Page 32 of The Bear's Christmas Wish
He’d just reached Main Street when it happened…that now-familiar tingle at the base of his spine, the warmth blooming in his chest, the way his senses suddenly sharpened and focused. Sarah was nearby. He could feel it, that invisible thread connecting them pulling taut as it drew him toward her.
His bear stirred, alert and eager, as Michael scanned the crowd. He didn’t see her yet, but he knew she was close. The knowledge made his heart beat faster.
“Michael! Wait up!”
He turned to see Daniel approaching with Maisie and Teddy, both children rosy-cheeked and energetic as they threw snowballs at each other and skidded on patches of ice.
“Careful, you two,” Daniel called half-heartedly, knowing the warning would be ignored. He fell into step beside Michael,lowering his voice. “So, a little bird told me you got snowed in with your mate.”
Michael couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. “I did. I have never been more grateful for a snowstorm.” He paused, chuckling. “Even though it did mean I didn’t sell any Christmas trees.”
Daniel laughed, eyes dancing with his usual good humor. “And she’s going to be here tonight?”
Michael’s focus went distant as that pull intensified. “She’s here already.”
“You can sense her through all these people?” Daniel asked, glancing around the crowded street, a note of wistful longing in his voice.
“Oh yeah,” Michael said, his voice softening. “She’s like a beacon in the night.”
He looked at his friend, recognizing the mixture of happiness and envy in Daniel’s expression. “And one day you’re going to know the feeling.”
Daniel sighed, hands deep in his pockets. “Man, I hope so. I hope we all do.”
They reached the town square, already packed with people admiring the unlit tree. Michael’s eyes swept the crowd, his bear’s senses helping him filter through the sea of faces until…there. Sarah stood near the cocoa stand with Emmy and Pat, all three of them bundled in colorful winter gear.
“I’ll catch up with you later,” Michael told Daniel, already moving toward Sarah, though he tried to make his approach seem casual rather than the magnetic pull it actually was.
But there was nothing casual about the way he felt about her. Nothing casual at all.
Sarah glanced up, and her eyes met his from across the square. Michael’s heart did a strange little skip he hadn’t felt…ever. She smiled, and his stomach flipped.
“Michael!” Emmy spotted him and waved enthusiastically, jumping up and down in her puffy coat.
He made his way through the crowd, trying to keep his pace measured even as his bear urged him forward faster. When he reached them, he had to resist the urge to pull Sarah into his arms. Instead, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and nodded at Pat.
“Evening, ladies. Enjoying the festivities?”
“It’s wonderful,” Pat said, her knowing eyes flicking between him and Sarah. “Emmy was just saying she hopes they have marshmallows for the cocoa.”
“And sprinkles!” Emmy confirmed, her eyes wide with anticipation.
Sarah adjusted her scarf, and Michael caught the scent of her, making his mouth water more than the thought of hot cocoa and marshmallows.
His bear inhaled deeply, savoring it.Sweeter than honey.
“I’m glad you could make it,” Michael said, his voice coming out lower than he intended. He cleared his throat. “The official tree lighting should start soon.”
“Emmy’s been talking about it all day,” Sarah replied as a slight flush colored her cheeks.
Their eyes held for a moment too long. Michael’s mind flashed back to that perfect moment after the snowstorm, the way her breath had clouded between them, how close her lips had been to his before James’s snowplow had shattered the silence.
They grabbed their cocoa, with extra sprinkles, and moved through the crowd toward the tree, where they found a spot where Emmy could get a good view.
“Oh, this is so good!” Emmy said as she ate marshmallows and whipped cream. “I want to come to Cocoa and Carols every year.”
Then Mayor Wilson’s voice boomed through the speakers set up around the square. “Ladies and gentlemen! If I could have your attention, please! The lighting ceremony will begin in five minutes!”
As the mayor’s voice echoed through the square, people pressed forward for a better view. The crowd surged suddenly, jostling Sarah. She stumbled against Michael, her shoulder bumping into his chest. Without thinking, he steadied her with his hand at her elbow, then let his arm slide naturally around her shoulders.
