Page 25 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

“Well, why don’t we all head back to the house?” Leanne suggested. “I’ve got a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls that should be just about ready. And I’ll put on some fresh coffee.”

“I’m in,” Philip said, his hand resting on his stomach. “We can discuss the plans over breakfast, and then I need to get started on my chores.”

“Mom’s cinnamon rolls are legendary in these parts,” Kris explained, his hand finding the small of Cassia’s back as they walked toward the door. The touch was light, almost hesitant, but the connection sent warmth spreading through his fingers. “She won the county fair baking competition three years running before they asked her to be a judge instead.”

“Oh, stop.” Leanne waved a dismissive hand, but her smile betrayed her pride. “It’s just an old family recipe with a few tweaks.”

“Do you have any other family recipes that we could use for the restaurant?” Cassia asked. “That would add such a personal touch to the menu.”

Leanne’s eyes widened with delight. “Oh my, I have notebooks full! My grandmother was quite the cook, and her mother before her. I’ve got recipes dating back generations.”

Hugo chuckled. “Some of them might need translation. The older ones have measurements like ‘a knob of butter’ or ‘cook until it feels right.’”

“I never heard you complaining,” Leanne said with a raised eyebrow.

“I never said they weren’t good,” Hugo replied.

“Good?” Leanne’s eyes narrowed as she looked at him.

“Careful, Dad, you are in dangerous territory there,” Philip warned.

“I meant they are amazing.” Hugo slipped his arm around his mate’s waist and pulled her close. “Just like my wife.”

“Good save!” Philip clapped his hand on his dad’s shoulder.

Leanne laughed and nestled closer to her husband. “You’re forgiven. This time.”

As they walked back toward the house, Kris couldn’t help but notice how naturally Cassia fell into step with his family. She asked Philip about the vineyard’s seasonal patterns, listened intently to Hugo’s explanation of the irrigation system they’d installed last year, and complimented Leanne on the beautiful flowers lining the path.

“I grew up in the city,” Cassia admitted as they approached the house. “But I’ve always been drawn to the countryside.” She sucked in a deep breath. “I love it already.”

“The land has a way of getting into your blood,” Hugo said thoughtfully. “Especially this land. There’s something special about this valley. Even if I do say so myself.”

Kris caught the knowing glance his parents exchanged. They weren’t just talking about the soil or the climate. The connection to their territory ran deeper than words could express, something Cassia would understand once she knew the truth about shifters.

Once I tell her,his thoughts circled back to his most pressing concern.

Soon,his bear insisted.I don’t think I can stand many more days of not meeting her in the flesh.

As they approached the house, the scent of cinnamon wafted through the air, prompting Philip to pick up his pace.

“Some things never change,” Kris murmured to Cassia with a smile. “Philip’s always first in line for food.”

“I heard that,” Philip called over his shoulder, not slowing his stride. “And I’m not even sorry about it.”

Cassia laughed, sounding relaxed. “I understand completely. I’ve never met a cinnamon roll I didn’t like.”

They followed Philip into the kitchen, where the warmth from the oven created a cozy atmosphere. Leanne immediately busied herself making a fresh pot of coffee while Philip grabbed plates from the cupboard.

“These look incredible,” Cassia said, eyes wide with appreciation as Leanne then set a plate of still warm from the oven cinnamon rolls on the table.

“Sit, sit,” Leanne urged, gesturing toward the table. “Coffee’s ready, too.”

As they settled around the well-worn kitchen table—a massive oak piece that had witnessed decades of family meals—Kris felt a profound sense of contentedness settle on him. Cassia fit here, at his family’s table, in their kitchen, in their lives.

His bear rumbled in agreement as he watched her accept a steaming mug from his mother.It feels as if Cassia is not the only one about to make a fresh start.

Chapter Ten – Cassia

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