Page 24 of The Bear’s Second Chance Mate (Bear Creek Forever: Thornberg Vineyard #5)

When Stanley received June’s text—“Can we talk tomorrow?”—he didn’t know whether to feel hope or despair.

Had she made a decision, and if so, was that decision to stay or go?

We should go to her. His bear said it quietly but firmly, as if the thought had been circling for some time.

The urge was great. To go and convince her to stay, to persuade her that they could build a good life together here in Bear Creek. He could already see it: her smile across the breakfast table, Oli’s laughter as they tended the animals, the three of them walking home together in the evening light.

But he knew this decision had to be hers and hers alone. It would be too easy to paint a perfect picture of what their life could be like here, to remind her how happy Oli was and how much her son had changed since they’d arrived.

But he did not want to rob his mate of her hopes and dreams. He never wanted it to be a wedge between them if he could not give her the perfect life she deserved.

Because life is not always perfect, his bear said with a deep understanding.

No, it’s not. So, we need to give her space to decide, he murmured. We owe her that.

So he left his cabin and shifted. The cool night air clung to his fur, carrying the faint scent of pine and wood smoke as he bounded up into the mountains, his paws pounding earth and rock. The wind whistled past his ears, and the silence that followed was louder than anything.

Still, the ache in his chest didn’t ease. Every muscle in his body worked to outrun the uncertainty, but her face, her scent, her voice kept catching up with him.

He ran until his muscles burned, and his breath came hard. And still he ran until the stars dusted the sky.

And then—like a thread pulled taut in his soul—he felt it.

She’s here, his bear whispered.

Stanley stilled. His heart stalled as he felt her presence.

She’s back home, his bear said, and wheeled around, sprinting back toward the cabin where his mate waited.

At least, he hoped she would wait. What if she found the cabin empty and drove away?

Then we will chase after her, his bear said, lungs burning as he pushed himself to run faster.

As he finally reached his cabin, he saw her.

June.

She was sitting on the porch swing, wrapped in a sweater, her hands tucked into the sleeves. His breath caught in his throat as she looked up and saw him.

“I couldn’t wait until tomorrow,” she said, as she stood and came toward him as if pulled by a magnetic force.

His bear stood still. Waiting. Hoping.

“I’m staying,” she added as she dropped to her knees before him and threaded her fingers in his thick fur, resting her forehead on his. “Because Oli feels safe here. Because…I do, too.”

For a long moment, Stanley’s bear couldn’t move. It was as if he were rooted to the ground, overflowing with relief, joy, something fierce and sacred.

She chose us, his bear roared.

She is staying, Stanley said with complete and utter relief.

The bear rubbed his head against her arm and huffed gruffly, wishing he could tell her how happy he was.

Let me, Stanley said.

The bear stepped back, breaking contact with his mate. Then, the air around him popped and crackled as he let go of the world. He faded away for an instant and then returned as a man.

Stanley closed the distance between them, voice thick with emotion. “Are you sure?”

June smiled, eyes shining in the moonlight. “Only about this. About us.”

Stanley wrapped his arms around her, a laugh erupting from deep in his chest as he pulled her close. The joy bubbling through him was too powerful to contain.

She was staying, choosing him, choosing them. His laughter faded as he gazed down at her face, illuminated by moonlight. He cupped her chin in his hand, tilting her face toward his, losing himself in the depths of her eyes.

Without words, he lowered his head and claimed her lips with his own.

As their lips met, stars burst behind his closed eyelids.

The connection between them felt almost tangible, a living, breathing entity binding them together.

Stanley deepened the kiss, pouring every ounce of his love, his relief, his promise into it.

When they finally parted, both breathless, he smiled and pressed his lips gently to hers once more.

“You’re cold,” he murmured, noticing the goosebumps rising on her arms. “Let’s go inside and have some tea.”

June chuckled, her voice wavering slightly. “Tea? Now that is the way to celebrate.”

Stanley glanced back at her as he unlocked the cabin door, one eyebrow raised. “I could open a bottle of wine instead.”

She shook her head, following him inside. “No, tea would be perfect.”

The warmth of the cabin enveloped them as they stepped through the doorway. Stanley’s pets stirred—the dogs lifting their heads, tails thumping against the floor in sleepy greeting, while a tabby cat stretched and yawned from its perch on the windowsill.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Stanley said, moving toward the kitchen. “I’ll put the kettle on.”

