Page 17 of Fire Bear

“One apple pie, two jugs of orchard cider, hard and soft.”

Corey’s grin widened. “Farm-fresh cider and apple pie? You might be the star of the barbecue.”

Eliana laughed and followed Ash to the picnic tables and folding chairs, where his family had gathered on the patio. His siblings,Reed, Ivy, and Holly were setting up the table. Holly’s mate Elias stocked more sodas in a large blue cooler. Eliana waved and they smiled and waved back in greeting.

“Aunt Zoe, Uncle Rollo—this is Eliana.”

A man and woman in their sixties waved from the other end of a picnic table. Zoe’s hair was in a sleek bob that framed her face, her catlike eyes glowing in welcome.

Rollo offered a warm smile, lines at his eyes crinkling. “We didn’t meet at the festival, but it was great. We can’t wait for next year.”

From the grill, Corey said, “All right, folks. Burgers, steak, and corn on the cob are ready!”

He flipped a final patty onto a platter piled high with sizzling meat and brought it to the table. Bowls of potato salad, coleslaw, and roasted vegetables passed from hand to hand. Cornbread was a big hit. Holly poured everyone samples of Eliana’s cider.

Ivy teased Holly about a childhood story involving some unfortunate spray-paint art on the garage. Holly shot back about Ivy’s teenage “lab experiments” that left the fridge smelling awful.

All around, the family devoured the food. Her ciders were a big hit. Holly called the sweet cider “absolutely perfect,” while Ivy found the hard cider dangerously addictive. As for the apple pie, it disappeared minutes after slicing, leaving only crumbs and a host of compliments.

The warmth of family camaraderie reminded her of picnics with her grandparents. Bittersweet nostalgia pricked at her. Ash’s lively family soothed her grief. She noticed how they teased eachother openly but stayed fiercely protective. If danger came for her, she knew they would rally around.

Later, Corey sat beside her, leaning close. “Hope we’re not too much,” Corey said. “This family can be a lot, especially all at once.”

Eliana shook her head, smiling. “Not at all. It’s wonderful.”

Corey studied her for a moment. “We used to joke that Ash was married to his job.”

Eliana gave a soft laugh. “I get it. I sometimes feel married to my orchard.”

Corey nodded. “I guess that is why you match. You both take your responsibilities seriously.” A somber note threaded his voice. “You know, Willow—my late mate—would have adored you.”

Emotion tugged at Eliana’s throat. She recalled her grandparents, her guiding lights. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I wish I could have met her.”

“She is here in spirit,” Corey said quietly, casting a glance at Ash, who was talking to Zoe and Rollo. “It took Ash a while to open up after losing his mom but finding his mate... that means a lot.” He gave Eliana’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “If you ever need anything, come to us. We look after our own.”

Eliana felt tears threaten, but she smiled and placed her hand over Corey’s. “Thank you, Corey. That means more than I can say.”

He flashed a fatherly grin, then stepped away to pour another glass of cider. “Everything okay?” came a soft voice. Eliana turned as Ash returned to sit by her side.

She nodded. “Your dad is just being very kind.” She looked down, cheeks warming. “I like your family a lot.”

He slipped an arm around her waist, drawing her in. The gentle brush of his body felt natural. “They like you a lot,” he murmured, pressing a light kiss to her temple.

Rollo complained that he wanted more pie. Holly joked that next time Eliana needed to bring two pies, one for everyone else and one just for her. Everyone laughed.

Reed strummed a relaxed tune that made Zoe sway in a playful dance. Rollo bobbed his head, occasionally drumming on the table. Ivy was half distracted, tapping her phone, but the yard brimmed with energy.

Eliana and Ash stepped away, settling on a stone bench near a flower bed of daisies, lilies, and ornamental grasses. The hum of family chatter floated behind them. The day felt dreamy, the setting sun bathed everything in a honey glow.

“This looks like a snapshot of a perfect life,” Eliana said, eyeing the yard. Holly and Ivy laughed over a cat video on Holly’s phone. Reed played guitar. Corey and Rollo packed up the leftovers and tossed the paper plates. Elias arranged more wood on the fire, and sparks floated into the evening air.

“It is perfect because you’re here,” Ash said.

She turned to him, the sunlight catching his strong jaw. It glowed in his hazel eyes, and her heart fluttered. She couldn’t remember feeling so alive. Ash laced his fingers with hers. Her heart squeezed, and she was tempted to kiss him right there.

They held each other’s gaze for a quiet moment. Then laughter spiked from the picnic table, and they turned. She could hearCorey telling a funny story about Reed’s senior prom. Eliana burst out laughing.

The sun slid toward the horizon, and the family decided it was time to call it a night. Ivy joked that if she stayed longer, she would drink too much cider. Everyone bustled around, grabbing up leftovers.

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