Chapter Four – Kirk
This is perfect, Kirk’s bear said as they sat at the table with Isla and Percy, the sun on their backs and the mountains in the distance.
Kirk had sat in this spot a hundred times or more and enjoyed a meal cooked by his brother. But never one like this.
“Here we go,” Rachel said as she approached with a tray. “A bottle of Thornberg Cabernet Reserve—which Matt recommended to go with the chili dishes—and fresh lemonade for the young man.”
She placed a tall, frosted glass in front of Percy, and he immediately reached for it with both hands. The condensation left tiny droplets on his fingertips as he took a long, appreciative sip.
“Perfect,” Percy declared, licking his lips.
“I’m Rachel, by the way,” she said to Isla as she poured a small amount for Kirk to taste. “If there’s anything else you need, just let me know.” She winked at Percy, who giggled.
Kirk swirled the wine, inhaling the rich bouquet before taking a sip. He nodded his approval, and Rachel filled both his and Isla’s glasses.
“I have two daughters about your age,” Rachel told Percy as she set the bottle down. “Maybe we could arrange a playdate while you are in town.”
Percy’s eyes lit up. “Can I, Mom? Please?”
“I…” Isla hesitated, caught off guard.
“It’ll give you a chance to catch your breath,” Rachel said with a knowing glance at Kirk. “Single mom life doesn’t exactly come with breaks.”
“I…” Isla started again, blinking in surprise.
Kirk felt a jolt. The thought hadn’t even crossed his mind that Isla might be raising Percy alone, or that there could be someone else in the picture… a father waiting back home.
“How did you know?” Isla asked quietly.
Rachel shrugged. “One single parent spots another. It’s like a secret handshake nobody taught us, but we all somehow know.”
“Can I, Mom?” Percy pressed, practically bouncing in his seat. “Please?”
“I think that would be nice,” Isla finally replied. “As much as I’m looking forward to our two weeks together, I know Percy would love playing with kids his age.”
“It’s settled then,” Rachel said with a satisfied nod. “Now eat up before it gets cold.”
“I can’t wait,” Percy said.
“To eat your food?” Isla asked.
Percy rolled his eyes. “No, silly, for my playdate.”
Isla chuckled as she picked up her wineglass and took a sip. “Oh.” She let the wine linger on her tongue, then studied the glass for a moment. “This is excellent.”
“Thornberg Vineyard,” Kirk explained, gesturing toward the mountains. “Just up the slope there.”
“Any relation?” Isla asked, taking another appreciative sip.
“My aunt and uncle own it,” Kirk said with a nod.
“Impressive,” Isla said, swirling the ruby liquid. “Seems your family has quite the knack for… well, most things they put their hands to.”
Kirk took a sip of his wine, savoring the familiar notes of blackberry and oak that reminded him of fall harvests. “I don’t know about that,” he said with a modest shrug. “We just do what we love.”
“So,” she said, setting her glass down. “Tell me more about Bear Creek. What should we know as first-time visitors?”
Kirk gazed at the mountains rising beyond the courtyard, considering Isla’s question.
What did he love about Bear Creek? On the surface, the answer seemed simple—the mountains, the forests, the clean air, the tight-knit community where everyone knew your name.
But as he searched for words to explain it to this woman who’d appeared so suddenly in his life, his bear answered first.
Our mate, his bear said with absolute certainty.
Kirk nearly choked on his wine. He set the glass down carefully, hoping his face hadn’t betrayed his thoughts.
“Well,” he began, clearing his throat, “it’s the rhythm of life here. The way the seasons change so dramatically, yet predictably. The way everyone knows everyone else, for better or worse.” He smiled. “And the quiet. Sometimes I just stand in my greenhouse and listen to the plants growing.”
As he spoke, Isla lifted her fork to her mouth and took another bite of Matt’s creation. Her eyes closed for a moment, and a small, surprised sound escaped her.
“Oh, this is wonderful,” she murmured, sounding genuinely surprised.
Kirk felt a surge of pride in his brother’s talent. “Matt is exceptional in the kitchen,” he said, watching her savor the bite. “He has a feel for flavors like no one else I know.”
She nodded, the appreciation clear on her face. “I agree. He has a talent. The flavors are complex, but none of them overpowers the others. It’s as if he lets them breathe, the way you would an excellent wine.”
The comparison felt exactly right to Kirk. His brother’s cooking was like the Thornberg wine—carefully balanced, respectful of the ingredients, nothing rushed or forced.
“This chili dip is good too,” Percy agreed, his small face serious as he scooped up another helping with a sweet potato fry.
Kirk smiled, a surge of satisfaction spreading through him at seeing them both enjoying their food. The boy had been hesitant about the chilies—his chilies—at first, but now he was dipping enthusiastically.
They’ve had the best introduction to Bear Creek and our family, his bear said with equal satisfaction.
Good, because we need her to want to stay, Kirk replied.
She will, his bear answered with complete confidence.
“So, Bear Creek?” Isla prompted again, her eyes curious as she took another sip of wine. “What else should we know while we’re here?”
“Are there really bears in Bear Creek?” Percy asked between bites of his chicken.
Kirk smiled. “There are. Black bears mostly, though they tend to keep to themselves.”
“What about wolves?” Percy’s eyes were wide with excitement.
“Yes, in the mountains,” Kirk confirmed, carefully navigating the line between truth and revelation. “But if you stick to the lower trails, you probably won’t meet any.”
His bear stirred restlessly. He can meet a bear right now. Me.
Not now, Kirk replied silently. And certainly not here. That’s a reputation the restaurant does not need.
