Page 61 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
“I love you, too,” she whispered back, the truth of it resonating through her entire body.
It seemed impossible to love a man so completely after only knowing him a short time, but she did. With the whole of her heart.
He kissed her again, more gently this time, and then pulled her into his arms. They stood holding each other under the stars, her cheek pressed against his chest where she could hear the steady thump of his heart, and June wished they could stay in this moment forever.
A bear and its mate. How many other shifters had stood under the moon and stars and declared their love for each other? Had held each other in their arms. Had promised each other forever.
But they could not stay there forever, and, eventually, the cooling air and the distant sounds of laughter from the tables reminded them of the world waiting for them. Hand in hand, they made their way back to the gathering.
“It’s getting late,” June said reluctantly when they returned and went to check on Oli, who was still watching the ants. “We should probably head home.”
“But Mom,” Oli protested through a yawn he couldn’t quite suppress, “we’re still watching the ants.”
Marion, Charlie’s mother, came to join them. “Why don’t we arrange a playdate? Charlie would love to have Oli over.”
“You can come and look at my bug books,” Charlie told Oli.
“Can I, Mom? Please?” Oli asked, perking up despite his obvious fatigue.
“That sounds wonderful,” June agreed, noting how her son’s eyelids were drooping despite his excitement. But there was no sign of a tantrum at being told they had to leave. No hand-waving or raised voices.
As they gathered their things to leave, Oli surprised her by turning to Stanley. “Will you carry me to the car? I’m really tired.”
June’s breath caught in her throat. Oli rarely allowed physical contact with anyone outside their immediate family. The request was so unexpected, so trusting, that she felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes.
“Of course, buddy,” Stanley replied casually, as if it were the most natural request in the world. He crouched down and let Oli climb onto his back.
“I’ll catch you up,” Barb said as she got up from her chair.
“Okay.” Was Barb being tactful, giving June time alone with Stanley and Oli? She was certainly seeing a different side to Barb since Stanley had revealed he and June were mates.
June walked side by side with Stanley as he carried her son to the car with tender care, Oli’s head resting trustingly against his broad shoulder. This was the perfect end to a perfect day.
Stanley gently settled Oli into the backseat and buckled his seatbelt. “Goodnight, Oli. Thanks for all your help today.”
“Night, Stanley,” Oli mumbled, already half-asleep.
Stanley closed the door softly and turned to June. Their eyes met in the dim light, and he reached for her hand, giving it agentle squeeze. “Drive safe,” he said, his thumb tracing circles on her palm.
“I will,” she promised, wishing she could kiss him goodnight but aware of Oli watching from the backseat.
“Night, Thornberg,” Barb said as she slid into the passenger seat. “Your family makes a decent wine.”
“Night, Barb,” Stanley said. “I’ll be sure to pass the compliment on.”
June smothered a smile. In some ways, Barb had changed, and in some ways, Barb was exactly the same. And June would not change her for the world.
As they drove down the winding road away from the vineyard, June glanced at Oli in the rearview mirror. His eyes were heavy with sleep, but he was watching her with an expression she couldn’t quite read.
“Mom?” he asked suddenly.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Are you and Stanley going to get married?”
June nearly swerved off the road, her heart stuttering in her chest. She glanced sideways at Barb, who said nothing, her face unreadable. “What makes you ask that?”
“You look at him the way people look at each other in movies before they get married,” Oli said matter-of-factly. “And he looks at you the same way.”
