Chapter Six – Kirk
Why am I so nervous? Kirk asked his bear as he followed the familiar road to Bear’s Rest.
Because our mate might not be pleased to see us this early in the morning, his bear replied.
Kirk glanced at the clock on the dashboard. It was nearly nine. He’d been up for hours, since he’d found it almost impossible to sleep as he replayed meeting his mate over and over again.
Nine wasn’t early by most standards, but Kirk worried he might be intruding. His mate might still be in her pajamas, sleepy-eyed and unprepared for company. The thought sent a rush of heat through him, stirring a wanting he tried not to dwell on.
You’re overthinking this, his bear grumbled. We’re just returning the boy’s dinosaur.
“And bringing pastries,” Kirk added aloud, glancing at the paper bag on the passenger seat. Matt had shown up at his door at seven that morning, grinning as if he’d won the lottery.
“Found this little guy hiding under a planter,” Matt had said, holding up a small plastic dinosaur with distinctive orange spikes. “Pretty sure it belongs to your mate’s kid.”
The perfect excuse to see her again, his bear had practically purred.
Matt had thrust the pastry bag into Kirk’s hands next. “Pain au chocolat. Works every time. Helped me win over Tessa.”
But now Kirk worried the pastries were too much.
It’s just breakfast, not a marriage proposal, his bear pointed out as Kirk turned onto the gravel road leading to Bear’s Rest.
I know that, Kirk muttered, his fingers tightening on the steering wheel.
Do you? his bear snorted. Because your heart’s beating like you’re running from a forest fire.
Kirk took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing pulse as he navigated the winding path between cabins. He didn’t need to ask his Aunt Mel which cabin Isla and Percy were staying in. He could sense them.
Then he took the next left, and there they were, sitting together on the porch swing.
Isla, with her hair loose around her shoulders, wearing a soft-looking sweater, and Percy tucked against her side, a book open on their laps.
They looked peaceful and content, almost as if they were waiting for him.
See? Perfect picture, his bear said softly.
Would be even better if we were in it, Kirk thought before he could stop himself.
His bear rumbled with satisfaction. Now you’re getting it.
Kirk parked and cut the engine, then sat for a moment to collect himself. What if she thought this was weird? What if she didn’t want him showing up unannounced?
Stop stalling and get out of the truck, his bear growled. Our mate is waiting.
She doesn’t know she’s our mate, Kirk reminded him as he grabbed the dinosaur and pastry bag.
She will. Eventually.
The gravel crunched under his boots as he approached the cabin. Isla looked up at the sound, her expression shifting from relaxed to surprised when she recognized him. She straightened slightly on the swing and tightened her hold on Percy.
“Kirk,” she said with surprise. “Good morning.”
“Morning,” he replied, climbing the porch steps. “Sorry to drop by unannounced.”
Percy cracked a wide smile as he spotted Kirk. “Kirk.”
“I, uh, found something that might belong to you,” Kirk said, holding out the orange-spiked dinosaur. “It was hiding in the courtyard at the restaurant.”
Percy’s face lit up with delight. “Spike!” he exclaimed, scrambling off the swing and rushing over. “Mom, look! It’s Spike! I thought he was gone forever!”
Kirk placed the plastic dinosaur in Percy’s outstretched hands, smiling at the boy’s obvious joy.
“Thank you,” Isla said, her expression less wary. “He’s been worried about it since he couldn’t find him this morning.”
“I looked everywhere for him,” Percy said seriously, checking his toy over. “Now he’s here.”
“I also brought these,” Kirk added, offering the paper bag to Isla. “Matt’s pain au chocolat. Fresh from the oven this morning.”
Isla’s eyebrows rose as she caught the scent of butter and chocolate wafting from the bag. A small smile curved her lips.
“That sounds perfect,” she said, standing up from the swing. “I’ll put some coffee on. Would you like some?”
Our mate is inviting us to stay, his bear said smugly.
“I would,” Kirk managed, his voice steadier than he felt.
“Come on in,” Isla said, holding the door open. “Percy, why don’t you show Kirk your dinosaurs while I make coffee?”
“Yes!” Percy grabbed Kirk’s hand without hesitation, tugging him toward a small table near the window where a line of plastic dinosaurs stood in formation. “These are the ones I brought with me.”
Kirk let himself be led, aware of Isla moving about in the kitchen behind them, the quiet sounds of coffee-making filling the cabin.
“Mom only let me bring ten,” Percy explained, pointing to each dinosaur in turn. “I have thirty-seven at home.”
“That’s quite a collection,” Kirk said, genuinely impressed as he kneeled down to get a better look. “Which one’s your favorite?”
“T. rex is the coolest,” Percy said, holding up a fearsome-looking dinosaur with tiny arms. “But Triceratops is the bravest. And Ankylosaurus has the best defense.”
Kirk listened, thoroughly charmed, as Percy explained the alliances and rivalries within his dinosaur collection. The boy’s imagination seemed endless; every dinosaur had a role, a history, a place in the pack.
She’s raised an amazing kid, his bear observed.
Yes, she has, Kirk agreed, watching Percy arrange his dinosaurs in what appeared to be a strategic formation.
“The herbivores have to stick together,” Percy explained seriously, “because the carnivores are always trying to eat them.”
“Makes sense,” Kirk nodded. “Safety in numbers.”
“Exactly!” Percy beamed, pleased to be understood.
The rich aroma of coffee filled the cabin as Isla approached with a tray carrying two mugs, cream, sugar, and plates for the pastries.
“These look amazing,” Isla said, opening the bag and inhaling the buttery, chocolate scent of the pastries.
“Matt’s a magician with pastry,” Kirk said, accepting the coffee she offered him.
Percy took a big bite of his pain au chocolat, leaving a smear of melted chocolate across his cheek.
“You’re supposed to eat it, not wear it.” Isla smiled as she handed him a napkin.
Kirk took a sip of his coffee, watching Isla and Percy over the rim of his mug.
This is how it could be every morning, his bear said contentedly.
Kirk didn’t let himself follow that thought too far. Instead, he focused on the coffee in his hand and the two people in front of him.
“Can we go see your chili farm today?” Percy asked suddenly, looking up at Kirk with hopeful eyes. “You said we could.”
“I did.” Kirk glanced at Isla. “Whenever you want. My day’s flexible.”
Isla nodded. “Maybe late morning?”
Kirk’s heart gave a little leap. “Absolutely. It’s not far from here. I can give you the address if you’d like to come by around eleven.”
“Perfect,” Isla said, taking another sip of her coffee. “We’ll be there.”
They finished their coffee and pastries, with Percy carrying most of the conversation, peppering Kirk with dinosaur facts and questions about the mountains. When Kirk finally stood to leave, he felt oddly reluctant to go.
“I should get back and make sure everything’s ready,” he said, though his greenhouse was always immaculate.
“Of course,” Isla said, walking him to the door. “Thank you again for bringing Percy’s dinosaur. And the pastries.”
“Anytime,” Kirk replied, and meant it more deeply than she could know.
As he stepped onto the porch, Percy called out, “See you later, chili man!”
Kirk chuckled, raising his hand in farewell before heading back to his truck. Once inside, he let out a long breath, his bear practically dancing with satisfaction.
She’s coming to visit us, his bear said. Soon.
I know, Kirk murmured, starting the engine.
He wanted everything to be perfect for Isla and Percy’s visit. His greenhouse was his sanctuary, the place where he felt most himself. And today, for the first time, he would share it with his mate.