Page 73 of The Bear's Reluctant Mate

Heather wiped her eyes and nodded. “I’d like that. Very much.”

Charlie looked between his mother and aunt, then up at Alfie. “Can Alfie come, too?” he asked.

Marion’s eyes met Alfie’s over Charlie’s head, a silent question in them. Alfie nodded slightly, letting her know he was there for whatever she needed.

“Of course, Alfie can come,” Marion said with a small smile playing on her lips.

“Great!” Charlie exclaimed, his earlier distress seemingly forgotten in the way only children can manage. “And maybe tomorrow we can all go to the garden center and see the butterflies?”

Alfie chuckled, ruffling Charlie’s hair. “The butterflies will definitely still be there tomorrow.”

As they walked back toward the car, Charlie skipped ahead, telling his mom about the butterflies and his bug house. Marion fell into step beside Alfie, her hand finding his and squeezing gently.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “For finding him. For being here.”

Alfie squeezed back and looked down at her. “Always,” he promised.

“And forever?” she asked.

“And forever,” he replied and sucked in a deep breath. “I think everything is going to come up roses.”

“I’d like you to lay me down in a bed of roses,” she whispered in his ear.

“I can see this really is abuddingromance.” He slipped his arm around her shoulders and held her close.

“Then it’s a good thing I have decided Bear Creek is definitely the place Charlie and I are going to set down roots,” Marion countered.

“And I am going to help you bloom,” Alfie said, cupping her face in his hands before he lowered her head and kissed her.

“You know my love for you is growing like a weed,” she murmured as their kiss broke.

Alfie shook his head and laughed. “Thismatebloomer loves you, too. Very much.”

“Enough with the plant puns?” Marion asked.

“I think so,” Alfie said and took her hand. “Let’s go home.”

Because home is where the heart is,his bear said happily.

Epilogue

Marion lay back on the ground, the scent of chamomile soothing as she stared up at the sky. It was so peaceful here, at Alfie’s cabin. The place she and Charlie would soon call home.

“There you are.” Alfie sat down beside her, and she turned to look at him.

“Wine?” she asked, propping herself up on one elbow. “Isn’t it a little early in the day?”

“I wanted to take this moment while we were alone to celebrate the launch of your soaps this afternoon.” He handed her a glass. “Kris made this blend for you. It’s got hints of roses and honeysuckle.”

“That’s so kind of him,” she said as she sat up and accepted the glass. “It smells wonderful.” She took a tentative sip. “And tastes even better.”

“My brother sure knows how to make an excellent wine,” Alfie said as he drank from his glass with an appreciative murmur.

“Your family has been so kind,” Marion said as she leaned against him.

“You and Charlie are part of the Thornberg clan now,” he said, threading his arm around her waist and pulling her closer.

“I am so lucky,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion.

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