Page 66 of The Bear's Christmas Wish
“Sarah can make her own decisions,” he replied, keeping his voice steady despite the anger bubbling beneath the surface.
Liam’s expression hardened. “Sarah is in a vulnerable position. She doesn’t know what’s best for her right now.” He glanced toward Emmy, then back at Michael. “I intend to put my family back together again. It’s what Sarah wants, too, even if she doesn’t realize it yet.”
Michael’s fists clenched at his sides as he fought to control his bear, who wanted to teach Liam a lesson he would not forget. Instead, he took a deep breath, reminding himself that they were standing in the middle of his business, surrounded by customers.
More than that. He never wanted Emmy to see him lose his temper. That was not the man he was, even if it felt like Liam was poking his bear with a sharp stick.
“And if you were any kind of man,” Liam continued, “you’d do the right thing and step aside.”
Before Michael could respond, Emmy came running back, her eyes bright with excitement. “Dad! I found the perfect one! Come see!”
The men separated, and Michael clenched his jaw as he suppressed his rage. He watched as Liam followed Emmy to the wreath display, his arm sliding around her shoulders in a gesture that seemed more possessive than affectionate.
Michael hung back, not trusting himself to be near Liam without saying something he’d regret. Instead, he busied himself with helping another customer, though his attention never strayed far from Emmy and her father.
When they finally selected a wreath—a beautiful creation of pine, holly berries, and pinecones—Liam made a show of carrying it to the register, speaking loudly enough for Michael to hear.
“Let’s take it home and hang it on the door,” he said to Emmy, emphasizing the word “home” with pointed significance.
Emmy tugged on his sleeve. “But you promised we’d go into town first for hot chocolate with marshmallows! So you can drink it while you eat the cookie I made you.”
Liam’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. “Right, of course. Hot chocolate first, then home.”
As they walked toward the parking area, Emmy turned and waved, her smile genuine and bright. “See you soon, Michael!”
The simple farewell, so innocent and hopeful, twisted something in Michael’s chest. Was Liam right? Should he step aside? The last thing he wanted was to complicate Sarah’s life or put Emmy in the middle of adult conflicts.
His bear snorted derisively.No, we should go over there right now and tell Sarah just what she means to us.
Michael watched Liam’s car pull away, uncertainty warring with determination inside him. After a moment’s hesitation, he made his decision.
Pulling out his phone, he texted his dad.Morning. Can you come over and run things for an hour? I need to take care of something.
The reply came almost instantly.Sure. Is everything okay, son?
Yes. I have an errand to run.Michael sent the text and then went to help a customer, needing to keep busy while he waited for his dad to arrive.
Ten minutes later, Michael was in his truck, driving over to Sarah’s mother’s house. As he drove, Michael rehearsed what he would say, how he would tell Sarah about his encounter with Liam.
He only hoped that Liam and Emmy hadn’t made it home first. But no matter what, he was going to fight for his mate and the life they could have together.
Michael parked his truck in front of Sarah’s mother’s house and used his shifter senses to check who was in the house. Sarah was there alone. Perfect!
He strode toward the house, but before he had a chance to knock on the door, it swung open. Sarah stood there, her eyes widening in surprise.
“Michael! Is everything okay? I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I needed to see you,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. He longed to pull Sarah into his arms and kiss her senseless, but he needed to know it was what she wanted.
“Come in,” she said, stepping back. “Liam’s in town.”
“I know.”
Sarah’s brows drew together in confusion. “You do?”
“He came to North Peak Pines with Emmy to buy a wreath.” Michael stepped inside. He caught a whiff of cinnamon and coffee, but underneath it lingered the scent of Liam’s cologne. It smelled foreign, out of place.
Because it is,his bear growled.
