“I thought you were waiting for the money to come through,” Ella said as she entered the room with another bag. “This is all my school stuff.”
“I don’t know when the money from your dad is ever going to materialize. Not unless I take him back to court.” Sian drank her coffee and then got up. “But let’s not talk about all that now. I might feel better once we are in a house with heating.”
Matthew got up, too, noting that Sian still wore the coat he’d bought for her. “Come on. Let’s get you settled. When I left, the house was warm and cozy.”
“Oh, I like the sound of that.” Ella shivered.
“Okay, this is the final time I’m going to ask...”
“I am sure,” he told her firmly.
“Okay then.” Sian took her coffee cup into the kitchen and he followed behind. “Help yourself to whatever you need.”
“Same goes for you in my house, although my kitchen is not as well stocked as yours.” He looked around the kitchen, which was homey, filled with the clutter of a busy family. “And I don’t have any Christmas decorations up.”
“That does surprise me.” Sian dried her cup and put it away. “What do you normally do at Christmas?”
“I usually spend it on my own with a good book and a very good bottle of whiskey.” The book was to numb his brain, the whiskey was to numb his loneliness.
“You should spend Christmas with us this year,” Ella said as she stood in the doorway. “Don’t you think so, Mom?”
“If Matthew wants to spend Christmas with us?” Sian didn’t sound as certain as her daughter.
“I wouldn’t want to impose.” He was unsure how he was supposed to respond. But the thought of spending Christmas with Sian and her daughters appealed to him. He’d never spent Christmas day with anyone he liked, let alone loved.
And he did love his mate. It was as natural as shifting. She belonged in his life and they belonged together.
“Impose?” Rachel asked, and Sian’s expression grew troubled. Was this her reason for uncertainty? Rachel was a strong-willed, opinionated young woman and Sian didn’t want to hurt her feelings. He realized then that this would be the first Christmas without their father. Of course, they might have made plans for the three of them alone.
“It wouldn’t be an imposition,” Sian said hurriedly. “But we haven’t decided what we’re doing on Christmas day. Right now we don’t even know where we will be living.”
“Well, wherever we are, Matthew should spend Christmas with us,” Rachel said firmly. “It’s the least we can do.”
Sian’s face broke out into a smile so warm and happy she could have heated the house from floor to rafters. “That’s settled then.”
“Okay.” He smiled. “I have no idea what to bring.”
“Nothing.” Sian linked her arm with his and the thrill of excitement from having her so close coursed through him. “Except yourself.”
“I can do that.” His voice cracked with emotion. To quickly cover himself, he asked, “What else needs to go in the truck?”
Ten minutes later the truck was packed, and he was driving back to his house with Sian and her daughters following behind. He couldn’t stop himself from looking in the rearview mirror every couple of minutes to check that they were okay. So this is what it felt like to be part of a family?
For once he was looking forward to Christmas. And buying gifts. That part of Christmas had always seemed so pointless to Matthew. He’d watched his secretary stress herself out over choosing the perfect gifts for everyone and never understood why it was so important. But now he got it.
His brow creased. He would have to buy gifts for Sian and her daughters. Which might be tricky since he had no idea what they liked. He could ask Sian, however, she would likely tell him it was okay and he didn’t have to go to that much trouble.
But he wanted to go to a lot of trouble, he wanted to give the perfect gift. Maybe he should just adopt a houseful of animals, they would be happy then.
Matthew turned off the road and drove up the driveway leading to his house. As the headlights illuminated the old worn timbers, he experienced a strange and new sensation. He was coming home. This old house, even with its leaking roof and the rotted porch, was his and he liked the place.
This acknowledgment somehow made his offer of its use to Sian even more special.
“This is it?” Rachel asked as they got out of the car and walked toward the truck. The big bright headlights shone on the house, casting it in a strange and eerie light.
“It is.” He turned to look at the house. “Don’t you like it?”
Rachel considered it for a moment. “It’s quaint.”
