Page 31 of The Bear's Blooming Mate

We make our own opportunities in life,his bear said, sounding like their father.

I don’t think I have ever been this nervous,Philip said as he approached the farmhouse, with the vine tucked under one arm.

When he’d gotten back to the vineyard after the visit to the garden center, he’d rushed through his chores. He’d worked with focused intensity. So focused, in fact, that he had been completely unaware of Kris talking to him. Only when Kris placed a hand on Philip’s shoulder, making him start, did he realize his brother was there.

When Philip explained to Kris that he’d been invited over to Elsbeth’s for dinner, his brother had offered to finish the rest of the chores, which mostly involved tying in some of the new vines and making sure they had a good watering.

He’s a good brother,Philip’s bear said appreciatively.

He is, but then it helps because he knows exactly how this feels,Philip replied, remembering the look of understanding in Kris’s eyes.

Yes, he knows exactly how we feel,his bear said.

You mean excited and terrified all at the same time?Philip asked.

Kris had assured him that once they had told their mate about shifters and the mating bond, it would be easier, but until then...

The farmhouse door swung open before he could knock, and there stood Elsbeth, framed in the doorway. Her hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, and she wore a simple blue dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. The sight of her stole the breath from his lungs.

And when she smiled, his terrors dissolved in an instant.

“I was worried you might not come,” she admitted, as she tilted her head to one side.

“I said I would,” Philip replied. “And I am a man of my word.”

“I believe you are,” she said with a small smile, her gaze switching from his face to the pot in his hand.

“Oh, I brought you this.” He thrust it out to her. “It’s one of the new ones I’ve been working on. The grapes will make amazing wine.”

“Really?” Elsbeth’s eyes widened as she looked at the plant. Then she smiled and gave a short laugh. “I love it.”

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“I do,” she said, and stepped forward and placed a light kiss on his cheek, leaving him feeling flustered. “You are spoiling me. First the wine and now the vine.”

She deserves it,his bear said happily.

“Dinner smells good,” Philip said, as he tried to keep his cool, even though his skin tingled where her lips had touched his cheek.

“It’s nothing special,” she said modestly, stepping back to let him in. “Just a simple pasta with herbs from the garden and tomatoes from the greenhouse.”

Philip followed her inside. The table had been set for two, with a single candle waiting to be lit beside a small vase of wildflowers…bachelor’s buttons, he realized with a smile.

“Where would you like me to put this?” he asked, still holding the potted vine.

“Right here,” Elsbeth said, clearing a spot by the kitchen window where sunlight would stream in during the day. “It’s perfect. I’ve never grown grapes before. I will need all your best advice to help it thrive.”

“They’re not hard,” Philip said, setting the pot down carefully. “Just a little care and attention.” He straightened, and their eyes met as something unspoken passed between them.

“Like most living things.” Elsbeth caressed the leaves with her fingertips.

His bear rumbled contentedly inside him, wishing he could shower her with all the care and attention she deserved.

“I’ll take good care of it,” she promised, turning to face him. “And someday, we’ll taste the wine it makes. Which I will also need help with.”

The casual way she spoke of the future, their future, gave him hope. Hope that when she learned the truth about him, about their bond, that she would understand.

“I’d like that,” he said. “Although my brother Kris is the wine-making expert.”

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