Chapter Seven – Kris
Kris woke before dawn, his eyes flicking open to the faint, silvery light that edged the horizon. The house lay still around him as everyone else slept. For a moment, he lay in bed, recalling the shocking events of yesterday.
Shocking in a good way, his bear said as he stretched and yawned.
Very good, Kris agreed. Amazing even.
But honestly, there were no words to describe meeting Cassia, realizing she was his mate, and agreeing they would build a restaurant from scratch. Together.
And all that happened in a single afternoon , his bear murmured contentedly. Hard to believe.
I know, Kris replied, pressing a hand lightly against his chest as though to calm the surge of emotions within. It’s real, though. A small smile twitched at the corners of his mouth. Real, and so much bigger than anything he had imagined for himself.
Then a different reality came crashing down around him. There was so much to do.
He swung out of bed, quickly pulling on worn jeans and a comfortable T-shirt, and padded out of the room. As he went down the stairs, he mentally listed off everything he needed to do today.
Not just vineyard chores, but plans for the restaurant. Once he’d had his first cup of coffee of the day, he’d head over to the barn, which they planned to renovate. It was old, sturdy, and beautiful with its weathered wood exterior. It would be perfect for the restaurant.
When he reached the kitchen, Kris busied himself setting up the coffeemaker, scooping grounds into the filter, and filling the pot with fresh water. The soft hiss and gurgle that followed was a familiar comfort. While the coffee brewed, he stepped outside onto the back porch, letting the pre-dawn air brush across his face.
The porch overlooked the vineyard, rows upon rows of neatly aligned vines stretching toward the distant hills. Even at this early hour, the faint silhouettes of leaves shimmered with morning dew, hinting at the promise of another warm day. Kris inhaled deeply, savoring the tranquil hush.
We really found her, he told his bear, scanning the horizon as the sky lightened.
At that thought, the coffee machine beeped, signaling it was done. Kris stepped back inside, pouring himself a generous mug full. Then he returned to the porch, cradling the warm mug between his hands as he sank into an old rocking chair, where the steam rose to meet the crisp morning air. The first sip was heavenly, strong, and invigorating.
Do you think Cassia likes coffee or tea? he mused.
His bear chuckled. You should probably ask her, rather than guess.
Kris smiled into his coffee. He would ask her, and a thousand other little things, too. What her favorite breakfast was, whether she liked sunrises or sunsets better, if she preferred hiking or swimming. He wanted to know everything about her.
Kris took another swallow of coffee, letting the warmth chase away any lingering sleepiness. He’d have to re-check the barn, make mental notes for the layout, and maybe start marking which walls could be knocked out, where the kitchen might go, and how to connect it to a potential dining area. A lot to do, but he felt a surge of excitement.
This is the first day of the rest of our lives, his bear said happily.
Kris’s heart clenched in his chest. Was it only yesterday we’d sat in this very spot, with no idea who our mate was?
Hard to believe, isn’t it? his bear replied. Our life changed in the blink of an eye.
All thanks to that stupid advert. Kris shook his head. It was like something out of a movie.
Finishing his coffee, Kris rose from the chair and headed back inside. He rinsed his mug in the sink and left it to dry on the rack, then grabbed his phone from where he’d left it, charging on the counter. No messages yet—it was still too early for most people to be awake.
Including Cassia, he thought with a small smile. He wondered what kind of sleeper she was. An early riser like him, or someone who cherished those extra moments wrapped in blankets?
Or wrapped in his arms. Desire unfurled in his stomach, and he quickly tamped it down. All in good time. They had only just met, and even though he knew they were mates. Cassia had not felt that same instant attraction, that same pull of fate.
She would need time.
Especially after that look in her eyes yesterday when she’d mentioned her past. There was pain there. Something, or someone, had wounded her deeply. He hadn’t pressed, but his protective instincts had flared immediately. Whatever—or whoever—had hurt her, Kris wanted to make sure it never happened again.
Enough daydreaming, he told himself firmly. There was work to be done.
He slipped his phone in his pocket and headed back outside, strolling along the narrow path that wound between rows of leafy green. The faint aroma of earth and ripe fruit enveloped him. Some clusters of grapes were starting to deepen in color, promising a good harvest if all went well.
Morning mist clung to the vines, giving the landscape an ethereal quality. Birds were beginning to stir, their cheerful calls reflecting his mood.
As Kris neared the old barn, his steps quickened with anticipation. The structure stood proudly against the backdrop of mountains, its weathered boards telling stories of generations past.
Kris could already envision the transformation. Not that he planned to change the outside too much. He wanted to preserve the rustic charm, but the interior would need a complete overhaul.
He pushed open the heavy door, which creaked in protest. The interior was spacious, with high ceilings supported by thick wooden beams. Dust motes danced in the shafts of light streaming through the windows and gaps in the walls. The earthen floor was uneven but solid and, more importantly, dry.
What do you think? he asked his bear, turning slowly to survey the area.
His bear rumbled with approval. Perfect. Like our mate.
I’d describe it more as has potential . Like us, Kris said as he walked around the old building.
He pulled out his phone and began taking photos, occasionally jotting down notes in an app. Stacks of crates, leftover barrels, and random equipment lined one wall. The other side held a wide-open space where hay used to be stored decades ago.