“Quaint?” Matthew asked. Quaint was not exactly his style.
“Yes, you know, homey.” She turned to link arms with her mom. “What do you think?”
“I like it. Come and see the inside,” Sian encouraged.
“You’ve already seen the inside?” Ella teased.
“Yes, I came over this afternoon to talk to Matthew and make sure he was serious about his offer.” She shrugged. “You know how people make offers on the spur of the moment and then regret it? Well, I wanted to make sure Matthew hadn’t changed his mind.”
“So let’s see it,” Rachel tugged her toward the house. As they walked, she reached out and linked arms with Matthew, too. “Thank you. When I called it quaint, it was a compliment.”
“I just want you all to be happy and warm here.” Matthew angled his body, so they could all mount the porch together, and then took out his key and unlocked the door. Ella trailed behind them, looking up at the stars.
“It’s so dark here I can pick out all the constellations,” Ella said in awe.
“Ella loves space. She wants to be an astronaut when she grows up,” Rachel told Matthew, giving him an instant idea of what to get Ella for Christmas.
One down, two to go, his bear said.
Feeling pleased with himself, Matthew pushed the door open and led them inside. Instantly, they were in love with the house.
“It’s lovely. Look at the big windows.” Ella ran to the window and looked out, staring up at the sky.
“Look at the big fireplace,” Rachel said, going to the fire and putting her hands out to warm.
“Settled in already,” Sian commented, smiling up at him.
“Shall we get everything in and really get you settled in?” Matthew asked. “Then I can show you to your rooms. Unless you want the grand tour first?”
Ella whirled around. “Which is my room? Do I get first choice?”
“Sure,” Rachel said. “I don’t mind which room I have.”
“All the rooms are a good size,” Matthew said, heading for the stairs.
“Pity, I was looking forward to you both having a calm discussion as to who got what room,” Sian joked. She looked happy and relaxed.
Which made him happy and relaxed.
A new experience, his bear commented.
I’ve been happy and relaxed before, Matthew replied.
Yes, usually after you’ve won a deal. Never because of another person.
“Come on, let’s get this over with,” Ella said and grabbed hold of Matthew’s arm, tugging him forward. “Show me the best room.”
“They’re all good rooms,” he said again, hoping to circumvent any arguments. He didn’t want anything to spoil this perfect night. If only he could stay and share a room with his mate. But this was their night, and he’d have to work hard to get them to accept him into their lives fully.
Idiot, his bear told him. They’ve invited you for Christmas, it doesn’t get more accepting than that.
Sometimes it amazed him how much sense his bear had about humans and their actions. He understood their moods and motivations better than Matthew.
That’s why we make a great team, his bear replied.
And he was right. Just as Matthew, Sian, and the girls would make a great team.
Chapter Fifteen – Sian
“How did you both sleep?” Sian asked as she drove into town. She would have loved to spend the morning at the house, really getting to know the place, but first, she had to take Ella and Rachel to school and then she had a shift to work at the sanctuary. Afterward, she would go back to the house for a couple of hours and unpack the rest of their stuff.
And maybe see Matthew. That stray thought crept into her head and would not leave no matter how much Sian insisted it wasn’t true.
Because it was true. The more time she spent around him, and the more she got to know him, the more she could picture herself spending the rest of her life with him.
“I slept great. The bed was so comfortable.” Ella glanced sideways at Rachel. “How did you sleep in the second-best room?”
Rachel laughed. “I am not letting you bait me. I don’t care if you think my room was second best. I love the house. Even if it creaks like crazy in the night.”
“Ghosts,” Ella announced as they drove along the main street through Bear Creek. “The old guy that lived there before has come back to haunt it.”
“Not being baited,” Rachel said in a cheerful voice. “What about you, Mom? Did you sleep well?”
“I did. And it was wonderful to get out of bed this morning and not be freezing cold.” She liked the house so much she never wanted to leave. And if she gave in to the mating bond, she wouldn’t have to. But her meeting with Peter last night had left her wary of trusting again. Her idea of spending her life alone kept her heart safe.
