Page 57 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
Barb rolled her eyes at June’s expression. “Stanleydidexplain what being his mate means, didn’t he?”
“Yes,” June nodded, staring into her tea. “That we’re meant to spend the rest of our lives together.”
“Which means,” Barb continued, her voice softening, “you’re going to be part of the Thornberg family.” She set her mug down with a gentle clink. “And I want to be a big part of your life, June. Yours and your boy’s. Which means I’m going to have to face Hugo sooner or later.” She shrugged, trying for nonchalance but not quite achieving it. “Might as well be sooner.”
Her heart ached for her aunt. She set her own mug down and wrapped her arms around her aunt, breathing in the familiar scent of Barb’s perfume. “I love you,” she whispered. “And I’m here for you. Always. That will never change.”
Barb returned the hug, her arms strong and secure. “Always remember, I want the best for you.” They stood like that for a moment, until Barb pulled away, blinking rapidly. “Now drink your tea before it gets cold.”
Chapter Nineteen – Stanley
Morning light painted the vineyard gold, making each leaf and tendril shine as if dipped in honey.
Hmm, honey,his bear murmured, happy at the thought of them spending the whole day with June and Oli.
Stanley wiped his palms against his jeans, surveying the preparations with a critical eye. Everything had to be perfect today. His brothers had already arranged the long harvest tables beneath the sprawling oak trees, their weathered wood surfaces ready for the feast to come after the work was done.
Crates for collecting grapes sat stacked nearby, and pitchers of cold lemonade and wine waited in the shade. He’d been a part of these harvests since he was born. Yes, even before he could walk, his mom or dad would carry him in a papoose as they picked the grapes that made the Thornberg wine so special.
“You’re hovering like a mother hen,” Finn called out, lugging another bench into position. “Relax. It’s just grape picking, not a royal visit.”
Stanley ignored him, adjusting a tablecloth that had shifted in the breeze. His bear stirred restlessly. Because to them, June and Oli were more important than royalty.
She’ll be here soon,he reminded him unnecessarily.
Stanley glanced toward the quiet corner he’d set up in a corner of the vineyard. He’d brought his four goats for Oli to meet if he needed some downtime.
His bear chuckled.If they get loose and eat the vines, Philip will never let you forget it.
They won’t get loose,Stanley said, hoping he was right. In hindsight, he might not have thought his choice of animal for the quiet corner through enough. But then, since he’d claimed June, everything had been a little fuzzy.
In some ways, he could understand Oli a lot better now. His own thoughts, hopes, and dreams for a life with his mate came at him all at once—bright, tangled, impossible to sort. It was overwhelming, the way it pressed in from every side, filling his mind until it was hard to think about anythingelse. But his brothers had assured him it would get easier. That the intensity would fade, and the joy would remain.
Not that he would ever take his mate for granted.
She’s here,his bear said as they sensed June in the distance.
Stanley kept his shifter senses locked onto her until June’s car rolled to a stop next to the house. Then he strode to meet her, trying to look relaxed.
But when June got out of the car and smiled, it took all his resolve not to run headlong toward her. To wrap his arms around her and hold her close. However, until Oli knew about their relationship, they had agreed to play it cool.
“Morning,” he called and raised his hand to wave.
“And what a beautiful morning it is,” June replied.
It’s not just the morning that’s beautiful,his bear sighed.
June wore a simple sundress that clung to her curves in all the right places, and the sight made his mouth go dry. Then Oli tumbled from the backseat, already pointing excitedly at the rows of vines stretching across the hillside. Barb emerged last, sunglasses firmly in place, lips pursed, but there was something different about her today. The rigid set of her shoulders had softened slightly.
She’s still scary,his bear said.
Stanley reached the car, unable to keep the smile from his face. “Welcome to Thornberg Vineyard.”
“It’s incredible,” June replied, her voice filled with wonder as she took in the sweeping vista of vines and mountains beyond.
Oli bounced on his toes. “Are those grapes? Real ones? Can I pick them?”
Stanley crouched down to Oli’s level. “Those are definitely real grapes. And we need all the help we can get picking them today. Think you’re up for the job?”
