Page 60 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
June smiled, leaning into his solid presence. “Just thinking about how right this feels.”
Stanley’s knee brushed against hers under the table, a casual touch that still sent a current of awareness through her. She remembered the first time he’d touched her—handing her a mug of coffee at the pet store, their fingers grazing—and how even then, something had sparked between them.
She hadn’t dared hope it would grow into this. Not back then.
“Look at Oli,” she said, nodding toward where her son was hunkered down next to Charlie as they took it in turns to peer through his special magnifying glass at an ants’ nest.
“He’s a natural Thornberg,” Stanley replied, pride evident in his voice. “He’s got a deep love and respect for the world around him.”
June took a sip of wine, letting the crisp flavor linger on her tongue. “It’s not just that. It’s...he feels safe here. With your family.” She hesitated, then added quietly, “With you.”
“Do you think you could be happy here?” Stanley asked, his eyes searching hers. “In Bear Creek, I mean.”
June’s heart fluttered at the question and all it implied. “I already am,” she admitted.
Stanley smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling in that way that made her stomach do a little flip. “Would you like to go for a walk? There’s a path through the vineyard that’s beautiful at sunset.”
June groaned dramatically and leaned back in her chair. “My legs ache so much I don’t think I could walk another step. Those grapes were determined to make me work for every bunch.”
Stanley’s face fell, disappointment evident in the slump of his shoulders. “Oh, I understand. Maybe another…”
“I’m joking,” June said quickly, punching his arm lightly. “I’d love to go for a walk with you.”
His smile returned, brighter than before. “You had me worried for a second there.”
He stood up and held out his hand to her. She took it, feeling that instant spark of recognition she would never tire of, the one that ignited a fire inside her. As he pulled her to her feet, June glanced toward Oli. “I should tell him where we’re going. He might want to come with us.”
“That’s fine with me,” Stanley said, and she believed him completely.
June made her way over to where Oli and Charlie were hunched over a small dirt mound, their faces inches from the ground. “Oli, Stanley and I are going for a short walk. Would you like to come?”
Oli barely looked up. “No thanks. We found a colony of carpenter ants. They’re building tunnels right now.”
“They can lift twenty times their body weight,” Charlie added excitedly. “And they have special mandibles for chewing wood!”
“The queen can live for up to twenty-five years,” Oli chimed in, his eyes still fixed on the tiny creatures. “That’s longer than some dogs.”
Like two peas in a pod,June thought, happy beyond belief that Oli had made a special friend. One who seemed to see the world as he did.
“Okay,” she said. “Aunt Barb is at that table if you need anything.”
“Okay, Mom,” Oli replied, already refocused on the ants.
Stanley took her hand as they reached the edge of the vines, his palm warm and calloused against hers. The touch sent a small thrill up her arm. They strolled together in comfortable silence, following a path that wound between the orderly rows. June leaned against his shoulder, breathing in the earthy scent of him mixed with the sweet fragrance of ripened grapes.
The distant hoot of an owl echoed across the valley, followed by the mournful howl of a wolf from the mountains. The sounds made the night come alive around them, wild and mysterious.
Much like her mate.
They stopped at a small clearing where the vineyard opened to a view of the valley below. The first stars had begun to appear in the deepening blue of the sky. Stanley turned to face her, his expression suddenly serious as he cupped her face in his large hand.
“June,” he whispered, and then his lips were on hers, tender at first, then more urgent.
She melted into him, her arms winding around his neck as the kiss deepened, and she could taste the wine they’d shared earlier on his tongue. When they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Stanley rested his forehead against hers.
“I love you,” he said, the words hanging in the cool evening air between them.
June’s heart soared. She’d never been good at saying things like this. But now the words came easily.
