Page 56 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
“Then make damn sure you know what you’re willing to give up,” Barb said finally, her hand coming to rest on June’s shoulder.
The weight of those words settled in June’s chest, heavy and uncomfortable. Before she could respond, a knock sounded at the front door.
Oli’s head snapped up, his drawing forgotten. “Stanley! He’s come to visit Herbert!” he cried, pushing back his chair with a screech of wood against tile. He darted past them, racing toward the entrance.
June’s heart leaped, her body responding to Stanley’s presence before her mind could catch up. She smoothed her hair reflexively, painfully aware of Barb’s observant gaze.
“You’ve got it bad,” Barb muttered, shaking her head.
June didn’t have time to respond before Oli returned, practically dragging Stanley by the hand. The sight of him, with his windswept hair, flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and shy smile that brightened when he spotted her, made June’s stomach flutter like she was sixteen again.
“Hi,” she managed, hyper-aware of Barb’s scrutiny.
“Hi,” Stanley replied, his eyes holding hers for a moment longer than necessary.
Barb crossed her arms and arched her eyebrow. “Stanley.”
“Barb.” Stanley chuckled. “I’m glad you are here.”
“Really?” Barb asked.
“Yes...” he began, shifting his weight slightly, “I was hoping to invite you all to something.”
Barb’s eyebrow climbed higher. “Brave.”
“I’d say optimistic,” Stanley replied with a perfectly straight face.
“Go on,” Barb said with a wave of her hand.
“It’s harvest day at the vineyard this Saturday,” Stanley explained, his eyes brightening with enthusiasm. “We do it every year. The family gets together for grape picking. We make a day of it; there’s food, music. It’s nothing fancy,” he added quickly, “but I’d like you to come. All of you.”
Oli began bouncing on his toes, excitement radiating from him. “Can we go, Mom? Please?”
June hesitated. The thought of meeting Stanley’s family like this sounded overwhelming. And not just for Oli. “That sounds lovely,” she heard herself say. “We’d be happy to come.”
She glanced at Barb, needing her support. To her surprise, her aunt’s face had softened into something almost wistful.
“I’d love to,” Barb said quietly.
“Great,” Stanley said, looking a little nervous.
“Can we go check on Herbert now?” Oli asked.
“Sure,” Stanley said, and with a lingering look at June, he followed Oli out of the kitchen.
June watched him go and then turned to the kettle. The water had just begun to boil. She pulled two mugs from the cabinet, her hands trembling slightly as she dropped tea bags into them.
“Everything all right?” Barb asked, leaning against the counter.
June exhaled slowly. “I’m just...nervous about meeting his family. At an event like this.” She poured the hot water, watching it darken as it seeped through the tea bags. “What if they don’t like me? Or worse, what if Oli gets overwhelmed?”
Barb stepped closer, her hand warm and steady as she rubbed June’s back in small circles. “Don’t worry. I’ll be there.”
June looked up, surprised by the gentleness in her aunt’s voice. “Thanks. I didn’t think you’d want to come, given...everything.”
“I figured it was time I got over my issues with Hugo,” Barb said, taking her mug and wrapping her fingers around it. “Since one day soon, they’re likely to become family.”
June frowned, the word “family” landing heavily in her chest. It was happening so fast—this connection, this bond that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere and yet felt as old as time.
