Page 5 of Fire Bear (Return To Fate Mountain #1)

Chapter

Five

The orchard’s main clearing was lined with tables, and tents rimmed the perimeter. Visitors would soon stroll between them, sampling cider, tasting homemade pies, buying crafts, and local delicacies.

Eliana’s heart pounded with anticipation. This event started as a modest apple-tasting day decades ago. But it had evolved into an annual orchard festival that drew crowds from across the region. She gulped, determined not to let her nerves get to her. No matter how anxious she felt, she reminded herself that this was her orchard’s moment to shine.

Pausing at a tasting station for the orchard’s newer cider blends, she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. Her pulse kicked up a notch. She swiftly opened it, noticing Ash’s name at the top of the screen.

Ash: Morning, Orchard Lady. I’m finishing up some errands. Confirming again, I’ll be there around four. Can’t wait to see you.

Eliana reread the lines, a small grin curling on her lips. She typed back:

Eliana: We’re putting finishing touches on everything. I’ll be waiting with fresh cider.

Pocketing the phone, she forced her mind back to logistical tasks. Eliana spotted Talia adjusting a display of heritage apples in one of the booths. The sign read “Historic Apple Showcase.” Multicolored apples glistened in the morning sun.

“Hey, Talia,” Eliana greeted warmly, stepping up to lend a hand. “Everything looking good?”

Talia gave a small, nervous laugh. “Mostly. The new orchard map stand is up, the signs are done. But you look a bit flushed. Nerves?”

Sighing, Eliana decided to mention the thoughts swirling in her head. “We have a big crowd coming, and, well… I also have someone in particular showing up. From mate.com.”

Talia’s brows lifted. “Mate.com? That shifter dating app?”

Eliana nodded. “His name is Ash Bright, the Fire Patrol Chief. He’s apparently my 100% match.”

“A 100% match? That’s pretty serious,” Talia said, pausing before she continued in a cautious tone. “I don’t want to rain on your parade, but you need to be careful. Even if a man claims to be your soul mate, things can get messy if your connection isn’t built on a real foundation. Trust me, I know from experience. Keep your eyes open for red flags.”

Eliana exhaled, appreciating her friend’s concern. “I will. But I can’t ignore the possibility that we really are fated mates.”

Talia nodded slowly, then squeezed Eliana’s shoulder. “I hope he’s everything you deserve.”

A moment of understanding passed between them. Eliana felt a mixture of gratitude for Talia’s support and a stubborn desire to prove that not all relationships ended in heartbreak. She wouldn’t let fear overshadow what might be her best chance at love.

Mateo bounced over, wearing a fresh apron embroidered with the orchard’s logo. “Ms. Hampton, we’ve got a small group of early visitors at the orchard gate. Is it okay if I start giving them a mini tour?”

“Of course,” Eliana said, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. “That would be fantastic. Show them the orchard’s main rows, maybe let them sample an apple or two.”

“Yes, ma’am!” he replied, eyes gleaming. “I’ll take them past the compost station too, so they see our sustainable stuff.”

Eliana watched him dash off to greet the arriving guests, her heart swelling with pride. This was exactly the community spirit she wanted to foster. By late afternoon, the orchard was alive with visitors.

The sun cast a warm glow over the booths, though a few scattered clouds offered patches of shade. Eliana moved from tent to tent, greeting vendors and ensuring everyone had enough supplies. The air smelled of apples, cinnamon, and fresh pastries from a local baker’s booth. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen.

Ash: I’m here. See you soon.

Her stomach flipped.

Eliana: Great, I’m at the festival clearing. Can’t wait.

She kept scanning the orchard’s main entrance where new arrivals trickled in. Then, as the crowd parted, she spotted him. Ash Bright walked in. Her breath caught. He was wearing casual jeans and a short-sleeve shirt that showed off his strong arms.

His handsome face was even more attractive in person, with eyes that scanned the crowd as though always on alert. He stood a good head taller than many folks around him, and even from a distance, she could see the confidence in his stride.

She forced herself to remain calm, smoothing her orchard T-shirt. “He’s just a man,” she murmured.

His gaze locked on her. Heat surged through her cheeks, and she realized she had been half lurking behind a booth. Resolving to greet him with composure, she stepped forward.

He crossed the distance in a few casual strides, weaving through attendees. When they were within arm’s reach, he said, “Eliana. I’m Ash.”

She nodded, feeling somewhat lightheaded. “It’s really nice to meet you.”

She extended a hand, intending a quick handshake, but the moment their palms touched, an unexpected jolt raced up her arm. She tried not to gasp, though her eyes widened slightly. He lingered just a fraction longer than normal, as if he too felt something.

“This place looks amazing.” His gaze roamed the lively surroundings, then returned to hers, a hint of awe flickering there.

“Thanks for coming,” she said, her voice a little breathy. “It’s been a busy day, but I’m glad you could make it.”

He nodded, releasing her hand. “Wouldn’t miss it.” He let out a short laugh, glancing away momentarily. “I’m still wrapping my head around being matched with my fated mate.”

“Me too,” she admitted. “It’s… surreal.” A hush of tension clung to them, despite the festival’s lively energy. She took a breath, recalling Talia’s warning. “Come on,” she said, gesturing for him to follow, “let me show you around.”

They ambled through the orchard clearing, moving from stall to stall. Eliana introduced him to a local honey vendor and crafter. Joy Kincaid, a bear shifter, who partnered with the orchard to keep bees among the apple blossoms. Joy mentioned to Ash that she was good friends with his sister Holly and sent her hello. He promised to tell her.

Next, she showed him the orchard’s historical timeline display: old photos of her grandparents planting the original saplings, black-and-white pictures of harvests from decades ago. He studied them, asking about her grandparents. His earnest attention made her chest glow with pride.

Eventually, they reached the cider tasting booth, a modest wooden stand decorated with apple crates, floral garlands, and a chalkboard menu listing various cider blends. With a wave, Eliana signaled the staffer to pour two glasses of her signature hard cider. The glass felt cool in her hand, and she guided Ash to one of the tables nearby.

“This cider is a blend of three heirloom varieties—it was originally my grandparents’ recipe, but I’ve tweaked it a bit.”

He tapped his glass gently against hers. “Cheers.” Then he took a slow sip and closed his eyes. A look of genuine appreciation spread across his face. “Wow,” he murmured after swallowing. “That’s… ridiculously good. The crisp tang is like aged apple brandy. I also detect honey and spices.”

Her smile widened. “There’s a variety called Golden Crisp in this blend. It lends the cider its signature dryness along with a hint of cinnamon that rounds out the flavor.”

He nodded, taking another swallow. “I love it,” he declared, “I’m not exaggerating.”

A delightful rush filled Eliana. It wasn’t just that he praised her cider, which warmed her heart, but also the sincerity in his tone.

Music drifted from the stage, where a local banjo player strummed a soft folk tune. Afternoon sunlight filtered through the orchard canopy, casting patterns across the grass. In that serene moment, Eliana forgot Talia’s warnings and her own busy schedule. All she sensed was the calm sincerity in Ash’s eyes and the orchard’s vibrant life surrounding them.

Then she remembered. “I have a demonstration in a few minutes,” she said, voice tinged with regret. “But let’s meet again after.”