Page 80 of Bear Creek Valentine
“You go ahead, love. I need to check in atDeliciousand see what they need for tomorrow. I’ll join you afterward.”
Ten minutes later, Aiden arrived at the Hungry Bear and checked in with Chet. Unsurprisingly, they were sold out of a few items, but not in terrible shape. Aiden assured him they’d be resupplied tomorrow by the end of the day.
“If a customer asks for something we don’t have, apologize and give them a discount coupon for an online order. Usually, that smoothes any ruffled feathers.”
By this time, Jean had arrived looking flushed and carrying a banged-up cardboard box.
“Sorry for the secrecy, but I don’t want Dash to see this. If your car is in the back lot, I’ll explain on the way.”
Aiden followed her outside, both without coats, hurrying to reach the vehicle in the chilled winter air. As promised, she began her story.
“After his mate passed away, Dash couldn’t stand to live in the house they shared. Eventually, he sold it, and when we helped him move out, I found this box buried in Harv’s closet. He always made a big deal out of Valentine’s Day for Dash, buying him lots of little gifts, candy, and flowers. My son loved being spoiled by his mate and looked forward to it every year.”
By now they’d reached the vehicle, quickly stowed the box in the trunk, and hurried back to the building. Jean continued.
“Harv never got the chance to give Dash the box of gifts because he died three days before Valentine’s. Since it’s a fresh reminder of his loss, Dash won’t even acknowledge the holiday. In his grief, my son never thought to ask what we may have found in Harv’s closet, and I’m not sure we would have given it to him anyway. He was struggling just to live, on top of all the stress from the lawsuit and trial. There never seemed to be a good time or reason to mention it, and we didn’t want to hurt him. Lamont and I believe it should be your decision.”
They’d stopped in the entryway for a bit of privacy, but Aiden wasn’t sure what to say.
“We’ve talked about Harv, of course, but Dash hasn’t mentioned anything about disliking Valentine’s Day. I’m glad you told me because I probably would have gotten him a gift and then wondered why it upset him. Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of the holiday either. I make a big deal out of it for my business, but until Dash came along, it was just a sad reminder that I was alone.”
Jean began to tear up.
“I’m so sorry, Aiden. Maybe together you can find a meaningful way to celebrate. We know you’ll do what’s best for your mate.”
“I will. Thanks for trusting me, Jean.”
The woman growled, eyebrow arched.
“No more of that. I think it’s past time you called me mom.”
Aiden hugged her, and they parted ways. His heart ached for Dash and the pain caused by Harv’s death. He wasn’t sure what to do with the box, but he had plenty of time to figure it out. Was there a way to salvage Valentine’s? Could it become, for them, the lover’s holiday it was meant to be? He didn’t have any answers yet, but he’d do his best to find them.
Chapter 29
Sunday, January 1st
Distracted and apprehensive, Aiden finished setting the table for lunch while Dash cooked for four. He’d made a promise to himself at the resort to contact Ashton, which he’d done on Wednesday. The call was, as expected, uncomfortable at first as they struggled with what to say. Ashton apologized again for hurting Aiden, promising to make it up to him. They’d pushed through the awkward moments, only to find themselves laughing together later on.
Since Dash insisted on being present for their reunion, Aiden invited Ashton and Mandy, his girlfriend, to their home for a meal. They were due to arrive any minute, and nerves were getting the better of him.
Aiden’s worried scent brought Dash to his side with a warm hug and sympathetic growls.
“Don’t worry, mate. He’s probably as nervous as you are, but if things go sideways....”
Though Dash didn’t come right out and say it, Aiden knew what he meant. If Ashton did or said something hurtful, he’d be escorted off the premises by an irate bear. Though all indications pointed to a friendly, non-confrontational meeting, Aiden couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
“I’m probably getting worked up for nothing, but this is really important to me, and I want to start off on the right foot. Try not to growl at him too much, love.”
Not thinking, Dash responded with a rumbly growl, which then got both of them laughing. You can take a shifter out of the forest, but you can’t take the growl out of a bear. They were still grinning like idiots when the doorbell rang. Hand in hand, they opened it to find a virtual copy of Aiden on the porch, his armaround a beautiful brunette. Ashton rushed forward to sweep his brother into a hug, happy tears mixed with nervous laughter.
“Aiden! God, I’ve missed you!”
Aiden pulled back to look at his twin with a critical eye.
“Wow, you’re a lot better looking than you used to be!”
They chortled together at the private joke, lost in the reunion moment. Dash gestured Mandy inside, closed the door, and introduced himself.
