Page 44 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
She trusts us with her cub,his bear said proudly.That means everything.
As the hutch took shape, Stanley found himself stealing glances at June—the concentration in her eyes as she held pieces steady, the gentle way she encouraged Oli, the strength in her hands as she helped tighten bolts. Each glimpse made him more certain that this would all work out just as fate intended. That one day soon they would be a family.
But had Barb told her? Did she know about shifters, about mates? About him?
Ask her,his bear prodded.We need to know what she knows.
“Almost done,” Stanley said, ignoring his bear’s frustration at not knowing, as he guided Oli while he attached the last hinge on the hutch door. “Want to test it?”
Oli’s face lit up as he carefully swung the door open and closed. “It works! Can we get Herbert now?”
Stanley nodded, rising to his feet. “Let’s go meet him.”
He walked back to his truck, conscious of June following a few steps behind. As he reached into the cab for Herbert’s carrier, he felt her presence beside him, warm and real. So very real.
“Thank you for this,” she said quietly. “For all of it.”
Stanley turned to face her, the carrier in his hands. “You’re very welcome.”
She studied his face for a long moment, as if searching for something. And he hoped that, whatever it was, she found it.
Tell her,his bear urged.Tell her now.
But now was not the time.
“Can I carry Herbert?” Oli asked as he looked inside the pet carrier.
“Sure. Just keep it steady. And don’t worry if the little fella hops around.” Stanley handed the carrier to Oli, showing him how to hold it steady. “That’s it. Let’s get him settled in his new home.”
Together, they carried Herbert to the hutch. Stanley showed Oli how to transfer the rabbit safely, how to arrange the hay and water bottle, and how to make sure the door was secure. Herbert seemed to approve of his new accommodations, immediately beginning to explore his surroundings.
Oli watched in rapt fascination, whispering facts about rabbit care that he’d clearly memorized. “Herbert needs fresh vegetables every day. And clean water. And he likes to be talked to in a soft voice.”
“That’s right,” Stanley said, impressed by how much Oli had retained. “You’re going to take excellent care of him.”
June stood beside them, her shoulder almost touching Stanley’s, watching her son with the rabbit. The moment felt perfect—the three of them together in the late afternoon sun, Herbert contentedly nibbling hay, Oli’s face alight with joy.
This is how it should be,his bear rumbled.Our family.
Stanley allowed himself to imagine coming home to this every day, being part of their lives, building something lasting together.
“Would you like to stay for dinner?” June asked suddenly, the question taking him by surprise. “Aunt Barb is cooking. She always makes plenty.”
Stanley’s heart leaped at the invitation, but reality intruded. He had to get home to feed the collection of animals he’d rescued over the years, who were no doubt waiting for their dinner.
“I’d love to,” Stanley said honestly, “but I have chores to do at home.” The disappointment on her face made his heart ache, yet at the same time, hope bloomed. “Rain check?”
June nodded, but he didn’t miss the flash of uncertainty in her eyes. “Of course.”
“I’ll come by tomorrow,” he added quickly. “To check on Herbert. Make sure he’s settling in okay.”
“We’d like that.” Her smile returned, and he held her gaze, wishing she knew how he’d rather be here with her. But he took his responsibilities seriously. Just as he would take his responsibilities to his mate and her son seriously for the rest of their lives.
As they walked back toward his truck, Stanley could feel the weight of unspoken words between them. When they stopped beside the driver’s door, June swayed slightly toward him, herlips parted as if waiting for something. Their eyes met, and the moment stretched, charged with possibility.
Kiss her,his bear urged.She wants you to.
And so do I.Stanley’s heart hammered as he leaned forward slightly, irresistibly drawn to her.
