Page 46 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
June’s hands stilled under the running water. “What?”
“I’ll watch your boy.” Barb nodded toward the door.
“Go where?” June asked, though something in her already knew the answer.
Barb gave her a dry look. “You know where.”
Her voice softened then, surprising June. “If you wait too long, you’ll overthink it. Trust what’s in front of you. Trust what is in your heart.”
June hesitated, water dripping from her fingertips. Only days ago, Barb had warned her away from Stanley, had cautioned her about shifters and mates and getting her hopes up. But now, this felt like permission. Maybe even her blessing.
“Are you sure?” she asked quietly.
“Am I ever not sure?” Barb countered, but there was no edge to her words. “Go on. Before I change my mind.”
June nodded, murmuring a quiet, “Thanks,” as she dried her hands and headed upstairs to change. Her heart raced as she pulled on a soft sweater and ran a brush through her hair. Was she really doing this? Driving to Stanley’s cabin in the middle of the night?
Yes. Yes, she was.
“I’ll send you a pin,” Barb said as June came back downstairs.
“Thanks.” She dared not look at Barb, afraid she might change her mind.
Instead, she pulled open the door, ran to her car, and started the engine. Soon, Barb’s house disappeared from view, and she gripped the steering wheel as her car climbed higher into the mountains, each bend bringing her closer to Stanley.
And then, between the trees, she saw it, Stanley’s cabin, like something from a storybook. Wood smoke curled from the chimney, and soft lights strung across the front porch cast a golden glow against the darkness. It was beautiful. Welcoming. As if it had been waiting for her all along.
June’s heart beat faster as she parked and cut the engine. The silence of the mountain night wrapped around her as she stepped out, the air cool and scented with pine. She made her way up the path, gravel crunching beneath her boots.
Before she could knock, the door opened and Stanley stepped out, surprise and hope written across his features. The golden light from inside haloed him, catching in his dark hair and warming his skin. He was beautiful.
“Hi,” she said, suddenly shy. What if she got this all completely wrong?
He smiled, just a little. And that smile gave her confidence. Gave her reassurance. “Hi.”
They stood there for a moment, the night air humming between them.
“I hope it’s not too late,” she added when he didn’t speak.
“No,” he blurted. “No, it’s…” He seemed to search for words. “Do you want to come in?”
June nodded, and he stepped aside, the warmth from inside washing over her as she crossed the threshold. She stopped just inside, delighted by what she saw.
The cabin was cozy, all warm wood and soft lighting, but it was the inhabitants that made her smile. Pets were everywhere. A sleepy orange cat dozed in a wicker basket near the woodstove. A bright-feathered parrot muttered quietly to itself in a spacious cage by the window. And sprawled across a worn rug before the fire were three dogs of various sizes and breeds, all looking up at her with curious eyes and thumping tails.
Stanley moved past her, scratching behind the ear of a scruffy gray mutt that had risen to greet them. “I am not good at saying no,” he muttered, a hint of embarrassment coloring his voice. “And they seem to know it.”
June laughed, charmed by this glimpse into his life. “They have good taste.”
Stanley turned to her, meeting her gaze. “You think so?”
“I do,” she replied softly.
They stood there, transfixed. The firelight flickered between them, casting warm shadows across the walls. For a breathless moment, neither moved.
Then Stanley cleared his throat, his voice suddenly shy. “Tea?”
June nodded. “Yes, please.”
