Page 45 of The Bear's Reluctant Mate

“And I don’t want you to do this forotherreasons,” she continued, feeling heat rise to her cheeks as she alluded to what had grown between them.

Alfie’s brows drew together in confusion. “Otherreasons?” Then understanding dawned in his eyes. “Oh no, it’s not like that. That’s why I ran the idea past Daisy,” he blurted. “She is levelheaded and would have shot me down if she thought I was doing it forotherreasons.”

Marion let out a long breath, considering his words. Could she take this risk? If it didn’t work out, she would struggle financially...and worse…she might lose Alfie. But if it did work out...

“We could draw up a business plan,” Alfie suggested, his tone shifting to something more professional. “Figure out pricing, placement, and marketing strategy. I think your soaps would be especially popular with our regular customers who come for plants, especially herbs, with therapeutic properties.”

Marion nodded slowly, her mind racing with ideas. “I could experiment with different essential oil blends. Lavender and chamomile for relaxation, eucalyptus and mint for clarity...”

“Exactly!” Alfie’s eyes lit up. “We could create displays that pair your soaps with the corresponding plants. Customers could see the lavender growing, then purchase your soap made with its essence.”

The idea was brilliant in its simplicity. It would connect her creations directly to the natural world, to the very plants that inspired them. Charlie would love the idea! And so did she.

“I’d need to figure out how to increase production,” Marion mused, already mentally calculating the supplies she’d need. “And develop consistent packaging.”

“We have plenty of space you could use,” Alfie went on. “And Daisy mentioned she has a friend who designs beautiful labels.”

Marion looked across the café to where Daisy was leaning on the counter talking to Welland. She smiled. It seemed as if they also shared a connection.

“So, what do you think?” Alfie asked.

“I think,” Marion said slowly, turning back to Alfie, “that I’d like to see that business plan.”

Alfie’s face lit up with a smile so bright it rivaled the morning sun streaming through the window. “Really? That’s fantastic! I can draft something over the next couple of days, and we can go over it together.”

His enthusiasm was contagious, and Marion found herself smiling back. “I should warn you, I have very little business experience. My background is in administrative work.”

“That’s perfect,” Alfie assured her. “You already understand organization and systems. The creative part—the soap making—you’ve clearly mastered. The rest we can figure out together.”

Together.The word hung between them, full of promise.

“And if it doesn’t work out?” Marion asked, needing to voice her deepest fear.

Alfie grew serious. “Then we try something else. But it will work, Marion. I believe in you and your products.”

The sincerity in his voice made her throat tighten with emotion. When was the last time someone had believed in her like that?

“You really think people would buy them?” she asked, allowing herself to believe it might be possible.

“I know they would,” Alfie replied with such certainty that Marion couldn’t help but trust him. “Your creations are special, Marion. Just like you.”

His hand reached across the table, covering hers with gentle warmth. The contact sent that now-familiar spark through her, a reminder of last night’s kiss under the stars.

“It sounds perfect,” she admitted. “Almost too perfect.”

“And that’s a problem?” Alfie prompted gently, his eyes searching hers.

“I need some time to think about it,” she said finally. “It’s a big decision.” What was she doing? Why didn’t she trust in Alfie, and believe in herself?

Alfie’s face fell slightly, though he quickly masked his disappointment with a nod. “Of course. Take all the time you need. No pressure.”

“Thank you for understanding,” Marion said, feeling guilty at the shadows that had crept into his eyes. “Would you excuse me for a moment?”

In the small bathroom, Marion gripped the edge of the sink and stared at her reflection. Her eyes looked tired, wary. The eyes of someone who had learned to expect the worst.

“Why are you doing this?” she whispered to herself. “Alfie is not Razor.”

The memory of the man who had ruined her sister’s life flashed into her mind. Razor, with his charming smile that never reached his eyes and his grand promises he had never fulfilled. And the way he’d manipulated Heather until she couldn’t recognize herself anymore.

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