Page 11 of Fire Bear (Return To Fate Mountain #1)
Chapter
Eleven
Eliana’s phone screen lit up with an incoming call from Ash, and a wave of warmth coursed through her stomach. Over the past few weeks, her relationship with the Fate Mountain Fire Patrol Chief had deepened every day.
With a smile, Eliana swiped to answer. “Hey, Fire Bear.”
A soft chuckle came from the other end. “Hey, Orchard Lady,” Ash teased. “You busy?”
“I have a few minutes,” she said, running a hand over a stack of shipping forms. “Still ironing out orchard logistics. What’s up?”
“Wanted to see how your day’s going,” he replied. “Also...” He paused, and she could almost imagine his grin through the phone. “I wanted to invite you to a little family barbecue this weekend at my dad’s place. He’s been teasing me all week, saying he wants to meet the woman who ‘tamed’ my stubborn streak.”
Eliana’s cheeks warmed. “He said that, huh?”
“Something like that,” he said, voice affectionate. “Anyway, I’d love if you could come.”
She hesitated for a heartbeat. The thought of stepping into Ash’s family circle made her pulse flutter. This was the man she matched with. Their bond was still new, yet it seemed unstoppable. Meeting his entire family felt like crossing a threshold.
“So, it’s Saturday, right?”
“I can pick you up around five.”
“I’ll bring something, maybe a dessert or some cider from the orchard.”
“Perfect,” Ash said. “They’ll love it. I’m bringing my mom’s deviled eggs.”
On Saturday morning, Eliana prepared a double-crust apple pie using a blend of her orchard’s prized varieties: Winesap, Golden Crisp, and a hint of Pink Pearl for extra tartness. She also picked out two half-gallon jugs of her orchard’s signature ciders, one soft and one hard.
Later, she changed into a sundress and a light cardigan. She brushed her hair into loose waves and applied light makeup with a berry-hued lip balm. When Ash’s pickup rumbled into her farmhouse driveway, a thrill of excitement rushed through her.
Stepping outside with the apple pie in a covered tray and the cider in a sturdy bag, she greeted him with a wide grin. “You look gorgeous,” Ash said. He wore casual jeans and a fitted T-shirt. “Let me carry that.” He took the heavy cider jar bag. Together, they stowed her contributions in the back seat.
The ride meandered through scenic roads lined with old-growth forest and glimpses of Fate Lake. Eliana caught herself glancing at Ash. He looked relaxed, one hand on the wheel. She thought of the night at the gazebo, and a flush of desire rose in her core.
When they turned onto Corey Bright’s driveway, the wide windows of the two-story log mansion reflected the evening sky. A wraparound porch displayed planters of red geraniums and trailing ivy. Ash parked and they grabbed the food from the back seat.
Following the smell of charcoal and cooking meat, they walked a stone path to the back of the house, arriving at a sprawling lawn dotted with flower beds, lawn chairs, and a large wooden deck. The scene buzzed with activity.
Corey Bright, who Eliana recognized from an article about mate.com, stood at the grill in a comical apron that read, “King of the Grill.” Spotting them, he beamed, waving a spatula in greeting. “Ash! You finally brought your mate to meet me.” His gaze shifted to Eliana. “You must be Eliana!”
Eliana smiled, setting the pie and deviled eggs on a table of food. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Bright.”
“Call me Corey,” he insisted. Corey glanced curiously at their contributions. “I recognize Willow’s deviled eggs, but what are all these amazing things you’ve brought?”
“One apple pie, two jugs of orchard cider, hard and soft.”
Corey’s grin widened. “Farm-fresh cider and apple pie? You might be the star of the barbecue.”
Eliana laughed and followed Ash to the picnic tables and folding chairs, where his family had gathered on the patio. His siblings, Reed, Ivy, and Holly were setting up the table. Holly’s mate Elias stocked more sodas in a large blue cooler. Eliana waved and they smiled and waved back in greeting.
“Aunt Zoe, Uncle Rollo—this is Eliana.”
A man and woman in their sixties waved from the other end of a picnic table. Zoe’s hair was in a sleek bob that framed her face, her catlike eyes glowing in welcome.
Rollo offered a warm smile, lines at his eyes crinkling. “We didn’t meet at the festival, but it was great. We can’t wait for next year.”
From the grill, Corey said, “All right, folks. Burgers, steak, and corn on the cob are ready!”
