Page 7 of The Bear's Matchmaking Mix-up Mate
Finn couldn’t help but smile at that, the longing for their mate both sharp and sweet. The world felt more vivid this morning. The sun shone brighter; the forests grew greener.
Because our mate is in it,his bear said happily.I cannot wait to see her again.
You and me both,Finn said as he made his way through the community garden, armed with two travel mugs of hot coffee. He sensed his brother at the northern edge of the plot and made his way toward him.
As he walked, even the dirt under his boots felt different. As for the ache in his chest, it left him feeling more alive. Yet there was a twinge of uneasiness he could not shake.
He might have met his mate, but he was a long way from making her his.
“You’re late,” Alfie called out, not bothering to look up as Finn approached. His dark hair was tousled in that deliberately casual way that somehow worked for him, while Finn’s own hair still had the indentation from where he’d slept on it wrong.
Not that he’d slept much at all. He’d spent the night tossing and turning as images of his mate filled his head. Then, when he finally fell asleep, he’d woken with the terrifying thought that meeting his mate had all been a dream.
“By three minutes,” Finn countered, holding out one of the travel mugs to his brother. “But I come bearing gifts.”
Alfie’s face brightened as he accepted the coffee. “All is forgiven then.” He took a deep sip and sighed appreciatively. “Mom’s special blend?”
“Is there any other kind worth drinking at six in the morning?” Finn asked as he took a sip of his coffee.
“No, there is not,” Alfie said as they stood together in companionable silence, simply enjoying the moment.
“Okay,” Finn said. “What’s the plan?”
“So I’m thinking we go with a ‘Seeds of Change’ theme for the fundraiser,” Alfie finally said, flipping through his notes as he got down to business. “Local bands, farm-to-table appetizers, maybe an auction of some kind.”
Finn nodded, mentally sketching the layout as they walked the perimeter through the morning dew. “We could set up the stage there,” he pointed, “with string lights overhead. Keep the food stations along this side, and auction items under a tent by the oak.”
Finn’s brain worked as always, turning ideas into shape and color, but part of him kept drifting back to Wren. Which was completely understandable. It wasn’t every day you met your mate.
“Perfect. I knew you were the right person to help me with this.” Alfie made a note, then shot Finn a sideways glance. “Speaking of the right person...how’d your consultation go yesterday?”
Finn nearly choked on his coffee. “What?”
“The landscaping job. Yesterday...” Alfie’s eyes narrowed as he searched Finn’s face, as if he could dig up the truth with a single look.
Finn tensed instinctively, looking away. He felt suddenly exposed, as if Alfie could see straight through him.
“Finn…”
Heat crept up Finn’s neck as he tried to keep his expression neutral. “Oh. It was...fine…”
If only he knew the truth,Finn’s bear said.
“Just fine?” Alfie’s eyebrows rose. “Because there’s something about you today.”
“There is?” Finn asked, his voice rising. He forced a smile, but his heart hammered; the urge to confess was almost overwhelming.
“There is.” Alfie tilted his head as if trying to read Finn’s thoughts.
I so want to tell him,Finn said.
I want to roar it from the highest mountain peak.His bear could barely contain his excitement.But a promise is a promise.
“I guess I’m excited about the fundraiser.” Finn shrugged and nodded toward Alfie’s clipboard. “Come on, it’s not going to organize itself.”
“No, it’s not.” Alfie’s brow furrowed.
Finn caught a flash of concern, maybe pity, maybe hope that Finn would finally find what his brothers already had. Maybe he should confide in Alfie…
