Page 3 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

An ad…?His bear instinctively tensed, a wave of disbelief and alarm washing over him.

Oh, no. They wouldn’t,Kris said, equally appalled.

Finn shot Kris a crooked smile. “Yes, for a…what did you call it? A mail-order bride. One who appreciates fine wine and a good man.”

Kris’s eyes went wide, but the brothers were already trading glances like co-conspirators. He stifled a groan. “You guys can’t be serious.”

“Oh, we’re serious, all right,” Philip teased. “And we happen to have our first draft right here.”

Kris watched as Finn tapped his phone, clearing his throat. The rest of the brothers straightened as if preparing for a performance. Kris folded his arms, half-amused, half-apprehensive.

“All right,” Stanley directed, turning an imaginary baton toward Finn. “This is what we have so far.”

“We worked hard on it,” Philip said as he reached for another bottle of wine.

Finn took a deep breath and began, glancing at the phone’s screen: “Seeking the Perfect Match at Thornberg Vineyard…”

Alfie chimed in, “Wait, I think we should mention Bear Creek right away to set the picturesque small-town vibe.”

“Sure, sure,” Finn agreed, adjusting his phone. “How about: ‘Seeking the Perfect Match at Thornberg Vineyard: Nestled in the picturesque town of Bear Creek, the heart of Thornberg Vineyard is on the hunt for someone special. Do you have a refined palate, a zest for adventure, and dreams of pairing exquisite food with exceptional wine? Do you dream of being part of a new venture, in a charming place where flavors and warmth blend seamlessly?’ Sound okay?”

Kris rolled his eyes. “No.”

“Don’t listen to him. It’s good,” Philip said, nodding. “Continue.”

Finn resumed: “…Do you have exceptional taste, a passion for fine wines, and an adventurous spirit?”

Stanley raised a hand. “Needs more emphasis on a ‘fresh start’ angle. Like we’re genuinely offering them a new beginning. The place you can reinvent yourself or something.”

“Right,” Finn said, typing. “So we insert: ‘We’re looking for an individual who…’ Let me bullet-point this out and we can refine it later.”

“Good idea,” Stanley cut in with a soft laugh. “Don’t forget the sense of humor requirement. That is a must.”

Finn typed, then read slowly, “We’re looking for an individual who appreciates life’s finer pleasures (and excellent vintages).”

“Are you calling me old?” Kris grumbled.

“Never,” Philip replied. “But none of us are getting any younger.

“Okay, continue, Finn,” Alfie prompted.

Finn nodded. “Dreams of pairing delicious food with extraordinary wine. Is ready for a fresh start filled with warmth, laughter, and lasting relationships. Isn’t afraid of a little hard work and family chaos (sense of humor highly recommended!).”

“And then,” Stanley interjected, “some kind of closing line like…Apply today, in person! And then something like your future awaits, that kind of romantic flourish.”

Alfie snapped his fingers. “Yes, we need that final push. Something that says: ‘This is it—take the leap.’”

“A leap of faith,” Nero added.

“Or a leap of fate!” Stanley raised his glass.

Finn grinned, finalizing the text. “How about: ‘If you’re seeking to put down roots and help us turn dreams into reality, your place awaits at Thornberg Vineyard—where great wine, good company, and love always find each other. Serious inquiries, in person, only—your future awaits.’”

A chorus of satisfaction rumbled among the brothers. Kris pinched the bridge of his nose, torn between laughter and exasperation. “I can’t believe this. You’re literally writing a personal ad for me.”

His bear let out an amused rumble.It is kind of funny, even if it sounds like garbled nonsense.

Kris couldn’t deny the sense of longing that filled him. If only it were that easy. But the days of ordering a bride through an advertisement were long gone. And even if they were not, he didn’t need a mail-order bride—he needed a mail-ordermate.

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