Page 68 of The Bear's Second Chance Mate
“You’re cold,” he murmured, noticing the goosebumps rising on her arms. “Let’s go inside and have some tea.”
June chuckled, her voice wavering slightly. “Tea? Now that is the way to celebrate.”
Stanley glanced back at her as he unlocked the cabin door, one eyebrow raised. “I could open a bottle of wine instead.”
She shook her head, following him inside. “No, tea would be perfect.”
The warmth of the cabin enveloped them as they stepped through the doorway. Stanley’s pets stirred—the dogs lifting their heads, tails thumping against the floor in sleepy greeting, while a tabby cat stretched and yawned from its perch on the windowsill.
“Make yourself comfortable,” Stanley said, moving toward the kitchen. “I’ll put the kettle on.”
June settled onto the sofa and was immediately besieged by Stanley’s furry friends. She giggled as the dogs jostled for attention, while Uma wound herself around her calves and Miam padded along the back of the couch like a watchful little shadow. The tabby gave a contented chirp before curling into her lap, and Miam hopped down to perch on the armrest, his green eyes half-lidded in approval.
She looks right at home,his bear said happily.
She is home,Stanley said. But as he prepared the tea, a question nagged at him.
Should I tell her now about our plans for converting the barn into an animal therapy clinic?he asked his bear.
Yes,his bear said without hesitation.Make her see she is not giving up on her dream job. But instead, we are creating a dream right here.
Stanley’s hands stilled on the mugs. His bear was right. June deserved to know she wasn’t sacrificing her career by staying in Bear Creek. She could have everything—him, Oli, and the work she’d trained so hard for.
He carried the steaming mugs to the living room, the aroma of chamomile and honey filling the air. He sat down next to June, the couch dipping slightly under his weight. She smiled as she accepted the mug, their fingers brushing in the exchange, sending electricity coursing through him.
“I have an idea,” Stanley said, watching her face carefully.
“You do?” June blew gently across the surface of her tea, steam curling around her face.
Stanley nodded, his heart racing. “I was thinking that you have the training, and I have the animals. We could set up an animal therapy clinic right here in Bear Creek.”
June’s lips parted in surprise, her eyes widening as the words sank in. “An animal therapy clinic? Here?”
“On my property,” Stanley continued, the words tumbling out faster now. “I have that old barn out back. It would need work, but we could convert it. Make therapy spaces, offices. A place where you could practice what you’ve trained for.”
A tear spilled down June’s cheek, followed by another. She blinked rapidly, trying to stem the flow. “Are you sure?”
Stanley reached for her hand, enfolding it in his own. “The more time I spend with Oli, watching how he connects with Herbert, with all the animals... I’ve seen the change in him. It’s made me realize how powerful that bond can be for healing.” He squeezed her fingers gently. “I want to make something that lasts, June. Something meaningful. With you.”
June set her tea down on the side table. She leaned forward, her palm warm against his cheek as she cupped his face. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, Stanley, but I am so very thankful.”
She closed the distance between them, her lips soft against his. Stanley’s hands found her waist, drawing her closer as theirkiss deepened. He could taste the sweetness of honey on her tongue, feel the flutter of her pulse beneath his fingertips.
When they finally broke apart, both breathless, Stanley rested his forehead against hers. “There’s something else,” he murmured.
June pulled back slightly, one eyebrow raised in question. “There is?”
Stanley nodded, suddenly nervous. He stood, setting his tea beside hers. “Wait here.”
He took the stairs two at a time, his heart hammering against his ribs. In his bedroom, he went straight to the dresser and pulled open the top drawer.
Stanley lifted out a small velvet ring box with trembling hands. He opened the lid, the ruby-encrusted diamond catching the light from his bedside lamp, sending prisms dancing across the wall.
Too soon?he asked his bear as he stared at the ring Nero had made for him after he’d met June.
No,his bear replied with absolute certainty.It’s the perfect time. A celebration of our lives together.
Stanley snapped the box closed and headed back downstairs, each step feeling momentous. June was still on the couch stroking Uma, with Miam curled beside her, and the sight of her stole his breath.
