Page 50 of The Bear's Forever Mat
Oh.
Could you tell Amber I’d like to play a trick on my grandfather?Cooper said to his bear.
I don’t know if I want to be your delivery boy,his inner bear teased good-naturedly.Except, when I chat with Amber, she says nice things to me. So… Okay. What’s the message for our gal?
Stop flirting with my mate,Cooper said.
Our mate. What’s the trick?
Tell her to ask him if he still has that bottle of Macallan Estate single malt whiskey hidden behind the antique set of encyclopedias. And if he does, the boys would love a drink.
The now-familiar buzzing went off at the back of his brain. It wasn’t uncomfortable. In fact, it was soothing to know that his bear was in love with Amber as well and wanted the best for her.
When his grandfather went into a coughing spree on the other side of the room, Cooper turned his back to hide his grin.
Amber says he wants to know how she knows about that.
She also knows about the smoked-salmon stash in the game room fridge. He should just break out the liquor, or she’ll also know about the Ghirardelli in the freezer that Grandmother would simply love.
This time the buzzing came at the same time as his bear’s response, which made Cooper suspect the beast had figured out how to talk to both of them at the same time.I like you being devious. Also, did you mention smoked salmon?
You’re a good bear. I’ll save some for you to enjoy tonight on our walk.
I like you, dude. We’re a good team.
A few minutes later Amber was beside him, her face glowing and a brimming glass of whiskey in her hand. “Your grandfather sent this with his compliments and a request that you not tell me all his secrets. He seems to think I might tell your grandmother.”
“Because you would, wouldn’t you, dear?” Grandmother Laureen waved them over, the Ghirardellichocolate bar in her fingers wiggling like a flag.
Cooper kissed Amber. Carefully, because of the fifty-year-old whiskey in one hand.
She led him to where their family were waiting eagerly. Lara held out a brightly wrapped present. Two more rested at Kaylee’s and Lara’s feet.
Amber frowned. “Christmas is over.”
“I forgot to put these in the bags we sent earlier,” Grandmother Laureen explained. “They’re just something fun.”
By now everyone was gathered in the living room. Alex sat on the arm of Lara’s chair. James and Kaylee were on the floor, side by side, legs tangled together.
Grandfather was in his easy chair, Grandmother next to him. They held hands over the short distance between them, the connection as tight as if they were one person.
Cooper noticed all this in a moment as he took in the room and the people in his heart who were near.
He settled Amber on the couch beside him, his arm wrapped around her, but knew that if they’d been sitting on opposite sides of the room, they’d feel just as close.
Amber tore into her gift’s wrapping paper as Lara and Kaylee did the same. Glittering blue and green and gold metallic shreds flew through the air like a miniature aurora had taken over the room.
“He’s so cute.” Lara lifted a stuffed wolf from the box. She turned to Alex and made it growl at him. “Snarl and snarl andgrrrrr.”
“I got a bobcat,” Kaylee exclaimed. She placed the pillow-sized creature on James’s lap and pretended to scratch it behind the ears. “She’s adorable. Thank you, Grandmother.”
Cooper was holding his breath. His grandmother’s eyes danced with mischief.
Amber pulled out a stuffed polar bear. Incredibly soft, the little thing had big blue eyes and a sweet heart-shaped nose, and when Amber held it in her arms, Cooper just about fell off the couch.
She looks good with a baby. Is that what you just said?His inner bear demanded rather vigorously.Did you saybaby?
Hush, Cooper warned.