She pulled up outside of the local high school and Ella and Rachel got out. With a wave, they walked off together, talking and giggling, carefree in their new life here in Bear Creek. It had been the right thing to do, even though tearing them away from their old life and old friends had been difficult.
Snapping out of the past, she turned the car around and drove back to the animal shelter, which had become a hive of activity overnight.
“Wow, look at all this.” Sian shouldered her purse and walked across to join Ronni who was watching various tools and building materials being delivered. “The parking lot looks more like a builder’s yard.”
“I know.” Concern swept over Ronni’s face.
“What’s wrong?” Sian asked as she went inside and put a fresh pot of coffee on.
“Do you think all this noise will upset the animals?” Ronni asked as she came inside the office and shut the door.
“Most of them will be fine. In fact, most of them will enjoy watching the workers. As for the rest of them, we can swap the dogs that get stressed around and give them quiet kennels.” She left the coffee pot to brew and came back to Ronni. “Hey, it’s for a short time and then those same animals will be lucky to have you and Lucas living here. They won’t be left alone, and you and your soon-to-be-husband will have a wonderful home to live in. One you both deserve.”
“Speaking of my soon-to-be husband, here he is with Jessie.” Ronni pulled the door open and a happy yellow Lab came trotting in looking as if she were grinning from ear to ear. “Hello, girl.”
“This is incredible,” Lucas said, indicating the workers outside who were gathering in a group. “I just spoke to Will and he said they’re going to start clearing the site today. He thinks they’ll manage to get the brickwork done despite the cold.”
“Really?” Ronni asked hopefully.
“Yes, they’re going to cover the building,” Lucas looked sheepishly at Ronni. “Partly to keep the cold out and partly so it’s a big surprise when it’s unveiled.”
Ronni put her hands up to her face. “Now I’m even more nervous.”
“Don’t be,” Lucas said, putting his arms around his mate. “Just concentrate on the wedding.”
Ronni’s face paled. “The wedding.”
“We’ll all help,” Sian assured her. “Anything you need, let me know.”
Ronni nodded absently. “I’ll go talk to my mom.” She turned to look at Sian. “Maybe you could help Fleur organize my bridal shower.”
“I would love to.” Sian loved weddings, despite the fact her own marriage had ended so unhappily.
“Great,” Ronni sighed. “It’s like I’ve been in the slow lane my whole life and now I’m moving at a thousand miles an hour.”
“At least you are moving in the right direction.” Sian stroked Jessie’s head. “Let’s go make the coffee, shall we, Jessie?”
Jessie followed Sian into the back room and headed straight for the treat jar. With those large, soft brown eyes, Jessie was irresistible. Did Matthew’s bear have the same soft brown eyes that melted your heart? The only shifter bear Sian had seen was Lucas’s, he’d shifted when Ronni first explained about shifters. It was only a couple of weeks ago, but so much had changed since then it felt like another lifetime.
“Are you okay, Sian?” Lucas asked, opening the treat jar and asking Jessie to sit before he gave her the treat.
“You’ll spoil her,” Ronni warned as she joined the others in the back room. “Is everything okay with you and Matthew?”
“Great. We moved into his house last night. Which I am so grateful for, I don’t think I could have stood being so cold any longer.”
“But?” Ronni asked. “I’m certain I hear a but in there.”
“But...at some point, I have to tell Ella and Rachel about Matthew being a bear shifter. And I’m not sure how. And I’m worried it will change the way they look at him.” She shrugged. “Any advice?”
“That’s tough. I admit I’ve never had to tell many people.” Ronni looked to Lucas who was absently stroking Jessie’s head. “Any wise words?”
“Be honest and open and don’t leave it too long.” Lucas accepted a cup of coffee from Sian. “If they think you’ve been keeping it from them for a long time, they might be upset. They’re both sensible girls, I’m sure they will be fine.”
