Bearly Saved My Life: Madison Range Shifters (Quake Lake Bears Book 2)

by Margery Ellen

  “I’m coming. Robert, I can’t stop it.”

  “Let it go.” He whispered. He felt the first jerk and then her body clamped on his cock like a vice. That was all he needed as he thrust hard one last time and held himself above her. Robert roared his release. When he was done, he slowly lowered himself to his elbows and rested his forehead against hers.

  “Phew, that was intense.”

  “I never knew it could feel like that.” She confessed.

  “It will get even better. Think you’ll be able to handle it?” He gave her a silly grin.

  “That, and more. I love you.”

  He brushed her hair out of her face and traced her jaw. He slowly ran his thumb over her swollen lips. “Did I hurt you?”

  “No, you didn’t hurt me.” She gently kissed him.

  He rolled over next to her and pulled her close. It wasn’t long before they were asleep in each other’s arms.

  Chapter 19

  Robert and Heidi were just waking up when the door burst open and Colin came running in and jumped on the bed.

  “Aunt Heidi, Aunt Heidi, get up. Uncle Chawee is fixin pancakes.”

  “Whoa, slow down young man.” Robert told him. “What you need to do is go back out and close the door. Then I want to hear you knock on the door and wait for an answer.”

  “Yes sir. I’m sorry.” Colin got off the bed and went back into the hall and closed the door. They heard a knock on the door. Heidi was going to answer when Robert put his finger to her lips. Robert got out of bed and slipped into some shorts. He hid behind the door. Heidi quickly pulled on a t-shirt and sat up in bed. There was another knock and Robert nodded his head.

  “Who is it?” Heidi called trying not to laugh.

  “It’s me, Aunt Heidi. Can I come in?” Colin called.

  “Yes, come in.”

  Colin walked in and looked at Heidi sitting alone in bed. Suddenly he was scooped up in the air and Robert let out a big growl. Colin let out a scream and then started to giggle as Robert swung him around.

  “Uncle Robert, you scared me.” Robert tossed him on the bed.

  “Next time, you remember to knock and wait for an answer, okay?”

  “Yes sir.” Colin scooted up next to Heidi. “Uncle Chawee is fixin pancakes. You need to hurry cause I’m gonna eat em all up.”

  “You are? Well, first, you need to get dressed and who told you to call us aunt and uncle?”

  “Uncle Chawee.”

  “Alright, go get dressed. Tell Uncle Charlie will be down shortly.”

  “Okay.” Colin climbed down off the bed and ran to his room.

  Robert flopped on the bed. “I hope my brother Mack knows what he’s in for.”

  “Do you think Charles has heard from your brother? They wouldn’t decide before they met them, would they? Why would he tell Colin to call us aunt and uncle?”

  “I’m not sure, maybe he has. How could Mack turn those kids away. I wasn’t sure I could give them up.” Robert sighed. “How is my beautiful wife to be?”

  “Awesome.” She scooted down beside him. “I love you Robert.” She passionately kissed him.

  “And I love you, but, I think we better get up and corral those kids before they get into trouble. We promised to keep them out from under foot.”

  “Yeah… We better get up, but I don’t want to.” She whispered the last part. That made Robert laugh.

  “Come on, we can share the shower.” They both got up and took a lengthy shower together. A lot more than bathing was going on. Robert liked the feel of Heidi’s soapy, slippery body against his. He helped Heidi wash her long silky hair.

  “I love your hair, it’s beautiful.” He bent his head and kissed her neck as the shower washed over them.

  “If you don’t stop, Jackie is going to be taking care of Colin.”

  “Yeah, you’re right, we better get done.” They weren’t worried about Simon and Elyse, only Colin because he was so rambunctious. Heidi towel dried her hair and let the rest dry naturally. They dressed and headed for the kitchen.

  *****

  They walked into a quiet kitchen. The three children sat quietly eating oatmeal. “Aunt Heidi,” Colin called out, “Uncle Chawee makes really good oatmeal, its full of nuts and all kinds of stuff.”

  “Charlie, weren’t you supposed to go to work this morning?” Robert asked. Robert had the next seven days off.

