Page 46 of His Determined Bear

I didn’t miss the fact that our eyes had locked several times during the ceremony. He was standing up with his mom, but there were moments that he would steal a look my way, and of course, my eyes were on him. Cooper would blush beautifully and shoot me a shy smile before turning away.

The ceremony was short but poignant. Anyone who looked at Kelly and Aaron would never doubt how those two felt about each other. They’d chosen to marry on a Monday, which I thought was weird at first. When I heard the significance of the date, I totally understood its sentimentality. Kelly had joined the Facebook group where they met exactly one year ago to the day. As Aaron put it, it was the day that changed his life.

The ceremony and the reception had been held at Aaron’s ranch because it was where they would build their new life. The decor was simply baby’s breath and greenery that lined the aisle. The tables had the same arrangements with some lavender mixed in. It all matched Kelly’s bouquet.. And that was pretty much it!

I was happy for them. They both deserved to find this kind of happiness, but the truth was I was also a little jealous. When I looked at Aaron and Kelly, an impatient part of me wanted what they had now. I had to remind myself that kind of love didn’t happen overnight.

And Cooper was more than worth the wait, even during the moments I found myself hoping he would hurry up and tell me about the baby. I needed him to know how happy I was about the baby, but I reminded myself to be patient. I couldn’t take the chance that he would run again if I rushed him before he was ready.

If he did decide to run again, I would make sure to follow him.

My eyes searched the crowd and found him easily. It wouldn’t matter how many people were around. I would know exactly where my mate was. He was my sole focus and always would be.

Cooper looked up and smiled as if he could feel my eyes on him. My heart sped up and beat a little faster every time he did that.

I watched him as he spoke to someone I didn’t recognize, probably one of the few guests that Kelly had invited. I wanted to go over to him, but I knew he was technically co-hosting today, helping out Kelly and Aaron so they could enjoy their day.

My parents, and Gabe, Kian, and Hunter were here too. Was it too soon to introduce him to my family? It wasn’t like I hadn’t met his.

Almost as if I had conjured him up, Cooper appeared by my side on the edge of the large white tent.

I pulled him into my side, and he came willingly. “You okay?” I asked, “I know you’ve been busy all day. Have you had anything to eat?”

He grinned up at me, “I’m fine, stop worrying.” That wasn’t possible. “Have you seen how much everyone is enjoying my cake?”

“Your cake?” I asked, brow raised.

He shrugged, “You may have baked it, but I’m the one that chose it.”

I nodded, “Of course. What was I thinking?” I teased.

“But you can take credit for the cookie tower, which by the way, mom loves,” Cooper said. “Not to mention the dozens of perfectly frosted cupcakes. I love the tiered display you put them on. But you know you didn’t have to do any of that.”

I shrugged because, yeah, I did. Aaron and Kelly would be my inlaws one day, and I wanted it to be special for them. How could I not go all out for them? But of course, I couldn’t say that to Cooper.

“I’ve been keeping my eye on everything. Don’t think I haven’t seen you sneak more than one cupcake and several cookies,” I teased.

Cooper sniffed, “I was just tasting them, making sure they were good. You know, Up to your standard.”

“So when you stuffed two oreo cupcakes in your mouth back to back, you were assessing my standards?”

Cooper elbowed me in my side, and I laughed, pulling him closer and nuzzling his neck. Of course, right at that moment, I heard the distinct sound of a throat being cleared, and unfortunately, I didn’t have to look up to recognize who it came from. Ready or not, I would be introducing my mate to my family. Gabe and Kian walked up hand in hand with my parents behind them.

I whispered in Cooper’s ear, “Don’t panic, but you’re about to be introduced to my brother, his husband, and my parents.”

I was surprised when Cooper's eyes lit up, “Really?”

“Not if Graham has his way about it,” Gabe replied dryly. Cooper turned at his words, but I kept a hold of him, my arm around his waist. “I have a feeling my little brother is trying to keep you all to himself.”

“You’re just nosy,” I retorted to Gabe. “I planned on introducing everyone after I asked Cooper if it was okay,” I said pointedly.

Kian nudged his mate, “I told you we shouldn’t just ambush them.”

My Papa ignored the two of them and pulled Cooper out of my arms for a hug, “It’s lovely to meet you, Cooper. I’m Graham’s papa. I hope you can make it over to the ranch soon. We would love to have you.”

Cooper smiled and nodded, “Thank you, it’s very nice to meet you too.” I couldn’t help noticing he didn’t respond to the invitation.

Then it was Dad’s turn. He hugged Cooper, then much to my horror, his eyes widened with recognition. Before I could stop him, he said, “Well, I guess congratulations are in order. For us, of course,” he teased and pulled Papa to his side. “We’re going to be grandparents again.”

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