He flipped a final patty onto a platter piled high with sizzling meat and brought it to the table. Bowls of potato salad, coleslaw, and roasted vegetables passed from hand to hand. Cornbread was a big hit. Holly poured everyone samples of Eliana’s cider.
Ivy teased Holly about a childhood story involving some unfortunate spray-paint art on the garage. Holly shot back about Ivy’s teenage “lab experiments” that left the fridge smelling awful.
All around, the family devoured the food. Her ciders were a big hit. Holly called the sweet cider “absolutely perfect,” while Ivy found the hard cider dangerously addictive. As for the apple pie, it disappeared minutes after slicing, leaving only crumbs and a host of compliments.
The warmth of family camaraderie reminded her of picnics with her grandparents. Bittersweet nostalgia pricked at her. Ash’s lively family soothed her grief. She noticed how they teased each other openly but stayed fiercely protective. If danger came for her, she knew they would rally around.
Later, Corey sat beside her, leaning close. “Hope we’re not too much,” Corey said. “This family can be a lot, especially all at once.”
Eliana shook her head, smiling. “Not at all. It’s wonderful.”
Corey studied her for a moment. “We used to joke that Ash was married to his job.”
Eliana gave a soft laugh. “I get it. I sometimes feel married to my orchard.”
Corey nodded. “I guess that is why you match. You both take your responsibilities seriously.” A somber note threaded his voice. “You know, Willow—my late mate—would have adored you.”
Emotion tugged at Eliana’s throat. She recalled her grandparents, her guiding lights. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I wish I could have met her.”
“She is here in spirit,” Corey said quietly, casting a glance at Ash, who was talking to Zoe and Rollo. “It took Ash a while to open up after losing his mom but finding his mate... that means a lot.” He gave Eliana’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “If you ever need anything, come to us. We look after our own.”
Eliana felt tears threaten, but she smiled and placed her hand over Corey’s. “Thank you, Corey. That means more than I can say.”
He flashed a fatherly grin, then stepped away to pour another glass of cider. “Everything okay?” came a soft voice. Eliana turned as Ash returned to sit by her side.
She nodded. “Your dad is just being very kind.” She looked down, cheeks warming. “I like your family a lot.”
He slipped an arm around her waist, drawing her in. The gentle brush of his body felt natural. “They like you a lot,” he murmured, pressing a light kiss to her temple.
Rollo complained that he wanted more pie. Holly joked that next time Eliana needed to bring two pies, one for everyone else and one just for her. Everyone laughed.
Reed strummed a relaxed tune that made Zoe sway in a playful dance. Rollo bobbed his head, occasionally drumming on the table. Ivy was half distracted, tapping her phone, but the yard brimmed with energy.
Eliana and Ash stepped away, settling on a stone bench near a flower bed of daisies, lilies, and ornamental grasses. The hum of family chatter floated behind them. The day felt dreamy, the setting sun bathed everything in a honey glow.
“This looks like a snapshot of a perfect life,” Eliana said, eyeing the yard. Holly and Ivy laughed over a cat video on Holly’s phone. Reed played guitar. Corey and Rollo packed up the leftovers and tossed the paper plates. Elias arranged more wood on the fire, and sparks floated into the evening air.
“It is perfect because you’re here,” Ash said.
She turned to him, the sunlight catching his strong jaw. It glowed in his hazel eyes, and her heart fluttered. She couldn’t remember feeling so alive. Ash laced his fingers with hers. Her heart squeezed, and she was tempted to kiss him right there.
They held each other’s gaze for a quiet moment. Then laughter spiked from the picnic table, and they turned. She could hear Corey telling a funny story about Reed’s senior prom. Eliana burst out laughing.
The sun slid toward the horizon, and the family decided it was time to call it a night. Ivy joked that if she stayed longer, she would drink too much cider. Everyone bustled around, grabbing up leftovers.
Eliana and Ash said goodbye, heading to his truck. The ride back to her farmhouse was quiet, the headlights cutting through the darkness. Ash reached for her hand, stroking her palm.
When they rumbled into her driveway, crickets were in full chorus. The porch light cast a welcoming glow onto the gravel. Ash turned off the ignition and jumped out, coming around to open her door.
She stepped into the cool night air. Ash walked her to her door, pie plates and leftovers in hand. He leaned in, and their lips met in a soft kiss.
“Do you... want to come inside?” she asked.