Page 23 of Beary In Love

"Thanks to you."

The spring breeze carried her scent, and Logan gripped his coffee cup tighter. No use dwelling on what-ifs. She wasn't here for him. This was business, nothing more.

But watching her crouch down to put her supplies in her veterinary kit, sunlight dancing across her face, Logan knew he was lying to himself. Some feelings never really went away, they just hibernated, waiting for the right moment to wake up.

Serena's eyes lit up suddenly, that familiar spark Logan remembered all too well - the one that meant she'd just had an idea. She stood up and grabbed his arm, her small hand barely wrapping around his bicep.

"Wait. What if we double up on the fence protection?"

Logan's bear preened at her touch, but he kept his voice steady. "What're you thinking?"

"The headache/shock potion is good for offense, but..." She paced in front of him. "I can brew something to actually strengthen the fence itself. Make it harder for Silas to break through in the first place."

"Like supernatural reinforcement?" The idea had merit. Logan crossed his arms, studying the fence line. His bear appreciated any solution that would keep their territory secure.

"Exactly! It would be like coating the wood in steel, but better because it's magical. Even in bear form, he'd have a hell of a time trying to break through."

Logan couldn't help grinning at her enthusiasm. "Look at you, getting all excited about fortification potions."

"Oh, shut up." She smacked his arm playfully. "I'm serious. Between the two potions, it would be like having a fortress."

"A fortress, huh?" He leaned against the fence post, enjoying how animated she'd become. "Trying to turn my sanctuary into a castle, Princess?"

"Keep calling me princess and I'll let Silas eat your fence." But her eyes danced with amusement behind those glasses.

His bear hummed with satisfaction at their easy banter. "Alright, alright. I like the idea."

Logan leaned against his workshop doorframe, arms crossed as he watched Serena work. Her hair had started falling from its bun and wisps framed her face as she bent over the bubbling cauldron. The afternoon sun streaming through the window caught the glass vials lined up on his workbench, casting rainbow patterns across her concentrated expression.

His bear rumbled appreciatively at having her in his space. The workshop smelled like her now - lavender and vanilla mixing with the wood shavings.

"Almost done," Serena muttered, more to herself than him. "Just needs one more..."

"You always stick your tongue out like that when you're focusing?"

She jumped, nearly dropping the vial she held. "I do not stick my tongue out."

"Sure you do. Right there in the corner." He tapped the side of his mouth, grinning when she quickly pulled her tongue back in.

"Don't you have something better to do than hover?"

"Nope. My workshop, remember?"

Serena rolled her eyes, but he caught her small smile. "Well, it's ready. Let's test it."

They headed to the fence line, Serena carrying her potion like it was liquid gold. Logan's bear preened at her confidence - she'd always been brilliant at potions.

"Here goes nothing." She splashed the mixture onto a section of fence.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then the wood began to shimmer and transform. Instead of hardening, bright yellow daisies burst forth, covering the entire section in cheerful blooms.

Logan burst out laughing.

"Stop it!" Serena's cheeks flushed pink. "This isn't funny. It was supposed to reinforce the wood, not... garden it."

"I don't know." He plucked one of the daisies, tucking it behind her ear. "I think it's an improvement."

"Logan!" But she was fighting back a smile now. "Silas isn't going to be deterred by flowers."

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