Page 41 of The Bear's Perfect Mate
“Hello, Sophie,” Leanne said, coming to greet them. “I’ve heard all about you from Cassia. She wanted to come and meet you at the wedding expo, but we had a fully booked restaurant.”
Sophie glanced at Nero. “Nero told me Cassia is the reason Finn asked me to attend. I’d love to meet her and thank her.”
“She’d love that. She’s up at the restaurant now with Kris picking out wine for the next menu,” Leanne said.
“I know she’s happy to have played her part.” Hugo winked at Nero as he set down the wine journal and stood up. “Welcome to the...”
“Vineyard,” Leanne said, shooting Hugo a warning look.
He was going to say family, wasn’t he?Nero’s bear said.
I think so,Nero replied. But luckily, their mom had stepped in and averted disaster.
Would it be a disaster?Nero’s bear asked.
I’d rather not find out,Nero said.
“As you know from Cassia, Sophie creates wonderful recipes.” Nero opened the hamper and began unpacking the containers. “Sophie made these this morning. And we thought you might like to try them.”
“Oh, yes!” Leanne said, her attention flicking from the food to Sophie and back again. “We’d love to!”
“Why don’t we take everything up to the restaurant?” Nero suggested, pausing as he unpacked the last container. “Cassia and Kris are there picking out wines for the next menu. They should definitely try these dishes, too.”
“That’s a great idea,” Hugo said, already eyeing the berry tart with undisguised interest.
Sophie’s smile brightened. “I’d love that. It would be wonderful to meet Cassia and thank her personally.”
“Perfect,” Leanne said, already gathering the containers Nero had unpacked. “Let’s repack and head up there. It would be a wonderful surprise for Cassia.”
They quickly repacked Sophie’s culinary creations, and soon the four of them were walking through the vineyard toward the restaurant. Nero found himself watching Sophie more than where he was walking. It was as if she were the most fascinating thing he had ever seen.
She is, his bear said.But watch where you are going. You don’t want to make a fool of yourself and fall at her feet again.
“These vine leaves are beautiful.” Sophie reached out to run her fingertips over the leaf. “I’d love to use them in a recipe. Maybe stuffed with a wild rice mixture and herbs?”
She’s already connected with our land,his bear rumbled happily.
I know,Nero replied silently.It feels right, doesn’t it?
“That sounds delicious,” Leanne said, coming to stand next to her. “I actually use the pomace—the grape skins and seeds after pressing—to bake a special sourdough bread. The vineyard finds its way into almost everything we create here.”
“Really?” Sophie’s face lit up. “I’d love to learn that technique.”
“I’d be happy to show you,” Leanne replied, and Nero saw the easy, genuine connection forming between them.
Perfect,his bear purred.Mom already loves her.
She does,Nero agreed.Everyone will.
As they rounded the final curve in the path, the restaurant came into view. The newly renovated building still maintained its rustic charm, its wide windows overlooking the sun-dappled slopes where the vines stretched toward the forest. It was the most picturesque part of the vineyard.
“It’s breathtaking,” Sophie whispered. “The building complements its surroundings. And the windows, the view is incredible.”
“With Cassia’s innovative menu planning coupled with Kris’s unique insight and experience of the Thornberg’s wines enhance the dining experience,” Hugo said, then cracked a grin. “At least that’s what it says on the website.”
“Dad,” Nero teased.
“Oh, you know I am dead proud of what’s been achieved here, but I’m proud of what each of my sons has achieved,” Hugo added.
