Page 52 of The Bear's Forever Mat
Working on forever with a mate is about as perfect as life can get, which is why I wanted this for my grandsons.
I know what love brings to a man. I cherish it every day, along with my Laureen’s sweet, giving heart. I don’t know what I’d do without her. Good thing I don’t have to find out. Mates are forever, and that’s exactly what I want.
Forever with her.
OceanofPDF.com
Epilogue
Laureen Borealis shook her head at the light still shining at the top of the stairs.
“He’s gone and left the lights on again. ‘I never leave the lights on, my love,’” she grumbled in imitation of Giles. “That’s what the man would tell me, but there’s the proof.”
She smiled, though, as she made her way up the wide steps toward her husband’s den. The rich wood interior fit his style, welcoming and comfortable at the same time.
Maybe too comfortable—
Giles was behind his desk, but he wasn’t working. Feet on the desk, head tilted back, a smile on his lips. Snoring softly with his hands folded over his chest. He clutched his wedding ring tightly as if protecting it.
Powerful love bloomed yet again, the way it had every day since he’d walked into her life nearly sixty years ago. Her mate—her heart.
Her everything.
Laureen moved carefully to avoid waking him, tidying the glass and bowl on the desk top—
His journal lay open. His rich script was like artwork, and she drew closer to admire his neatly formed characters and perfect syntax…
Okay, fine. She was being nosy and wanted to see what he’d written. He’d long ago given her permission to snoop, saying he would never keep any real secrets from the woman he loved more than life itself.
He’d admitted he liked that she wanted to see and understand the most intimate part of him—his thoughts.
It only took a moment to skim through the most recent entry, and by the time she was done, her smile was wider and her heart even more full. Seeing what he’d been doing in the background to create the perfect setups for each of their grandsons had been entertaining.
Giles hadn’t been the least bit modest—not that she ever expected him to be anything but boastful in his own private journal. A fantastic salute to his successful meddling and manipulations.
He’d done well, and she was proud of him. Although…
His conniving wasn’tallthe truth, but he didn’t know that.
Oh, hehaddone a lot. Planned and plotted and made suggestions and pulled strings at what seemed to be pivotal moments.
She couldn’t have done it without him.
Her lips twitched with amusement.
She’d done her own plotting and planning, starting long before last Christmas. That’s when she’d finally decided everything was in place.
She could still remember the conversation they’d had after the family had left. The presents all unwrapped, the farewells and well-wishes sent after their son and daughter-in-law as Giles Jr. and Glenda left the country and placed the grandsons in charge…
* * *
She and Gileshad settled by the fire, a glass of wine for her, a whiskey for him.
“Family visits are the best.” Giles sighed heavily, contentment in his tone.
“They are. I never get enough.” Laureen put just the slightest quiver into the final word.
Giles shot upright immediately, watching her closely. “What is it, my love?”
