Page 25 of The Bear's Reluctant Mate

Charlie sucked in a deep breath. “And I can bring all my questions about caterpillars?”

“Absolutely. There are lots in the wildlife areas around the vines,” Alfie said. “I’ll even dig out my special magnifying glass so we can see them up close.”

“You have a special magnifying glass?” Charlie asked in awe.

“I do.” Alfie nodded, his face lighting up with the memory. “I got it as a birthday present when I was about your age. It’s one of my most prized possessions.”

“It is?” Charlie looked genuinely impressed.

“You could say it gave me a whole new perspective on life,” Alfie said with a wink. “It helped me focus on the little things.”

In some ways, Marion suspected Alfie was still a little like that boy, and that made her wary. Alfie was good and kind and obviously had a connection with Charlie that few people did, but he probably had no actual experience with children or family life.

“I spent much of my childhood looking at plants and insects. I was lucky that I lived at the vineyard. You should see what vine leaves look like through a magnifying glass.” Alfie chuckled.

“Can we look at the vines, too?” Charlie asked excitedly.

“Charlie, the vineyard belongs to Alfie’s parents. We can’t invite ourselves to go wandering all over it,” Marion said.

She could already picture him running off to explore every corner of the property, and she didn’t want to impose on Alfie’s family.

“Actually,” Alfie said gently, “my parents would be thrilled to have you explore. They miss having a houseful of boys tearing around the place.”

Marion chuckled and shook her head. “I can’t imagine how they coped. I find it hard enough with one.”

Alfie tilted his head, his expression softening as he looked at her. “You’re doing a great job.”

“I’m not so sure about that,” Marion said quietly, glancing at Charlie, who was still daydreaming about exploring the vineyard. “I worry I’m making too many mistakes. Sometimes I think...maybe if he’d been my child from the beginning...”

Alfie reached across the table and placed his hand on her shoulder. The touch sent an electric current through her body, warming places that had been cold for too long.

“I don’t know your story, Marion,” he said in a low voice meant only for her, “but I do know that Charlie loves you and he’s happy.”

Marion shook her head, blinking rapidly. “He is today, thanks to you. You’ve inspired him.”

“And you inspire me,” Alfie said. “I can’t imagine how much courage it must have taken to become a parent to your sister’s child.”

Marion’s eyes misted with tears at the mention of her sister. She looked away, unable to meet his understanding gaze. “I should get Charlie home.”

Alfie squeezed her arm gently. “I’m here if you need me.”

A tear escaped, trickling down her cheek. She brushed it away quickly, hoping Charlie wouldn’t notice. “Thanks for everything today.”

“You’re more than welcome,” Alfie replied. “You know I enjoyed it, too.”

Marion smiled up at him shyly. “Me, too.”

With that, she stood up. It was all a little too much. Too intense and she needed air. Needed to think.

Thankfully, Charlie did not object as they left the café. Instead, he gave Welland a cheerful wave and said, “Thanks for the special hot chocolate.”

“You are welcome,” Welland said as he returned the wave. “Come back soon.”

“We will,” Charlie promised as he skipped on ahead toward the parking lot, his heart-shaped stone still in his hand.

When they reached her car, Charlie said a cheerful goodbye to Alfie before climbing into the backseat.

Alfie opened the driver’s door for Marion. “Wednesday then?” he asked.

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