I made the right choice," Serena said suddenly, turning to face him. "Giving us another chance."

Logan's heart swelled. "So did I, Serena."

Logan's cabin filled with the rich aroma of garlic and herbs as he prepared Serena's favorite pasta dish for dinner - fettuccine with his special mushroom sauce. He smiled as he watchedher settle onto one of his kitchen stools, her eyes following his movements with appreciation.

The domesticity of the moment, having her in his kitchen again after all these years, made his chest tight with happiness.

"The sauce smells amazing." Serena closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. "Just like I remember, but better somehow."

Logan's bear rumbled with pleasure at her praise. He'd spent months perfecting this recipe after she left, though he'd never admit it. "Secret ingredient."

"Let me guess - more garlic?"

"That's between me and the sauce." He winked at her, loving how her laugh filled his kitchen.

Steam rose from the pasta as he plated their dinner, the sauce coating each strand perfectly. His bear practically strutted as he set the plates on his worn wooden table, pleased to provide for her.

"This looks delicious," Serena said, raising her eyebrows.

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