Page 24 of Stout Bear

The man’s eyes flickered between them, recognition dawning as he registered Max’s protective stance. “Yeah, sorry, I didn’t know you were taken,” he mumbled before slinking away into the crowd.

Laney exhaled. “Thanks for the rescue.”

“Was he bothering you?” Max asked, reluctant to remove his arm from her waist now that he had a valid reason to hold her close.

“Nothing I couldn’t handle, but he wasn’t taking the hint.” She glanced up at him. “Everything fixed at the brewery?”

“Just a minor issue with the BioClean system,” Max said, deliberately downplaying the problem. “Nothing serious. I reset it, and it’s working fine now.”

They strolled away from the jewelry booth, Max still keeping her close. The festival had hit its evening stride. Local artisans sold everything from handmade soaps to intricate metalwork.

“I was worried you might have left,” Max admitted. “My parents can be a bit much sometimes.”

Laney laughed. “They’re wonderful. Your mom offered an open invitation to Sunday dinner.”

“That sounds about right.” He smiled, picturing Laney at their family table. His inner bear rumbled with approval.

As they walked, Max spotted Angus Grant’s woodworking stall ahead. The large, bearded man was arranging small carved figures on a display table, his massive hands handling the delicate pieces with surprising gentleness.

“Max Bock,” Angus called out when he spotted them. “Festival’s a huge success. Your parents sure are proud.”

“Thanks, Angus. This is Laney Collins.”

Angus extended a hand that dwarfed Laney’s as they shook. He gestured to the carved figures on display. “My son helps with the smaller pieces now. Boy’s got talent.”

Max ran his fingers over the smooth wooden animals. Among them were several exquisitely carved bears, foxes, wolves, and eagles. His eyes settled on two pieces in particular. A small fox, its tail curved elegantly around its body, and a grizzly bear standing on its hind legs.

Without hesitation, he picked them both up. “I’ll take these.”

Angus wrapped the carvings carefully in tissue paper. “Good choices.”

They walked several paces away, and Max handed her the wrapped carvings. “These are for you. They reminded me of us.”

“Thank you,” she said. “They’re beautiful.”

Something strange flickered in her eyes, but he couldn’t place it. He hoped he hadn’t messed up. Maybe he should have bought her jewelry, but it seemed presumptuous at this point in their relationship. The music from the main stage changed tempo, becoming more energetic. The crowd near the stage had formed a large circle, with people stepping in and out, following a line dance pattern.

“Come on,” Max said impulsively, taking Laney’s hand. “Let’s join in.”

“Oh, I don’t really dance,” Laney protested as he guided her toward the music.

“Neither do I,” Max admitted. “But it’s just following the steps. Look, even Mrs. Henderson is doing it, and she’s eighty-three.”

The dancers moved in synchronized patterns, stomping, turning, and clapping to the beat. Max pulled Laney into the circle, where several townspeople welcomed them with encouraging nods. The steps weren’t complicated, just repetitive. Max stumbled once, causing Laney to laugh, which was worth the momentary embarrassment.

“You’re doing great,” he told her as they turned in time with the music.

“I’m awful and you know it,” she said over the music, but she was smiling, her earlier tension forgotten.

They danced through two more songs, getting more comfortable with the movements. Max noticed how Laney gradually relaxed,her steps becoming more confident. When the band transitioned to a slower tune, many dancers paired off, while others left the floor.

Without asking, Max placed his hand at Laney’s waist, drawing her closer. She came willingly, her hands resting lightly on his shoulders. Under the glow of the festival lights, with the soft music surrounding them, Max felt a wave of emotion so powerful it nearly took his breath away.

She fit against him perfectly. Her auburn hair caught the golden light, and her blue eyes reflected the lanterns overhead. His bear stirred again, not with jealousy this time, but with a deep, primal need to protect and cherish her. His mate was precious beyond measure.

“Thank you for coming tonight,” Max said softly. “It means a lot to have you here.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it,” Laney replied. “Your family has created something special.”

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