“There’s a wildlife sanctuary just outside town,” Kirk began. “There are deer and wolves…”
Percy’s eyes widened. “Can we go there? Please, Mom?” His legs swung excitedly beneath the table.
“I suppose we could,” Isla said as she sipped her wine.
“What else?” Percy asked, his face scrunching with curiosity.
Kirk thought for a moment. “There’s a stream that runs through the vineyard. My brothers, my cousins, and I played there all the time when we were younger. We had a rope swing and took turns on it. I could take you there…” He glanced at Isla, suddenly unsure if he’d overstepped.
“Yes!” Percy kicked his legs against the chair.
“I don’t want to impose,” Isla said as she finished her meal.
“I do,” Percy added, his cheeky smile making them both chuckle.
Before Kirk had a chance to persuade Isla, the courtyard door swung open and Matt emerged, wiping his hands on a kitchen towel.
Do you think he’s been spying on us to see if you like the food? Kirk asked his bear.
Either that, or he sensed when we put the last morsel in our mouths, his bear replied.
“So?” Matt asked, his expression hopeful. “Verdict?”
“Incredible,” Kirk said immediately. “That sauce on the fish—you’ve outdone yourself.”
Matt rolled his eyes. “You’re so predictable. You’d eat a boot if I put the right sauce on it.”
Turning to Isla, he added, “Kirk once made himself a snack of peanut butter and pickles, topped with chocolate syrup and hot sauce for good measure. It looked revolting, and even the dog turned its nose up at it. But not Kirk…”
Kirk felt his ears grow hot. “I was seven, and Caleb bet me I wouldn’t.”
“You still won’t back down from a food challenge,” Matt pointed out.
Isla laughed as she picked up her wineglass. “It makes me glad I’m an only child. And that you have better sense when it comes to flavors.”
Kirk watched her as she spoke, watched the way animation brought a flush to her cheeks.
His bear practically purred with satisfaction at seeing their mate relaxed and happy at their table.
Matt turned to her, his expression growing more serious. “Honestly, though, what did you think of the meal?”
Kirk held his breath, recognizing his brother’s genuine desire for feedback. Matt might joke, but he took his cooking seriously.
Isla considered for a moment. “The balance of flavors was exceptional. The heat built gradually rather than overwhelming the palate, and the acidity of the citrus cut through the richness perfectly.” She paused.
“If I had one criticism, it would be that the fish was perhaps a touch overcooked. Although I realize that’s partly a matter of preference. ”
Kirk watched his brother’s face, seeing the quick flash of professional consideration before Matt nodded.
“But truly,” Isla continued, “it was one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. The attention to detail, the way the components complemented each other… it was masterful.”
Matt’s cheeks flushed with pleasure at the praise. “Well, the view must have helped,” he said, gesturing toward the mountains. Then he glanced at Kirk with a mischievous gleam in his eye. “Along with the company.”
Kirk took a long drink of wine, avoiding his brother’s knowing look. The cool liquid did nothing to soothe the heat crawling up his neck.
“I hate to eat and run, but we should probably get going,” Isla said, reaching for her purse. “I still need to visit the pharmacy, and I’d like to get settled at Bear’s Rest before it gets too late. How much do I owe you for the meal?”
“On the house,” Matt said immediately, waving his hand.
Isla shook her head firmly. “I insist on paying. Please.”
Kirk caught the subtle tension in her voice, the pride beneath the politeness. He gave Matt a look, trying to convey without words that this mattered to her.
Matt hesitated, then nodded. “All right. I’ll have Rachel bring over the bill.”
While they waited, Matt crouched beside Percy’s chair. “How was the chili dip, buddy? Not too spicy?”
“I loved it!” Percy declared. “It was like... warm and then HOT and then sweet at the end.”
Matt grinned. “That’s exactly what we were going for.” He glanced at Isla, then back to Percy. “You know, if you liked Kirk’s chilies, you should really see where they grow. He has a whole farm of them just outside of town.”
Percy’s head snapped up, eyes wide with excitement. “Can we go? Please, Mom? Can we?”
Isla hadn’t even opened her mouth to respond when Percy continued, “I want to see the chili plants taller than me!”
Kirk held his breath, watching Isla’s face as she considered the invitation. His bear paced anxiously beneath his skin.
“Well,” she said after a moment, a small smile playing at her lips, “I suppose it would be nice to get a real taste of Bear Creek. If Kirk doesn’t mind showing us around?”
“I’d be happy to,” Kirk said, perhaps too quickly. He cleared his throat. “Whenever works for you.”
Rachel returned with the bill, which Isla paid promptly. As they stood to leave, Kirk offered to walk them to their car, pointedly ignoring Matt’s knowing smirk behind Isla’s back.
“Thank you again,” she said, turning to Kirk as Percy climbed into the backseat. “For everything.”
“My pleasure,” Kirk replied, meaning it more deeply than she could know. “I’ll see you soon? For the farm tour?”
“Yes,” Isla nodded. “Maybe tomorrow?”
“Perfect,” Kirk said, memorizing the curve of her smile as she slipped into the driver’s seat.
He stood watching as their car pulled away, feeling the invisible thread between them stretch but not break. Tomorrow. He would see her tomorrow.
When Kirk returned to the restaurant, Matt was waiting by the back door, arms crossed, a smug smile on his face.
“That,” Kirk sighed, “was the best meal you’ve ever cooked.”
“Because of the company?” Matt’s eyes danced with amusement.
Kirk couldn’t hold back his grin. “Oh, yeah.”
His bear rumbled in agreement, already counting the hours until he saw them again.