Page 3 of The Bear's Blooming Mate

“Great. We should all meet up,” Finn said.

“Let me know when and where,” Philip replied, already picturing how he’d decorate the venue.

Maybe we could use the new restaurant building,his bear suggested.

“Hang on. I’ve got another call,” Finn said, sounding breathless. “I have to go. But I’ll text you the time and place!”

“Sounds good.” Philip shook his head as the line went dead. “Classic Finn.”

A party,Philip’s bear said happily.For Mom and Dad.

Philip’s phone buzzed as Finn’s message came through:Meet at the Old Larson place, 4:00 PM today.

Philip frowned.Strange spot. I thought the Larson farm was abandoned.

That would make it the perfect place to plan a surprise party,his bear said.

That’s true,Philip agreed as he texted Finn to confirm and checked the time. 2:30. Plenty of time to finish planting and clean up.

As he wrapped up the last of the planting, his mind wandered to the upcoming celebration. His mom and dad were an inspiration. Not just for expanding the vineyard, or the way they raised their sons, but for how they loved each other unconditionally. Fifty years together, and they still looked at each other like they’d just met.

If only,his bear whispered.

He gathered his tools, put them away, and headed back to the house, where the scent of freshly baked bread greeted him. His mother stood at the kitchen counter, chopping carrots.

“Do you want something to eat?” she called, without looking up.

“No, I’m going to head upstairs for a shower and then I’m popping out for an hour or so,” Philip said as he passed through the kitchen.

“Meeting anyone?” Leanne glanced at her son with hope in her eyes.

“Finn,” Philip replied, pausing in the doorway.

“Oh,” Leanne said, her hopes dashed.

She was wondering if we were going to meet our mate,his bear said, hating the look of disappointment on their mom’s face.

If only,Philip sighed.

“Will you be in for dinner?” Leanne asked, going back to her chopping.

“Yeah, I should be back around seven at the latest.” He paused again. “If you and Dad want to eat earlier, I can heat something up.”

“I’ll make a plate for you,” she said, ever the caregiver.

“Thanks, Mom,” Philip said. As he ran upstairs, it was as if he had been transported back in time. As if he were a ten-year-old kid, not a forty-two-year-old man.

Damn, he needed a mate. A family. A home of his own. It wasn’t right to still be living with his parents at his age. But since his life revolved around the vineyard, and his mate had remained elusive, there never seemed much point in moving out.

But as he showered quickly, scrubbing the dirt from beneath his fingernails, the thought persisted.

Because something feels different,his bear said.Can you feel it?

Philip rolled his shoulders. Itdidfeel different. He didn’t know how. And he certainly didn’t know why. But it did.

Maybe our “if only” is about to come true.

Chapter Two – Elsbeth

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