Page 23 of The Bear's Reluctant Mate

“Planting tomatoes is not the only thing you have taught me this morning,” Marion replied. Their eyes met and a long moment of silence stretched out before she cleared her throat and said, “It must be nice,” Marion said softly, “having everyone so near.”

There was a wistfulness in her voice that made Alfie want to reach across the table and take her hand. But he restrained himself, sensing she wasn’t ready for that yet.

“It is,” Alfie said. “What about you? What brought you to Bear Creek?”

Marion’s expression closed slightly, her fingers stilling on the table. “A fresh start,” she said after a moment. “For both of us.”

Charlie, who had been watching a hummingbird at the feeder outside the window, turned at her words. His face took on that careful, guarded look again, and Alfie could almost see the invisible wall going up between them and the world.

“Bear Creek is good for fresh starts,” Alfie said gently, not pushing for details. “Something about the mountains and the forest. It feels like anything is possible here.”

Marion’s eyes met his, searching, assessing. Whatever she saw there must have reassured her, because some of the tension left her shoulders. “That’s what I’m hoping for,” she admitted. “New possibilities.”

Their conversation was interrupted by Welland arriving with their order, the promised extra whipped cream, marshmallows, and sprinkles on Charlie’s hot chocolate making the boy’s eyes widen with delight.

“One hot chocolate fit for a king,” Welland announced, setting it down with a flourish. “And the rest of your order, of course.”

“Thank you,” Marion said, her eyes widening at the size of the lemon drizzle cake slice. “This is enormous!”

“Welland doesn’t believe in small portions,” Alfie explained with a grin.

“Life’s too short for tiny cake slices,” Welland declared as if they were the wisest words he’d ever spoken. “Enjoy!”

“We will,” Marion said, catching Alfie’s eyes.

For a moment, they simply looked at each other, something unspoken passing between them. Alfie felt his bear stir with contentment and anticipation.

This felt right. This was destiny.

Their destiny.

Now, all he needed to do was show Marion what his heart already knew.

That they were meant to be together. Forever.

Chapter Eight – Marion

“I think you are wrong,” Marion said as she sipped her coffee and looked around the café.

Alfie swallowed the last piece of his apple pie. “I am?” he asked warily.

“Yes,” Marion replied, keeping her face serious.

“Can I ask about what?” Alfie asked warily.

She leaned forward and whispered, “This isnotthe best-kept secret in Bear Creek.” She nodded knowingly and leaned back in her seat, watching him. And he was very easy on the eye. She winced at that thought. There was so much more to Alfie than his infectious smile, and his broad chest, and toned thighs…

Alfie chuckled, “It isn’t? You don’t think the lemon drizzle cake is the best you have ever tasted?”

“Oh, no, you are right there,” Marion replied. “But that is not the reason this café is busy.”

“No, it’s not,” Alfie said as he glanced toward Welland, who was spouting lyrical about his carrot cake.

“Welland’s the main attraction,” Marion said. “He’s the best-kept secret in Bear Creek.”

It was Alfie’s turn to lean forward and say, “Don’t go telling everyone, though. I don’t want him thinking the grass is greener elsewhere.”

“Oh, I don’t think he is going anywhere,” Marion said. She gathered up her tote bag and hooked it on her shoulder. “But unfortunately, we have to.”

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