Page 63 of The Bear's Blooming Mate

Elsbeth leaned into him, her free hand gesturing toward the farthest field. “The blue hydrangeas are coming along perfectly for your parents’ anniversary celebration. And the lavender field is almost ready for its first harvest.”

Philip was so darn proud of her he could burst. “Mom’s going to be overwhelmed when she sees all of this.”

“I hope so,” Elsbeth said, a hint of nervousness in her voice. “Fifty years of marriage deserves something special. Add to that, raising six sons, she deserves somethingextraspecial.”

It is going to be a party to remember,his bear rumbled contentedly.

As long as Stanley doesn’t get too carried away,Philip said. His brother owned the pet store in town and had floated many ideas for his contribution, ranging from a parrot to welcome all the guests, to goldfish bowl centerpieces, with real goldfish.

Eventually, they had settled on a live butterfly release, symbolizing new beginnings and eternal love. Philip thought it was actually perfect for his parents, who had always encouraged their sons to spread their wings while maintaining strong family bonds.

Philip tightened his hold on Elsbeth, feeling the familiar rush of gratitude that she had come into his life. Every day with her felt like a gift he’d never dared hope for—working side by side, building something together, falling asleep with her in his arms, and waking to her smile.

He looked toward the distant mountain peaks, detecting a subtle hint of ozone carried by the wind.

Something’s coming,his bear warned again.I’m sure of it.

“Philip?” Elsbeth’s voice pulled him back to the present. “You went somewhere else for a moment.”

He frowned, tilting his head to better catch the shifting wind. “There’s a storm coming.”

Elsbeth gazed up at the clear blue sky, her brow furrowing in confusion. “The weather forecast said nothing but sunshine for the next three days.”

“I can smell it,” Philip insisted, his bear growing more restless by the minute. “Something in the air doesn’t feel right.”

She set her basket down on a nearby stump and placed both hands on his chest, looking up at him with those eyes that never failed to captivate him. “Philip Thornberg, are you trying to find an excuse to cancel your trip to the wine festival? Because it’s not every day you get presented with an award for grape grower of the year!”

“No,” he protested, though the thought had crossed his mind. This would be the first time they had been apart for a night since he’d revealed his bear to her, and he didn’t want to leave her. “I just don’t like the idea of leaving you alone if there’s bad weather coming.”

We should stay, his bear insisted.Protect our mate.

“I’ll keep a close eye on the forecast,” Elsbeth assured him. “But this is important. To you and your family. It’s an honor to be given such an award.” Her mouth turned down at the corners. “I feel bad enough that I’m not coming with you…”

If we don’t go, she’s going to blame herself,his bear said.She’s going to worry about what people will say.

I don’t care what people say,Philip said.

But our mate does,his bear replied.

Philip sighed.You’re right.

And Elsbeth is right, there is no storm forecasted,his bear said, but he was not convinced that meant there was not one coming this way.Maybe it is just the thought of leaving her that is messing with our senses.

“Don’t feel bad,” Philip told his mate. “There’ll be a lot ofgrapetalk…”

“Stop there,” she said, and cupped his face in her hands and kissed his lips.

You really need to leave the puns to Alfie,his bear said.

“I’ll be fine,” she whispered. “I have it all under control.”

“I know you’re capable,” Philip said, stroking her cheek. “That’s not what worries me.”

It’s not being here that worries us,his bear added.Not being able to protect her if something happens.

Don’t remind me,Philip said as his doubts returned.

“Then what is it?” Elsbeth asked, covering his hands with her own.

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