Page 58 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
Oli nodded solemnly, accepting the responsibility with wide eyes.
“Good morning, Barb,” Stanley added, straightening to face June’s aunt.
Barb lowered her sunglasses just enough to fix him with a look. “Morning, Thornberg. Impressive place you have here.”
Before he could respond, a shout came from the main house. Stanley’s mother emerged onto the porch, waving enthusiastically.
“You must be June!” she called, hurrying down the steps. “And Oli! We’ve heard so much about you both.”
Stanley felt heat creep up his neck as his mother enveloped June in a warm hug, then bent to greet Oli with the perfect balance of friendliness and respect for the boy’s space.
“And Barb,” his mother continued, her smile never faltering. “It’s been too long. We’re thrilled you came.”
Something flashed across Barb’s face, too quick to name, before she nodded. “Leanne. You look well.”
“Thank you. Would you like a cold drink before we begin?” Leanne asked and led them toward the shade of the trees.
Stanley’s bear shifted uneasily.Let’s hope things go smoothly when Barb meets Dad.
I guess we’ll soon find out,Stanley said as he caught sight of his father emerging from the vineyard, pruning shears in hand.
Hugo Thornberg broke into a smile as he spotted the new arrivals. “Welcome, welcome.” He greeted June and Oli and then turned to Barb. “Good to see you, Barb. It’s been too long.”
“Hugo,” Barb said and then sipped her lemonade.
“Is it time to pick the grapes?” Oli asked as he clung close to June, his untouched glass in his hand.
“Keen to get started. That’s what I like to hear,” Hugo said. “Why don’t we go and grab a basket, and you can help me fill it?” Oli stared at Hugo for a long moment and then nodded. “This way.” Together, Oli and Hugo chose a basket and headed for the first row of vines.
Barb sure has her eye on them,Stanley noted as June’s aunt half-turned to watch them.
I hope they can resolve things today,his bear replied.I want us all to get along.
Thankfully, I believe that’s what we all want,Stanley said.
“Are you going to show me what to do?” June asked, coming to join him.
“Sure, let’s grab a basket.” Stanley took her hand, and he raised it to his lips and kissed it.
“Barb,” Finn said as he helped himself to a glass of lemonade. “Shall we pair up and pick some grapes?”
“Ah, the brother who is responsible for my niece meeting Stanley,” Barb said, her eyes narrowing.
“Guilty as charged.” Finn held up his hands and smiled in his usual good-natured way. But as he and Barb went over to thestack of baskets, Stanley was filled with sadness. He hoped his brother would find his mate soon and not end up lonely like Barb.
We’re going to make sure he gets his own matchmaking mix-up, Stanley’s bear promised him.
The morning unfolded like a carefully choreographed dance as they all joined in the harvest. Stanley’s family embraced June and Oli as if they’d always been part of the Thornberg gatherings. His nephews and nieces immediately adopted Oli as one of their own. Especially Charlie, who introduced him to the world of bugs, which Oli found fascinating.
Stanley found himself constantly drawn to June, watching as she laughed with his sisters-in-law, her hands stained purple from juice as she worked. Each time their eyes met across the vineyard, he experienced a deep sense of gratitude.
This is right,his bear hummed.This is how it should be.
As the sun climbed higher, Stanley noticed Barb and his father working side by side between the rows of vines. Their movements were awkward at first, careful not to intrude on each other’s space. But as the morning wore on, they fell into a rhythm that spoke of old familiarity.
“So this is what you’ve been doing all these years,” Barb said, lifting a ripe bunch of grapes and examining them. “You always seemed a bit too wild and carefree to tend vines.”
Hugo chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. “This is where my heart always belonged.”
