Page 50 of Bear Creek Christmas
“He’s everything I didn’t know I wanted—and more. I think I’m about ready for the final step.”
Pleased to hear her friend opening up, Eden gave him a soft smile.
“It sounds like something is holding you back. I’ve been in your shoes, my friend, so go ahead and ask.”
Levi felt foolish for having bottled up his concerns all this time and knew he might not have another chance to voice them.
“Were you afraid to mate with a shifter?”
This was the one question she hoped he would ask her.
“At first, yes. That’s why I ran away from him. After getting to know Cal, I realized he offered me permanence, trust, and fidelity—things humans consider old-fashioned or downright foolish. Once you allow yourself to believe, committing to a shifter who truly wants you is easy.”
Eager to know more, Levi tucked away her words for later.
“How did your family react?”
The pain of an old memory skittered across her face.
“Except for my mom, it took a while for them to come around. They were convinced it was a passing fling and that I should run in the other direction! I had to make the decision for myself, regardless of what anyone else thought.”
Levi needed to ask the next question, though he was unsure how Eden would take it.
“Have you been happy? Do you have any regrets?”
Eden shook her head.
“Very happy, and no regrets. Like every other couple, we have our issues, but knowing the relationship is rock-solid means you don’t have to be afraid, and honest communication is the key. Relationships are messy no matter who’s involved, but it’s hard to remain at odds with someone who only wants your happiness.”
Talking about this stuff made Levi feel better, and everything Eden said stirred memories of his interaction with Knox over the last few months. One last question, however, needed an answer.
“Knox and I have talked about a family someday, and he’s all for it. Is it difficult to raise shifter children?”
Eden’s wry smile probably revealed more than she intended.
“Sometimes. It’s true that the human half of a mixed couple has a harder time parenting shifter children. But it works the other way, too, because shifter parents tend to let a lot of the little things go when they really shouldn’t. Be prepared for some difficult discussions and compromises, but it’s so worth it when you have a supportive partner. From what I can see, you guys would make great dads.”
Levi’s faraway look snapped back into focus as the back door opened. In trooped the bear contingent, already dressed but chilled from wandering in the snowscape. Calvin and Knox immediately sought out their mates, eliciting yelps and squeals due to cold hands and noses. Levi let Knox snuffle and lick his neck as he always did—enjoying the attention, even if they had an audience. The earlier conversation gave him much to think about, but it would have to wait until later.
Eden quickly handed out tasks to clear the table, help put away leftovers, and wash up the big stuff. It didn’t take long with everyone helping, and they regrouped in the large family room to play a round of charades—a tradition from Eden’s childhood. Unfortunately, bears weren’t particularly adept at games like this, and the room was filled with good-natured teasing, growls, and blank stares.
Bewildered, Knox stumbled his way through “car wash” until Levi finally figured out that he wasn’t peeing but wielding an imaginary garden hose. Ezra made a snarky comment about the supposed size of Knox’s hose. Most everyone cracked up, despite Eden’s glare from across the room. Poor Knox wasn’t sure if he should be flattered or offended. When he sat down, Levi leaned over to whisper in his ear.
“Don’t worry, love. They’re just jealous because you’re packing. I should know.”
Knox pulled him in for a rumbly kiss, and the moment passed without further teasing. When the game concluded, Knox and Levi thanked their hosts for a wonderful time and prepared to go. Eden met them at the door with a large bag of leftovers and waved goodbye.
“We’ll see you tomorrow at the performance. Good luck!”
####
The next day, downtownBear Creek
Levi finished the warm-up practice thirty minutes before the performance began, and already the audience area of the cleared-off parking lot was filling up. News vans from Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Allentown, and even Philadelphia were jockeying for the best possible viewpoint. It seemed Mayor Tillman’s media team had cast an even wider net this year with promises of something new and different.
Everyone regathered out of sight behind the stage for a final pep talk from their director. Though Levi hated to admit it, the pressure got to him, and Knox could smell his anxiety. Once the music started, he’d lose himself in the job, and no one would ever know his nerves were frazzled. There was a lot more riding on this than a school performance intended for locals. Regardless, he was paid to lead, and the entire community counted on him to deliver. Hmm...no pressure at all.
“All right, this is the big one. We’re going to nail this performance and show the world what Bear Creek is made of! Smile, have fun and keep your eyes on me for your cues. Meet me here five minutes before the hour, and try not to talk much in this cold air. I also need to meet briefly with my bears and their helpers at the storage shed.”
