Page 55 of The Bear's Christmas Love

Sorcha stood and crossed the room to him, unable to contain herself any longer. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply, savoring the cold freshness of his lips, the woodsy scent that was uniquely him.

Christopher responded immediately, his arms encircling her waist, lifting her slightly off the floor as he returned her kiss. When they finally broke apart, his eyes were dark with desire.

“Not that I’m complaining,” he said, his voice husky, “but what was that for?”

“Doreen just called,” Sorcha said, the words tumbling out. “A publisher friend of hers has offered me a two-book deal!”

Christopher’s face transformed with joy. “Sorcha, that’s incredible!” He lifted her again, spinning her around the small living room until she laughed breathlessly. “I’m so proud of you.”

When he set her down, his hands remained on her waist, warm and steady. “I knew your writing was special from the first article of yours I read.”

“You read my work before we met?” Sorcha raised an eyebrow.

Christopher’s cheeks reddened slightly. “Maybe I did a little research when I heard a travel writer was coming to review the cabins.”

“Sneaky bear,” she teased, brushing snowflakes from his hair.

“Strategic business owner,” he corrected with a grin. Then his expression softened. “This is perfect timing, isn’t it? Everything’s falling into place for us.”

Sorcha nodded, her throat suddenly tight with emotion. “Doreen’s going to try to visit this weekend. She wants to bring the contracts and meet you.”

“I look forward to it.” Christopher’s thumb traced circles on her hip, a gesture that never failed to send warmth spreading through her. “Should I be nervous? Will she give me the third degree?”

“Probably,” Sorcha admitted. “But she’ll love you. How could she not?”

His answering smile made her heart skip. As Christopher pulled her close again, Sorcha rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat. Everything was indeed falling into place—her career, her relationship, her new home in Bear Creek.

There was only one more dream left to fulfill, one she hardly dared to voice even in her own mind. The image of a child with Christopher’s dark hair and her eyes flashed through her thoughts, sending a longing so intense through her that it took her breath away.

But there was time for that. Time for everything now that they’d found each other.

“I love you,” she whispered against his chest. “To the moon and back.”

Christopher’s arms tightened around her. “And I love you, my mate. Forever and always.”

As the snow fell softly outside their cabin, Sorcha closed her eyes and savored the moment, grateful for whatever twist of fate had brought her to Bear Creek and into the arms of her bear shifter.

The Bear’s Christmas Mateis available for pre-order now!

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