Sian sighed. “I think I’m more nervous about having to explain about mates. As soon as I tell them, they’ll know Matthew and I are meant to be together.” She dragged a hand through her hair and sighed again. “What if they feel threatened?”
“I don’t think they will. They know how much they mean to you. The three of you have been through so much, they know you are not going to just ditch them for a man.” Ronni’s words made sense and she was right. But it had taken them being said out loud for them to truly sink in.
“Thanks, guys.” Sian smiled brightly. “So, this wedding, when exactly is it?”
The talk turned to the wedding and then they all went out to do their chores. Two hours later, Sian was on her way back to the house with thoughts of Matthew and her future with him bouncing around her head. Maybe one day soon she’d be arranging her own wedding.
Which meant she had to divorce Peter. Even if that meant sacrificing the money she was owed? Sian wasn’t sure how she felt about that. The last thing she needed was to be left bitter because she gave up everything she worked for up until now.
However, when she imagined Matthew working on the porch, his well-toned body flexing and stretching as he hammered the new porch boards in place, she was certain she would do whatever it took to make a new life with him. Peter would never be the winner because he’d already lost and didn’t know it.
Chapter Sixteen – Matthew
Matthew lurked until Sian left the animal shelter. It wasn’t difficult to blend in with all the workmen who were beginning the massive task of renovating, or more like rebuilding the stone building into a house fit for Ronni and Lucas to live in. Yet the buzz amongst the workers was filled with optimism and a sense that they could not fail, they could not let anyone down.
“Spying on us, Matthew?” a stern voice inquired.
Matthew swung around. “And what if I was?” His instant go-to response was to get defensive.
“It was a joke. I’m Will Frasier, the person who said they could accomplish a Christmas miracle and get this all ready for Christmas.” The man, tall, broad, and a bear shifter from the scent of him, cracked a
good-natured smile. “If you want to make yourself useful, you can help carry some of the equipment across from the parking lot.”
“I would, but I’m kind of hiding.” He grinned. “I’m waiting for Sian to leave.”
“She’s your mate, right?” Will asked.
“She certainly is.”
Will raked his hand through his hair and gave Matthew a sidelong glance. “I know you’re new to having a mate in your life, but you do know you’re supposed to want to spend every waking hour with her? I’ve never met anyone who actually tried to avoid their mate before.” He paused and frowned. “Except maybe me.”
Matthew put his hands up. “I’m trying to avoid her for the right reasons.”
“Now I’m intrigued.” Will cast a glance at his workmen. “But I have to get this bunch organized.”
“Listen, once I’ve spoken to Ronni and Lucas, I’ll come and help.” He held out his hand to Will. “Good to meet you. Maybe we can talk business sometime.”
“I like the sound of that.” Will shook Matthew’s hand and nodded while he appraised Sian’s mate. “Look after your mate and her girls. From what I hear they’ve had a rough time of it.”
“I intend to.” Matthew let go of the surge of annoyance that built inside him. Of course, he would look after them. It was his duty. Yet he was glad there were people like Will looking out for others. It was something he could aspire to.
Wow, who hit you over the head with Christmas goodwill? his bear asked drily.
Matthew ignored his bear’s good-natured jibe and turned his attention back to the reception area of the animal shelter. His mate was on the move. There she was going to her car. He held himself back when all he wanted to do was run to her and hold her in his arms. But he needed to speak to Ronni and Lucas alone.
Sian started the car engine and he watched her back up carefully, then she stopped and her head jerked up, her eyes searching...for him? Could she tell he was there watching her? Matthew jerked his head back so she couldn’t see him and slid further around the side of the wall until he was certain he was completely out of sight. To compensate for his loss of visual he instead listened for the sound of the car engine. For a couple of moments it was stationary then the wheels scrunched over the gravel covering the parking lot and the sound of the engine grew more distant.
The Bear Buys a Bride (A Second Chance Christmas in Bear Creek Book 1) Page 11