Page 34 of The Bear's Reluctant Mate

Charlie rushed to Alfie’s side, tugging at his sleeve. “Come see what we made! It’s a bug hotel! We built it ourselves!”

Alfie followed Charlie to the handcrafted structure, crouching down to examine it properly. The care and attention to detail were impressive. It had different sections for various insects, carefully arranged materials, and even a small roof to keep everything dry.

“This is incredible,” Alfie said, genuinely impressed. “You’ve created different chambers for different bugs. That’s exactly right.”

Charlie beamed with pride. “I researched it online. The spider section is already occupied!”

Marion approached, watching them with a look Alfie could not quite read. “He’s been checking it every hour to see who’s moved in.”

Alfie stood, his eyes meeting hers. The connection between them hummed like electricity, making his breath catch. “You’ve both been busy.”

“Charlie’s enthusiasm is contagious,” she replied, nervously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

They stood there for a moment, simply looking at each other, the world around them fading away until Charlie tugged at Alfie’s sleeve again.

“Are we going?” Charlie asked, breaking the moment.

There’ll be plenty of time for googly-eyed staring later,his bear told him.

Alfie grinned down at him. “Yes, we are.”

“Great! We have logs to collect,” Charlie said excitedly, already heading toward the truck.

Alfie gestured toward his vehicle. “Shall we?”

“I just need to grab my bag.” Marion hurried back to the house and then joined them, her tote bag on her shoulder. “Okay, I’m ready.”

Me, too,Alfie’s bear said.

“Here we go.” Alfie opened the passenger door and offered Marion his hand to help her up. When their fingers touched,that now-familiar spark traveled up his arm, and he relished the sense of connection, the recognition that pulsed between them.

She smiled shyly at him as she held his hand, and he knew she felt the inexplicable bond that had formed between them.

As if to confirm this, her fingers lingered in his for just a moment longer than necessary before she climbed into the truck. Alfie hesitated for a moment, relishing the nearness of her, then he turned around and helped Charlie clamber into the truck beside his aunt.

His bear rumbled contentedly inside him.This is our family.

Alfie smiled at his bear, as he went around to the driver’s side and climbed in. He was right, this was their family. He started the engine, feeling like he was living in a dream he never wanted to wake from.

It’s not a dream,his bear told him.

I know, but it sure feels like one,Alfie said as he glanced sideways at Marion and Charlie.

As they drove out of town and into the mountains, Charlie chattered excitedly, his face pressed against the window. “I’ve never seen mountains so tall!” he exclaimed, eyes wide with wonder. “They go right up into the clouds!”

“Wait until you see them from the vineyard,” Alfie promised. “The view is breathtaking.”

Marion seemed equally enthralled as she watched the landscape unfold, pointing something out to Charlie, from a hawk circling overhead, to a cluster of wildflowers painting a hillside purple, or the way the sunlight dappled through the pine forest.

When they finally turned onto the winding drive that led to Thornberg Vineyard, Alfie felt a surge of pride watching Marion’s reaction. Her lips parted in surprise as the vista openedup before them. “Wow,” she breathed as she took in neat rows of vines stretching across the hillside, the hacienda-style house nestled among them, and beyond it all, the majestic mountains rising against a crystal-blue sky. “This is...incredible.”

“Wait until you taste the wine,” Alfie joked, pulling up in front of the house.

As they got out of the truck, Alfie sensed his parents hovering inside, their anticipation even from this distance.

We should put them out of their misery and introduce them to our mate,his bear suggested eagerly.

Alfie agreed though he didn’t want to overwhelm either Charlie or Marion. This was all unfamiliar territory. For all of them.

---