Page 24 of The Bear's Blooming Mate

The small wooden sign came into view around the next bend, swinging gently in the summer breeze:Bear Creek Garden Center — Family Owned and Operated Since 1997.

Philip slowed the truck, gravel crunching under the tires as they pulled into the shaded lot.

Clusters of potted flowers flanked the drive, brilliant bursts of color spilling from the beds in front of the greenhouses. Beyond them, a labyrinth of shaded paths wound through rows of fruit trees, herbs, and seedlings.

It was impressive. He just hoped Elsbeth thought so, too.

Philip risked a sideways glance at Elsbeth, that same sense of nervousness threading through his veins.

“Wow,” she breathed, her eyes widening slightly as she took it all in. And then she smiled.

Relief loosened the knot in his stomach and washed away all his nerves.She likes it.

Told you,his bear rumbled smugly.

Yeah, yeah,Philip teased as he parked near the main greenhouse and cut the engine.

“Welcome to Bear Creek’s best-kept secret,” he said, grinning as he climbed out and rounded the truck to open her door.

Elsbeth slid out, looking around with open wonder. “This is...” She trailed off, shaking her head. “It’s beautiful.”

He didn’t say anything, he simply sat there and watched her soak it all in. The same way he wanted to soak her all in.

You know that sounds creepy,his bear grumbled.

Philip suppressed a laugh and instead said, “I thought maybe you could get some inspiration for your farm.” He gestured toward the rows of plants. “My brother Alfie owns this place, and what he doesn’t know about growing plants in this climate isn’t worth knowing.”

“Your brother?” Elsbeth asked. “How many brothers do you have?”

“Five.” Philip held up a hand with his fingers spread apart.

I think she knows how to count to five,his bear said.

“Five.” Elsbeth’s expression took on a wistful quality. “That must be nice. I’m an only child.”

Philip caught the note of longing in her voice. “It is nice. Noisy and chaotic sometimes, but nice.”

Wait until she learns she’s part of that noisy and chaotic family now,his bear chuckled.

I don’t know what might scare her more,Philip replied.Learning that she’s the mate of a bear shifter, or that she’s part of the Thornberg clan now.

But in truth, both he and his bear loved every one of his brothers and their extended family. He couldn’t imagine being an only child. They were a constant in his life. Always had been. Always would be.

He gestured toward the entrance. “Come on, let’s go inside. I want to introduce you to Alfie.”

As they headed toward the main entrance, Philip spotted a familiar figure near the loading dock, stacking trays of seedling flats onto a wooden cart.

Alfie. Broad-shouldered, with untamable hair, wearing a T-shirt that saidTalk Dirt to Mein faded letters.

Philip lifted a hand in greeting.

Alfie looked up, squinting into the sunlight, then grinned when he recognized them.

“Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite brother,” Alfie called, wiping his hands on his jeans and crossing the lot to meet them.

“He says that to all his brothers,” Philip murmured to Elsbeth.

“How adorable,” Elsbeth replied.

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