Page 1 of The Bear's Blooming Mate

Chapter One – Philip

If only.

Those two words had been bouncing around Philip Thornberg’s head ever since his brother Kris had found his mate.

If only,his bear echoed, with such deep yearning that it pierced Philip’s heart.

Not that they weren’t happy for their brother. They were, truly. Kris deserved every bit of happiness that had come his way. He and Cassia were perfect together, their bond so effortless, so undeniable, it was almost painful to witness.Almost.Because while Philip was overjoyed for his brother, he could not deny it also left him feeling like the oddvineout, tangled and untended.

Philip shook his head and focused on the job at hand. He needed to get the last of these new vines planted before the end of the day. They were a hybrid variety he’d been experimenting with for a couple of years, and this year he was certain he’d gotten it right.

The young vine leaves quivered in a gentle breeze, and Philip’s fingers brushed over their delicate surfaces almost automatically. The vineyard gave him purpose, steadied his restless heart, but even acres of thriving vines couldn’t fill the void inside him.

But he would never begrudge Kris his mate. No one worked harder, loved deeper, or deserved more.

His bear stirred inside him, more restless than ever.We work hard, too,his bear pointed out.Kris might blend award-winning wines, but you gave him the best raw materials to work with.

Philip chuckled under his breath. True enough. From the time he could walk, he’d felt a pull to the land, an instinct for growing and nurturing the vines no amount of schooling could teach. His father often said he had inherited it from his grandfather, but Philip knew it was more than genetics. It was bone-deep. A calling.

See?his bear said.Kris isn’t the only one who’s put his life into the Thornberg Vineyard.

Yeah,Philip agreed.Still doesn’t change the fact that he’s got Cassia and we’ve got dirt under our nails.

If only we could find our mate, too,his bear sighed.Like Kris did. Devote our life to her...

As if on cue, the sound of laughter drifted from the direction of the old barn, now home to the vineyard’s new restaurant.

Philip glanced up. Kris and Cassia were walking hand-in-hand, shoulders touching as they made their way over to him.

“How’s it going?” Kris called out.

“Good. Good. I’m nearly done planting,” Philip replied, standing and brushing off his jeans.

“They look amazing.” Cassia leaned forward to inspect the young plants. “I swear you work magic with these vines.”

“I wish,” Philip grinned. “But it’s just years of hard work and patience. And a sprinkling of luck.”

“Don’t sell yourself short.” Kris placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “You have a rare talent.”

Philip shrugged off the compliment with a modest smile, reaching for a nearby spade. “Talent or not, these little guys don’t plant themselves.”

Cassia crouched beside one of the newly rooted vines and brushed her fingers across the young leaves. “But even so...there’s something about the way you do it, Philip. You’re a nurturer.”

Philip paused mid-motion, the spade heavy in his hands. “A nurturer?” he echoed, his lips pulling into a crooked smile. “Not sure anyone’s ever called me that.”

Cassia glanced up at him. “Well, you are. The way you care for these vines, the way you know what they require before they even seem to need it. It’s something special.” She waved at the neat rows that stretched out behind him, their leaves fluttering in the breeze like a hundred tiny green flags. “You don’t just grow grapes here; you grow life.”

Her words struck something deep inside. For as much as he longed to meet his mate, he also wanted children. A large brood who would dash up and down the rows of vines under his watchful gaze, playing hide and seek…

Yes, that is the kind of life we would love to grow,his bear said wistfully.

As if sensing his brother’s melancholy, Kris tried to lighten the mood. “Season’s looking good, though. If this carries on, we’re going to have an amazing harvest.”

Philip nodded as his eyes roamed the rows and rows of vines. “Best in years. Plenty of early rain. No late frosts. The vines have produced healthy buds across the board.” He glanced at Kris. “Your blends are going to be award bait again.”

Kris nodded and smiled with pride. Pride he deserved. “It’s a joint effort. My blends would be nothing without your grapes.”

“You know,” Cassia began, “you Thornbergs are terrible at taking compliments.”

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