  “Stanton gave me a couple of extra days until the kids get settled. If he gets a SAR call, I’ll have to go, but not until then.”

  “Cool. Is Jackie up yet?”

  “She’ll be down soon. I got a call from Mack this morning.”

  “Oh? Kind of early even for Mack.” Robert got the tea for Heidi.

  “Yeah, well, I guess Peg sat up all night looking at the pictures of the kids. She wants more pictures. You know how Peg is with pictures.

  Heidi gave them both a questioning look. They explained how Peg was slowly becoming a professional shifter photographer.

  “Oh fuck!” Robert ran out the kitchen door.

  Colin giggled. “Uncle Robert said a bad word.”

  “And don’t you dare repeat it.” Heidi scolded.

  “No ma’am.”

  Robert was back a few minutes later. He was hiding something behind his back as he rushed through the kitchen. “Burr, it’s cold out there. Charlie, can I see you in the den?” Charles wiped his hands and followed Robert.

  “What’s up?”

  Robert had the Olson’s family portrait in his hand. He took the back off the picture frame and showed Charles the back of the photo. It had Peg’s studio stamp, Bear Claw Photography, on the back.

  “Shit! Peg took their portrait. I’d better give her a call. I don’t think she’ll need more photos, she probably has a bunch already.”

  “Alright, I’ll put the photo back in the motorhome after you talk to Mack and Peg.” Robert left the photo on the desk and returned to the kitchen.

  “Is everything alright?” Heidi asked. Robert gave her a nod.

  “Uncle Robert, you said a bad word.” Colin told him.

  “Well, adults make mistakes sometimes and forget. You’re going to be a good boy and not repeat it, okay.”

  “Okay. Is Uncle Chawee gonna make bacon?” Colin asked. “I like bacon.”

  “You do? Well, I can cook bacon. Would you like to learn how?”

  “You’re silly, Uncle Robert, I’m too small. I can’t reach.”

  “I’d like to learn.” It was the first time Elyse had said anything.

  “I’ll tell you what. Why don’t I show you how to fix my sister-in-law’s famous bacon waffles?” Robert got out all the ingredients. He showed Elyse how to fix the bacon and put it in the oven when she was done. Elyse stirred the batter, while Robert prepared the waffle iron. The bacon was almost ready by the time Charles returned to the kitchen.

  “What took you so long?” Robert questioned. “What did she say?”

  “She won’t be needing any photos for a while. She remembers them. I had to wait until she stopped crying.” Charles refilled his coffee. “She said the parents were really nice. She loved the kids.”

  “Wow. What a small world.”

  Charles sat down next to Simon. “Simon, do you remember the lady that took that picture of all of you with your parents? The one in the motorhome.”

  Simon nodded his head. Robert had just put a waffle in front of him.

  “I remember her. She told us to call her Mrs. Mack. She was a nice lady.”

  “Did you meet Mr. Mack?”

  Simon nodded. He had a mouthful of waffle.

  “Yes, we did.” Elyse answered for him.

  “Well, Mr. Mack is my brother. Mr. and Mrs. Mack would like all three of you to come and live with them. What would you think about that?”

  “We could stay together?” Elyse asked.

  “Yes.”

  “But that man in the helicopter said we couldn’t stay together.”

  �
��Well, that man didn’t know you were going to live with Mr. Mack.”

  “How long would we live with them, Uncle Chawee?” Simon asked.

  “For as long as you want. At least until you grow up. Mr. and Mrs. Mack would like to adopt all three of you. I just talked to them and since you already know who they are, they want you to talk about it and decide together. All three of you have to agree.”

  “Would you be our uncles for real?” Elyse asked.

  “Yes, we would. You think about it. You don’t have to decide right away. Now, enjoy your waffles.”

  “Uncle Chawee?”

  “Yes, Colin.”

  “Would we be able to come and visit you?”

  “You can come and visit us anytime you want, if it’s okay with Mrs. Mack.”

  “Cool.” Colin gave him a big smile before stuffing a big bite of waffle in his mouth.

