Page 40 of Bear's Heart

“I do,” she said.“But you have four hundred acres.You could build a new house for yourself anywhere.”

“And what would I do with this place?”he asked, jerking his thumb to the big log cabin wall behind him.

“Make it a vacation rental,” she said promptly.“I’ve looked at other local listings and you could earn some significant money renting it out, provided you required a four-night minimum or something like that.And then when you wanted to have a family gathering, you just block off those dates and reserve it for Susie and her husband and kids.”

“Why do I feel like you’re eager for me to invite Susie and her family here?”

“Oh, I am.I’d love to meet her, and I think she’d be so proud of you, founding a business that will benefit so many who couldn’t afford this service without you.”

“I’ve hinted at it, but she doesn’t know yet.I am going to wait until the Marietta facility opens, and then I’ll send her a link.Maybe a video.”

Josie nodded, her brows tugging together.“Can I ask you something that isn’t any of my business?”she asked after a few moments.

“When has that ever stopped you before?”he teased, reaching out to pluck a tendril of hair from her lashes.

Her cheeks turned pink, and her eyes glowed a luminous lavender.“I know, if I think it, I just say it.”

“I like that.I find it refreshing.”

“I am really impressed with what you’re doing, Bear, but it struck me that you’re not going to be able to make money from this venture.I don’t see how you could if you’re trying to make the service affordable—and available—for people who couldn’t normally use one.”

He didn’t answer immediately, too busy just looking at her and drinking her in.She was everything he’d never thought he’d find in the world, and yet here she was—beautiful, compassionate, smart, funny,kind.

Bear couldn’t think of one thing he didn’t like about her.He loved her honesty.He valued her curiosity and directness, gratified that she thought about what he did, and took the time to understand his business model.Savannah had never cared much one way or another about his investments.Savannah had wanted him successful, wanted the financial security, but there were never questions about sustainability, or the ethics of something.For her, making money was black and white.The goal was to make money, not spend it.

“I decided years ago that I don’t have to make money off of every business I’m involved in,” he said.“Opening robotic centers for those with spinal cord injuries is something I have to do—whether or not it cuts into my revenue.”

Josie nodded, eyes still shining, lips still curving.“I totally get it,” she said softly, fiercely.“I think that’s why I love what I do, create designs that even out the playing field for those who have challenges that not everyone understands, or cares to understand.”

“Not everyone has empathy,” he said.

“But it’s more than that, don’t you think?In my experience many people don’t want to think about how much harder life is for those with a chronic illness, or a disability.I don’t think people want to be uncaring, but many are just overwhelmed by their own problems.They don’t have the capacity to take on the challenges others face.”

She suddenly frowned and looked up at him, meeting his gaze.“There are times I can’t bear to think about the life my mom leads, taking care of my younger brother and my dad.It doesn’t seem fair that she has two people so dependent on her, but she doesn’t complain.She just gets on with it.”

“I have a feeling you’re a lot like her.”

Josie paused for a long moment.“I hope I’m happier.She’s never complained about her life, but she’s also never seemed… happy.And I don’t mean joyous, bubbly happy, but she strikes me as sad.Or perhaps it’s resigned.I never want to be that way.I never want to give up my power or feel like a victim.No matter what happens.”

“I respect the sentiment, but it’s a lot harder to keep that positive attitude when you’ve suffered significant losses.”

“That’s true.”Josie crinkled her nose.“I’m not trying to judge her.Or anyone.I just know what it felt like growing up in my family, and how isolating it was.We didn’t have very much money, and my parents couldn’t afford help, so there were no days off for Mom, no self-care days, either.Hannah and I tried to pitch in and help as much as possible, but there are some things kids just can’t do for their parents.”

“Like make them happy?”Bear said gently.

She nodded.“We can’t make anyone happy,” she said after a moment.“That’s something we have to do for ourselves.”

They were both silent for a stretch of time, and it was a very easy silence, comfortable, warm, peaceful.Sometimes Josie found it hard to relax, but there was something so restful about Bear.She felt good with him, herself with him.“Does everyone like you as much as I do?”she asked.

He laughed.“No.Definitely not.Most people think I’m a bear.”

“Like your namesake.”

“Mmmm.”

“You can be grumpy,” she said sweetly, “but I’m seeing less and less of that side of you.I think you’re making progress.”

He laughed again, and the sound gave her such pleasure.His laugh was deep and rumbly and impossibly sexy.“You’re ruthless.”

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