Page 13 of Bearly Ever After (Bear Creek Forever #5)

Perfect. That was the only word Klein could think of to describe this moment. A moment he had once feared might never happen.

But it is happening, his bear rumbled contentedly. Right in front of our eyes.

It is, isn’t it? Klein agreed, as he looked around the kitchen table where he’d eaten so many meals. But never one like this. Never one where his mate sat within touching distance. And oh, how he longed to touch her, to draw her into his arms and never let go.

Today, during their ride, he’d sensed their relationship had deepened. It was there in the small looks they exchanged and the moments of intimacy where their fingers brushed against each other or his hands lingered on her body as he helped her dismount. It gave him hope. Hope that when she learned his secret, she would be willing to trust him. Trust in him and the bond they shared.

He’d been trying to resist the urge to constantly look at his mate through lunch, but now he allowed himself the briefest glances as she sat across the table talking to his dad. The discussion was animated; Waylan was explaining about the way he managed the land, using the same techniques as his forefathers to protect it and nourish the soil.

They seem to get along well, his bear said happily.

Nicole certainly has a knack for talking to people, Klein said. I can see why she got the job at the co-op. She knows how to get people to open up, to share their stories.

Then let’s share our story with her, his bear said.

We will. We just have to find the right time. Klein lowered his gaze and forked up more of his mom’s home cooking.

“Isn’t that right, Klein?” The sound of Dougray saying his name made Klein jerk his head up, the food falling back onto his plate with a plop.

“What?” Klein asked, dragging his attention away from his mate and fixing it on his brother.

“Cat got your tongue?” Dougray teased quietly.

“And his appetite,” Tammy observed, glancing at Klein’s plate, which he’d barely touched.

“It must be love,” Dougray murmured, just loud enough for Tammy to hear. But of course, Klein caught it, too, thanks to his shifter hearing.

Oh, it is, Klein’s bear said. And we are not afraid to admit it.

His bear was right, it was love. But as for admitting it…he might, to himself, and even his family, but he was not ready to blurt it out to his mate. Not yet.

Pity, his bear replied.

Klein forked up his food once more and began to eat. His mom’s cooking was as delicious as always. She had a natural affinity for flavors, especially the addition of herbs that she grew in boxes outside the kitchen door. As he ate, his gaze automatically rested on Nicole, as if that was where it was meant to be.

Unaware of his lingering gaze, Nicole complimented Mary on the meal. “This is one of the best meals I have ever had.”

“Thank you,” Mary replied, her pride shining in her eyes.

“It’s no wonder,” Waylan chimed in. “Mary’s had plenty of practice. She raised six strapping sons who could eat for twelve.”

Mary chuckled, patting Waylan’s arm affectionately. “I learned early on that the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And the best way to get my boys to behave was the threat of no dessert.”

Waylan’s grin softened into a look so full of love that Klein’s chest tightened with admiration. And a hint of envy. “I’d love you to the moon and back, Mary, whether you could cook or not.”

“That’s true love,” Dougray said, raising a brow. “Since we all know what kind of appetite a man works up after a day in the saddle.”

Tammy laughed, leaning closer to Dougray. “I think I’m proof that true love can even conquer a man’s need for a good home-cooked meal. Cooking is not my strongest talent.”

“But you are a woman of many excellent talents.” Dougray covered Tammy’s hand with his own, and the look they exchanged was filled with such love it made Klein’s heart ache. He wanted this kind of love. The kind his mom and dad shared, the kind Tammy and Dougray shared. And now it was so close he could almost taste it. And he was certain that taste would rival his mother’s cooking. “And I love you just the way you are.”

“So, Nicole,” Mary ventured as silence settled on the people around the table—well, all except Finlay and Mila, who seemed to be in a world of their own. They had formed an easy friendship from the moment they’d met. “Tell us more about your new job.”

Nicole straightened in her seat. “My new job,” she repeated and took a sip of homemade lemonade. “The local co-op is looking to expand—to really push locally made products into a wider market. I was hired to help spread the word about the food and drink, and other goods produced in Bear Creek and the surrounding towns. I pitched the co-op some of my ideas and they liked them. I hope I can not only boost sales for local farmers but also bring more tourists to the area.”

“Wonderful,” Mary said, clearly delighted. “I believe you are just the breath of fresh air the co-op needs.”

“I hope so.” Nicole’s gaze dropped just an instant, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. “I’m aware I’m a stranger in town. I’ll need to earn people’s trust, show them I’m worth giving a chance.”

Klein felt the tension under her words, the guarded edge that hinted at possible rejections she’d experienced before. He wanted to tell her she didn’t need to worry, that she would be accepted, but he held his tongue, letting Dougray fill the silence.

“Oh, trust won’t be a problem at all. You’ll fit right in,” Dougray said confidently, flicking a glance at Klein.

He’s right. When people learn that Nicole is our mate, that she’s part of the Thornberg family, she’ll be welcomed as if she’s lived here forever, his bear said.

But I believe Nicole needs them to accept her for who she is and the ideas she brings to the co-op. Not because she just happens to be our mate, Klein replied.

Hmm, his bear mumbled in agreement.

“I wish I had your confidence,” Nicole replied.

“Maybe Klein could introduce you to a few of the locals,” Waylan suggested.

“Yes!” Mary chimed in, perhaps a little too enthusiastically. “Klein, why don’t you take Nicole over to your Uncle Hugo’s tomorrow? He owns the Thornberg Vineyard in the next valley. Might be just the place to start.”

