Chapter 9

Bram adjusted his flannel shirt for the tenth time as he examined his reflection in the bathroom mirror. His dark hair was freshly trimmed, beard neatly groomed, but his amber eyes betrayed the nerves jangling inside him. Tonight was the big family dinner to officially introduce Tabitha as his girlfriend. His mate.

Sure, their relationship had started as a ruse, a pretend affair to get his matchmaking mother off his back and help Tabitha meet the terms of her inheritance. But over the past week as he'd gotten to know the beautiful, spirited witch, Bram's feelings had grown decidedly real. The protective instincts of his bear surfaced whenever she was near, urging him to claim her, make her his forever. But he needed to take this slow; romance Tabitha properly until she fell as hard for him as he already had for her.

A sharp rap on the front door jolted him from his reverie. He bounded down the stairs, taking them two at a time, and flung the door open to reveal his mother. She bustled past him into the house, arms laden with covered dishes and a determined glint in her eye.

"Bram, dear, don't just stand there gawking. Help your mother!" She thrust a casserole dish into his hands. "Everything must be perfect for Tabitha's official introduction to the family."

Bram trailed after her into the kitchen, a fond grin tugging at his lips. "Mom, you don't need to make such a fuss. Tabitha already knows most of the family from around town."

"Pish posh." Avelyn waved a dismissive hand as she arranged place settings on the long dining table. "This is different. This is her debut as your girlfriend. The whole town is buzzing about your romantic boat ride the other night."

Heat crept up Bram's neck as he recalled that date with Tabitha. The way the setting sun had gilded her blonde hair, the musical lilt of her laugh as they traded stories, the brush of her hand against his sending sparks skittering across his skin. He'd wanted to kiss her so badly...

Avelyn's voice cut into his thoughts. "I'm just so happy you've found love, Bram. I knew Tabitha was a wonderful girl the minute I met her."

"She sure is," Bram agreed, his voice gruff with emotion. "I better go pick her up. You okay to finish setting up here?"

His mother shooed him toward the door. "Of course, of course! Go, fetch your lady love. I'll handle everything here."

Minutes later, Bram stood on Tabitha's porch, heart hammering against his ribs as he raised his fist to knock. The door swung open before he could make contact.

"I thought I heard your truck pull up." Tabitha smiled up at him, blue eyes sparkling. She looked stunning in a flowy sundress that hugged her curves, pale hair tumbling loose over her shoulders. Bram's breath caught. His bear rumbled possessively in his chest.

"Tabby cat, you look absolutely stunning."

She gave him a wide smile and his heart skipped a beat. "Thank you. I like the nickname."

"It suits you. My little Tabby cat."

Tabitha stretched up on her toes and brushed a kiss to Bram's cheek, setting his skin on fire. "Ready to schmooze your family with our epic romance?"

Bram chuckled, twining his fingers with hers as he walked her to his truck. "Born ready, sugar. Just follow my lead. And maybe dial back on the marriage and baby talk this time, yeah? Nearly gave my brewery manager a coronary with that quip about picking out china patterns."

Tabitha giggled as Bram helped her into the passenger seat. "No promises, honey bear. I'm just giving the people what they want." She winked.

Bram shook his head, grinning, as he rounded the hood and climbed behind the wheel. Damn, he loved this woman. Loved her sass, her spirit, the playful way she kept him on his toes. Starting the engine, he vowed to himself he'd win her heart for real, no matter what it took.

Avelyn was waiting on the porch when Bram and Tabitha arrived. She hurried down the steps and enveloped Tabitha in a hug before Bram could even put the truck in park.

"Tabitha, dear, I'm so glad you could make it." Avelyn stepped back, hands still on Tabitha's shoulders as she drank in the sight of her. "Don't you look lovely. That color suits you."

A wistful smile curved Tabitha's lips. "Thank you, Avelyn. This was my grandmother's dress actually."

"Oh, I remember it well." Avelyn's eyes turned misty. "Your grandmother and I were dear friends, you know. She wore that dress to my spring solstice party years ago. We drank too much dandelion wine and danced barefoot in the moonlight." She sighed. "Those were the days."

Tabitha blinked back sudden tears. "I feel like I don't know much about her even with living in her house these days. Thank you for sharing that memory with me."

Bram's heart squeezed at the vulnerability in Tabitha's voice. He wished he could gather her into his arms and soothe all her sorrow. But he settled for slipping a supportive arm around her shoulders as they followed his mother into the house.

