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“Who would have thought it all started with an ad for a mail-order mate?” Finn asked.

“Who would?” Kris glanced around at his family. His mom and dad stood chatting quietly, Leanne adjusting Hugo’s tie affectionately. Philip fussed over a perfectly arranged centerpiece, and Alfie kept sneaking bites of appetizers when he thought no one was watching.

“But then it doesn’t matter where things start,” Finn began. “It’s where they end that is important.”

“Wise words,” Kris said as his gaze drifted back to Cassia once more. None of this would have happened without her. She had brought fresh ideas, contagious energy, and undeniable passion to the Thornberg Vineyard. But more importantly, she’d brought love, warmth, and joy into his life, filling spaces inside of him he hadn’t even realized were empty.

Leanne caught his eye as she came out of the kitchen, holding a tray of filled wine glasses. “I think we need a toast,” she announced, and everyone gathered around.

“There you are.” Kris wrapped his arm around Cassia’s waist, pulling her close.

“Here I am,” she replied, looking up at him with open adoration. He often wondered what she saw in him. But then again, it was best not to question fate.

Or your mate,his bear said happily as they all took a glass of wine.

“To Thornberg Vineyard and our new restaurant,” Leanne said, lifting her glass.

“To family,” Hugo added, raising his glass with a soft smile.

“And,” Kris spoke up, tightening his grip on Cassia, “to Cassia, for helping make our dream a reality. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Everyone cheered, glasses clinking. Cassia’s cheeks flushed beautifully as she leaned into him. “It was all of us,” she said modestly, but he saw the glimmer of pride and happiness in her eyes.

It’s time,his bear said.

I have never been so nervous, Kris said as he reached discreetly into his jacket pocket, fingers brushing against the velvet box he’d carried for weeks. Now was the moment, surrounded by his family and their shared dream.

He stepped back slightly, drawing everyone’s attention. “Actually, there’s one more thing.”

Cassia’s brow furrowed slightly in confusion as he slowly sank to one knee, heart thudding wildly in his chest. Silence fell around them.

“Cassia,” he began, opening the box to reveal the glittering diamond ring nestled inside. “You’re my mate, my partner, my everything. I can’t imagine a single day without you by my side. Will you marry me?”

Cassia’s eyes welled up with tears, a shaky smile spreading across her face. “Yes,” she murmured, then more loudly, “Yes, Kris. A thousand times, yes!”

He slipped the ring onto her finger, relief and joy flooding inside him. Cheers erupted, applause filled the room, and Cassia flung her arms around his neck. Their kiss was sweet, lingering, and full of promise.

Finally!his bear shouted triumphantly, practically doing backflips.About time we made it official!

When they finally broke apart, Leanne hugged Cassia, tears bright in her eyes, while Hugo proudly clapped Kris’s shoulder.

“I am so jealous.” Nero hugged Kris, patting him on the back.

“You’ll time will come,” Kris said as he hugged him back.

“Congratulations.” Stanley raised his glass to the couple.

“How long have you been planning this?” Cassia asked after the congratulations were over and they finally managed to snatch a couple of minutes alone.

“My whole life,” Kris said, stroking her back as she admired the ring. She looked stunning in a midnight blue gown, with her hair pulled up into a sophisticated bun.

“You’ve had this ring your whole life?” she asked with an arched eyebrow.

“No, the ring I have had for three weeks. I saw it in a jewelry store when I went to pick up some supplies from Bear Bluff. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the ring I wanted to put on your finger.”

“You are a man of good taste.” Cassia slipped her arms around his neck, and he lowered his head and kissed her.

“All I know is I am the luckiest man alive to have you by my side,” he murmured against her ear.