Page 1 of Bearly Believable Romance

ONE

Tabitha Greer’s heart raced as she slammed on the brakes, her sedan skidding to a halt mere inches from the darting figure that had appeared out of nowhere. A startled gasp escaped her lips as she caught a glimpse of the culprit - a sleek black cat with piercing green eyes that seemed to stare right into her soul. From the pointed gaze right at her, she knew this cat was a shifter, not a wild animal.

“What in the world?” Tabitha muttered, her hands trembling slightly as she gripped the steering wheel. She watched as the cat sat in the middle of the road, its tail swishing lazily as if it had all the time in the world.

Tabitha honked her horn, trying to shoo the feline away, but the cat merely blinked at her, unimpressed. With a sigh of exasperation, she put her car in park and stepped out to move the stubborn creature out of harm’s way.

As she approached, the cat stood and stretched languidly before sauntering off the road and disappearing into the bushes. Tabitha shook her head, a wry smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Welcome to Whispering Pines,” she muttered to herself.

Back in her car, Tabitha took a moment to catch her breath before continuing her journey through the unfamiliar streets of the town. She couldn’t help but marvel at the picturesque scene that unfolded before her - rows of old-fashioned lampposts adorned with hanging baskets overflowing with vibrant blooms and cobblestone sidewalks lined with Victorian-style storefronts painted in soft pastels.

It was like stepping into a storybook, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city she had always known. Tabitha had never set foot in Whispering Pines, having left the town as a baby due to a falling out between her parents and her grandmother.

Growing up, Tabitha had heard whispers of her grandmother’s life in Whispering Pines, but the details were always vague, shrouded in a veil of mystery and unspoken tension. Now, as she navigated the winding streets, Tabitha couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched as if the town itself was sizing her up, trying to determine if she belonged.

It was an odd sensation, a prickling at the back of her neck that made her glance in the rearview mirror more than once. But each time, there was nothing there - just the empty road behind her and the looming presence of the forest that surrounded the town.

Tabitha shook off the feeling, chalking it up to nerves and the weight of the task that lay ahead of her. She had come to clean out her estranged grandmother’s home to prepare for selling the property. Grandma Liza’s last will also stated something about a talisman or artifact bequeathed to Tabitha. Something the executor of the estate said was for Tabitha’s knowledge only. She wasn’t to share that piece of information with anyone else.

That reason alone was enough to get her on the road to a town she didn’t know.

None of this wouldn’t be easy. Her grandmother had been a stranger to her, a figure shrouded in family secrets. Tabitha only hoped she could find a good real estate agent willing to take on an out-of-town client.

As she approached her destination, Tabitha’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. The Victorian house loomed ahead, its ivy-covered facade and sprawling porch both welcoming and intimidating.

Tabitha parked in the driveway and stepped out, the crunch of gravel beneath her feet breaking the tranquil silence. She took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of honeysuckle that wafted from the nearby bushes. With hesitant steps, she made her way up the porch stairs and unlocked the front door, the key turning smoothly in the lock as if it had been waiting for her.

Inside, the house felt like a time capsule. Antique furniture filled the rooms, the wood polished to a warm glow. Photographs adorned the walls, capturing moments from a life Tabitha had only glimpsed through pictures and holiday cards. She ran her fingers along the mantlepiece, stirring up a fine layer of dust that danced in the sunlight streaming through the lace curtains.

In the study, Tabitha discovered a letter addressed to her in her grandmother’s elegant script. With trembling hands, she unfolded the crisp paper and began to read:

My dearest Tabitha,

If you are reading this, it means I am no longer with you in the physical world. But know that my love for you endures beyond the boundaries of life itself.

I leave to you this house and all its contents, but with one condition. You must live in Whispering Pines for one year, immersing yourself in the community and discovering the magic that lies within both the town and yourself.

This place holds more secrets and wonders than you can imagine. Open your heart to the possibilities, and you will find a home and a family here, just as I did.

With all my love,

Grandma Liza

Tears blurred Tabitha’s vision as she reread the letter, her grandmother’s words echoing in her mind. A year in Whispering Pines. It seemed like an eternity for someone who had grown accustomed to the fast-paced life of the city. But there was no denying the pull she felt toward this place, a whisper of magic that called to her very soul.

Tabitha stepped out into the warm sunlight, the letter from her grandmother tucked safely in her pocket. A gentle breeze played with her golden curls as she made her way down the porch steps and onto the sidewalk. With a deep breath, she set off to explore the charming town of Whispering Pines.

As she wandered down Main Street, Tabitha couldn’t help but marvel at the quaint shops and cafes. Each storefront boasted a unique charm, from the hand-painted signs to the colorful window displays. The air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked pastries and the rich, earthy scent of coffee.

Locals mingled on the street corners, their laughter and chatter creating a warm, inviting buzz. Tabitha couldn’t help but smile as she watched two elderly gentlemen engaged in a lively game of chess outside the corner cafe, their faces etched with concentration and the occasional triumphant grin.

A group of children raced past her, their faces alight with joy as they chased each other down the sidewalk. One little girl, her pigtails bouncing with each step, accidentally bumped into Tabitha, nearly knocking her off balance.

“Oops, sorry, miss!” the girl exclaimed, her eyes wide with an apology.

Tabitha smiled, steadying herself. “No worries, sweetheart. Just be careful you don’t hurt yourself or anyone else, okay?”

The girl nodded, a toothy grin spreading across her face before she dashed off to rejoin her friends.

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