Page 23 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

And nothing more. Because what she felt for him surpassed mere gratitude. But that was a complication she wasn’t ready to face. At least not yet.

But it was hard to deny the yearning that had crept into her heart.

Finally, she cleared her throat. “So, let’s see these sketches from Finn.”

“Yes.” He nodded and then let out a short laugh. “You know, I was worried you might have bailed on me.”

“You were?” she asked as the atmosphere lifted.

“Yes.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I thought you might have changed your mind once you had time to think it over.”

“If we’re being completely honest,” she began.

“We are,” he said, suddenly serious.

“Well, I thought you might have had second thoughts about me.”

“Never,” he replied, his eyes darkening.

And she believed him. Completely.

Chapter Nine – Kris

Kris stood in the barn doorway, the early sun catching on the old wooden boards behind him. He wanted to climb to the rooftop and shout out to the world that she was here, his mate!

So, you’re a little relieved that Cassia hasn’t run off?his bear asked dryly, even though the same excitement buzzed in his veins.

And more, she is serious about the restaurant,Kris replied, picturing them working together to bring this seed of an idea to fruition.

So, what are you waiting for?his bear asked.Time to get to work.

He glanced sideways at Cassia, who stood beside him, casting an assessing eye over the barn’s interior.

How lucky we are that Finn mistakenly posted the ad.That last thought lit a flicker of longing. He’d love to see all his siblings find that special someone.

That only someone,his bear said reverently. Having Cassia here was like some kind of a miracle.

Cassia took a small step forward. “Well,” she remarked, voice echoing faintly in the open space, “it definitely has rustic charm. I can already imagine the potential—windows along this side…” She paused, then glanced over her shoulder at Kris. When she grinned, his heart skipped a beat.

She didn’t even say anything more. Just that grin, as if they shared a secret. The air whooshed out of his lungs as a rush of heady gratitude swept over him.

You can breathe now,his bear teased, nudging him mentally.Or stand frozen there until she wonders if you’re broken.

Kris blinked, managing a half-laugh at his own awkwardness. “Yeah, sorry. Still waking up, I guess.” He rubbed the back of his neck and forced himself to move. Pulling the folded paper from his back pocket, he gestured for her to come closer. “This is Finn’s draft layout. I think it’s the simplest place to start.”

“Sure.” She joined him at the center of the barn, rolling her shoulders as if preparing for a real brainstorming session. “Let’s see.”

Kris unfolded the sketch carefully. It was nothing fancy—pencil lines, half-labeled sections, scrawled ideas about potential doorways and windows. But the general concept was there.

Cassia traced a finger along the drawing. “I like how the tasting area is near the entrance—makes it easy for visitors to start with a wine flight before deciding on what to eat. “Then the main dining area, kind of shaping around a big window so you can see the vines.” She glanced at Kris. “It would be gorgeous.”

Her enthusiasm made Kris grin. “Agreed. Plus, the view from that side is the best, especially during sunset.” A tingle of pride filled his chest, recollecting how many times he’d watched the sun dip over those same vines. To share that moment with her? He could hardly wait.

“Sunset dinners,” Cassia mused, a dreamy tone seeping into her words. “We could market that, you know. Candlelit evenings, and wine pairings, all overlooking the vineyard. Something special, not your everyday dinner out.”

Kris nodded. “I love it,” he said, relief pulsing through him. That fear that maybe she’d find the barn unimpressive or the challenge too big began to dissipate.

They had a shared dream, and he planned to make all her dreams come true.

---