Page 26 of The Bear's Blooming Mate

With a quick wave, Alfie jogged off toward the office, already answering the phone before he disappeared through the door.

“So the best-kept secret in Bear Creek is the coffee and cake?” Elsbeth asked.

“Shall we have a look around, and then you can judge for yourself?” Philip asked.

“That sounds like a plan.” She smiled up at him in a way that made his heart somersault.

I could do a somersault, too,his bear said happily.

Me, too,Philip replied, relieved that his surprise had been so well received.

“Where first?” Philip asked.

“Roses,” Elsbeth said with a dreamy smile. “I’d love to see the roses.”

Philip nodded and glanced around. “This way.”

He led her through an archway covered in climbing vines, their path winding between rows of vibrant blooms. The sweet perfume of flowers filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of rich soil and plant life. As they walked, Elsbeth paused occasionally to examine tags or run her fingers gently along delicate petals.

“Oh, look at these!” She stopped at a display of heritage roses, their blooms full and lush in various shades of pink, cream, and deep crimson. “Aren’t they beautiful?”

“They are,” he agreed, not looking at the plants at all. Instead, Philip found himself watching her face rather than the flowers. The way her eyes lit up, the gentle curve of her lips as she smiled. To Philip these were far more captivating than any rose.

She glanced up, catching his gaze, and a blush spread across her cheeks. For a moment, they simply looked at each other, something unspoken passing between them.

“What’s next?” she asked as she straightened up.

“I know just the place,” Philip said, offering his arm. “The perennial garden is this way.”

Elsbeth slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, the gesture feeling as natural as breathing. As they strolled deeper into the garden center, Philip pointed out his favorite varieties, sharing little tidbits of knowledge, which his bear found amusing.

Are you worried our mate might be more impressed with Alfie’s knowledge of plants than ours?his bear asked.

No. I know Alfie knows more about a wider variety of plants,Philip replied.

But you have a specialist subject,his bear said with understanding.You just haven’t had the chance to share it with our mate yet.

I’d love to show her the vineyard and tell her about the vines,Philip admitted.

And I’d love to show her me and tell her about the mating bond,his bear replied.

“These lavender plants are particularly hardy for our climate,” he explained, guiding her down a shaded path lined with fragrant herbs. “They’ll bloom twice if you prune them right after the first flowering.”

“My mom always said lavender was good for the soul,” Elsbeth said, brushing her fingers against the silvery foliage.

Our mate is good for our soul,Philip’s bear said.

“Your mom talked a lot of sense,” Philip murmured, his voice gruff as sorrow flickered across her face. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have…”

“No.” Elsbeth turned to face him. “I like that you talk about her. She is the reason why I am here.” She looked down at her feet, and for a long moment silence stretched out between them. “I was thinking of naming the farm after her.”

“You should. What was her name?” Philip asked gently.

Elsbeth’s eyes misted. “Rose. Her name was Rose.”

“Rose’s Blooms,” Philip suggested, the words coming naturally. “Or maybe just Rose Farm.”

“Rose Farm,” Elsbeth repeated, testing the words. “I like that. Simple but meaningful.”

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