Page 18 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

Turning her back on the interior, she headed back out, careful not to tumble on the stones. Hugging her jacket around her against the chill evening air, she reached her car, opened the trunk, and grabbed her suitcase. As she closed the trunk she paused, taking in her surroundings. It was so quiet up here. With only the rustle of the leaves and a distant hoot of an owl breaking the silence.

This was what she needed. Peace and quiet, and time to heal.

Grasping her suitcase tightly, she headed back to the cabin and headed for the bedroom. It was not exactly big, but the bed was comfortable, and the pastel furnishings created a relaxing atmosphere.

Settling on the edge of the bed, she flipped open the suitcase, rummaging past the typical T-shirts and jeans. She pulled out a soft pair of lounge pants and a plain tank top, thinking that’d be good enough for an evening’s unwinding. After slipping into them, she felt the day’s tension in her back ease, though her mind still buzzed with the memory of Kris’s voice, the faint trace of concern in his eyes when he asked if she was okay with all of this.

Yes, she was. She had to be. Because an hour into meeting him, she’d basically staked her future on his half-baked plan. Now, the least she could do was start drafting the structure of the menu. Show him she wasn’t all talk, that she was serious about this. No matter how handsome he was, she needed to prove she’d come for the job, not just forhim.

She rummaged in her purse, pulling out the bright pink notebook where she’d taken her tasting notes. The pages now had scribbles referencing four or five different Thornberg wines, each with potential dish ideas. She carefully set it on the small desk in the corner, ready to add more detail.

First, she would separate the dishes by season. Put her focus on a small rotating menu centered around seasonal produce, locally sourced.Excitement flickered. She’d never been solely responsible for designing a full menu. It was a challenge but one she would rise to.

A knock on the door snapped her attention away. “Come in,” she called as she closed the notebook and left the bedroom.

The front door opened, and Mel stepped inside, carrying a tray that tantalized Cassia’s senses. “I hope this is okay,” Mel said, placing it on the small table by the window. “Just some leftover pot roast, potatoes, vegetables. A bit simple, but it’s hearty. And here’s your Thornberg wine.” She winked. “Enjoy.”

Cassia’s stomach gave an appreciative growl. “Thank you, Mel. This is perfect.” She eyed the glass of wine, seeing the deep hue. “Merlot or Cab?”

Mel smiled, folding her arms. “It’s the new Merlot Kris put out last year. Should pair nicely with pot roast if you don’t mind a heavier red.”

Cassia nodded, a thrill of excitement threading through her veins at the mention of Kris’s name. “I don’t mind at all. Sounds wonderful.”

Mel lingered a moment, looking as though she wanted to say something more. Cassia caught the curious spark in her eyes as if she were searching for clues or reading Cassia’s body language. But the older woman simply smiled. “You enjoy your dinner. And remember, if you need anything, just knock on the door or call me on that phone by the nightstand. Yes, there’s a direct line.”

Cassia, deeply moved by Mel’s kindness, nodded gratefully. “Thanks again. I appreciate all this hospitality.”

“It’s our pleasure,” Mel replied, stepping back toward the door. “I’ll let you settle now.” She hesitated, a flash of amusement in her smile. “Kris is a good man.” Then Mel gave a little wave and pulled the door shut behind her before Cassia could respond.

How she wanted to believe Mel. Once bitten, twice shy. And boy, had she been bitten.

Cassia sank onto the chair by the table, letting the delicious aroma envelop her. Pushing thoughts of Kris out of her mind,she picked up the fork and took a bite, the rich flavors of the tender meat and vegetables bursting on her tongue. Aunt Mel was a wonderful cook. The pot roast was perfectly seasoned, with hints of rosemary and thyme, and the vegetables were still crisp, not overcooked.

As she ate, Cassia turned to her notebook and flipped it open to her scrawled notes. After scanning through them, she began adding more detail. The new Merlot could pair with anything from midweight roasted poultry to a robust cheese platter. She scribbled ideas for side accompaniments: roasted root vegetables, maybe a sauce with a slight tang. Then she jotted a star next to her short-ribs concept, mentally placing it under a “winter menu” heading.

Her pen flew across the page, sometimes pausing as she took quick bites of potato or sips of wine. Time slipped away.

In the back of her mind, the shape of a real, workable menu was forming. Possibly small, maybe just six or seven dishes, each carefully paired with a Thornberg wine. Enough to impress visitors and give them the essence of Bear Creek’s local charm.

Eventually, the plate was empty, the wine glass half-full, and her notebook full of new bullet points. She leaned back in her chair, letting her shoulders loosen. A drowsy contentment threatened to lull her, courtesy of the good food and the swirl of wine.

She should try to get some sleep soon. Tomorrow was going to be an intense day, with Kris expecting her bright and early. She certainly didn’t want to appear incompetent or unprepared.

Not when the rest of her life was riding on this.

Chapter Seven – Kris

Kris woke before dawn, his eyes flicking open to the faint, silvery light that edged the horizon. The house lay still around him as everyone else slept. For a moment, he lay in bed, recalling the shocking events of yesterday.

Shocking in a good way,his bear said as he stretched and yawned.

Very good,Kris agreed.Amazing even.

But honestly, there were no words to describe meeting Cassia, realizing she was his mate, and agreeing they would build a restaurant from scratch. Together.

And all that happened in a single afternoon, his bear murmured contentedly.Hard to believe.

I know,Kris replied, pressing a hand lightly against his chest as though to calm the surge of emotions within.It’s real, though.A small smile twitched at the corners of his mouth. Real, and so much bigger than anything he had imagined for himself.

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