Page 24 of The Bear's Matchmaking Mix-up Mate
“I understand,” Finn assured her.
“She won’t accept it as a gift if she knows,” Wren explained. “She’s stubborn like that.”
Finn chuckled. “She is stubborn. It’s one of her best qualities.”
Just as the words left his mouth, the back door swung open and Mrs. Abernathy stepped out onto the patio. Finn’s bear stiffened inside him.
Do you think she heard us?his bear asked with alarm.
But Mrs. Abernathy’s face showed nothing but warmth as she approached them, a pleased smile brightening her features. “The garden looks better already just having you two standing in it,” she said.
“You say the sweetest things,” Wren said with a wide smile.
Who is this Mrs. Abernathy?Finn’s bear asked in mock shock.
I don’t know, but I prefer her to the one who usually looks at us with disapproval,Finn replied.
“Would you like to stay for lunch?” his old history teacher asked.
“I’m afraid I need to get going,” Finn said, glancing at his watch. “I’ve got another appointment in town, but I’ll draw up the plans in the next couple of days and bring them by.”
“I should be heading back to the cottage, too,” Wren added, brushing soil from her hands. “I’ve got some writing to do.”
Mrs. Abernathy nodded. “Thank you both for coming over. It’s been lovely having you.” She turned to Wren, placing her hands gently on her goddaughter’s shoulders before leaning into kiss her cheek. “You’re looking so much happier, dear.” Her eyes flickered briefly toward Finn, a knowing gleam in them. “In fact, Wren, you are positively glowing.”
A blush crept up Wren’s neck and bloomed across her cheeks.
Sheisglowing,his bear said with satisfaction.Like sunshine after rain.
“I’m just...enjoying the fresh air,” Wren mumbled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Of course you are,” Mrs. Abernathy replied, not bothering to hide her smile.
They said their goodbyes, and Finn walked with Wren through the garden gate toward their vehicles. The afternoon sun caught in her hair, bringing out those coppery threads that made his fingers itch to touch them.
“Your godmother doesn’t miss much, does she?” Finn said as they reached Wren’s car.
“Nothing gets past her,” Wren agreed, her voice soft. She hesitated, keys in hand, looking up at him with those intense eyes that seemed to see right through him. “Thank you for today. For the farmers’ market, for helping with the garden...”
“And for not actually having a thing with Donna?” Finn added with a tentative smile, testing the waters.
Wren’s laugh was like music to his ears. “Yes, for that, too.”
“I meant what I said earlier,” Finn said, suddenly serious. He took a half-step closer, close enough to catch the scent of sage still lingering on her fingers.
The words hung between them, weighted with meaning he wasn’t sure she was ready to hear. But he couldn’t stop himself from saying them, couldn’t bear the thought of her doubting how he felt, even for a moment.
Wren’s eyes met his, and for a moment, he could not breathe, but then she said, “Yes, we have made a good start on the garden.” She ducked her head and opened her car door. “I’d love to see those plans when you have finished, and I meant what I said about picking up the bill.”
“Of course,” Finn said, deflated. She must have known he was going to say something more. Something that would change their relationship, perhaps take it to another level. This was her way of saying she did not want to hear it.
And he had to accept that. At least for now.
She just needs a little more time,his bear said.
“I’ll see you soon.” She stepped back and climbed into her car.
“I’d like that,” he said, fighting to keep his voice even.
