Page 28 of Bear Creek Valentine
Gruff scented them both, gave Aiden a curt nod, and then spoke to Dash.
“Thanks for the invite. I want to expand the business and have a couple of ideas.”
Dash opened his mouth to respond, but Gruff had already turned away to stand by himself. Aiden gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.
“He’s a good investment. Ask me later.”
Now that everyone was here, Aiden got their attention and addressed the group.
“Thank you for coming today. For those who don’t know, I’m Aiden Romero, the owner of a candy shop in town namedDelicious. My business is growing, and I’m looking for more nut, berry, and honey suppliers. To get you started or help expand your operations, there will be funds available through Dash’s company, Bear Paw Holdings. I’ll let him explain more about it.”
Dash’s cheeks heated with the attention of so many people, though he smiled at his man before speaking to the group.
“If you join us, BPH offers grants and low-interest loans for equipment and supplies. You can work alone or form a cooperative with your nearest neighbors. As long as the guidelines are followed, everyone will be paid the same rate, no matter how much you bring in. The only other rule is to leave enough for the wild bear population who forage in your territory.
“I’ll meet with each of you to answer questions, find out what you need, and sign a standard contract. While you wait your turn, we’ll provide something to eat, plus a special treat fromDeliciousfor your bear.”
The mention of food always stirred a crowd of shifters, and they milled around talking excitedly while Aiden brought out the pulled pork sandwiches, fixings, drinks, and two platters of Bear Brownies. Meanwhile, Dash began the one-on-one meetings, with Knox, Malcom, and a reluctant Gruff standing by to answer questions about how it all worked.
It was late afternoon before they were done, resulting in a dozen new suppliers forDelicious. The few who decided not to sign a contract were encouraged to apply for good-paying jobs at the resort when it opened in September. Those who arrived on foot left the same way, and Knox took the rest home in the van. Meanwhile, Aiden and Dash cleaned up the mess and brought the folding tables and chairs into the garage. By the time they finished, Knox had returned to drop off the van and presented them with an invitation.
“I know it’s short notice, but would you like to join us for supper? There’s plenty of food, and you can see my workshop. It might give you a better idea of what the others will need for the Fall harvest.”
It was the first social invitation they’d received as a couple, and since Knox’s cooking skills were legendary, they quickly agreed. Aiden offered to drive, and Dash sensed that the man had something on his mind, which he shared moments later.
“I think you’re doing a wonderful thing, helping people in need. Most humans don’t know enough about shifters to realize how many of them are poor. What got you involved in philanthropy, anyway?”
Dash felt unworthy of the kind words. While he appreciated Aiden’s sincerity, he didn’t support shifter causes to receive attention or thanks. Dash did it because the need was great, and he had the resources to do something about it.
“I grew up watching Mom and Dad help others whenever they could. They weren’t wealthy, but city bears have advantagesthat rural bears often don’t. Harv and I talked about forming a charity of some kind, but figured it wouldn’t happen until we were much older. After the lawsuit was settled, there wasn’t any need to wait, and I put the money to good use.”
Aiden reached over to lay his hand on Dash’s muscular thigh.
“I’m sure Harv would be proud of you, same as me. You’re a good man, Dash.”
The shifter’s exuberant purr returned, and he leaned over to nuzzle Aiden’s ear in a silent thank you. Had they not been driving down the road, however, he would have been rubbing a different body part. Just as well since they arrived at the turn much sooner than expected. Neither man was familiar with the property, and their first glimpse of the lovely cabin-style home impressed them.
A barefoot Knox came out on the front porch while buttoning up his shirt and beckoned the pair inside. The tantalizing aroma of roasted meat and spices washed over them as they stepped across the threshold. Knox wore a smug look, though the reason wasn’t immediately clear. Meanwhile, Dash was worked up about something—madly sniffing the air amid grunts and snorts.
Aiden glanced around quickly at the comfortable home, wondering where Levi might be. He soon appeared—flushed, disheveled, and obviously embarrassed. Dash scented Levi as usual, but Knox growled at him—confirming Aiden’s suspicion that the couple must have enjoyed a quickie before he and Dash arrived. Knox’s bear made his claim on Levi obvious, though neither he nor Dash was a threat. Aiden tucked away the information for future reference as Knox pulled Levi to his side and held him there while the flustered blond greeted his guests.
“Hi, guys! We don’t have visitors often, so it’s great to see you. Supper is ready; why don’t we go ahead and eat?”
Levi gave Knox a quick elbow to the ribs, though the big shifter refused to let go of his mate’s hand on the way to thebig country kitchen. Dash and Aiden were seated side by side, facing Knox and Levi across the large wooden table. Platters piled high with beef roast, garlic butter potatoes, veggies, fresh bread, and a jar of honey filled the space between them. Aiden and Levi started the conversation while their bears focused on filling cavernous bellies. Levi asked about today’s meeting and what it would mean for both the shifters involved andDelicious.
While Aiden explained, Dash and Knox refilled their plates, joining in with grunts and nods where appropriate. Before long, Aiden asked Levi about their recent trip to Ohio during Spring Break and received an enthusiastic answer.
“We had a great time! Knox got to explore one of the nearby parks, which kept his bear happy, and we spent some quality time with my family. My sister Erin is six months along, so we talked about babies and all the preparations. Her doctor says everything looks good so far, but we don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl yet. They want to be surprised, so we have to wait until July to find out.
“Rachel got another promotion and raise at work and is dating an old high school friend she ran into recently. She wasn’t ready to drag him to a family thing, so we didn’t get to meet him on this trip. Jett loves college, and Knox and I think he’s matured a lot this year. Mom and Dad are really proud of him, and he’s working part-time to save up for a car. Oh, before I forget, what are the two of you doing on the first Saturday of June?”
Dash and Aiden stopped eating, surprised by the question and unsure how to answer. Aiden’s eyes darted back and forth between Knox and Levi, looking for more information.
“Is there something special going on?”
Knox answered with a wide smile.
“We’re getting married. Will you come?”
