Page 25 of Bear Creek Thanksgiving (Holiday Mates #3)

Dustin fidgeted as Gruff drove them to the Tillmans’ place for Sunday dinner.

He’d be the only non-shifter there, with no idea what kind of dynamic to expect.

While he liked DeeDee, he’d never met Sunny or the rest of the Tillman clan.

Could it be too soon for a meet the family thing?

After all, he and Gruff weren’t mates yet, so was this a test to see if everyone approved?

Gruff growled, reaching for Dustin’s hand. Angsty pheromones had filled the truck’s cab, meaning his man needed reassurance.

“Don’t worry, Dusty. DeeDee’s already told them about us, and the others are eager to meet you. Bears are curious, so you’ll be scented, and they’ll probably ask a lot of questions. Stick close to me, and if you’re uncomfortable, we’ll go home.”

Dustin let go of the breath he’d been holding and leaned over to kiss Gruff’s bearded cheek.

“Sorry, love. I’m nervous. It feels like this is an important moment for the family, and I want to make a good impression.”

Gruff shook his head, squeezing Dustin’s hand.

“You don’t have to impress anyone, but I know you will just by being yourself. You already have DeeDee in your corner, and everybody takes their cue from her. They’re gonna love you, same as me.”

Dustin took solace in Gruff’s love and support, knowing that when his family arrived in a couple of weeks, the shoe would be on the other foot.

Tara was the only one he worried about, and though her heart was in the right place, her mouth sometimes got in the way.

Dustin figured that if he could make it through today unscathed, the rest would be a walk in the park.

Given DeeDee’s position as mayor, it wasn’t surprising to find the family home within Bear Creek’s borders.

They passed through downtown, and then turned north onto what looked like a rough logging road.

The long driveway weaved its way through thick woods, terminating at a large two-story house with a wrap-around porch.

Space had been carved out for parking, but there wasn’t any yard to speak of.

Apparently, shifters liked the close confines of nature around their domiciles to please their bears.

Gruff parked alongside the other vehicles and came around to open Dustin’s door.

Big hands reached up to straighten the man’s tousled hair, followed by a sweet kiss.

Taking Dustin’s hand, they strolled right up to the porch and let themselves in.

An expansive, comfortable-looking room opened before them, filled with sturdy furniture, a cozy fireplace, and a whole bunch of shifters.

An older man approached, scented Gruff, and patted him on the shoulder.

“You smell happy, son, and I’m surely glad. I take it this fine fellow has something to do with it.”

Gruff gave him one of his rare, thousand-watt smiles while Sunny turned to Dustin for a thorough scenting and then introduced himself.

“Good to meet you, Dustin. I’m DeeDee’s mate, Sunny. Congratulations on the new business. Seems everybody is talking ‘bout it these days. I bet you’re both right tired.”

Dustin offered a wide smile while Gruff growled his agreement.

“Yes, Sir. It’s a lot of work, but things are starting to settle down and customers like what we have to offer. I was told you run the hardware store downtown. Next time I’m there, I’ll stop in and see you.”

Sunny gave off a casual, folksy vibe, but he was also a savvy businessman, sharp as a tack, and loved his family fiercely.

“Call me Sunny, why don’t ya? DeeDee’s finishing up in the kitchen, so come on in and meet ever-body.”

Thus the rest of the introductions began, which included the four Tillman boys, Cy, Albert, Grady, and Enzo, along with their mates and children.

Though no one touched Dustin, Gruff growled ominously throughout the many scentings, leaving no doubt of his serious claim on the precious human.

The family smiled with understanding but didn’t tease their informally adopted younger brother.

By the time Gruff moved to Bear Creek, all the Tillman boys were in their thirties and had already formed families of their own.

DeeDee finally arrived to announce that lunch was ready and paused to scent the pair. Dustin was surprised by her casual clothes and apron—a far cry from her usual professional appearance. She was clearly delighted to see them.

“I’m glad you’re here. I thought I’d have to kidnap the two of you. Come give me a hand while the boys round up the cubs.”

Gruff held Dustin’s hand on the way to the oversized kitchen and they began carrying platters and bowls heaped with all kinds of culinary goodness.

Given the sheer size of the family, the kids were seated at a separate table of their own, and Dustin didn’t see any little ones.

The youngest appeared to be around seven or eight, and the oldest in their teens.

For some reason, they all referred to the honorable mayor as “Mama D.” Gruff explained.

“DeeDee didn’t want to be called grandma so they chose a different name for her and it stuck. Nobody messes with her grandbabies, or she goes all mama bear on them.”

Somehow Dustin could imagine the formidable woman defending her family, and it revealed a side of DeeDee most people never saw.

Once the food was in place, everyone found their seats without delay, and they passed dishes around the table until plates were full.

Silence reigned as they ate, and Dustin hid his amusement as he compared it to his own family dinners back home.

There, eating and conversation were simultaneous, overlapping, loud, and totally expected.

From across the table, DeeDee locked eyes with her human guest, interrupting the silence with a request.

“Dustin, why don’t you tell us a little about your background and family? It might save time later if everyone is asking you the same questions.”

The whole table responded with grunts, chuckles, and amused growls, including Gruff.

“Go ahead, Dusty. It won’t seem like it, but we’ll all be listening.”

Dustin shrugged, figuring it wasn’t a bad idea, and began talking between bites.

He told them where he was from and about his parents, two older sisters, and their families.

His work at the Round Table came next, the recent buyout, and then leaving the restaurant industry to come and work for Gruff.

“I love the Red Barn! I not only get to bake and manage a terrific new shop, but my boss is hot and sweet. Who could ask for more?”

Gruff’s blush rivaled the sun, and everyone suddenly stopped eating—only to burst out laughing.