“Oh, you’ve done enough,” Nicole protested. “Klein already gave up his morning to take Mila and me riding. I don’t want to impose.”

“I’d be honored to show you around,” he said, perhaps too quickly. He could have hugged his mom for suggesting the vineyard. A quiet afternoon strolling through grapevines, sharing a glass of wine…it sounded like heaven.

Or a first date, his bear said.

“Mila could come over to our place for the day,” Tammy offered. “She can help out with the animals and learn a bit more about veterinary work.”

“Can I?” Mila asked excitedly. “I’d love that.”

Nicole looked torn, as if wary of accepting too much help. “Are you sure?” she asked. The scars of her past were subtle but clear to Klein. She wasn’t used to people stepping forward, welcoming her so openly. She’d learned to be self-reliant and to fight for whatever security she had. He admired her strength even as it tugged at his heart.

She has no idea we’d do anything to make her feel at home, his bear said.

“It’s not too much bother,” everyone answered at once, their voices overlapping before laughter erupted, dissolving the tension—and Nicole’s protests.

“Okay then,” Nicole said and held her hands up in mock defeat. She might not fully trust yet, but she was taking a step closer. That was all he could ask for.

They finished lunch, and Mary brought out dessert—a beautifully baked cheesecake that looked like it belonged in a magazine. Klein savored every creamy bite, loving the way its

honeyed sweetness tempted his taste buds. More than that, he loved being surrounded by his meddling family.

What would we do without them? his bear mused.

They are good matchmakers, Klein agreed.

No, his bear corrected. That would be fate.

The word settled in Klein’s chest. Fate. His destiny was seated just across the table, smiling at Mary, teasing Mila, and bravely carving out a new life in this town. As he finished his cheesecake, he marveled at how far his relationship with Nicole had come in just a short time.

When most people started a new romantic relationship, they took baby steps, an informal coffee, then dinner or a movie with days or weeks in between. But his relationship with Nicole was moving forward at a hundred miles an hour.

If you keep grinning like that, his bear teased again, Nicole will think you’re one sandwich short of a picnic.

A picnic. The idea struck him as suddenly as lightning. A picnic by the waterfall that flows from the spring over at the vineyard.

The idea grew on him. He could take her there, away from prying eyes. A private retreat where he might tell her who he really was and how he truly felt. A place where he could reveal his bear side to his mate at last.

Good idea, his bear agreed. It’s private. A perfect spot to let her see the truth of us.

Klein’s appetite vanished once more at the thought of that monumental moment. Would she understand what it meant to be his mate? Would the secrets he carried frighten her away? He forced down the last bite of cheesecake, savoring the flavor, while a wave of anxiety swept over him.

He didn’t want to lose her as fast as he had found her.

As they all finished dessert, Nicole sighed contentedly and leaned back in her chair. “Mary, that was absolutely delicious,” she said. “Thank you again.”

Mary beamed happily as she stood to clear the dishes. “You’re welcome. I’m happy you enjoyed it.”

“That was the best dessert ever,” Mila added as she scraped every last morsel from her bowl.

Mary smiled wider as the kitchen became a hive of activity as everyone pitched in to clear the table. “Thank you, Mila. I’ll be sure to make it again.”

Nicole pushed her chair back and began to rise. “Let me help with the dishes. It’s the least I can do after such a wonderful meal.”

Mary shook her head. “Oh no, you’re our guest. You and Mila can relax.”

Nicole hesitated, looking uncomfortable at letting everyone else do the work. “I’d like to help.”

Mary tilted her head to one side. “I tell you what. Next time, you can do the dishes.” The words held the promise of future meals around this very table.

“Next time,” Nicole echoed with a small smile. “In that case, we should get going.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Klein said, although he was not ready to let her go. Not yet.

Mila’s eyes lit up. “Can we go back out and see the horses before we leave?”

Before anyone could answer, Finlay had already hopped out of his seat and headed for the door, eager as a colt himself. “I’ll come, too. Come on, Scruffy!”

Tammy opened her mouth, probably about to remind him of the dishes, but then caught Klein’s eye. With a knowing look, she nodded. “We’ll handle clean-up.”

Mary stood and enveloped Nicole in a warm hug. “Don’t be a stranger.”

Nicole hugged Mary back, only this time, there was no tension, no hesitation. “I won’t,” she murmured. And judging by the look in her eyes, she truly meant it.

Klein led her to the door, following behind Finlay and Mila, who had raced on ahead. As the sun poured over the fields, turning tall grass into swaying strands of gold, Klein took a slow breath, matching his pace to Nicole’s, letting the gentle hush of the afternoon settle around them. Up ahead, Finlay and Mila leaned over the gate, giggling as they ran their hands over a horse’s silky coat.

Klein searched for the right words to fill the silence between them, something more meaningful than idle chatter. “You’ll like my uncle,” he said finally. “He’s a good man. And his wine is good, too.”

Nicole turned to him. “You’re sure it won’t be any trouble?” she asked, a hint of doubt lingering in her tone.

Klein shook his head. “Not at all. He’ll be happy to meet you.”

She smiled, her eyes drifting back to the meadow. “Your family is so kind,” she said, a trace of awe in her voice, as if kindness were a rare gift she wasn’t used to receiving. A gift she half-expected to be snatched away.

“They like you,” Klein said softly, wishing he could say so much more. “And Mila.”

“Oh, and she likes you all,” Nicole said. “These last couple of days have opened her eyes to the world around her. And for that, I cannot thank you enough.”

But she could thank him—by being part of his life. For the rest of their lives.