Page 3 of The Bear's Matchmaking Mix-up Mate
Mrs. Abernathy chuckled. “Well, he was never very good at directions. Or dates. Or handing in homework on time…”
Oh boy,his bear cringed.What will our mate think of us?
“I thought he might be a reporter,” Wren said.
“No. I can vouch for him.” Mrs. Abernathy half-turned to look at Finn over her shoulder. “He’s as honest as they come.”
Wren’s shoulders lowered slightly, the fierce guardedness in her posture easing. After a moment’s hesitation, she let the door swing open just a little wider.
Finn offered a grateful smile, sensing the shift in tension. “Thank you, Mrs. Abernathy.”
“Well,” Mrs. Abernathy said, setting her tote bag down by the door, “since you’re already here, Finn, why don’t I introduce you properly?” She turned to Wren with a gentle smile. “This is Finn Thornberg. His family owns the vineyard on the other side of the valley, and despite his abysmal performance in my history class, he’s grown into one of Bear Creek’s most talented landscape architects.”
Finn felt his cheeks warm at the unexpected praise. “Thank you, Mrs. Abernathy.”
“And Finn, this is my goddaughter, Wren,” she continued, carefully omitting any last name. “She’s staying with me for a while, enjoying some peace and quiet.”
The emphasis she placed on those last words wasn’t lost on Finn. Wren’s earlier fear of reporters suddenly made more sense. She was hiding from something—or someone.
“It’s very good to meet you, Wren,” he said, keeping his voice soft, non-threatening.
Wren nodded, a small, guarded movement. “Sorry about earlier.”
“No need to apologize,” Finn said quickly. “I did show up unannounced.”
“Yes, you did.” Mrs. Abernathy’s eyes gleamed with a sudden spark that Finn remembered all too well from his school days. It was the look she got right before assigning a particularly challenging project.
“You know, Finn,” Mrs. Abernathy said, her tone deceptively casual as she set her tote just inside the door, “if you have spare time, perhaps you could take a look at the garden here at Rowan Cottage? It’s been rather neglected these past few seasons.”
Ah, there it is,his bear chuckled.The price of admission.
“I’d be happy to,” Finn replied, trying to sound casual but shooting her a wary look. His history teacher had a knack for making small requests snowball into epic projects. The last time he’d offered to ‘help out a little’ at school, he’d ended up building a whole miniature colonial settlement for the spring fair. Still, if saying yes meant being near his mate—even just for a while—he’d promise her the moon and stars.
Mrs. Abernathy’s lips twitched with satisfaction. “Splendid. And perhaps…” she said, glancing pointedly at Wren, “you could also see what might be done with my garden? I live across the street from June’s Aunt Barb, you know.”
“I do,” Finn replied.
“Excellent,” Mrs. Abernathy said. “Nothing extravagant. Just a touch to make it feel more welcoming.”
Promise her anything,his bear urged.Free garden makeovers for life, if she wants them.
Finn hesitated, just for a heartbeat. “I think we could work something out,” he said, unable to keep the eagerness from his voice.
Mrs. Abernathy’s eyes crinkled in amusement, and as she turned to lead the way inside, she leaned close to Finn and murmured, just loud enough for him to hear, “Free of charge, of course. Consider it…teacher’s privilege.” She winked.
Finn almost laughed. Now he had a co-conspirator, whether or not he’d asked for one.
Mrs. Abernathy bustled ahead, announcing, “I’ve brought scones from the local bakery and homemade strawberry jam.”
Finn’s bear perked up, a delighted rumble in his chest. Food and mate in one place? Best. Day. Ever.
They stepped into the cottage’s inviting kitchen. As Mrs. Abernathy unpacked her tote, she turned serious, voicedropping low. “There’s just one more thing, Finn.” She leaned forward, her eyes intent. “No one knows Wren is here. And we need it to stay that way.”
Finn blinked, caught off guard by the intensity in her voice. “Okay.”
Mrs. Abernathy met his gaze; all mischief vanished. “I’m serious. You can’t tellanyoneshe’s here. Not your family, not your friends. No one, Finn.”
His bear bristled at the idea of keeping a secret this big from their family, but Finn nodded slowly. “I promise.”
