Page 44 of The Bear's Reluctant Mate

And she was. Something about Alfie made her feel lighter, younger somehow. As if the careful walls she’d built around herself over the years simply melted away in his presence.

“Coffee?” he asked, gesturing toward the café.

“Yes, please,” she replied, falling into step beside him as they entered the garden center.

The café was quiet this early in the morning, with only a few tables occupied. Near the counter, Welland was deep in conversation with an older woman whose silver hair was pulled back in a practical bun. She had kind eyes that crinkled with laughter at something Welland said.

“Marion,” Alfie said, guiding her toward them with a hand at the small of her back that sent a shiver down her spine, “I’d like you to meet Daisy. She’s been here at the garden center longer than I have, and knows more about plants than anyone in Bear Creek.”

“Oh, stop it,” Daisy waved him off, but her eyes sparkled with pleasure at the compliment. She extended her hand to Marion. “It’s lovely to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Marion shook her hand, feeling an immediate warmth from the woman. “All good things, I hope?”

“The best,” Daisy assured her with a knowing look that made Marion’s cheeks heat.

Welland winked at Marion. “The usual for you both?”

“Please,” Alfie nodded, then led Marion to a table by the window, the same one where they’d sat with Charlie just days ago.

As they settled into their seats, Marion glanced around, struck by how familiar it all felt already. The sunlight streaming through the windows, the scent of coffee and fresh-baked muffins, Alfie sitting across from her with that easy smile. It seemed impossible that she’d known him for such a short time. He felt like a fixture in her life, as if he’d always been there. And always would be.

“How’s Charlie this morning?” Alfie asked, leaning forward slightly.

“Full of the joys of nature,” Marion replied with a smile. “He was wriggling like a worm at breakfast. I’ve never seen him so…happy.”

“That’s wonderful,” Alfie said, but there was something in his tone, a slight hesitation that made Marion’s stomach tighten.

“Enjoy.” Welland arrived with their coffees, setting them down with a flourish before returning to his conversation with Daisy.

“Thank you.” Marion watched as Alfie took a sip of his coffee, his eyes drifting to the window where a hummingbird hovered near the feeder outside. The silence stretched between them, not uncomfortable but weighted with something unspoken.

“Is everything all right?” she finally asked, unable to bear the suspense any longer.

Alfie turned back to her, his expression clearing. “I have an idea.”

“About the garden project?” Marion asked, feeling a small measure of relief. This was safe territory, something practical she could focus on rather than the way her heart raced whenever he looked at her.

“No,” he shook his head. “I was thinking about your soaps.”

Marion’s eyes widened in surprise. “You were?”

“I spoke to Daisy about it earlier, and she agrees.” Alfie nodded, his eyes serious now, focused entirely on her.

Marion swallowed hard, her grip tightening on her coffee cup. The idea of Alfie discussing her with others made her uncomfortable at first, but then she realized how silly that was. This was Bear Creek, not the city. People talked to each other in small towns. They helped each other. And she’d be a fool not to accept help.

“Go on,” she said, her voice steadier than she felt.

“I’m always looking at expanding the garden center, you know, new ideas...” Alfie began, leaning forward with growing enthusiasm. “And I thought your soaps would complement the flowers and plants we sell here.”

Marion cupped her coffee mug, feeling the heat warm her palms as she considered his words. It was exactly the opportunity she needed, a chance to build something real here, to secure their future. Yet she hesitated.

“I don’t know,” she said finally.

“Oh.” Alfie’s face fell, disappointment evident in the slump of his shoulders.

“I mean, it’s a wonderful idea and a wonderful opportunity,” Marion hastened to add, “but I don’t want you to see me as a charity case.”

Alfie shook his head emphatically. “I don’t.”

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