  “Uncle Robert?” Elyse was still helping him make waffles. “If we decide to go and live with Mr. and Mrs. Mack, would we have to leave right away?” Elyse asked as her eyes brimmed with tears. “We’d like to stay with you for a little while.”

  “Come here, Elyse.” Robert put his arms out to her and she ran into his arms. He picked her up in a big squeeze, lifting her off the ground. He gave her a big, noisy kiss on the cheek. “It’s okay. You are staying here until just before Christmas. Then we are all going to Mr. Mack’s and spend Christmas with him. Is that okay with you. I know it’s going to be hard without your real parents and we’ll understand if you’re sad.”

  She sniffled and nodded. Robert set her down and handed her a napkin to blow her nose. “You will be part of our family. You will come and visit us in the summertime and we will come and visit you at Christmas. You can call us whenever you want to talk. You think about it and after breakfast we’ll call Mr. Mack and let him know what you decide. I think they would like to talk to you.

  “Okay, I’d like that.” Elyse sat with her brothers and poured honey on her waffle.

  Chapter 20

  Conversation ceased while everyone ate. Jackie finally joined them.

  “Is everything alright? It’s so quiet in here.” Jackie inquired as she poured herself a coffee and joined Heidi at the serving counter. “Mind if I join you?” Jackie pulled up a stool.

  “Not at all.” Heidi gave her a big smile. “How are you feeling?”

  “Tired. I had no idea I would feel this way.”

  “I’m here now and I can help you.” Heidi told her. “You tell me what needs to be done and I will take care of it.”

  “That’s not necessary.”

  “Oh, yes, it is. You need to be very careful.” Heidi insisted.

  “But you have your hands full with the children.” Jackie knew she shouldn’t object.

  “Aunt Jackie, I can help, too.” Elyse added. “I will make sure the twins don’t bother you.”

  “Thank you, Elyse. Well, I guess I’m outnumbered.”

  Charles sat next to her and gave her a hug. “Accept gracefully, sweetheart. I won’t worry so much when I’m at work, now that Heidi is here.”

  “You’re right. I’m just not used to asking for help. Thank you, Heidi and Elyse. I will welcome all the help I can get with open arms.” Jackie felt a tug on her shirt. When she looked down, Colin’s beaming face smiled up at her.

  “Would you like a waffle, Aunt Jackie? I can get you one.”

  “Thank you, Colin, but your uncle Robert just put one in front of me.”

  “Okay.” Colin walked around the counter to Robert and tapped him on the leg. “Uncle Robert, I’m going to get the next one for Aunt Jackie, okay.” Everyone chuckled.

  “You got it, Colin.” Robert answered. “Now, go finish your breakfast.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Just think, Jackie, before too long, you’ll have your very own little Colin or Elyse. We can’t tell if it’s a boy or a girl. Can you?” Robert asked. Normally they could tell by the change in scent, but Jackie was a bobcat and her scent was masked.

  “I’m afraid not. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

  “Have you picked out a name?” Heidi asked.

  “Katherine, if it’s a girl. We’ll call her Kate. We haven’t decided yet on a boy’s name. We’ve been thinking of Benjamin, that was Charles’ father’s name.”

  “Are you going to have a baby, too, Aunt Heidi?” Elyse asked.

  “No, but maybe someday.” Heidi blushed. It was a little too soon to be thinking about having children. She and Robert had only just met. Suddenly her eyes got big and looked at Robert, she realized she could be pregnant already.

  “I want a panda cousin.” Colin chimed in.

  “You do! She could have a grizzly bear just like you.” Robert told him.

  “Nope, she’s going to have a baby girl and it will be a panda, I can tell.” Robert’s mouth hung open. “Can I have another waffle, Uncle Robert?”

  Robert recovered quickly. “You must have a hollow leg, young man. Where are you putting all that food?”

  Colin giggled and knocked on his leg a couple of times with his little fist. “You’re silly, Uncle Robert, my leg ain’t hollow.”

  “Isn’t! Don’t say ain’t. It must be, where is all that food going?”

  “Right here, Uncle Robert.” Colin patted his swollen belly.

  “Are you sure there is room for more?” Colin gave him a nod.

  “Okay, you better eat it all.”

