Page 49 of Bear Creek Christmas
“Yep! We brought Bear Brownies, along with a few Christmas goodies for the humans.”
Amid all the smiles and happy growling, Eden reached over to take the bag from Levi and gave her family a quelling look.
“These will make a nice treat forafterdinner. Boys, help me get the food on the table while your father seats our guests.”
Calvin led them to the large eat-in kitchen, decked out with Fall colors and some of Eden’s own artwork. The oft-used space, obviously the heart of this home, appeared comfortable rather than pretentious. The table was laid out for serious eating, with mega-sized plates to hold an enormous amount of food and plenty of elbow room between. Calvin sat at one end, giving Levi and Knox the second and third chairs to his right.
A steady parade of steaming bowls, heaped platters, and colorful casserole dishes arrived, filling every empty spot. Last came deep baskets of hot buttered rolls and pitchers of milk and water. Eden sat down next to her friend, received a kiss from her mate, and the meal began in earnest. She and Levi made small talk as the bears around the table focused on the feast. Knox discovered more new dishes to enjoy and paused long enough to ask Eden about them.
Once the shifter stomachs were mostly full, they were able to spare some attention for conversation. Arlo, the first to address Knox, asked about his home and what he did for work. At fifteen, he was well-mannered and exhibited looks and traits from both of his parents. Ezra, bold and direct, favored his ursine half. He glanced across the table at their guests, and lacking social graces, blurted out a rather inappropriate observation.
“You smell like mates. Everybody at school is talking about it.”
Levi answered before Ezra’s parents could correct him.
“Are they? We’re still getting acquainted and aren’t officially mates. Maybe soon.”
Levi winked, and all three boys laughed. Calvin growled at his youngest.
“This isn’t the time and place for personal questions, son. Not everyone here is a shifter.”
Ezra had enough sense to look guilty and apologized.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Green, and, uh, I won’t say anything to my friends.”
Knox diverted attention to Wyatt by asking about his future plans.
“What will you do after graduation? Will you be staying in the area?”
The boy looked older than his eighteen years and much like his father—including the unusual light brown hair.
“I’m going to take online business classes and look for a part-time job. I might move after I meet my mate, but I want to stay here for now.”
Knox acknowledged him with a friendly growl, and Levi responded.
“Sounds like a good plan, Wyatt, and I’m sure your folks will enjoy having you close by.”
The young man smiled, even as Ezra rolled his eyes. Arlo seemed content to avoid conflict and said nothing. The meal petered out shortly after, and instead of serving dessert, Eden made an alternate suggestion.
“Cal, why don’t you and the boys show Knox around? It would be a good time to enjoy your brownies, too.”
They all liked the idea, and after changing in the outbuilding, were soon assembled in the backyard. Levi doled out the treats, patted Knox’s soft head, and hurried back inside where it was warm. He and Eden watched out the window as they snarfed the brownies down and then disappeared into the trees. It seemed both host and guest had saved enough room for theDeliciousChristmas goodies Levi brought, and they sat down at the table again to enjoy them. Levi thanked her for the meal.
“We appreciate the invitation today, and the food was wonderful! I can’t recall a busier run-up to Thanksgiving, and I slept like the dead last night. Poor Knox had an emergency repair this morning, though at least the call came inafterwe were awake.”
Eden took another bite of a crunchy pretzel stick, smothered in dark chocolate and rolled in black walnuts. Levi grabbed one, too, and they munched away for a minute making small sounds of delight. Eden suddenly broke the silence when she remembered something.
“I wanted to apologize for Ezra’s comments during dinner. That boy is nearly a hundred percent bear and has no filter.”
Levi swiped another morsel from the box and waved off her concern.
“Don’t worry about it. I know the gossips are yapping away about us, and I don’t care. I certainly have nothing to be ashamed of.”
Eden picked up a dainty little petit four, decorated like a holiday gift box, leaving the other one for Levi.
“Anyone with eyes can see how well you two fit together. So, if you don’t mind me asking, how are things going?”
Levi realized that Eden, bless her heart, had purposely arranged for them to be alone so they could talk.
