Page 112 of Mated to the Mountain Bear

My brothers are loading up their trucks, giving me knowing grins.

“Congratulations,” Maddox says simply.

“More cubs for the clan,” Mason adds. “Poor kids don’t stand a chance with all of us as uncles.”

In the distance, I notice a thin line of smoke rising from the old logging area. Something to keep an eye on, but not today. Today is about my family.

Jerry joins me on the porch, leaning against my leg in quiet support.

“We’re having a cub,” I tell him, still marvelling that it could be true.

He huffs, tail wagging once, then settles beside me to keep watch.

Inside, Zara’s explaining the counselling program, and Natalie’s offering advice about managing work and cubs.

This is what I never knew I wanted. Not just a mate, but a life. A future. A family that extends beyond just us to include all these complicated, wonderful people who’ve become ours.

“Ben,” Zara calls. “Come, tell your sister to relax about the nursery plans. She thinks we should knock out the back wall.”

I have opinions. Many. But as I head back inside to join my mate, I realise I don’t care about walls or nurseries or any of it. As long as Zara’s here, as long as our cub is safe, the rest is just details.

We’ll figure it out together. Just like everything else.