Page 8 of The Bear's Matchmaking Mix-up Mate
Then relief washed through Finn as Alfie launched into details about catering costs and ticket prices. He hated lying to his brother—it felt wrong, like wearing someone else’s shoes—but he’d made a promise to Wren. To Mrs. Abernathy.
His bear grumbled unhappily.Families shouldn’t keep secrets.
But Wren wasn’t just anyone. She was his mate. And something about the wariness in her eyes made his need to protect her more important than anything.
Finn was the kind of man who always honored his promises where possible. But a promise to his mate was sacred. And until she gave him permission to share their connection with his family, he’d keep her secret.
They will understand,his bear said firmly.
They will,Finn agreed, because his family would know he was only trying to protect his mate.
“Whoa, you’re somewhere else entirely,” Alfie said, waving a hand in front of Finn’s face. “You didn’t hear a word I just said, did you?”
Finn blinked. “Sorry, I was just thinking…”
“About?” Alfie asked with that look again.
The ache of not sharing gnawed at Finn. Would they forgive him for this, when the truth finally came out? Would they understand what it cost him?
Yes,his bear said firmly.
“I was thinking that we should also have a plant stall, since this is about growing things,” Finn said, covering himself smoothly, or so he hoped. However, his smile felt forced, and he caught himself gripping his coffee cup a little too tightly.
“Yes, it’s about growing the project and the community,” Alfie said, his gaze wistful. “I like it.” He jotted down a note on his clipboard.
Good save,his bear said.
For the next hour, Finn threw himself into garden planning with forced enthusiasm, sketching layouts and calculating material costs while Alfie outlined their fundraising strategy. Bythe time the sun had burned away the morning mist, they had a solid plan taking shape.
But part of Finn was always somewhere else, following an invisible thread that tugged at him from deep within his soul. And at the other end of that thread was Wren.
“This is going to be great,” Alfie said, clapping Finn on the shoulder. “The whole town will be talking about it.”
“It’s a good cause,” Finn agreed enthusiastically despite his distraction. “A way to strengthen the community and give more people access to growing their own food.”
Alfie grinned. “Always the idealist. That’s why I need you on this.”
They walked back toward the parking area, their breath still visible in the cool morning air.
“Okay, I’ll make some inquiries about the music and plant sales. Can you handle the tickets?” Alfie asked as they reached their trucks. “I’ll also get the family to help gather donations for the auction.”
“Sounds good.” Finn hesitated, guilt tugging at him. “Hey, Alfie?”
“Yeah?”
The words stuck in Finn’s throat.I met my mate. She’s staying at Mrs. Abernathy’s cottage in the mountains. She’s beautiful and scared, and I promised not to tell anyone about her.
A lump rose in his throat, making speech nearly impossible. He swallowed hard and managed to say, “Thanks for bringing me in on this.”
Alfie’s smile was easy, as always, but there was something else there. Pity. “Got to keep busy, huh?”
Oh no, he asked us to help because he felt sorry for us not having a mate,his bear said.
Damn, he felt like a fraud. The need to spill his secret was so intense, Finn had to take a gulp of his coffee and nearly choked.
“You okay there?” Alfie asked, clapping Finn on the back as he coughed and spluttered.
“Yes,” Finn croaked.
