Page 39 of The Bear's Blooming Mate

Philip chuckled and shook his head. “I’m not so sure.”

“I am,” Hugo said. “You are one of the most patient men I know, Philip. The vines have taught you that.”

Philip nodded, running his hand along the sturdy vine beside him. “I see what you mean. But it’s different with the vines. I know exactly what they need…water, sunlight, pruning at just the right time.” He sighed, his shoulders dropping slightly. “With Elsbeth... It’s not that simple.”

Hugo’s face softened with understanding. He placed a hand on Philip’s shoulder, his touch as reassuring as ever. “Trust yourself, son. Trust your heart. It knows what to do even when your head doesn’t.”

“That’s just it,” Philip admitted. “Now that she’s actually here, I’m terrified of getting it wrong. What if I mistime everything? Move too slow and she thinks I’m not interested, or come on too strong before she’s ready?”

Hugo chuckled, the sound familiar and comforting. “You don’t think every shifter since the beginning of time has had those exact same thoughts?”

Philip gave a short laugh, some of the tension leaving his body. “What, you mean I’m not special?” He arched an eyebrow at his father, the corner of his mouth lifting in a half-smile.

“Oh, you’re special all right,” Hugo laughed, punching him lightly on the shoulder. “All our sons are. And I think Elsbeth already knows just how special you are.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. “That’s all that matters.”

He gestured toward the house with a tilt of his head. “Why don’t you go get cleaned up and leave these vines to do what they do best? Grow.”

Just as our love for Elsbeth will grow,his bear added dreamily.

Philip smiled, feeling lighter than he had all day. He peeled off his work gloves and tucked them into his back pocket. “Thanks, Dad.” He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around his father in a tight hug. “Love you.”

“Love you, too, son.” Hugo’s voice was gruff with emotion. “And if you ever need anything—advice or whatever—I’m here.”

Philip squeezed his father tighter. “I know. I’m incredibly grateful for that.”

“Now go wash up.” Hugo pulled back, giving Philip a gentle push toward the house. “Get ready for dinner. I’m sure your mate will appreciate it if you don’t have dirt under your fingernails.”

As he walked toward the house, he wondered what Elsbeth was doing right now. Was she nervous about tonight, too?

The screen door slammed shut behind Philip as he entered the kitchen. The warm aroma of garlic and herbs made his stomach growl. His mom stood at the stove, her back to him, humming softly as she stirred something that smelled divine.

“That smells amazing, Mom,” Philip said, bending to unlace his work boots.

Leanne turned, wooden spoon in hand, and smiled. “Garlic chicken. Your favorite.” Her eyes twinkled. “I hope Elsbeth will like it, too.”

Philip set his boots by the door and straightened up. “I have no idea what her favorite food is...yet. But I’m sure she’ll love whatever you cooked.”

“Well, I don’t know about that. But I guess we’ll find out soon enough,” Leanne replied, turning back to the stove.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Philip offered as he padded over to the stove.

Leanne gave him a once-over and wrinkled her nose. “What you can do is go upstairs and take a shower. You smell like vineyard soil and hard work.” She waved the wooden spoon at him. “I’ve got everything covered down here.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Philip said with a mock salute, already backing toward the stairs.

“And wear a clean shirt,” she called after him. “One that isn’t worn half through.”

“I will!” Philip called as he took the stairs two at a time, his bear practically skipping with anticipation.

In his bedroom, he peeled off his dirt-streaked clothes, tossing them into the hamper before stepping into the shower. The hot water cascaded over his shoulders, washing away the day’s toil.

As he worked shampoo through his hair, his thoughts drifted to Elsbeth. His father’s words echoed in his mind:Trust yourself. Trust your heart.

His bear rumbled contentedly.Dad is right. We’ve waited this long for our mate. What’s a little more time?

Says the bear who has been pestering me every minute of the day to reveal our true selves,Philip retorted.

I don’t know what you mean.His bear settled down and sighed contentedly.Our mate is worth waiting for.

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