Page 22 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
June stood just behind them, watching as the quiet wonder spread across her son’s face. The usual tension in his shoulders had melted away.
“Would you like to feed him?” Stanley asked, already reaching for a small tub.
Oli nodded eagerly.
“These are mealworms,” Stanley explained, holding up the container. “Clive’s favorite snack.”
He handed Oli a pair of tweezers and gave a calm, simple demonstration.
“Hold it gently. Just enough so Clive sees it.”
Oli mimicked him with surprising steadiness, his focus laser-sharp as he lifted a wriggling worm.
Stanley opened the terrarium a crack. “Nice and slow,” he murmured.
Oli’s hand moved forward.
Clive’s eyes locked onto the movement, and then, in a flash, his tongue darted out. The worm vanished.
“I did it!” Oli whispered, beaming.
“You sure did,” Stanley said warmly. “Want to try another?”
Oli didn’t hesitate, already reaching again. And June stood still, struck by the transformation in her son. She’d rarely seen him this engaged for so long, this completely at ease.
“That’s why they’re called bearded dragons,” Stanley pointed out gently as Clive’s chin puffed out.
“Does it hurt him?” Oli asked, concern flickering.
“Not at all. It’s just a way of showing off.”
The bell above the shop door jingled. A voice called out from the front, “Heya, Stan! You got those special filters in yet?”
Stanley gave Oli a quick pat on the shoulder.
“You did great. Maybe next time, we can try handling him.”
Oli’s smile dimmed slightly, but he nodded and set the tweezers down with care.
“We should probably go anyway,” June said softly, touching Oli’s back. “Time to cook dinner.”
“Of course,” Stanley said, his eyes meeting hers with the same warm intensity that made her stomach flutter.
“I’ll get the door for you.”
He hesitated before heading down the aisle and opening the door, setting the little bell jingling.
“Can we come again?” Oli asked.
“Anytime,” Stanley replied with a smile.
“Tomorrow?” Oli asked hopefully.
“We’ll figure out a time that suits us all,” June said, guiding Oli out of the door.
“Thank you,” she said as she paused in the doorway. “For everything. This meant a lot.”
His smile deepened, but his eyes held something deeper. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you both came by.”
