Page 19 of The Bear's Reluctant Mate

Charlie looked up from where he was patting soil around the final marigold, examining his hands with serious concentration. He held them up, wiggling his fingers in the sunlight. “Nope, not green.”

Marion grinned at her nephew’s literal interpretation, her heart lightening at the glimpse of the old Charlie. The one who had always taken things at face value, who had seen the world in straightforward terms, before life had taught him to look for hidden meanings and threats.

“It’s just an expression,” Finn explained kindly. “It means you’re good with plants.”

“Oh.” Charlie considered this, looking at the neat rows they’d created. “Maybe I am.”

“There’s no maybe about it,” Alfie replied. “Those marigolds couldn’t have been planted better if I’d done it myself.”

The pride that bloomed across Charlie’s face was worth every ache in Marion’s back, every worry about letting someone new into their carefully constructed world.

“The plot looks great,” Finn said, admiring their work. “Must be all that expert guidance.” He shot his brother a knowing look that Marion couldn’t quite interpret.

“It was a team effort,” Alfie replied, his eyes finding Marion’s. “Some things just...work well together.”

The double meaning wasn’t lost on her, and she found herself unable to look away from his warm gaze. Something was happening between them.

Something she hadn’t planned for, hadn’t expected, and hadn’t budgeted for emotionally.

Chapter Seven – Alfie

I think we’ve done it,Alfie’s bear said.

Yeah, if by it, you mean made a good impression,Alfie replied with some relief. Things could have gone so very wrong after he’d turned up at the garden project like a stalker. In his haste to see his mate again, he hadn’t considered the optics.

The optics are that we did not want to lose our mate when we had only just met her,his bear said.

But that’s exactly what we nearly did,Alfie said as he straightened up.

“Alfie.” Finn was looking at him, eyebrow raised.

“We’re done here for now,” Alfie said, realizing he’d zoned out while talking to his bear. He looked around. “Does anyone need help with their plot?”

“I…” Finn looked around, then glanced back to Alfie as if trying to read his mind. “I think most folks are close to finishing up for the day.” He paused and Alfie could almost see his brother’s mind working.

“Well, in that case…” Alfie began.

Finn’s expression brightened. “You guys should reward yourselves with coffee and cake at the garden center.” He looked at Marion. “Has Alfie told you it’s…”

“The best kept secret in Bear Creek,” Marion finished, then she chuckled, sounding so completely different from the woman who had arrived at the garden center by mistake. “Although I’m beginning to think it’s not a secret at all.”

“You might be right there,” Alfie said.

We’re gonna have to thank Finn for this, too,his bear said.

Marion hasn’t said yes yet,Alfie replied.

True,his bear said.But who can resist cake?

Thankfully, not Charlie. “Can we, Aunt Marion?” he asked.

And Marion could not resist her nephew’s plea. “Sure, I think we need a reward.” She turned to Alfie. “My treat.”

“Oh, you don’t have to,” Alfie replied.

“I think I do,” Marion said, “for all the help you’ve given us, and the project.”

“You know better than to turn down an offer like that,” Finn said to his brother, looking a little smug with himself.

---