Page 20 of The Bear's Reluctant Mate

“True,” Alfie said.

“Okay, let’s go,” Charlie said as he started collecting the tools.

Marion bent down to help Charlie, gathering the trowels and small rake they’d used. Her movements were more relaxed now. Even the way she smiled at Charlie had changed, becoming more open, less guarded.

As for Charlie, in just a few hours, the boy had been transformed from the wary, withdrawn child who’d hidden in the car to this eager helper who couldn’t wait to get back to the garden center.

“I’ll take those,” Alfie offered, holding out his hands for the tools Marion had collected. Their fingers brushed as she passed them over, and that now-familiar spark danced between them.

“Thanks,” she smiled shyly at him before she turned away and began packing up their few personal belongings, tucking Charlie’s water bottle into her tote bag. There was a softness to her movements now, a slight relaxation in her shoulders that hadn’t been there before. As if some invisible weight had been temporarily lifted.

“Welland’s carrot cake is legendary,” Finn said casually, though his eyes gleamed with mischief as he glanced between Marion and Alfie. “And his hot chocolate might actually change your life.”

“That’s a big claim,” Marion said, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s the secret ingredient,” Alfie explained, as he checked they had left nothing behind. “He refuses to tell anyone what it is, but there are theories.”

“Cinnamon,” Finn suggested.

“Cardamom,” Alfie countered.

“Magic,” Charlie offered seriously, making all three adults turn to look at him.

For a moment, there was silence, and then Alfie burst into delighted laughter. “You know what, Charlie? I think you might be right.”

The boy ducked his head, pleased but shy about the attention. He tugged at Marion’s sleeve. “Can I bring my heart stone?”

“Of course,” Marion said, her voice filled with affection. “We could paint it and then use it to mark the plot.”

“Cool,” Charlie said as he retrieved his special stone from their pile.

“I’m heading back to the vineyard,” Finn murmured as he leaned closer to Alfie. “Mom’s expecting me for lunch.”

“Tell her I said hi,” Alfie replied, suddenly realizing he’d have to introduce Marion to their mother soon. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying. “But as for…”

“You’re secret is safe with me.” Finn clapped him on the shoulder.

Is it?Alfie’s bear asked, not sure their brother could keep this big a secret for long.

“Tell Mom and Dad I’ll pop by later,” Alfie said. His bear was right, he needed to tell his parents at the earliest opportunity. But he had other priorities right now.

Coffee and cake with our mate,his bear said excitedly.

“Will do, Alfie.” He raised his voice to call out to Marion and Charlie. “Enjoy the cake! I’ve got to run, but I’ll see you both on the next garden day.” He paused and then added, “If not before.”

Alfie rolled his eyes, but thankfully, Marion had not thought Finn’s last comment strange.

“Ready?” Marion asked, approaching with Charlie at her side, the heart-shaped stone clutched carefully in his small hand.

“Absolutely,” Alfie replied, his heart fit to burst.

“We’ll follow you in our car,” she said, glancing up at Alfie.

“Perfect,” he replied, trying not to show how the simple phrase ‘follow you’ sent a thrill through him.

As they walked to their respective vehicles, Alfie could not resist stealing glances at Marion, memorizing the way the sunlight caught in her dark hair, the curve of her cheek when she smiled down at Charlie.

His bear rumbled contentedly inside him, already feeling possessive, already considering them part of their world.

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