Page 53 of The Bear's Christmas Wish
Never,Michael replied, but right now his head was spinning afterthatkiss.
And what a kiss it was. His lips still tingled from where Sarah’s had pressed against them, soft yet insistent. The best part was that she had leaned in first. That simple action proved what Michael had sensed all along—what he’d known deep in his bones—that she felt the mating bond, too.
Now came the hard part. It was time to show her his other side, to tell her the truth about their bond, and to promise her that he would never let her down the way Liam had. Michael still couldn’t believe that the man had failed to show up for Emmy, leaving her disappointed and upset over the sleigh ride.
He took a deep breath, squashing down the simmering anger toward Liam. This wasn’t the time to think about anyone other than his mate.
Show her,his bear urged with growing impatience.
Not here,Michael replied silently, glancing around as a family with two young children approached the gazebo, their faces bright with wonder as they pointed at the mistletoe.
His gaze returned to Sarah, her cheeks flushed and her eyes bright in the golden light. How he wished he could give her another child someday. Or two. Or three. Brothers or sisters for Emmy who would complete their family.
Not that their family wouldn’t be complete if Emmy remained their only child. Michael would love her, care for her, protect and support her as if she were his own flesh and blood. But Christmas with a small brood of children would be even more magical.
He looked down at Sarah, looked deep into her eyes, and smiled. “Not here.”
Sarah glanced around, understanding dawning on her face. “Where?”
Michael took her hand, warm and small in his, and they walked along the trail, leaving the gazebo and its mistletoe behind. “My place?”
Sarah took out her phone and glanced at it, her expression regretful. “I don’t have long before I have to get back for Emmy. Maybe another time?”
Michael smothered his disappointment, pushing it down beneath a smile. “Of course.”
But as they continued walking, it felt as if everything was slipping away. He didn’t know when he’d get another chance to be alone with Sarah. At least not for a while—the Christmas tree farm would consume most of his time for the next few weeks. Early starts, late finishes.
But we’ll figure it out,his bear said, though Michael could feel that his other half shared in the disappointment. The bear wanted to meet Sarah properly…in the flesh, or rather, in the fur.
Maybe Pat could look after Emmy for an evening,his bear suggested.
Good idea,Michael agreed, hope flickering back to life.
They passed by other scenes on the trail, bears, wolves, and other animals in snowy tableaux. The irony wasn’t lost on Michael. Here were artistic representations of the creaturesthat shared their world, while a real shifter walked among the humans, hiding in plain sight.
Sarah’s phone beeped. She took it out of her pocket and read the text.
“Okay?” he asked, trying not to hover.
“Yes, it’s Mom saying she’s having dinner with her friends and not to wait up.”
There goes that idea,his bear grumbled.
They reached the end of the light trail and entered the bustle of the marketplace. The contrast was jarring. From the intimate, magical quiet of the path to the cheerful chaos of vendors and shoppers. They headed back through the stalls, Sarah stopping occasionally to examine handcrafted gifts. She purchased a wooden music box for Emmy and a knitted scarf for Pat.
As Sarah waited for the vendor to wrap the gifts, Michael found himself drawn to a stall selling silver jewelry. His eyes caught on a delicate charm bracelet and various pendants. But it was a small silver bear charm that truly captured his attention. The craftsmanship was remarkable, depicting the bear sitting on its haunches, head tilted slightly as if listening, its eyes somehow conveying a gentle watchfulness.
Michael ran his fingers over the bracelet, imagining how it would look on Sarah’s wrist with the bear charm dangling from it. The silversmith noticed his interest and approached with a warm smile.
“That’s one of my favorite pieces,” she said. “You can add charms that tell your story together.”
And what a story we will write,his bear said.
“I’ll take the bracelet and the bear charm,” Michael said.
“For your mate?” the silversmith asked, glancing toward Sarah.
“Yeah, only she doesn’t know it yet,” Michael said with a sigh.
