Page 66 of Beary In Love

"You're truly amazing, you know that?" His voice rumbled with emotion. "This is... I can't even..."

Serena tried to fight back a pleased smile. "Well, now we can rebuild the sanctuary properly. Make it even better than before."

"We could expand the wolf enclosure," Logan mused, his gold-flecked eyes lighting up. "Maybe add that rehabilitation pool you kept talking about."

"Oh, now you want the pool?" Serena raised an eyebrow. "Last week you said, and I quote, 'Water features are just fancy puddles waiting to happen.'"

Logan's laugh vibrated through her. "That was before I knew we'd have actual funding. Though we're not adding any of those magical fountains you showed me."

"They're therapeutic!" Serena protested, though she couldn't keep the grin off her face. "The water changes color based on the animal's mood."

"We don’t need a bunch of grumpy bears turning the water black because their breakfast was five minutes late."

"Fine." She poked his chest. "But I'm adding those self-cleaning runes to the enclosures whether you like it or not. Your current system of hosing everything down is prehistoric."

"There's nothing wrong with good old-fashioned elbow grease."

"Says the man who complained for an hour yesterday about mucking out the deer pen."

Their playful bickering continued as they discussed plans, Serena's heart feeling lighter than it had in months. This was what she'd missed most during their years apart - not just the banter, but the way they challenged each other, pushed each other to be better. The way his stubbornness met her practicalityhalfway, creating something stronger than either of them could manage alone.

Serena leaned into Logan's warmth, his arm a comfortable weight around her waist as they watched the bustling crowd at the Cauldron & Cup.

"You know what this means?" Logan's thumb traced circles on her hip. "You're stuck with me now. The whole town knows you're invested in the sanctuary."

"Oh, is that what this was about?" She adjusted her messy bun, trying to hide her smile. "And here I thought I was just helping the animals."

"Sure you were." His eyes sparkled with amusement. "Nothing to do with wanting to spend more time with a certain ruggedly handsome bear shifter."

"Ruggedly handsome? Someone's been reading too many romance novels." But her heart fluttered as she watched him sketch out more plans on napkins, his enthusiasm infectious.

The floating menu board behind them rearranged itself to show the latest donation total, and Serena felt a surge of pride. This was what coming home meant - not just returning to Saltwater Grove but finding her place in it. The sanctuary wasn't just Logan's dream anymore; it was theirs.

"We should probably rescue Nina's napkin supply before you redesign the entire sanctuary on them," Serena said, watching him start on his seventh sketch.

"Just one more. I want to show you where we could put that meditation garden you mentioned. For the recovering animals."

"And the bear who needs to learn to relax once in a while?"

"I'm perfectly relaxed." Logan pulled her closer, his warmth seeping through her sweater. "Especially now that I have my favorite potions witch to keep me in line."

Serena was filled with joy as she looked around at their friends and neighbors. Julie caught her eye and mouthed "I toldyou so" with a knowing grin. Even Nina's constellation-speckled apron seemed to twinkle more brightly as she orchestrated another round of floating coffee cups.

This was home. Not just the town, but right here, in Logan's arms, planning their future together. The sanctuary would be more than just a haven for animals - it would be their haven too.

"You know what?" Serena tilted her head to look up at Logan. "I think this is the happiest I've been in years."

"Even with all the chaos of rebuilding?" he asked with his half-grin that made her heart race.

"Especially with the chaos." She smiled back at him. "It's our chaos."

Logan's warm chuckle vibrated through her. "Our chaos. I like the sound of that."

29

LOGAN

Logan steered his truck down the winding coastal road, the setting sun painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks. His heart felt fuller than it had in years. The stack of checks and pledges from the fundraiser were tucked safely in Serena's purse beside him. The way she'd rallied the whole town to help rebuild his sanctuary - his dream - left him in awe.

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