Page 37 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

Kris exhaled.Right. The barn.He glanced over his shoulder at the old structure. They’d cleared some space inside already, but it still needed a serious overhaul. But he wanted to get rid of as much junk as possible before the contractor came.

He walked along the rows toward the barn’s wide doors, stepping inside the airy space. It certainly looked a whole lot better than this time yesterday, but there was still plenty to do.

All right,he muttered, scanning the mess.Time to roll up my sleeves.

And keep our mind from imagining the worst,his bear pointed out.

Exactly.Kris inhaled, letting the purposeful energy fill him.

He worked methodically, sweat prickling at his temples despite the morning chill. With each plank he shifted or stack of junk he hauled, he pictured how this barn could look in a few months—an intimate dining area, a tasting bar, possibly an open kitchen that Cassia was so excited about.

She was so excited about the project,he said with a pang.

And she still is,his bear replied.

You’d better be right.Kris grabbed a broom and started to sweep the uneven floor. Dust rose in lazy swirls, catching in the beams of sunlight.

He was so focused that the sound of footsteps outside the barn caught him by surprise. He paused, broom in mid-sweep, every sense going on alert. Then a familiar presence tugged at his awareness—Dad.

Kris set the broom aside and headed toward the door, a half-smile forming at the sight of his father’s broad figure approaching. Hugo carried two steaming mugs in one hand and a plate covered with foil in the other. He wore the same calm, but rugged expression Kris remembered from childhood mornings, back when his dad would wake early to check the vines.

“Morning,” Hugo greeted, stepping onto the barn’s threshold. His gaze flicked to the pile of junk Kris had stacked near the door. “Doing some cleaning, I see.”

Kris gave a small shrug, crossing to him. “Figured it needed doing.” He was about to add something else but caught the unmistakable aroma of pancakes coming from under the foil. “Are those…?”

Hugo lifted the plate slightly and inhaled deeply, a half-smile tugging at his mouth. “Your mom made a stack. Thought you could use some nourishment after an early start.”

“She thought right.” Kris wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans again, and Hugo handed him one of the mugs before setting the plate on a low table near the barn door. Kris removed the foil. Sure enough—there were pancakes, warm and fragrant, with butter and jam on the side.

“Thanks.” He took a breath, mouth watering. “This is…just what I needed.”

“That’s what your mom thought. And you know she is always right.” Hugo watched him for a moment, then gestured. “Wash up, son. I can wait. No sense eating dust with your pancakes.”

Right. Kris let out a small laugh, heading over to the outside tap attached to the barn’s side. He turned it on, cold water splashing onto his hands. It numbed his skin but felt refreshing after the dusty barn. As he rinsed, he took a moment to stare at the wide blue sky.

When the day is as beautiful as this, how can things not go our way?he asked his bear.

That’s the spirit!his bear said.

Once he dried off with a rag, he returned to where Hugo had pulled up one of the battered chairs. Kris opted to sit on a low wall near him, accepting the second mug. They sat in companionable silence as Kris dug into the pancakes, each bite sweet and comforting.

He was about halfway through when Hugo murmured. “You always chew too fast,” he observed, a note of concern in his voice.

Kris forced himself to slow down. “Just hungry,” he mumbled, taking a swig of coffee to wash it down.

Hugo gave him a sideways look. “Sure. But I suspect it’s not just an empty stomach that’s bugging you.”

Kris set the fork down, exhaling. He hated how easily his father read him. But he also craved the man’s solid wisdom. “Cassia got a call last night,” he admitted, voice subdued. “Her ex-fiancé, begging for another chance.”

Hugo nodded slowly, as though it confirmed his suspicions. “Mm-hmm. I figured something was on your mind. Since you rose before sunrise.”

“Sorry, if I woke you.” Kris raked a hand through his hair.

“I was already awake,” Hugo admitted. “So, share.”

Does he mean the pancakes or our woes?his bear asked forlornly.

“I’m not sure what to do, Dad. She’s torn. She left him because he cheated, but now he’s telling her he made a mistake. If she forgives him…” He let the thought trail off, the possibility of losing her like a stab in the heart. “I know I shouldn’t stand in her way, but…”

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