Page 28 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
“I don’t know,” June said, smiling as she turned down his covers. “You’ll have to look it up.”
Oli climbed into bed but remained sitting up, hands still gesturing. “Did I tell you Stanley’s going to teach me how to hold Clive next time? He said I have to be very calm and move slowly.”
“You did,” June said, sitting on the edge of his bed. “I was really proud of you.”
Oli’s movements finally stilled. “Really?”
“Really.” She brushed the hair from his forehead. “You were brave and gentle and patient. All the things animals need.”
He fidgeted with the edge of his blanket. “Mom? Thank you for taking me to the pet store.”
June was surprised at Oli’s thanks. When he was this excited about something, he often forgot to say thank you. Her throat tightened with emotion.
“You don’t need to thank me,” she said softly. “I love seeing you happy.”
Oli settled back against his pillow, his excitement finally giving way to drowsiness. “I wish I could see Herbert every day. Do you think...” He hesitated, fingers twisting in the fabric. “If nobody comes for Herbert, could we maybe keep him? Or maybe another pet?”
June studied her son’s hopeful face. The usual answer hovered on her lips. The practical one about responsibility and space, and routine. But tonight, with his eyes so bright, she couldn’t bring herself to say it.
“Let’s see what happens. If Herbert’s owners come forward,” she said gently, “we’ll try to find a pet that works for us. I promise.”
Oli’s face lit up like a sunrise. He flung his arms around her neck, squeezing tight. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too, Oli.” She hugged him back, savoring the rare, spontaneous embrace. “More than anything in the world.”
He released her and settled back, reaching for his stuffed bear,a well-worn friend named Professor Fuzzy. With solemn care, he tucked the bear under his arm, then gave him three pats on the head. Two kisses on its nose. One whispered secret in its ear that June always pretended not to hear.
June waited until he was finished, then smoothed the covers around him, tucking them just so—not too tight, not too loose. She rose and moved to the door, adjusting it to remain open exactly four inches.Not too open, not too closed. Just right.
The perfect amount to let in hallway light without beingtoo bright.
“Goodnight, my brave explorer,” she whispered.
“Night, Mom,” he murmured, already drifting off to sleep.
She headed downstairs to find Barb standing at the counter, pouring amber liquid into two tumblers.
“Just one finger,” she said, handing June a glass with a knowing look. “Though you might need two tonight.”
June accepted the whiskey with a wry smile. “Thanks.”
“Your boy’s settled?” she asked as she put the bottle away.
“Finally. Still talking about the animals.” June took a small sip, the liquid warming her throat. “I haven’t seen him this excited in... I don’t know how long.”
Barb leaned against the counter, studying her over the rim of her glass. “He’s certainly taken a shine to Stanley Thornberg.”
Something in her tone made June’s shoulders tense. “He’s good with Oli. Patient.”
“Mmm.” Barb swirled her whiskey. “And how are you finding Mr. Thornberg?”
Heat crept up June’s neck. “He’s...nice.”
“Nice,” Barb repeated the word like it was a questionable diagnosis. “Your boy seems happier. More settled.”
“He is.”
“And you?”
