Page 51 of Stout Bear

Max guided Laney inside with a gentle hand at the small of her back. His childhood home always brought a sense of comfort, from the family portraits lining the walls to the gentle crackle of the fireplace. He noticed Laney's eyes lingering on a teenage photograph of him, and it made him smile. The smell of cooking drifted from the kitchen—roasting meat, herbs, and something sweet baking. His stomach rumbled in response.

“The town's hero graces our humble dinner table,” Gwen said with a dramatic flourish as she emerged from the kitchen. “We're honored!”

“Stop it,” Laney laughed, blushing at the attention. “I'm just a scientist who did her job.”

“A scientist who saved our family business,” Noah corrected.

Max watched proudly as his siblings surrounded Laney, chatting enthusiastically while guiding her toward the kitchen. The kitchen hummed with activity as Liv set out appetizers on the table—deviled eggs topped with paprika, stuffed mushroom caps, and a platter of cheese and crackers.

Everyone took their seats while Noah cracked open beers. Gwen arranged decorative napkins at each place setting. Max accepted a bottle from his brother, taking a small sip.

“So,” Drew said, handing Laney a beer, “Max tells me you're tracking the recovery of the creek ecosystem.” Max watched Laney's face light up as she explained her ongoing research.

His mother brought out the main courses—a perfectly roasted beef tenderloin, seasonal vegetables glazed with honey and herbs, roasted potatoes, and fresh-baked bread still warm from the oven. “Eat up, everyone. Nobody leaves this house hungry,” Quinn said, taking her seat beside Drew at the head of the table.

Liv raised her beer. “To Laney, for saving our water.”

“To Laney,” they echoed, bottles clinking around the table.

Max watched color rise in Laney's cheeks. Despite her accomplishments, she still seemed surprised by recognition. He vowed silently to spend his life making sure she never doubted her worth again.

The meal proceeded with a comfortable rhythm. Drew shared stories of the brewery's early days. Quinn reminisced about the first Fate Mountain Beer Festival.

“The brewery is back to full production,” Max said, reaching for a second helping of roasted potatoes. “The water is cleaner than ever now that the contaminants are gone, and we’ve uninstalled the BioClean system.”

“What's happening with Flint anyway?” Noah asked.

“He was just sentenced. The investigation continues into who might have backed him. Someone wanted our land badly enough to poison an entire water supply.”

“Let's not dwell on that tonight,” Quinn interrupted, reaching for another beer. “This is a celebration. Our family and Laney, together.”

“Hear, hear,” Drew said, raising his bottle in agreement.

The meal concluded with Drew bringing out a magnificent homemade apple pie, the crust golden and flaky, cinnamon-scented steam escaping from decorative vents cut into the top. Max's hand kept returning to his pocket, feeling the outline of the ring box. His nerves spiked with anticipation. After everyone devoured the homemade pie, Gwen and Noah cleared the dishes.

Max leaned toward Laney, his voice low. “Want to get some air? It's a beautiful night.”

She nodded, and they quietly slipped out the front door. A moonlit yard greeted them, soft shadows dancing between tall trees. Stars sparkled in the clear sky, and an owl hooted in the distance.

Max took her hand, feeling the connection between them. His heart pounded as they walked across the yard. He led Laney toward the ancient oak tree where he’d played as a child.

“When I was a kid, I used to climb up there and hide for hours,” Max said, pointing to a thick branch that jutted from the trunk about twelve feet up. “My parents knew where I was, but they let me believe I had a secret place.”

Laney smiled, her eyes reflecting the moonlight. “I can picture you as a stubborn bear cub, hiding from your younger siblings.”

Max faced Laney, his pulse racing as he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the small velvet box. Laney's eyes widened as Max opened the box, unveiling a diamond ring. The stone wasn't ostentatiously large, but it was clear and brilliant, set in a simple platinum band that would complement Laney's practical lifestyle.

“Laney, I want you to be mine in every way,” Max said. “Will you marry me?”

“Yes... yes, of course I will,” Laney replied, voice trembling with emotion.

A rush of joy surged through Max's body, warming him from head to toe. His bear rumbled with satisfaction as Laney accepted his proposal. Max slipped the ring onto her finger, a perfect fit. The diamond caught the moonlight, throwing tiny rainbows between them. He remembered the day he'd secretly taken one of her rings to ensure the sizing was correct, his mother standing guard to make sure Laney didn't walk in unexpectedly.

“It's not too much?” Max asked. “I wanted something you could wear even when working in the lab.”

“It's perfect,” Laney said, examining the ring. “I love that you thought about that.”

Max pulled her close, still amazed that this brilliant, brave woman had come into his life. From their first meeting at the brewery to watching her shift for the first time, every moment had led to this. He breathed in her scent. His mate. His fiancée. Soon to be his wife.

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