Page 19 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

Then a different reality came crashing down around him. There was so much to do.

He swung out of bed, quickly pulling on worn jeans and a comfortable T-shirt, and padded out of the room. As he went down the stairs, he mentally listed off everything he needed to do today.

Not just vineyard chores, but plans for the restaurant. Once he’d had his first cup of coffee of the day, he’d head over to the barn, which they planned to renovate. It was old, sturdy, and beautiful with its weathered wood exterior. It would be perfect for the restaurant.

When he reached the kitchen, Kris busied himself setting up the coffeemaker, scooping grounds into the filter, and filling the pot with fresh water. The soft hiss and gurgle that followed was a familiar comfort. While the coffee brewed, he stepped outside onto the back porch, letting the pre-dawn air brush across his face.

The porch overlooked the vineyard, rows upon rows of neatly aligned vines stretching toward the distant hills. Even at this early hour, the faint silhouettes of leaves shimmered with morning dew, hinting at the promise of another warm day. Kris inhaled deeply, savoring the tranquil hush.

We really found her,he told his bear, scanning the horizon as the sky lightened.

At that thought, the coffee machine beeped, signaling it was done. Kris stepped back inside, pouring himself a generous mug full. Then he returned to the porch, cradling the warm mug between his hands as he sank into an old rocking chair, where the steam rose to meet the crisp morning air. The first sip was heavenly, strong, and invigorating.

Do you think Cassia likes coffee or tea?he mused.

His bear chuckled.You should probably ask her, rather than guess.

Kris smiled into his coffee. He would ask her, and a thousand other little things, too. What her favorite breakfast was, whether she liked sunrises or sunsets better, if she preferred hiking or swimming. He wanted to know everything about her.

Kris took another swallow of coffee, letting the warmth chase away any lingering sleepiness. He’d have to re-check the barn, make mental notes for the layout, and maybe start marking which walls could be knocked out, where the kitchen might go, and how to connect it to a potential dining area. A lot to do, but he felt a surge of excitement.

This is the first day of the rest of our lives,his bear said happily.

Kris’s heart clenched in his chest.Was it only yesterday we’d sat in this very spot, with no idea who our mate was?

Hard to believe, isn’t it?his bear replied.Our life changed in the blink of an eye.

All thanks to that stupid advert.Kris shook his head. It was like something out of a movie.

Finishing his coffee, Kris rose from the chair and headed back inside. He rinsed his mug in the sink and left it to dry on the rack, then grabbed his phone from where he’d left it, charging on the counter. No messages yet—it was still too early for most people to be awake.

Including Cassia, he thought with a small smile. He wondered what kind of sleeper she was. An early riser like him, or someone who cherished those extra moments wrapped in blankets?

Or wrapped in his arms. Desire unfurled in his stomach, and he quickly tamped it down. All in good time. They had only just met, and even though he knew they were mates. Cassia had not felt that same instant attraction, that same pull of fate.

She would need time.

Especially after that look in her eyes yesterday when she’d mentioned her past. There was pain there. Something, or someone, had wounded her deeply. He hadn’t pressed, but his protective instincts had flared immediately. Whatever—or whoever—had hurt her, Kris wanted to make sure it never happened again.

Enough daydreaming,he told himself firmly. There was work to be done.

He slipped his phone in his pocket and headed back outside, strolling along the narrow path that wound between rows of leafy green. The faint aroma of earth and ripe fruit enveloped him. Some clusters of grapes were starting to deepen in color, promising a good harvest if all went well.

Morning mist clung to the vines, giving the landscape an ethereal quality. Birds were beginning to stir, their cheerful calls reflecting his mood.

As Kris neared the old barn, his steps quickened with anticipation. The structure stood proudly against the backdrop of mountains, its weathered boards telling stories of generations past.

Kris could already envision the transformation. Not that he planned to change the outside too much. He wanted to preserve the rustic charm, but the interior would need a complete overhaul.

He pushed open the heavy door, which creaked in protest. The interior was spacious, with high ceilings supported by thick wooden beams. Dust motes danced in the shafts of light streaming through the windows and gaps in the walls. The earthen floor was uneven but solid and, more importantly, dry.

What do you think?he asked his bear, turning slowly to survey the area.

His bear rumbled with approval.Perfect. Like our mate.

I’d describe it more ashas potential. Like us,Kris said as he walked around the old building.

He pulled out his phone and began taking photos, occasionally jotting down notes in an app. Stacks of crates, leftover barrels, and random equipment lined one wall. The other side held a wide-open space where hay used to be stored decades ago.

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