As more guests arrived, Bram never left Tabitha's side, his hand resting on the small of her back as he made introductions. She charmed each new acquaintance with her quick wit and genuine sincerity.

"So, Tabitha, have you and Bram set a date yet?" Aunt Gemma asked, eyeing the nonexistent ring on Tabitha's finger. "Best get a move on before all the good venues are booked up."

"Oh, we're thinking a summer wedding." Tabitha flashed a dazzling smile as Bram tried to smother a laugh. "On a mountaintop at sunset. Very intimate, just a few hundred of our closest friends and family."

Aunt Gemma nodded sagely as if this wasn't news to her. "Of course, of course. And have you thought about names for my future grand-nieces and -nephews? Personally, I've always been partial to Gemma for a girl."

"We'll keep that in mind," Bram interjected smoothly, barely suppressing an eye roll. He squeezed Tabitha's hip. "If you'll excuse us, Aunt Gem, I think Ma needs help in the kitchen. Come on, Tabby cat."

As Bram steered Tabitha away, she leaned into his side, shoulders shaking with laughter. "Maybe we should elope," she stage whispered. "Avoid all this wedding planning madness."

Bram's heart stuttered at her casual mention of marrying him, even in jest. "Don't tempt me, woman," he growled playfully. "I just might take you up on that."

Mischief danced in Tabitha's eyes as she gazed up at him. But before she could retort, Avelyn called out that dinner was served.

The dining room was a riot of noise and laughter as the Hartley clan crammed around the long, overburdened table. Delicious scents wafted from the heaping platters of Avelyn's famous roast chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and honey-glazed carrots, making mouths water and stomachs rumble.

Bram held Tabitha's chair for her, fingers grazing the nape of her neck as she sat. Electricity zinged through him at the innocent touch and his bear purred in satisfaction having their mate so close. Tabitha flashed him a smile over her shoulder before turning to answer a question from Bram's Aunt Louise across the table.

As dishes were passed and plates piled high, the teasing began in earnest. Bram's brother Noah, five years his junior but no less brawny and bearded, leaned forward with a wicked grin.

"So, Tabby Cat," he drawled, ignoring Bram's warning growl at the nickname Bram had given her. "Has my brother told you about the time he got his furry butt stuck halfway up a tree while trying to impress Suzie Jenkins in eighth grade?"

Tabitha clapped a hand over her mouth, shoulders shaking with barely suppressed laughter. "No, I don't believe he has. But I'm all ears."

Bram groaned, dropping his forehead to Tabitha's shoulder as his family cackled and egged Noah on. She reached up to pat his cheek consolingly even as she trembled with giggles.

"Well, see, our Romeo here had it bad for little Suzie," Noah continued gleefully. "So he decided to serenade her on the night of the spring fling dance. Picture this: Bram, all decked out in his rented tux, standing below Suzie's window with a boom box blasting In Your Eyes, à la John Cusack."

"Aww, that's actually really romantic," Tabitha said, smiling up at Bram. He puffed out his chest a bit, basking in her approval.

"Oh, it was very ‘Say Anything,'" Noah agreed. "Until our smooth operator here got so caught up in belting out the lyrics that he failed to notice Suzie's dad sneaking up behind him with a garden hose. Next thing you know, Bram's doing a drowned rat impression, the boom box is shooting sparks, and Suzie's peering out her window wondering who's strangling a cat on her front lawn."

The table dissolved into guffaws as Bram buried his burning face in his hands. He felt Tabitha shaking with laughter beside him and peeked through his fingers to find her eyes dancing with mirth.

"In my defense," Bram said, affecting a wounded air, "I sounded great until the impromptu bath. And Suzie did agree to go to the dance with me afterward. So really, you could say my brilliant plan worked."

"Sure, if you don't count the lingering pneumonia and your mother grounding you for a month for ruining your father's best speaker system." Noah snorted.

Bram wadded up his napkin and chucked it at his brother's head. "Details."

Tabitha looped her arm through Bram's and brushed a consoling kiss to his cheek. "Well, I think it was very brave and romantic. Even if your singing does sound a bit like a drowning moose."

"Hey!" Bram yelped in mock outrage as his family cackled.

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding." Tabitha held up her hands in surrender, eyes twinkling. "You have a lovely voice. For a grizzly bear."

"Oh, that's it," Bram growled playfully. He hauled a shrieking, giggling Tabitha into his lap and attacked her sides with tickling fingers as she gasped and flailed helplessly. "Take it back, witch."

"Never!" Tabitha wheezed through her laughter, squirming in his grip. "Unhand me, you brute!"