He inhaled slowly. So much work. They’d need new insulation, wiring for a commercial kitchen, and plumbing for restrooms. But we can do it.
Of course, we can, his bear said with confidence.
Someone’s coming. Kris turned his focus outward.
Finn, his bear said.
Kris tried to maintain a straight face as he turned, crossing his arms. “Well, look who it is.”
“Morning,” Finn said stiffly as he stood in the doorway, looking as if he was expecting a scolding.
Kris raised an eyebrow. “Is it?” he asked, letting the silence stretch for an extra beat.
Finn cleared his throat, glancing around the barn. “Look, I… I’m sorry about that ad, okay? You know it was only written as a joke. I have no idea what happened. I swear I did not post it, and I took it down as soon as I realized. I’m surprised anyone had a chance to see it.”
Kris kept his face neutral, strolling past a stack of old crates. “A joke, huh?” He trailed a hand along a dusty barrel, forcing Finn to sweat a little.
“Yeah,” Finn replied as he shook his head. “Like I said, I had no clue it’d get posted for real. But then…apparently, it did. And apparently, you found your mate because of it, so maybe it was meant to be.” He ended with a half-smile, raising his hands in a helpless gesture. “It was fate.”
Kris let the tension linger for a moment, then exhaled, crossing the room to give Finn a playful shove. “You realize you gave me a heart attack, right? A total stranger showing up, expecting a job that didn’t exist.”
Finn grimaced. “Sorry. That must’ve been awkward.”
“Awkward? Try cosmic-level awkward,” Kris retorted, though his lips twitched as he stifled a grin. “But yeah…it was fate.”
Finn looked both relieved and a little sheepish. “So, you’re not mad?”
Kris paused. Then, in a burst of movement, he pulled Finn into a tight bear hug. “I should be furious,” he muttered. “But if it wasn’t for you, Cassia wouldn’t be here, and I wouldn’t have found my mate.” He stepped back, clapping Finn on the shoulder. “So…thank you. Even if it was the dumbest stroke of luck ever.”
Finn snorted. “You’re welcome, I guess.” He scratched the back of his neck, gaze flicking around the barn. “I’m real happy for you. And more than a little jealous. Must have been amazing to sense her at last. I’m kind of wishing I had put an ad up for my own mail-order bride.”
A small grin tugged at Kris’s mouth. “It is. It was. I hope one day I can return the favor, and help you find your mate, too. Either by accident or by design.”
Finn’s half-smile turned wistful. “Yeah, me, too. But hey, you know what happened over at the ranch. Once Ezra found his mate, the rest did, one after another. So, we might all see our mates soon enough, if fate decides. Who knows?”
“Who knows?” Kris echoed, nodding. He pivoted on his heel and swept his arm around the room. “Anyway, this is it. The restaurant is finally going to happen.” His voice caught with unexpected emotion. “After all the time we’ve talked about it.”
Finn whistled low, looking around the barn. “So, this is really happening? Not just talk anymore?”
“It’s happening,” Kris confirmed, a surge of excitement coursing through him. “It has to.”
“Well, damn.” Finn stuffed his hands in his pockets as he surveyed the barn with a critical eye. “It’s going to take some work.”
“It is,” Kris agreed, trying to stop any doubt from creeping in. “I was just taking stock of what needs to be done. It’s a lot, but not impossible.”
“It’s a big job, for sure.” He patted a splintered post. “But it’s still sturdy. We can do a lot with it. Actually…” He reached into his back pocket, pulling out a folded piece of paper. “I whipped up a rough sketch last night, trying to see if I could visualize a layout.”
“This is…pretty good,” Kris said, looking over Finn’s shoulder at the plans. He traced a finger along the hypothetical doorways. “Kitchen in the center, dining around it, big windows looking out at the vines…”
Finn grinned. “I had some late-night inspiration. Figured if we’re doing it, might as well do it right, yeah?”
“Yeah,” Kris said. “I had some ideas, but yours are better.”
“Aren’t they always?” Finn asked with an arched eyebrow.
Kris suddenly looked up, eyes distant. “She’s coming.”
Finn’s gaze slid to the door, though there was no one there yet. “Cassia?”
“Who else?” Kris put his hand over his heart. “I was scared she might leave town. But I can sense her. She’s close.”
A flicker of longing crossed Finn’s face. “Man, that must be something. I hope one day soon I get to feel what you feel. Know what you know.”
Kris clapped him on the shoulder again, offering a comforting squeeze. “You will. I’m sure that day will come for all of us.” He held out his hands for the plans. “For now, these plans are a start. I’ll show them to Cassia, and see what she thinks.”
Finn nodded and handed the plans to his brother. “You do that,” he said, sliding his hands into his pockets. “I’m heading over to the house, so if you need me, just holler. Otherwise, we’ll talk later.”
Kris shot him a grateful smile. “Thanks. For everything .”
Finn shrugged, but then his eyes twinkled, just like they had when they were kids, and he was up to mischief. “Don’t mention it. Or actually, do mention it. A lot. Tell everyone it was all my doing. I am the reason you found your mate.”
“My hero,” Kris said with a mock bow as Finn left the barn.
He is, Kris’s bear said. He seriously is.