Page 65 of Beary In Love

"Says the man who leaves coffee mugs in every corner of the sanctuary."

Logan's genuine laugh made her heart lift, even as she caught him sneaking another worried glance at the extensive damage around them. She wished she could wave her wand and fix everything, but even magic had its limits. There had to be a way to save this place.

Serena could barely contain her excitement as Logan's truck wound along the coastal road toward town. She kept sneaking glances at him, fighting back a smile at his adorably grumpy expression.

"We should be working on the sanctuary," Logan muttered, though he still reached over to take her hand.

"The sanctuary will still be there in an hour." She squeezed his fingers. "Besides, you haven't had a proper cup of coffee in days."

"I have coffee at home."

"That sludge you make? I'm pretty sure it could strip paint."

"I like my coffee strong."

She watched the ocean sparkle through the trees, her stomach doing little flips of anticipation. "Turn here."

"I know how to get to the Cauldron & Cup," he said, but there was affection in his voice.

Serena rehearsed her surprise in her head for the hundredth time. She'd spent days coordinating with Nina and calling in favors from what felt like half the supernatural community. If everything went according to plan…

"You're being suspiciously quiet," Logan said, parking in front of the cafe.

"Just enjoying the morning." She hopped out before he could question her further. "Come on, bear. Your coffee awaits."

Logan followed her up the wooden steps, the salt breeze ruffling his dark hair. "You're up to something."

"Maybe I just want to treat my boyfriend to breakfast." She reached for the door handle, her heart racing. "Is that so hard to believe?"

"Yes."

Serena laughed and pulled him inside, where the familiar chime of the bell above the door heralded their arrival.

Serena's heart soared as she watched Logan's expression shift from confusion to amazement. The Cauldron & Cup was packed with familiar faces, all beaming at them. Julie stood near the counter, practically bouncing with excitement, while Nina orchestrated floating trays of coffee and pastries through the crowd.

"Surprise," Serena said softly, squeezing Logan's hand. "Turns out people really care about what you've built here in Saltwater Grove."

"I don't understand..." Logan's voice trailed off as Mrs. Henderson from the flower shop pressed an envelope into his hands.

"For the wolves," the elderly woman said. "My late Harold always loved hearing them howl at night."

The floating menu board had transformed into a donation tracker, magical chalk tallying numbers that made Serena's eyes widen. She caught sight of Julie giving her a thumbs up and felt warmth spread through her.

"The whole town's been asking about the sanctuary," Nina called out, purple sparks at her fingers as she directed a fresh batch of her famous Dragon's Breath Hot Chocolate toward them. "Couldn't keep them away if I tried."

Logan seemed rooted to the spot, so Serena gently guided him further inside. The familiar scent of coffee and magic wrapped around them as person after person approached with donations and offers of help.

"My construction crew can handle the heavy lifting," Mr. Martinez said, clapping Logan on the shoulder.

"And I can help with the landscaping once the buildings are up," added the local dryad, her leaf-green hair rustling with enthusiasm.

Serena watched Logan's face, seeing the rigid set of his shoulders slowly relax as he realized he wasn't alone in this. The bear shifter who always insisted on handling everything himself was finally learning to accept help from others.

"Did you organize all this?" Logan asked her during a brief lull, his gold-flecked eyes soft with wonder.

"Julie helped spread the word, and Nina offered the space." Serena adjusted her glasses, suddenly shy. "I just thought... well, the sanctuary means something to everyone here. Not just us."

Warmth bloomed in Serena's chest as Logan pulled her close, his lips brushing her temple. Her pulse skipped at the tender gesture, especially here in front of everyone.

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