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“Hey, Finn,” he said, trying to sound casual despite the emotions churning inside him.

Finn stopped a few feet away, his eyes searching Alfie’s face with almost painful scrutiny. “Is Marion...” he began, then seemed to struggle for words. “Is she your mate?”

Alfie couldn’t help glancing back toward plot number twelve, where Marion and Charlie were working side by side. Even at this distance, he could feel her presence like a physical thing. Could sense her, smell her scent carried on the gentle mountain breeze.

Then he turned back to Finn and nodded once, unable to keep the wonder from his expression.

“I don’t believe it!” Finn’s face drained of color at his brother’s confirmation.

“You mean you don’t believe I met my mate, or that it’s all down to you and your magical matchmaking mix-ups?” Alfie asked, unable to resist the opportunity to tease his normally composed brother.

Finn ran a hand through his hair and let out a surprised chuckle, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “I am so happy for you, Alfie. But this does put more pressure on me. I mean...” His voice trailed off, and Alfie could see the weight of responsibility settling on him.

“I know.” Alfie placed a reassuring hand on his brother’s shoulder. He could only imagine Finn’s conflicting emotions, joy for his brother finding his mate, warring with the growingexpectations from other single shifters. “I can’t thank you enough for what you did, even if it was accidental.”

“Oh, Alfie,” Finn looked up, his expression brightening. “No, thanks required. I’m truly happy for you. And for Marion and Charlie, too.” He glanced toward the garden plots where Charlie’s small figure was visible, still diligently clearing stones. “I don’t know their full story, but they deserve happiness. And I know you’ll give them that, and the stability Charlie needs.”

“I’m gonna try,” Alfie promised, his throat tightening. He wished he knew Marion’s story, understood what haunted her, what made her so guarded. But that would come with time. He wanted to hear it from her when she was ready to share it.

“I don’t know how it keeps happening,” Finn admitted, shaking his head in bewilderment. “I could have sworn I sent that message to Mary-Ann.”

“Fate,” Alfie said with a shrug and a small smile.

“Fate,” Finn repeated with a mirthless laugh. “I guess I just wish I could control it, so Nero and Stanley could find their mates, too. Not to mention our cousins.”

“And you,” Alfie added quietly, recognizing the loneliness his brother tried so hard to hide.

“A man can dream,” Finn murmured, his gaze distant for a moment.

“And I am proof dreams come true,” Alfie replied, with arms spread wide and a smile on his face.

“You are,” Finn agreed and pulled his brother into a bear hug.

“Thanks, Finn.” Alfie hugged him right back.

“So, what’s your plan now?” Finn asked, as he finally let Alfie go.

“Honestly?” Alfie leaned against his truck. “I have no idea. She’s...cautious. And Charlie...” He thought of the boy’swariness, the way Marion protected him. “There’s something there. Something they’ve been through.”

Finn nodded thoughtfully. “Take it slow, then.”

“That’s the plan,” Alfie agreed, though his bear grumbled in disagreement. Patience wasn’t exactly a bear trait.

“Does she know? About us?” Finn lowered his voice, though there was no one nearby to overhear.

Alfie shook his head. “Not yet. That’s...going to be a conversation.”

“You’ll be okay,” Finn reassured. “So, where are you going?”

“To get some stakes for the tomatoes and to grab those tools…” He arched his eyebrow at Finn.

“It was the first thing that came to mind,” Finn confessed.

“I know you were trying to help,” Alfie said.

“And we all know I do a better job when I amnottrying to help,” Finn said lightly.

“One thing I know, Finn, is that your heart is always in the right place.” Alfie clapped his brother on the shoulder. “And that is what counts.”