June settled onto the sofa and was immediately besieged by Stanley’s furry friends.

She giggled as the dogs jostled for attention, while Uma wound herself around her calves and Miam padded along the back of the couch like a watchful little shadow.

The tabby gave a contented chirp before curling into her lap, and Miam hopped down to perch on the armrest, his green eyes half-lidded in approval.

She looks right at home, his bear said happily.

She is home, Stanley said. But as he prepared the tea, a question nagged at him.

Should I tell her now about our plans for converting the barn into an animal therapy clinic? he asked his bear.

Yes, his bear said without hesitation. Make her see she is not giving up on her dream job. But instead, we are creating a dream right here.

Stanley’s hands stilled on the mugs. His bear was right. June deserved to know she wasn’t sacrificing her career by staying in Bear Creek. She could have everything—him, Oli, and the work she’d trained so hard for.

He carried the steaming mugs to the living room, the aroma of chamomile and honey filling the air. He sat down next to June, the couch dipping slightly under his weight. She smiled as she accepted the mug, their fingers brushing in the exchange, sending electricity coursing through him.

“I have an idea,” Stanley said, watching her face carefully.

“You do?” June blew gently across the surface of her tea, steam curling around her face.

Stanley nodded, his heart racing. “I was thinking that you have the training, and I have the animals. We could set up an animal therapy clinic right here in Bear Creek.”

June’s lips parted in surprise, her eyes widening as the words sank in. “An animal therapy clinic? Here?”

“On my property,” Stanley continued, the words tumbling out faster now. “I have that old barn out back. It would need work, but we could convert it. Make therapy spaces, offices. A place where you could practice what you’ve trained for.”

A tear spilled down June’s cheek, followed by another. She blinked rapidly, trying to stem the flow. “Are you sure?”

Stanley reached for her hand, enfolding it in his own.

“The more time I spend with Oli, watching how he connects with Herbert, with all the animals... I’ve seen the change in him.

It’s made me realize how powerful that bond can be for healing.

” He squeezed her fingers gently. “I want to make something that lasts, June. Something meaningful. With you.”

June set her tea down on the side table. She leaned forward, her palm warm against his cheek as she cupped his face. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, Stanley, but I am so very thankful.”

She closed the distance between them, her lips soft against his. Stanley’s hands found her waist, drawing her closer as their kiss deepened. He could taste the sweetness of honey on her tongue, feel the flutter of her pulse beneath his fingertips.

When they finally broke apart, both breathless, Stanley rested his forehead against hers. “There’s something else,” he murmured.

June pulled back slightly, one eyebrow raised in question. “There is?”

Stanley nodded, suddenly nervous. He stood, setting his tea beside hers. “Wait here.”

He took the stairs two at a time, his heart hammering against his ribs. In his bedroom, he went straight to the dresser and pulled open the top drawer.

Stanley lifted out a small velvet ring box with trembling hands. He opened the lid, the ruby-encrusted diamond catching the light from his bedside lamp, sending prisms dancing across the wall.

Too soon? he asked his bear as he stared at the ring Nero had made for him after he’d met June.

No, his bear replied with absolute certainty. It’s the perfect time. A celebration of our lives together.

Stanley snapped the box closed and headed back downstairs, each step feeling momentous. June was still on the couch stroking Uma, with Miam curled beside her, and the sight of her stole his breath.

She turned as he entered, her smile warming him from the inside out. “Everything okay?”

Stanley nodded, unable to speak past the lump in his throat. He crossed to where she sat, then lowered himself onto one knee before her. June’s eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth as he presented the small velvet box.

“June,” he began, his voice rough with emotion. “From the moment I saw you in Barb’s garden, I knew you were the one I’d been waiting for. My mate. My heart.” He opened the box, revealing the ring. “I want to build a life with you and Oli. A home. A future. Will you marry me?”

June’s eyes shimmered with tears as she looked from the ring to his face. For a heartbeat that stretched into eternity, she said nothing. Then her face broke into a radiant smile.

“Yes,” she whispered, nodding as tears spilled freely down her cheeks. “Yes, Stanley. I will marry you.”

Relief and joy surged through him as he slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly.