Page 37 of Bear Creek Thanksgiving (Holiday Mates #3)
Just knowing they were back there made Gruff all growly, though driving the car gave him something else to focus on.
Early on, Dustin had learned of the shifter’s deep-seated need to keep him safe, which included driving whatever vehicle they were in.
Arguing about it got them nowhere, and Dustin acquiesced in response to Gruff’s unique needs.
Now relaxed in the passenger seat, he gave occasional directions while monitoring the oldies station on the radio.
The volume was kept low so they could talk, as Dustin gave Gruff the inside scoop on his grandparents.
“Grandpa and Grandma Mowry won’t give you any trouble at all.
They kind of go with the flow, and nothing shocks them.
I’ve never once heard them raise their voice to anyone—not even each other.
I think they’re in their mid-seventies, but they don’t look it, and dad is the oldest of four.
My aunt and uncles don’t live in the area, so they won’t be there today. ”
Gruff was glad he’d already met Dustin’s immediate family. At least he had some idea of what to expect, though interacting in a private home wouldn’t be the same as a public restaurant like last time. Dustin’s scent changed as he went on to describe his mother’s parents.
“Pops and Gramma Kearney are… different. They’re both loud and say whatever pops into their head—and it’s often inappropriate.
They mean well, but things get stirred up anyway.
What’s weird is that my mom is nothing like them, though my Aunt Norma sure is!
She can be kinda bitchy if she dislikes someone, but mom didn’t invite her, so you don’t need to worry. ”
Gruff heard Dustin’s words, but he was worried.
“Do they know I’m a shifter? What if I growl or something and they get upset?”
Dustin reached over to stroke Gruff’s muscular bicep.
“Hey, it’ll be fine. I’ll be with you the whole time, and my parents will run interference if anyone makes waves. Everybody knows about your bear, but my grandparents have never met any shifters, and they might not know how to act or what to say. If someone is rude, I’ll kick them in the shins.”
Gruff barked out a strangled laugh.
“Thanks, Mate. I appreciate it.”
The ninety-minute drive ended sooner than expected, and Dustin directed Gruff through Harrisburg city streets to a light gray two-story home with maroon shutters.
The meticulous landscaping made the neighboring houses look rather ordinary by comparison—evidence of Kevin Mowry’s love of gardening.
The driveway was already filled with cars, so Gruff parked on the street and popped the trunk.
Though the magnificent scent of chocolate made his stomach growl, Gruff followed his mate up the sidewalk carrying the sweet treats.
The front door opened when they reached the wide, open porch, revealing Dustin’s parents wearing warm smiles.
Joan swooped in to hug Dustin while Kevin reached for the Delicious boxes.
The inside air carried the wonderful aroma of their Thanksgiving feast, along with the scents of the Mowry clan.
Gruff assumed that the unfamiliar ones must belong to Dustin’s grandparents.
Before they went inside, Gruff complimented Kevin on the beautiful landscaping, and Joan thanked them for bringing the candies.
“You two saved the day! I’d have been run out of town if the chocolate hadn’t shown up. We’ll eat in about an hour, so come on in and say hi. Dustin, watch out for my mother—she’s in a mood today.”
Gruff reached for his mate’s hand, unwilling to stray very far until he found out if the fire-breathing granny lived up to her reputation.
If she was mean to Dustin, he’d be tempted to kick her in the shins himself.
He knew little about family dynamics, but he supposed every group this size included a character or two.
Inside, the home had a spacious and comfortable vibe.
Dustin led the way, stopping here and there for hugs from his sisters, brothers-in-law, and nephews, who all made Gruff feel welcome.
Eventually, they found Dustin’s paternal grandparents in the den—out of the fray, but observing the family and listening to conversations.
Dustin strode right up and hugged both of them.
“It’s so good to see you! Dad told me you’ve been traveling this fall and having a great time. This is my mate, Gruff Cunningham. Gruff, these are my dad’s parents, Will and Aileen Mowry.”
Gruff leaned in to scent them briefly and shake their hands before they all sat down. Aileen got them started.
“Kevin told us all about the orchard and the Red Barn. I’m sure it’s been a busy fall, and I’m so glad you could join us today. Gruff is an unusual name, but then, Will and I have never met a shifter before. Is a… a mate the same as a boyfriend?”
This was a common question and Gruff didn’t mind responding.
“Not exactly, Mrs. Mowry. A mate is a lifelong partner, similar to being married. Our situation is more like being engaged.”
Gruff’s bear chimed in with another push to claim Dustin, and he was surprised to discover that he no longer feared taking the final step.
This wasn’t the time or place, but he promised his bear it would happen soon.
The Mowrys smiled at him, appearing quite pleased.
Will piped up with a comment of his own.
“Engaged? Well, congratulations! Aileen and I were eighteen when we married, so don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too young. Dustin deserves someone special who will be good to him, don’t you think?”
Gruff growled, slipping an arm around Dustin’s waist.
“Yes, Sir. Shifters don’t abuse their mates, and I love Dustin very much.”
An ear-piercing bellow interrupted their conversation from the other room.
“WHERE IS THAT BOY?”
Dustin and his grandparents all rolled their eyes as the source of that voice, and her husband, bustled their way into the den with an aggrieved air. Gruff assumed they were the other set of grandparents, and braced himself for the encounter. Dustin tried to diffuse the situation.
“Hi Gramma. Hi Pops. We were just going to come and find you.”
The white-haired couple accepted hugs and then stood back to eyeball Gruff with suspicion. He grasped Dustin’s hand and waited to be introduced.
“This is my mate, Gruff Cunningham. Gruff, these are my mother’s parents, Ed and Viola Kearney.”
Viola didn’t waste any time chastising her grandson.
“Well, it’s about time we met the man! Your mother tells me he can turn into a bear. By the look of him, I’d say that’s dangerous.”
The others in the room gasped as Viola stepped on a landmine with both feet.
Gruff growled at the woman, which only reinforced her belief that a scarred-up shifter was not a proper suitor for her grandson.
He could smell Dustin’s flush of anger on his behalf, but for the first time in his memory, the reference to his appearance didn’t upset him.
Instead, he chose to handle Gramma himself.
“I was attacked as a young cub, Mrs. Kearney, and couldn’t defend myself. Dustin is my mate, and I would never put him in danger. Why don’t I introduce you to my bear, and let you decide for yourself?”
Ed stepped in front of his wife in a protective gesture, while the rest of the room grinned in anticipation.
Gruff kissed Dustin’s cheek and then went behind the sofa to strip and shift.
Moments later, his bear padded over to snuffle his mate and lick his fingers.
Mouth agape and trembling, Viola couldn’t seem to make her feet move, though she wanted to flee. Ed wasn’t amused.
“What the HELL is going on here? Kevin! Are you going to stand by while this, this… animal threatens your family?”
Frowning, Kevin made his feelings clear.
“If you and Mother are going to insult my son and his mate, then I think you should leave. Gruff, on the other hand, is welcome here on two legs or four.”
Viola swayed on her feet, prompting Ed to lead her out of the room while the others crowded around Gruff to pet him.
Soon the little ones were playing pile-on, and Gruff let them pounce and crawl all over him.
Even Will and Aileen approached to see for themselves, giving the sweet bear some well-earned ear scratches.
Before long, Joan walked in with two Bear Brownies on a paper plate and set it on the floor.
While Gruff ate, she shared an announcement.
“My parents decided to go home. Thanks to my future son-in-law, we can all now relax and enjoy the day.”
Dustin hugged his mom and dad, grateful beyond words for their love and support.
He was sorry if it meant acrimony in the family, but his grandparents had been insulting and out of line.
Dustin was extraordinarily proud of Gruff for the graceful way he handled the situation.
Whether he intended to frighten Gramma Kearney or not, no one had ever put her in her place and survived to tell the tale.
One thing was certain—the Mowrys would never forget this Thanksgiving!