Page 23 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
He hesitated again. His fingers tightened on the door frame.
“Would you…sometime…maybe…want to grab a coffee?”
Her heart gave a reckless little leap.
Then he added, “I’d really love your advice on how to make the shop more welcoming for kids like Oli. You seem to really understand what works.”
The leap crashed back down to earth.
“Sure,” she said, masking her disappointment with a polite smile. “That would be nice.”
As she walked to the car, she finally accepted what Barb had been trying to tell her.
She wasn’t his mate.
And thinking otherwise would only lead to heartbreak.
Chapter Seven – Stanley
The scent of June’s perfume lingered in the air long after she and Oli had gone. Stanley stood in the quiet of the store, his fingers still tingling from where they’d brushed against hers when he’d handed her the second cookie.
Stanley moved through the now-empty aisles, straightening items that didn’t need straightening. He paused at the chinchilla enclosure where Oli had spent so much time, smiling at the memory of the boy’s quiet concentration. The little beanbag in the reading corner still held the slight impression of where Oli had sat, Herbert cradled gently in his lap.
They fit perfectly here,he murmured, letting his hand rest on the back of the chair where June had been sitting just hours ago.They fit so perfectly into our lives.
His bear stirred contentedly.Because they belong with us.
Stanley closed his eyes, replaying every moment of their visit. June’s smile when she’d seen the quiet corner he’d prepared. The way her shoulders had gradually relaxed as she watched Oli interacting with the animals. The soft curve of her lips as she’d bitten into his homemade cookie.
As for Oli, the transformation in that boy had been something to witness. From hesitant and guarded to engaged and curious. Stanley had seen the change happen gradually, like watching a flower on the vine unfold in time-lapse.
They’ll come back,his bear reassured him.You saw how happy our cub was.
I know,Stanley said, moving toward Herbert’s enclosure. The rabbit was curled in the corner, ears twitching occasionally.And I have that coffee to look forward to.
His bear chuckled.I thought you weren’t going to ask. You were standing there, gripping the doorframe as if it might collapse without your support.
The words just wouldn’t come out right,Stanley admitted with a snort.I wanted to ask her on a proper date, not for...professional advice.
For a moment, he’d almost blurted it all out about the mating bond, about being a shifter, about how from the moment he’d seen her in that garden, his entire world had realigned around her. But the words had caught in his throat, and instead, he’d mumbled something about wanting her input on making the shop more welcoming.
You need to tell her the truth,his bear said, suddenly serious.About all of it. About us. About being mates. Because the waiting is unbearable.
Stanley didn’t reply right away. He just stood there, listening to the low hum of the aquariums, the soft rustle of bedding, and the gentle tick of the old wall clock. Then he said quietly,It’s too soon. She’s got a lot going on. And I’m…me. What if that is not enough?
That question struck a chord he didn’t want to examine too closely. He’d never been confident and outgoing like Finn. Never been smooth like Nero or charming like Alfie. He was quiet. Steady. Not the sort of man stories were written about.
Do you think you know better than fate?his bear challenged gently.
A reluctant smile pulled at Stanley’s lips.I guess not.
We have always been good enough,his bear said firmly.We will always be good enough. For them.
Stanley nodded, letting those words sink in. His bear was right. Whatever doubts clouded his mind, the mating bond existed for a reason. He hadn’t been chosen randomly. He was meant to be with June and Oli.
Stanley gathered his keys. He made one final round of the store, checking enclosures and water bottles. He paused at Herbert’s pen and reached in to stroke the rabbit’s soft head.
“Goodnight, Herbert,” he murmured. “You did good today, buddy.”
