Page 42 of The Bear's Perfect Mate
“You should be proud,” Sophie told him.
“And you should be proud of what you have achieved,” Leanne said as she joined them to admire the building.
“Come on.” Hugo pushed open the door and held it while the others entered. “Let’s open some wine and enjoy an impromptu picnic.”
As they entered, Cassia looked up from where she and Kris were examining wine bottles at the bar. Her face lit up the moment she spotted them.
“Sophie! Sophie Truro,” she exclaimed, hurrying over with open arms. “I’m so glad to finally meet you! I was worried you would leave town before I got the chance.”
Nero watched as the surprise on Sophie’s face melted into a smile, and she returned the hug. “It’s good to meet you,” Sophie said. “I hear you are the one who suggested Finn contact me about the wedding expo.”
“I am.” Cassia looked over Sophie’s shoulder and locked eyes with Nero.
“Thank you,” he mouthed, and Cassia gave a small nod.
Kris approached more slowly, offering a firm handshake and a kind smile. “Nice to meet you, Sophie. I’ve heard great things.”
“We brought something special,” Nero said, unpacking the containers on the long wooden table near the windows. “Sophie made these dishes this morning, and we thought you might enjoy tasting them.”
“Oh my goodness, yes!” Cassia clapped her hands with delight.
Soon, everyone was seated around the table, passing the containers and serving themselves generous portions. The conversation quieted as the first bites were taken, replaced by the kind of appreciative murmurs Nero had grown up associating with a truly exceptional meal.
“This mushroom dish is extraordinary,” Kris said, reaching for more. “The honey brings out the earthiness perfectly.”
“And this trout.” Cassia let her eyes flutter closed, savoring the flavors. “I can taste the pine. It’s subtle but so distinctive.”
Nero’s parents were equally enthusiastic. His father was particularly taken with the berry tart. “The balance of tartness and sweetness is masterful,” Hugo declared, dabbing the corner of his mouth with a linen napkin.
Nero watched Sophie as her cheeks flushed pink and her smile widened with each compliment. His chest ached with admiration.
She deserves every bit of this recognition,his bear said.
She does,Nero agreed.And so much more.
Then Cassia leaned forward, her gaze fixed on Sophie. “I have a proposition for you,” she said. “Would you consider creating a guest menu for the restaurant? These flavors, this connection to the land, it’s exactly what we aim to celebrate here.”
Sophie’s eyes widened. “A guest menu? I…I don’t know…”
Nero caught the flicker of uncertainty on her face, the way her fingers worried at the edge of her napkin. He reached across the table, covering her hand with his.
“You’d be perfect,” he said. “You could use the vine leaves and the pomace. You could tell the story of the vineyard in a way no one else could.”
“He’s right,” Kris added. “I’d love to collaborate on the wine pairings. Your dishes deserve something truly special.”
She’s hesitating,his bear murmured.She needs more reassurance.
“Sophie,” Leanne said, her voice soft with sincerity, “what you’ve created today isn’t just delicious. It’s inspired. You’ve captured the essence of the mountains and forests in just a few bites.”
“The pine in that trout sauce,” Hugo added, “reminds me of early mornings after a storm, when the whole mountain smells clean and new. That’s not just cooking, that’s art.”
Nero watched as something shifted in Sophie’s expression. Her nerves hadn’t vanished completely, but they were giving way to something braver. She looked around the table, saw the encouragement written on every face, and finally turned to him.
“What do you think?” she asked.
“I think it’s time everyone got to experience what I already know,” Nero said. “That you’re extraordinary.”
She took a deep breath. “I’d love to,” she said, her voice gaining strength. “A guest menu inspired by the vineyard would be an honor to create.”
