Epilogue

Epilogue

Martha felt a mix of excitement and amusement as she stood back and admired the shack she’d just bought. The structure, though in need of work, was now hers...theirs...and it represented the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

She turned to Clint with a playful grin, “You know, normally a new owner gets the keys from a realtor, but for that, we’d need an actual door!”

Clint chuckled, his eyes sparkling with humor as he stared at the ramshackle entrance, his hands on his hips. “Well, we’ll just have to make do without the traditional key handover. Besides, I think it’s fitting for us. We’re not exactly a conventional couple, are we?”

Martha laughed, her heart swelling with happiness. “No, we’re not. But that’s what makes us perfect for each other. We’ll build our life together, piece by piece, just like we’ll fix up this shack. It’s going to be an adventure, and I couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone else.” She paused. “I wouldn’t have been brave enough to do it with anyone else.”

Clint took her hand and squeezed it gently, his eyes filled with admiration for his mate. “I think you would have found the courage.”

“Come on, you’ll make me blush. Let’s go look at the meadow now that the snow has all melted. I have great plans for it.”

“I’m sure you do,” Clint replied lightly.

Hand in hand, Martha and Clint walked across to the meadow where Freddy’s bear was playing in the grass, chasing his tail. The sight of the young bear, happy and carefree, made everything worthwhile.

Freddy had started school, where he was working hard. It was as if he were trying to prove to himself, or his aunt, that he was a good kid, capable of great things.

As they stood there, watching Freddy’s bear frolic, Martha glanced at Clint, her voice filled with relief. “Can you believe Freddy is finally going to get the life he deserves? I’m so relieved his aunt has officially dropped all the charges and agreed to let us adopt him.”

Clint nodded, a smile spreading across his face. “It’s incredible. I’m so grateful that things worked out. Freddy is a great kid, I want to do everything I can to give him a bright future.”

Martha’s curiosity got the better of her, and after a moment’s hesitation, she asked the burning question, “Do you have any idea what Fiona said or did to make it happen? It’s like she waved a magic wand and everything just...fell into place.”

Clint chuckled, shaking his head. “I have no idea, but I think it’s better we don’t ask. Fiona can be a little tetchy. I’d rather not risk getting my head bitten off.”

Martha laughed, agreeing with him. “You’re right. I don’t need to know.” Which was only partly true. Martha’s curiosity might just get the better of her next time her path crossed with Fiona’s.

“I’ve been thinking about the fragrant plants I want to grow here,” she told Clint, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm for her new business venture. “Lavender, roses, jasmine...” She sucked in a deep breath. “Ah, just imagine the smell. The meadow will be filled with their beautiful scents.”

“And just think of the bees the flowers will attract,” Clint mused.

“And bees mean honey?” Martha asked.

“And honey makes this bear happy.” Clint grinned and they turned back to look at the shack.

“I’m planning to build a little workshop on the side of the shack. I’ll be able to use it to create my artisan perfumes.” Martha inhaled deeply. It was going to be amazing. Finally, all the ideas she’d written down in her blue notebook were coming to fruition. “I’ll have shelves filled with essential oils and dried flowers, and a big worktable where I can experiment with different combinations. I can’t wait to get started.”

“There’s a car coming.” Clint tensed and stared toward the road.

“It’s probably someone heading up toward Grant’s ranch.” Martha placed a hand on his arm as he stiffened. “Isn’t it?”

“I don’t know.” Clint had spent sleepless nights worrying that Diedre would change her mind about dropping the charges against Freddy. Was he worried that whoever was in that car was coming to take him away?

“It’s nobody, they’ll just keep on going.” Martha shielded her eyes from the low winter sun, and her heartbeat quickened as the car slowed to a stop next to Clint’s truck. “I recognize that car.”

“Who is it?” Clint asked.

She half-turned to look at him. “My mom and dad.”

“What?” Clint looked down at his clothes, which were dust-covered and torn.

“Don’t worry,” she told him. “You look just fine.” She leaned in close. “To me. And I’m the only one that matters. Or so you tell me.”

“You are,” Clint replied.

“Come on. Let’s go meet my parents.” She held out her hand to him. “What? Did you think they wouldn’t drive straight here when I told them I was engaged after only two days of moving to a new town?”

Clint chuckled and they walked hand in hand to meet Martha’s parents. “Did you also tell them you bought a shack and plan to adopt Freddy?”

“I’m going to break it to them gently.” Martha linked her arm through Clint’s. “But I’m sure they’ll love everything in Bear Creek just as much as I do.”

The Bear’s Finally Finds His Mate

A Second Chance at Bear Creek Lodge Book Seven

is available to pre-order now.

***

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