Page 42 of The Bear's Christmas Wish
His mind once more drifted to Sarah and Emmy, imagining them gathered in Pat’s living room, eyes bright with excitement as they opened presents on Christmas morning. How he longed to be a part of that scene. A part of their lives.
His bear sighed dreamily inside him.It will come true one day. And if you hurry up and tell Sarah that we are mates, it could be one day soon.
Michael chuckled under his breath as he waved to the departing family.Okay, I get the hint.
He turned to help the next customer when something prickled at the back of his neck. A frisson of excitement threaded through his veins, his senses suddenly heightening.Sarah.
The trees seemed to whisper her name as the icy breeze swept down from distant mountain peaks.
She was close, getting closer by the second. Michael froze, his body instinctively turning toward the direction of the approaching car, still hidden by the curve in the road.
It was as if he were transfixed. Frozen in place. Waiting for the woman who was as much a part of him as the tree farm he called home.
Are you sure you don’t want to look busy?his bear asked.I mean, she might think it’s strange if you’re simply standing here waiting for her.
Michael jolted into action, darting to the nearest tree and pretending to adjust its branches, fluffing the needles with exaggerated care.
Subtle,his bear said dryly.
But there was nothing subtle about the way his heart hammered in his chest as Sarah’s car appeared on the track, sunlight glinting off the windshield. Michael straightened, trying to look naturally surprised as she pulled to a stop nearby.
Don’t give up your day job!His bear laughed, filled with as much joy as a child on Christmas morning.
Michael ignored the teasing as he sauntered over to Sarah’s car, opening the door before she could reach for the handle.
“Hi,” she said, looking up at him with those eyes that made his chest tighten.
“Hi,” Michael managed, suddenly tongue-tied. The memory of their moonlit walk last night flashed through his mind. The stars overhead, the snow crunching beneath their boots, theway she’d looked in the silver light as snowflakes caught in her eyelashes, how close they’d come to...
“If you’re not too busy, I brought these new proofs to show you,” Sarah said, grabbing her tablet from the passenger seat.
“Great,” Michael replied, though disappointment flickered through him. Part of him had hoped she’d come just to see him, that this was pleasure, not business. “Shall we go to the office? I’ll pour us a coffee, and then I’ll take a look.”
“Great,” Sarah replied, smiling at him in a way that definitely didn’t say business, but hinted at her pleasure in seeing him.
He smiled back…
No, you are grinning like a lovesick fool,his bear said.
I am lovesick,Michael said.
He stepped back as she got out of the car, catching the faint scent of cinnamon and vanilla that clung to her coat, making his mouth water.
For a moment they stood still, frozen in place against the winter wonderland that was North Peak Pines. Snow dusted the branches of the evergreens, red ribbons tied to wooden posts fluttered in the breeze, and green holly wreaths adorned with berries and pinecones hung from display hooks for customers to purchase. The scent of pine filled the air, mingling with wood smoke from the fire pit where children roasted marshmallows while their parents selected trees.
Wordlessly, they turned and walked side by side along the trail toward his office, the memory of being stranded there with her during the snowstorm vivid in his mind. How he wished to be stranded there again, maybe overnight, where they would have to sleep side by side, snuggled together for warmth.
How cozy they would be.
Sarah stopped suddenly, taking in the scene with wide eyes. Michael stopped, too, but he wasn’t looking at his farm. He was looking at her. At the way the cold air brought color to her cheeks, how her dark hair peeked out from beneath her beanie, the smile that curved her lips as she absorbed the Christmas scene before them.
His bear rumbled contentedly inside him.Yes, this is where she belongs. Right by our side.
Michael cleared his throat, realizing he’d been staring. “The wreaths are new this year,” he said, gesturing to the display. “Local florist makes them with materials from the farm. They’ve been quite popular.”
“They’re gorgeous,” Sarah replied, stepping closer to examine one. “The berries really pop against the dark leaves. I love how you’ve incorporated so many natural elements.”
“That’s the goal,” Michael said, leading her toward the office again. “There’s nothing like the smell of fresh pine, the red of real holly berries, and the feel of a pinecone in your hand. Things you can touch and smell.”