Someone, probably Noah, wolf-whistled. "Get a room, you two."

Bram abruptly realized the rather provocative picture they must make, Tabitha straddling his lap, dress riding up her thighs, both of them flushed and breathing hard. He gentled his hold but didn't release her, savoring her slight weight and the way her eyes had gone dark and soft as they locked with his.

"Later," he promised in a whisper only she could hear. He felt her shiver as his lips grazed the shell of her ear before he plopped her back onto her own seat and turned to snag the last roll from the basket.

Tabitha straightened her dress and tossed her tousled curls, cheeks glowing pink. But she slipped her hand into Bram's under the table and left it there for the rest of the meal. He stroked his thumb across her knuckles, marveling at how well they fit together. Like two halves of a whole.

The moment stretched, electric and full of promise. Until Aunt Louise launched into the story of the time a shifted Noah got his head stuck in the doggie door and the table exploded into raucous laughter once more.

But Bram held Tabitha's hand tight and shot her a heated glance full of intent before diving back into dinner and lively conversation. She met his stare boldly, pupils blown wide, lower lip caught between her teeth.

Later, that look promised. Bram's bear roared in anticipation. He couldn't wait for later. Wooing his witch had just kicked into high gear. And he planned to love every second of this wild, magical ride.

Noah dove into another one of Bram's embarrassing teenage stories.

"Laugh it up now," Bram said, pointing a menacing finger at his still-snickering brother. "Just remember, I've got plenty of dirt on you too. And Tabby loves funny childhood stories, don't you, sweetheart?"

Tabitha linked her arm through Bram's and batted her lashes up at him. "You know me so well, honey bear."

A thrill shot through Bram at the endearment, even as Noah blanched and shook his head frantically, mouthing "truce." Bram smirked. That's what he thought.

More embarrassing anecdotes flew as the meal progressed, each one prompting fresh gales of laughter. Bram found he didn't even mind reliving his most cringe-worthy moments, not with Tabitha pressed warm and soft against his side as she giggled uncontrollably. Making his mate laugh felt like the biggest win of his life.

Avelyn stood and clinked her fork against her wine glass, calling the room to order. Bram tensed, sure she was about to launch into a speech about grandbabies just to see him squirm. But his mother surprised him.

"I'd like to propose a toast," Avelyn began, meeting Bram's gaze with a tender smile. "To my beloved son and the beautiful, brilliant woman who's brought him so much joy." She turned misty eyes on Tabitha. "Tabby girl, I know you haven't been part of this family for long. But seeing you with my boy, how happy you make him... well, it feels an awful lot like fate."

Bram's heart seized as Tabitha reached under the table to squeeze his thigh, her own eyes suspiciously shiny.

"So here's to Bram and Tabitha," Avelyn continued, raising her glass high. "May your love story be one for the ages. And may you always face life's ups and downs the same way you approached my meatloaf tonight--with heaping helpings of laughter and second portions all around."

"Hear, hear!" The chorus rang out as glasses clinked and Bram swooped in to brush a quick, fervent kiss against Tabitha's smiling lips. She tasted of red wine and something sweeter that Bram wanted to chase forever.

He didn't take his eyes off Tabitha for the rest of the meal, mesmerized by the golden candlelight dancing across her hair and the sparkle of joy in her eyes. She glowed with contentment as she laughed with his aunts and joked with his uncles, drawing even his shyest cousins into easy conversation with her natural warmth and charm.

Bram's cheeks soon ached from the force of his wide, uncontrollable grin. Tabitha fit here, at this table with his family. By his side. Like two puzzle pieces clicking into place. She brought light and laughter, magic and mayhem into his world and he couldn't imagine his life without her in it.

As the evening wore on in a happy blur of clinking cutlery and raucous conversation, Bram knew one thing for certain. He never wanted to let Tabitha go. His head might tell him to take things slow, stick to the plan to win his witch's heart gradually. But his bear had already claimed her, here in front of his whole clan. She was his.

Now Bram just had to convince Tabitha of that fact. And with his mother and all the Hartleys so firmly on his side, he already had one hell of a cheering section.

Game on. As Avelyn proudly carried out dessert--her famous mixed berry pie--disaster struck. Bram's five-year-old nephew, Stroh, hopped up on too much sugar, careened into the corner hutch, sending Great-grandma Ida's prized antique teapot crashing to the floor where it shattered into a thousand pieces.

Avelyn gasped, face crumpling as she bent to scoop up the shards. "Oh no, it's ruined!"

