Page 2 of The Bear's Blooming Mate

“We prefer modesty,” Kris replied.

“Modesty has its place,” Cassia teased. “But you should also give yourselves some credit. This vineyard? This family? It’s all because of the way you Thornbergs pour your hearts into everything you touch.”

“That told us,” Kris said, looking at Cassia with such a look of love that Philip had to glance away, his chest tightening with that familiar ache. He busied himself with the spade, plunging it into the soil with perhaps a bit more force than necessary.

Kris clapped him on the shoulder again. “Well, this particular Thornberg needs to get his mate into town before the hardware store closes. And I have some supplies to pick up for Mom.”

Cassia stood and brushed off her jeans, still smiling affectionately at him. Cassia was like the sister he’d never had. “Don’t work too hard.”

“You keeping busy helps,” Kris said, without looking up as he firmed down the ground around the freshly planted vine.

His bear stirred again.Busy’s good. But it would be so much better to have someone to stay busy with.

That’s something we have no control over,Philip muttered.

No, we do not,his bear said forlornly.

Cassia nudged Kris. “Come on, loverboy. We’ve got errands to run and not much time before we need to be back to help open the restaurant.”

“Your wish is my command,” Kris said with a mock bow.

“Really?” Cassia asked with an arched eyebrow.

“Really,” Kris replied, leaning in to kiss her lips tenderly.

Philip averted his gaze, focusing intently on the soil beneath his fingers. The way they could be so casually affectionate with each other, so completely in tune, it was both beautiful and a reminder of everything he didn’t have.

“We’ll see you later,” Kris called as they walked away, their hands finding each other’s again as naturally as breathing.

Philip watched them go, heart tightening just a little. They made it look so easy.

It could be,his bear said.If only.

Maybe we should get Finn to place an ad for us,Philip joked, just as his phone buzzed in his pocket. He brushed the dirt off his hands and pulled it out.

Talk of the devil,his bear muttered, as his brother’s face appeared on the screen.

Philip answered. “Hey, Finn. Are you calling to tell me you’ve found my mate?”

Finn laughed. “I would if I could. But no. I’m calling about Mom and Dad’s anniversary. I figured it was about time we all got together to make plans.”

“You’re right, we should get on it,” Philip said, leaning against a post. “Time goes by so fast.”

“It sure does,” Finn replied.

“So, what do you have in mind?” Philip asked, balancing the phone between his ear and shoulder as he moved to check on the next row of vines.

“I was thinking we could throw them a surprise party,” Finn said, his voice crackling slightly over the connection, which wasn’t unusual out here in the mountains. “Something big, with everyone there. They’re always doing things for us, and I can’t remember the last time we properly celebrated them.”

Philip nodded, though Finn couldn’t see him. “I like it. They deserve something special.”

“Exactly!” Finn’s enthusiasm was obvious even through the phone. “I’ve already talked to Stanley, and he’s in. He suggested we dig out some old photos to make a slideshow.”

“Perfect,” Philip replied. “Although Mom will definitely cry.”

“Oh, she will,” Finn agreed. “So, the best thing is if we all get together and trade ideas. I figured Kris and Cassia might organize the catering.”

“And I could organize the decorations,” Philip offered. “I can use the vines and add in some flowers…”

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