Page 43 of The Bear's Matchmaking Mix-up Mate
“Mrs. Abernathy’s goddaughter, that’sunbeleafable.” Alfie grinned, lowering his voice. “All joking aside. When I went over to the vineyard last night, Mom and Dad were whispering about you. I thought they were going to give me a talking-to about sending you misdirected texts again.”
“They met her yesterday, and I am sure they suspected, but I’m thankful they kept it to themselves.” Finn chuckled, a flush of happiness rising in his chest. “It’s a tricky situation.”
“Isn’t it always?” Alfie squeezed his shoulder, the teasing gone. “You’ll get there, Finn. You already look happier than I’ve ever seen you. Your secret’s safe with me.”
“Okay, shall we get down to business?” Finn asked.
Alfie nodded. “As long as you can spare the time. I completely understand if there is somewhere else you would rather be.”
“No, this is important,” Finn said. “And I have the rest of my life with Wren to look forward to.”
“That you do,” Alfie said. “Come on, let’s go grab a coffee and a slice of cake to celebrate.”
“Cake for breakfast!” Finn said.
“Let’s not tell Mom,” Alfie said as they headed for the garden center café that had been run by Welland for as long as Finn could remember.
As they entered, Welland looked up from behind the counter, his weathered face breaking into a smile. “What’s better than one Thornberg brother? Two Thornberg brothers! What can I get you?”
“Two coffees and two slices of your chocolate cake,” Alfie said. “The biggest slices you’ve got.”
Welland chuckled. “Coming right up. Go get settled, and I’ll bring it over.”
Finn followed Alfie to a table by the window that overlooked the café’s butterfly garden, a riot of colorful flowers where dozens of butterflies fluttered in the morning sunshine. As they sat down, Alfie’s expression softened in a way Finn rarely saw.
“You know,” Alfie said, gazing out at the garden, “I still remember the first time I sat here with Marion and Charlie. Right at this very table.” He turned to Finn, his usual teasing manner replaced by something sincere. “I wish you all the happiness in the world, brother. Finding your mate...there’s nothing like it.”
“I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to find out for myself,” Finn said.
“You deserve it after all those matchmaking mix-ups,” Alfie replied, then his eyes widened. “Did you have a matchmaking mix-up?”
“I did,” Finn said as he crossed his ankles under the table.
“Who did it?” Alfie asked, leaning forward eagerly.
“It was self-inflicted. I went to Rowan Cottage instead of Rose Cottage,” Finn replied.
“Well, I never,” Alfie said, shaking his head.
Welland arrived with their order, setting down two steaming mugs and two enormous slices of chocolate cake. “Here you go, boys. Enjoy.”
“Thanks, Welland,” they said in unison.
As Welland turned to leave, the café door opened, and Daisy walked in. Welland’s face lit up, and he immediately changed course to greet her.
Alfie watched them with a tender smile. “That,” he said, nodding toward Welland and Daisy, “is another beautiful love affair, right there.”
Finn followed his gaze, watching how Welland’s entire demeanor changed around Daisy, how she looked at him with such fondness. “I wish everyone could be happy in love.”
“The world would be a much happier place,” Alfie said. “Now, let’s get on with the plans for the fundraiser so you can get back to your mate,” Alfie said. “I’ve found a local band willing to play for free. The Mountain Echoes. They’re good. They play a mix of folk and country.”
“That’s great,” Finn said, taking a bite of his cake. The rich chocolate melted on his tongue, momentarily distracting him from thoughts of Wren. Finn swallowed and cleared his throat. “So, the Mountain Echoes? That’s perfect.”
“I’ve already posted about it on the garden center’s social media,” Alfie said, pulling out his phone to show Finn. “Just a teaser announcement about a special guest star appearance. The locals are already buzzing with speculation.”
Finn nearly choked on his cake. “You did what?”
“Relax,” Alfie chuckled, turning his phone around to show Finn the post. “I didn’t name anyone specific. Just wanted to build some excitement.”