But before the first tears could fall, Tabitha crouched beside her, hands cupped around the broken remnants. She closed her eyes and whispered something too low for Bram to catch. A faint glow emanated between her palms and when she opened them, the teapot sat whole and unbroken, good as new.

Avelyn's jaw dropped as she cradled the restored heirloom. "Tabitha, did you just use magic to fix my…my family heirloom?"

Tabitha bit her lip, shooting Bram a guilty glance.

He cleared his throat. "Uh, did I forget to mention Tabitha is a witch?" He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. "Surprise?"

But Avelyn just threw back her head and laughed, rich and full-bodied. "Oh, is that all? And here I thought you were going to tell me something truly shocking like you eloped to Vegas." She winked at Tabitha. "I had a feeling you might carry it in your blood like your grandmother. Lord knows this family could use a little more magic."

Tabitha sagged with relief, grinning. "Well, in that case, who wants to see some sleight-of-hand tricks after pie?"

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, cheers at Tabitha's magical party tricks, and an ill-advised game of truth or dare that had Bram's uncles competing to see who could shift and howl at the moon the longest.

Through it all, Bram remained hyperaware of Tabitha--the brush of her knee against his under the table, her carefree laughter, the soft smiles she aimed his way when she thought no one was looking. His bear basked in her presence, preening at how seamlessly she fit in his world.

As the hour grew late and yawns began to punctuate the conversation, Avelyn started gathering coats and shuffling people toward the door. She pulled Bram into a fierce hug as he headed to the porch to see off the last stragglers.

"She's perfect for you," Avelyn murmured into his shoulder. "Don't let that one get away."

Bram's throat tightened with emotion. "I don't plan to." And he meant it with every fiber of his being.

When the last car pulled away, Bram and Tabitha collapsed against each other, chuckling and exhausted in the sudden quiet of the house. They stood on the porch, his arms looped loosely around her waist, her hands braced on his chest.

Bram gazed down at Tabitha, her features soft and ethereal in the moonlight. "Have I told you how amazing you are? The way you won over even my most ridiculous relatives tonight..."

Tabitha ducked her head, but not before Bram caught the pleased blush staining her cheeks. "They're not so bad. I like how much they obviously love you."

"I--" The words lodged in Bram's throat as Tabitha glanced up at him, eyes wide and luminous. He swallowed hard. "Tabby cat..."

But the moment stretched and splintered until Tabitha stepped out of the circle of his arms and the cool night air rushed between them.

"We should probably clean up," she said with forced lightness.

Disappointment sank like a stone in Bram's gut but he summoned a strained smile. "Lead the way, kitchen wench."

He swatted her on the butt as he followed her inside, startling a laugh out of her. And just like that, the strange tension dissipated.

They worked side by side at the sink, Tabitha washing, Bram drying, talking softly as the night deepened around them. He snuck glances at her profile, committing every detail to memory. The delicate curve of her ear, the dusting of freckles across the bridge of her nose, the plush pout of her rosy lips that he longed to taste.

When the last dish was dried and stacked in the cupboard, Bram walked Tabitha home under a canopy of stars. At her gate, she turned to him, eyes sparkling with some emotion he couldn't name.

"I had a really good time tonight," she said softly. "Your family is amazing. Thank you for sharing them with me. I had no idea having a family like this was possible. I mean, my parents don't smile. They have dinners in formal dining rooms where we were seated like ten feet from each other on a table long enough to sit this entire town. But your family," she sighed the words, a faraway look in her eyes, "they're like the family I always dreamed of."

Bram reached out to tuck a stray curl behind her ear, fingers lingering against her cheek. "They're your family now too. In every way that matters."

Tabitha's breath hitched and for a second Bram was sure she would bolt. But then she leaned into his touch, lashes fluttering closed. "I like the sound of that," she whispered.

Hope soared in Bram's chest and his heart started a furious drumbeat against his ribs. But before he could pull her closer, press his lips to hers like he'd fantasized since their kiss on that boat, Tabitha stepped back.

"Goodnight, Bram." Her smile was soft, tinged with regret. Then she disappeared into her dark cottage and the door snicked shut behind her.

Bram stood frozen, bereft, staring at the space she'd just occupied. He knew one soul-deep certainty.

He was in love with Tabitha. Utterly, completely, irrevocably.

And come hell or high water, he would find a way to turn their fake relationship into the real thing. No matter what it took.

On that vow, he turned and loped off into the night, shifting into his bear mid-stride. He had a witch to woo and a mate to claim. And this bear always played for keeps.