Page 48 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

But Cassia was right, they needed to focus on the restaurant. At least for now. There would be time enough for more later.

If something is worth waiting for…

Kris pushed his frustration aside, allowing himself one last longing look at Cassia before reluctantly shifting into work mode. “Okay, let’s get to work.”

Finn nodded in agreement and pulled a rolled sheet of paper from behind his back. “Great, because I’ve got a revised set of plans for the restaurant. I’ve been refining the layout and applying for some permits we’ll need.”

A flicker of confusion crossed Cassia’s expression. “You have?” She scanned his face, then gave Kris a questioning look. “I didn’t realize you were this far along.”

Finn shrugged. “We might’ve been slow to commit before, but, well…” He glanced over at Kris. “I guess your arrival gave us a kick in the pants to move forward.”

Cassia’s brow furrowed. “Now that I know about the mate bond and that the ad was a…mistake.” She paused, forming her words carefully. “I just want to confirm you’re not doing all this purely because you think it’ll make me happy. I don’t want to be the reason you jump into something you’re not ready for.”

Kris let out a low, relieved laugh, stepping a fraction closer to her. “Not at all,” he said firmly. “Fate might’ve brought you here, but fate also nudged us to finally take this project seriously. If you hadn’t come, we might’ve dithered another year or more.”

Philip nodded, smothering a wry grin. “What my brother is so eloquently trying to say is that we should have taken this step a long time ago. You showing up just gave us the momentum to do it.”

Cassia’s shoulders relaxed, a tiny smile tugging at her lips. Her gaze slid to Kris as if seeking confirmation. He merely lifted one hand and gently brushed her arm. A small, possessive gesture that made his bear hum with satisfaction.

“That’s…good,” she murmured, looking from Kris to Finn to Philip. “Then let’s take a look at those new plans.”

Finn laid the rolled-up documents on a workbench. “We can spread them out here.”

Kris stepped around Cassia, ignoring the simmer of desire that still coiled low in his gut, and helped unroll the paper so she could see. Their arms bumped as they leaned in, a reminder of how close they’d been moments ago, how intimately he’d touched her. He bit back the surge of longing, focusing on the well-worn lines of text and sketches that lay before them.

But even as his eyes scanned the restaurant layout, mentally picturing walls, seating, and a tasting bar, part of him remained intensely aware of the woman by his side—his mate—her warmth, her scent, and the promise in the air between them.

It might not be the privacy he craved, but as Cassia offered an insight about the best location for the entrance to the dining area, Kris felt an unexpected contentment settle in him. Because this was what he wanted: to stand beside her, building a shared future, one step at a time.

We’ll have our moment later,he told his bear.And when we do…we’ll make sure no one interrupts us.

Although he planned on spending more than a moment with his mate.

“So, what do we think?” Finn asked as they all leaned over the workbench and studied the plans.

“They’re great,” Cassia said as she looked them over.

“Very similar to the ideas Cassia showed me earlier,” Kris said, resting his hand on the small of her back.

A shiver ran up her spine, and she turned to look at him over her shoulder. As their eyes met, Kris felt his heart skip a beat. Even in this crowded barn, with his brothers hovering nearby, that single look between them felt intimate. A silent acknowledgment of what they’d shared and what still lay ahead.

“I think,” Cassia murmured, “we’re on the same page.”

Finn cleared his throat, breaking the moment. “Is that a first for this family?”

“Not when it comes to the vineyard,” Philip said defensively. “We’ve always pulled together in the same direction.”

“And this restaurant is not going to change that,” Kris added, backing up his brother.

“I’m glad you approve.” Finn chuckled good-naturedly. “As you can see, I’ve allocated more space for the kitchen than in the original plans. Figured our chef would appreciate that.”

Cassia’s eyes brightened. “Absolutely. A cramped kitchen is a nightmare for service flow.” She leaned forward, tracing her finger along the blueprint. “And I like how you’ve positioned the bar here, with a view of both the dining room and the vineyard beyond.”

Philip nodded, looking pleased. “That was Kris’s suggestion, actually. He thought guests should be able to see the vines that produced the wine they’re drinking.”

“Perfect,” Cassia said with a smile at Kris.

Kris felt a flush of pride at the admiration in Cassia’s glance. “It makes for a better story,” he said simply. “People come here for more than just food and wine. They want the experience.”

---