  “Well, maybe I better split it with my brother.” Simon agreed and Robert gave half to him.

  “Heidi and I have an announcement.” Robert went to stand by Heidi and put his arms around her. “I asked Heidi to marry me and she said yes.”

  Jackie gave them a big smile and hugged Heidi. “Oh Heidi, congratulations, I’m so happy for you. Have you set a date?”

  “Not yet. He just asked me. We have to think about it.” Heidi answered.

  Robert detected a slight tone of sadness in Jackie’s voice. It suddenly dawned on him, Charlie hadn’t proposed to Jackie. He’d talk to Charlie later and find out what was up with that. They had been together for three months already and she was about to have his baby.

  “When you boys finish your breakfast, I want you to wash your sticky hands in the kitchen sink.” Robert set a step stool by the sink, so they could reach. “Aunt Jackie will get after you if you leave sticky fingerprints all over.”

  Heidi helped the twins clean up. Elyse picked up all the dishes and placed them by the sink. She had to wait until the boys were done before she could start the dishes.

  Heidi and Robert helped Elyse with the dishes and clean the kitchen while Jackie sat and visited with them.

  “Sweetheart, I have to talk to Charlie, I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He kissed her cheek and went to find his brother.

  “Charlie, where are you?”

  “In the den. What’s up.”

  Robert went into the den and closed the door.

  “Charlie, I know it’s none of my business, but why haven’t you proposed to Jackie?”

  “Don’t need to. We’ve bonded and mated. That’s a hell of a lot stronger than names on a piece of paper.”

  “Have you talked to Jackie about it?”

  “No. Why?”

  “When she congratulated us just now, there was something off in her voice. I think she’s hurt that you haven’t asked her.”

  “She’s fine, probably just the stress of the baby.”

  “I don’t think so. There’s something about a white dress, and saying vows that women dream about. Think about it, Charles.” Robert turned around and walked out. Charles didn’t know what to say.

  *****

  Simon, Colin and Elyse came into the den, followed by Jackie.

  “Can we call Mr. Mack, Uncle Charlie?” Elyse asked.

  “You sure can, but before we do, why don’t you all sit on the sofa and we’ll have a talk. I’d like to hear what you have decided and why.” Charles had them all sit down
and sat in a chair across from them. He asked them one at a time to tell him how they felt.” Jackie sat on the sofa, next to the children and listened. When they were done, and Charles was convinced they all came to the same decision, he called Mack.

  Robert and Heidi stood in the hall and listened to the children. They stayed out of sight, so their presence wouldn’t influence the children to change their minds. When all was said, and done, they joined everyone in the den.

  Charlie put the phone on speaker and told the kids to listen to Mack and Peg. They were to sit quietly and answer questions and then ask questions of their own. Mack and Peg were convinced that the children weren’t coerced into agreeing to come and live with them.

  “Alright Charles, take me off speaker so I can talk to you privately.” Mack urged.

  “Before I do, Robert has an announcement.”

  “Hey, Mack. I asked Heidi to marry me and she said yes,” he called out, so they could hear him.

  “Congratulations, you two. Have you set a date?”

  “Not yet.” Robert answered.

  “Let us know when you do. Let me talk to Charles.”

  Charles watched Jackie, as Mack and Robert talked. She kept her eyes down and stared at the floor. She did everything she could to avoid looking his way. “Maybe Robert was right.” Charles thought to himself. He’d have to give this new turn of events some thought. Robert was finished talking to his brother and handed Charles the phone.

  “Come on, kids, let Uncle Charlie talk privately.” Robert ushered the kids out of the den and into the living room where they could watch cartoons on television. Jackie announced that she was going to go and rest for a while.

  “Is everything alright?” Heidi asked.

  “Yes, I’m just a little tired. I think I’ll go lie down.” Jackie slowly walked up the stairs.

  “Robert, I’m worried about her.” They watched her go up the stairs and go into her room. “Do you know what’s wrong?”

  “I think I do and I’ve already talked to Charlie. It’s up to him, now.” Robert put his arms around her. “I love you, Heidi. If I ever do anything to make you unhappy, will you promise to tell me. I don’t ever want to see you sad like that.”