Page 14 of The Bear's Blooming Mate

Chapter Five – Philip

As Philip drove home, he replayed every moment of their encounter with Elsbeth. The way she gestured with her hands when explaining her vision for the flower beds, the slight furrow between her brows when she concentrated, the depth of sadness that shadowed her eyes when she spoke of remembrance.

We shouldn’t have left,his bear grumbled as Philip pulled into the vineyard’s long driveway.

We needed to,Philip replied softly.She needs space.

She needs us,his bear countered.

Philip couldn’t argue with that. Every cell in his body ached to turn around, to race back to the Old Larson place and tell Elsbeth everything. That they were meant to be together. That fate had brought them together because that was exactly where they were meant to be.

But he knew better. Some flowers needed time to bloom.

The hacienda-style house came into view. The sight always filled him with a sense of pride and belonging. Tonight, though, the feeling was different, bittersweet, almost. As if this were his past, while his future lay back at the Old Larson place.

The same place where he’d left his heart—with Elsbeth.

He parked his truck and sat for a moment, hands still gripping the steering wheel.

We should go back,his bear said mournfully.

We’ll see her tomorrow,he replied, trying to placate his restless bear.

Tomorrow is too far away,his bear protested.

Philip glanced at the dashboard clock. 7:15 PM. Later than he’d planned, and he’d likely missed dinner. But his mom would have left him a plate.

Are you going to tell them?his bear demanded.This isn’t the kind of news we should keep to ourselves, especially since Finn knows already.

You’re right. We should tell Mom and Dad before anyone else does,Philip said, climbing out of the truck and heading toward the house. He loved Finn dearly, but he doubted his brother could keep news this big to himself.

Philip crossed to the house and climbed the porch steps. His hand froze on the doorknob, a sudden wave of nervousness washing over him.

This is it,he murmured.Once I walk through this door, they’ll know.

I don’t know if it’ll be theinstantyou open the door. But they’ll know something’s up theinstantthey see your face,his bear said with a chuckle.

What’s wrong with my face?Philip rubbed his hand over his face, worried he’d been walking around with dirt smudged across his cheeks.

Nothing’s wrong with it,his bear assured him.But you’ve got that struck by lightning look written all over it.

I feel like I’ve been struck by lightning,Philip admitted, drawing a deep breath before pushing the door open.

He stepped inside, and the familiar scent of his mother’s cooking greeted him, but he kept his gaze fixed on the scrubbed-clean floorboards. Through his lowered lashes, he could see his parents at the kitchen table, sharing a bottle of their latest vintage, two half-empty glasses between them.

“Philip?” His mother’s voice carried a note of concern. “Is everything all right?”

Told you,his bear said smugly.

Philip nodded wordlessly as he bent to remove his boots, setting them carefully by the door.

“Are you sure?” Leanne pressed, her brow furrowing. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Not a ghost.Hisbear practically purred.Our mate.

“Something...something happened,” Philip managed, his voice catching in his throat.

Hugo stood quickly, alarm spreading across his features. “There’s been an accident?”

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