Page 41 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

“My craft.” A smile spread across those kissable lips. “I’ve never thought of it like that.”

“You should. Blending the wines with recipes for the restaurant is as much a craft as the winemaking itself.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” she replied. “I am not creating something as unique as you. I am taking two things that already exist and marrying them together.”

Oh, how I would like to marry our mate,Kris sighed.

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, Kris forgot about everything else—the restaurant, the vineyard, even his bear. There was only Cassia...

“Kris,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, “I know we agreed to keep things professional, but...”

His heart hammered in his chest. “But?”

She took a deep breath. “But I don’t think I want that anymore. Professional, I mean.” She reached out and placed her hand over his. “When I came to Bear Creek, I was running from my past, trying to find somewhere I could start fresh. I didn’t expect to find...this.”

Kris’s throat went dry. His bear was practically dancing with excitement inside him.

“This?” he prompted, his voice rough with emotion.

“A place that feels like home already. People who make me feel welcome. And you.” Her eyes softened. “Especially you, Kris.”

He turned his hand in hers, so their palms met, fingers intertwining. The simple touch sent electricity racing up his arm. “Are you sure? After the conversation with your ex last night, I wasn’t sure…”

“I’m not going anywhere,” she continued. “I’ve made my decision. Bear Creek is where I want to be. Where I need to be. I’m done looking back. I only want to look forward now.”

The words were everything he’d hoped to hear, but Kris knew there was still one massive barrier between them. One truth she needed to know before they could truly move forward.

“Cassia,” he said, squeezing her hand gently. “There’s something I need to show you. Something important about me, about who—what—I am.”

He could feel his bear rising close to the surface, eager to reveal himself after hiding for so long. This was the moment of truth.

“What is it?” Cassia’s eyes searched his face, concern creasing her brow.

Kris held on tightly to her hand. “It might be easier if I just show you. But I need you to know that I would never, ever hurt you.”

Her face paled, but she nodded. “I know that, Kris.”

“What you’re about to see...it’s going to seem impossible.” He stepped back, creating space between them. His heart beating so hard he was sure she could hear it. “My family has a special...heritage. A gift that’s been passed down through generations.”

“So you said yesterday.” She nodded again, and then added, “Kris, you’re scaring me a little.”

He gave her a fleeting smile. “I’m scared, too. Scared of how you’ll react.” Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes. “But you deserve to know the truth.”

At last,his bear said.

She reached out and placed her hand on his arm. “Kris, I do know the truth.”

“You do?” he asked, surprised.

“Yes. I know you are one of the kindest, most genuine men I’ve ever met. Whatever it is you need to tell me, it can’t change that.”

Her words gave him courage.

Do it,his bear said.It’s now or never.

It’s now,he told his bear.

Yes!His bear let out a long roar of triumph. He was ready to be set free, ready to meet his mate.

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