Page 54 of The Bear's Christmas Wish
“Oh, I don’t know, the way she looks at you, I think she knows.” The silversmith turned away to wrap the gift.
See?Michael’s bear said triumphantly.
The vendor handed Michael the small velvet pouch with a knowing smile. “I hope she loves it.”
“Thank you,” Michael said, tucking the package carefully into his jacket pocket where it nestled against his heart.
Sarah appeared at his side, her purchases wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine. She slipped her arm through his, the casual intimacy of the gesture making his bear purr with satisfaction.
“Did you see something you liked?” Sarah asked, leaning in close.
You!his bear roared.
“I did,” Michael replied. Maybe this wasn’t the right moment to reveal his true nature, but it could be the perfect opportunity to show her the man he was. If not the bear.
“They are all exquisite. But I’m afraid that if I bought Emmy something like this, she would lose it. But when she is older, I’d love to buy her a charm bracelet,” Sarah said as she admired the silver jewelry. “Ready to head back?”
“Whenever you are,” he replied, though the thought of taking her home, of their evening ending, made his chest ache. There was still so much he needed to tell her, to show her.
They walked arm-in-arm through the market, the twinkling lights reflecting in her eyes as she looked up at him. How was it possible that she’d come into his life so suddenly, yet already he couldn’t imagine a world without her in it?
When they reached the truck, they found it dusted with a light coating of fresh snow. Michael brushed off the windshield beforeopening the passenger door for Sarah. She climbed in, her eyes lingering on his lips.
How he wanted to kiss her. To hold her. To never let her go. It was the same primal urge he’d felt from the moment they’d met.
But Sarah had responsibilities and needed to get home for her daughter.
However, as he walked around to the driver’s side, his bear paced anxiously.Time is slipping away. Soon she’ll be home with Emmy, and this perfect moment—this perfect opportunity—will be lost.
There’ll be other perfect times and other perfect opportunities,Michael assured his bear as he slid behind the wheel.
He started the engine, the truck rumbling to life beneath them. The heater blew cold air for a moment before warming as he carefully navigated out of the parking area onto the road back toward Bear Creek.
They hadn’t driven more than a mile when Sarah’s phone chimed. She pulled it from her pocket, her brow furrowing slightly as she read the message. Her fingers tapped across the screen, composing a reply.
“Change of plans,” Sarah said suddenly, looking up from her phone with an expression he couldn’t quite read.
“Oh?” Michael raised an eyebrow, trying not to sound too hopeful.
“Emmy’s been invited to sleep over with Maisie.” Sarah’s voice was casual, but her eyes had darkened, holding his gaze with unmistakable intention. “So, for the next few hours, I’m all yours.” She paused, her voice dropping lower. “If you want me.”
Michael’s heart hammered against his ribs, so loud he was sure she would hear it. His bear, usually so vocal, fell utterly silent with anticipation.
“I do,” he said, a wide grin spreading across his face before he could control it.
Color rushed to Sarah’s cheeks. She ducked her head and turned to look out the window as they drove away from Wolf Valley, the cheery lights of the market receding in the rearview mirror.
Michael drove carefully, acutely aware of the precious cargo beside him. With each passing mile, the tension in the cab seemed to grow. As if they were both holding their breath, waiting for what came next.
His cabin at North Peak Pines was nestled among the trees, far enough from the main farm buildings to offer privacy but close enough to be convenient. As they approached, the familiar silhouette appeared through the pines. He hoped Sarah would find the rustic aesthetic welcoming, just as he always had.
If not, he would do whatever it took to make it the home of her dreams. Because she was the woman of his dreams.
He parked the truck and cut the engine, the sudden silence enveloping them. For a moment, neither moved.
“Here we are,” he said finally, his voice rougher than he’d intended.
“It’s so…” She glanced sideways at him. “You.”
