Page 25 of The Bear's Blooming Mate

I have never considered Alfie adorable,his bear grumbled.

Alfie clapped Philip on the back hard enough to jostle him. “Didn’t expect to see you here on a workday, slacker.”

Philip laughed. “Dragged myself away from the vineyard for a worthy cause.”

“So I can see.” Alfie’s gaze slid curiously to Elsbeth, one brow lifting.

Maybe this was a mistake,his bear said.

It’ll be fine,Philip assured him. Alfie might be a joker, but he would never do anything to harm Philip’s relationship with his mate.

“Alfie, this is Elsbeth,” he said, voice steady. “She’s new to Bear Creek. She bought the Old Larson place, just up the ridge.”

“I know it well.” Alfie wiped his hand again on his jeans and offered it to her. “It’s good to meet you. Any friend of Philip’s is a friend of ours.”

Elsbeth smiled shyly as she shook his hand. “It’s good to meet you, too. This place is amazing.”

Alfie beamed, like she’d handed him a trophy. “Thanks. It’s my little kingdom of chaos.”

Philip chuckled. “He’s being modest. Alfie’s got the best plant stock in the valley.”

Alfie scratched the back of his neck, looking pleased but embarrassed. “I try. You know how it is. You plant things, you hope they take root.”

The words were light, but something in Alfie’s tone caught Philip’s attention. A hint of weariness, maybe. Or loneliness.

He needs a mate, too,his bear said quietly.

We need Finn to work his accidental magic again—for all our brothers.

“I’m planning a cut flower farm,” Elsbeth said enthusiastically. “My focus is on hardy perennials, with some annuals to fill in gaps. I’d love your advice on some local native varieties for the pollinators.”

Alfie’s grin widened. “I am all yours. If you need help, I’mmulch-obliged to offer my expertise.”

“Oh, goodness,” Philip said with a roll of his eyes.

“What?” Alfie asked innocently.

“You know what,” Philip retorted.

“Take no notice of him.” Alfie nodded toward his brother. “Feel free toleafthrough my knowledge. I’m here to helpplantideas.”

Elsbeth covered her mouth with her hand as she burst into laughter. “I would love toleafthrough your knowledge.”

“See?” Alfie shot Philip a withering look. Then he linked arms with Elsbeth. “Tell me your plans.”

“Roses. Lots of roses.” Elsbeth nodded eagerly, clearly in her element. “I was thinking of adding peonies and delphiniums once I get the beds established.”

Alfie gave an approving grunt. “You know your stuff. Watch your planting times. June’s usually safe for tender stuff, but don’t rush early spring. Let the soil warm.”

“I won’t,” Elsbeth promised. “I learned that lesson the hard way the year when my mom lost half her seedlings.”

Philip watched her with undisguised admiration. Even carrying the heartache of her loss, Elsbeth hadn’t lost her passion. Or her determination.

And she knows what she’s doing.This isn’t some ill-thought-out attempt to fulfill her mom’s wishes,his bear rumbled in pure approval.

Alfie opened his mouth to reply, but was interrupted by the sharp trill of the garden center’s landline from inside the main office.

He grimaced. “Duty calls. Help yourself to a wander. You’ll want to see the greenhouses, anyway. Oh, and make sure you get Welland to hook you up with coffee and cake. Best-kept secret in Bear Creek.”

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