Page 12 of Bear Creek Father's Day
“Well, son, you’ve been handed a hot potato, I must say. Give me some time to talk this over with your mother and see what she thinks. In the meantime, I advise you not to say anything to Kip or Rayn, especially around the other cubs. If Tasha hasn’t figured it out already, you ought to tell her. She might be able to run interference if things get complicated.
“On the other hand, your heart is as big as a Montana sky, and you’ve got more than enough love to go around. Those cubs needsomeone, and if that’s you, then they’re very fortunate. Kip’s fear will fade over time—he just needs a steady hand and frequent affirmation. Rayn’s situation is more difficult, but it sounds like you’re on the right track. Listen and teach gently like you always do, provide plenty of attention, and shower her with love.
“I suppose your bear could be mistaken, but if he insists that Kip and Rayn belong to you, then go along for now without making any commitments. As far as being unmated, I don’t see the problem. After all, they would always have you, Tasha, and the company of other cubs. I’ll admit that single parenting isn’t ideal, but as your father, Iknowyou can do it. Maybe your mate is right around the corner, and you simply haven’t met him yet.”
Orrin thanked his father for the advice, and they made plans to talk again in a few days. Mind swirling with conflicting thoughts, he drove back to the Cub House wondering if the mate he wanted might actually show up soon. Could it be the man he’d scented at the grocery store? If so, where was he, and when would they meet? Would he be open to having cubs right off thebat, or was he kidding himself that this particular story had a happy ending?
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That afternoon, the Red Barn at Shady Lane
Orrin, Tasha, and five of the cubs finished their fun on the skating pond, put the toboggans in the van, and hurried over to the Red Barn to warm up and get a snack. Gruff’s tuxedo cat, Baxter, intercepted them with yowly greetings, insisting on being petted before taking off for the big old barn—presumably to dispatch more mice. Zuzu was smitten, and asked if Orrin would get them a cat, too. While pets were allowed, he and Tasha were busy enough without adding anything else to the mix, and he’d had to gently let her down.
The Red Barn had opened less than two years ago, but was so successful that they had already expanded the building. It now boasted a larger gift shop and bakery counter, more seating, and a comfy reading nook for the kids. They trooped inside, stomping extra snow off their boots, and caught Dustin’s attention. He waved and came over to say hello.
“Welcome! It’s great to see everyone. We have some fun things to see in the gift shop today, and freshly made cinnamon rolls to try. Would you like hot cocoa or spiced apple cider with your snack?”
Before Orrin could respond, Zuzu walked up to Dustin with a request. He dropped to one knee, intrigued by the sweet, curly-headed cub he’d never seen before.
“Can Baster come to our house and play?”
Dustin chuckled and winked up at Orrin before answering.
“Oh, do you mean Baxter?”
The girl nodded.
“What’s your name, sweetie?”
“Zuzu. I like Baxter!”
“Well, Zuzu, this is his home, and he’d rather stay here with me and my mate, Gruff, but I have something almost as good right over here.”
Dustin stood, took Zuzu’s hand, and led her into the gift shop, stopping at a display full of Baxter merchandise. Towards the top, he plucked a life-sized plush toy off the shelf and handed it to the girl.
“Would you like to hold him while you’re here?”
She looked up at Orrin for permission.
“What do you say, little one?”
“Thank you.”
By this time, Jillian had brought over a tray with snacks and drinks, and the group all sat down to enjoy them together. The moment Zuzu was finished, Dustin and Gruff came by to take her on a one-person tour of the building, still clutching her stuffed toy. It was clear to both Orrin and Tasha that they were enchanted by the little pixie, though it wasn’t a surprise. They’d expressed an interest in adopting, waiting for the right one or ones to come along, and it looked like they’d found a possible match. Who knew it would have been facilitated by a cat?
Meanwhile, the rest of the group took a stroll through the gift shop; Scout and Birdy with Tasha, and Kip and Rayn with Orrin—each holding a hand. At one point, Tasha caught Orrin’seye and lifted her chin towards the pair of cubs. He nodded, mouthing the word ‘later,’ and was answered with a wink. This was uncharted territory for him, and though he’d done nothing wrong, the whole situation left him off-kilter. He’d speak to Tasha when they had privacy and explain what he could.
When Zuzu was brought back around, it was time to go. Griffin and Fort would be home from school soon, and they had to be there when they stepped off the bus. Gruff kneeled down to give Zuzu a thorough scenting and ran a hand through her curly hair. The girl hadn’t batted an eyelash at his scarred face, which only made her more endearing to the couple. Dustin hugged her, kissed her forehead, and told her she could keep the Baxter toy.
“Would you like to come and see us again, Zuzu?”
She jumped with excitement.
“Yes! Baxter, too?”
“Of course. I’m sure he’ll want some attention. Maybe next time we can do something fun.”
Orrin used a hand signal to indicate that they should call him, and after paying for their snacks, the group left the building. On the way home, Zuzu peppered Tasha with questions about Gruff, Dustin, and Baxter. Being relatively new to Bear Creek herself, she was unable to provide many of the answers, so Zuzu asked the Baxter toy and pretended that he talked back. Scout and Birdy spoke softly to one another while Kip and Rayn were both snoozing.