Dustin leaned over to give his embarrassed man a smooch and pat his thigh under the table.

Sunny lifted his chin and winked at the pair, while the brothers passed silent messages between them with smiles and raised eyebrows.

DeeDee covered her mouth with a napkin, trying to hide her amusement, even though everyone except Dustin could smell it.

The meal resumed, though by now the family was full enough to converse and eat at the same time.

Dustin listened and observed, learning tidbits about the family dynamic and what Gruff’s brothers did for a living.

What he really found interesting was the absence of talk about Bear Creek and DeeDee’s role as mayor.

No juicy gossip, no inquiries about town business, and no discussion about local issues.

Dustin wondered if there was a specific reason for it, or if his human hearing simply couldn’t pick up what they were saying.

His confused scent alerted Gruff, and he leaned over to whisper in Dustin’s ear.

“You okay?”

Dustin appreciated his lover’s concern and gave him a thumbs up while keeping his voice down.

“No problem. I’ll ask you later.”

When it came time for dessert, DeeDee recruited several helpers, including Dustin.

He was asked to serve the cubs table, purposely no doubt, allowing the younger family members to pepper him with questions.

They were a handsome and lively bunch, almost evenly divided between boys and girls, and not at all shy around a stranger.

“Does Baxter sit on your shoulder, too?”

“Can you climb trees like a bear?”

“Do you pick apples all day?”

“Are you going to mate with Uncle Gruff?”

The last question was humdinger, asked by one of the older kids. Dustin answered it honestly.

“I’d like to, very much. Someday soon, I hope.”

Shortly after, Dustin returned to his seat at the adult table, only to find Gruff silent and withdrawn.

He and everyone else must have heard the probing question Dustin had just answered, and Gruff was feeling the pressure.

He climbed onto the man’s lap, kissing him tenderly on the mouth while the others quietly watched.

Gruff huffed a few more times and then settled back in the chair, arms wrapped around his sweet man.

Dustin turned his head to speak, a challenge in his eyes.

“I love Gruff and he loves me. If and when we mate, it will be when we’re both ready. No one else gets a say in the decision, no matter who they are.”

Dustin feared that he’d offended the Tillmans, but he wasn’t about to back down. Fortunately, a chorus of friendly growls erupted all around the table, and Sunny spoke up.

“Well said, Dustin. Nobody here is gonna be twist’n arms and that’s the end of it. Now, let’s enjoy our dessert.”

Another round of encouraging growls filled the air, and everyone dug in.

Dustin remained on Gruff’s lap, feeding him bites of fresh apple cobbler and ignoring the friendly glances coming their way.

If anyone here had doubts about him or his intentions, Dustin hoped they now understood his genuine feelings for Gruff.

He may not be a shifter, but he’d do whatever it took to protect the man he loved.

#############

After a warm send off and lots of scenting, the couple left for home with a quick stop at Dustin’s apartment so he could collect some clean clothes.

It was a good thing they did, since they found a large puddle on the kitchen floor.

Gruff moved closer to the shared wall and listened carefully for a few moments, face scrunched up with concentration.

“Those pipes are making a lot of noise. Have there been any other leaks like this?”

Dustin shrugged.

“It’s happened a few times, either in the bathroom or out here, but I can never seem to figure out exactly where it’s coming from. Those stupid pipes make noises all the time, even at night, but I’m used to it now.”

Gruff was not amused.

“This place isn’t fit to live in. You deserve better.”

Dustin knew exactly where he’d rather live, and while it was a romantic thought, Gruff himself would have to make that decision.

“Maybe, but it will have to do for now. I’m hoping to find something better in the spring.”

Gruff grumbled all the way to the truck and part way home until Dustin placed a warm hand on his thigh. Annoyance quickly segued into a contented purr and Dustin shared an observation from dinner.

“I’m curious why no one talked about Bear Creek or whatever DeeDee is up to as mayor. Was that on purpose?

Gruff nodded.

“Yep. Long before I knew her, DeeDee promised she wouldn’t let her job interfere with home and family. That’s one reason my brothers all moved out of Bear Creek once they mated. They like to keep their personal lives and public lives separate, and it seems to work for them.”

Dustin pondered the explanation, working up the courage to ask a more important question.

“So… did I pass inspection?”

Gruff glanced over at the man, brow wrinkled.

“What inspection?”

Dustin thought it was obvious and rolled his eyes.

“Your family . I know I’m just a human, and not near good enough for you, but…”

Gruff cut that kind of talk short.

“NO! You’re too good for me, and my family thinks you’re almost perfect. Human or shifter doesn’t matter, ‘cause I love you and they don’t care.”

Dustin wasn’t convinced.

“Really? I thought maybe I pissed them off during dessert. Did DeeDee say anything?

Gruff smiled at the memory, unsure if she intended for Dustin to hear her comments or not.

“Yep. She pulled me aside when you were in the bathroom and said, ‘My first impressions of him were right on the money. Your mate has a good head on his shoulders, and he’s devoted to you. If you don’t claim Dustin soon, I’ll be very disappointed.’

Eyes wide as saucers, Dustin finally barked out a chuckle and snorted.

“Sounds like something she’d say! I’m glad they aren’t mad or anything, but I wish they’d quit pushing you. I don’t like it.”

Gruff’s heart skipped a beat, just like it did when Dustin called out the adults at the dinner table. No one had ever stood up for him that way, and it knocked down another of the walls he’d put up to protect himself.

“Love you, Dusty. Wanna show you when we get home.”

Dustin’s hand slid over to cup Gruff’s erection—warm, hard, and ready for action.

“Good. I’ve been aching to get you naked all day.”

Gruff was still growling as he carried Dustin into the house and up the stairs.