She moved to the window, looking out at the view of mountains and forests. The fading light caught in her hair, illuminating strands of gold and copper he hadn’t noticed before. A small shiver ran through her as she stood there.
She’s cold, his bear observed, instantly concerned.
“You’re still chilled from the rain,” Caleb said. “Why don’t you run a bath? Warm up properly.”
Hannah turned back to him, hesitation clear in her expression. “I don’t want to use up all your hot water.”
“Plenty to go around,” he assured her. “Benefit of living on the mountain. I have a good well, strong water pressure, and a reliable heater. Take your time.”
She smiled then, a real smile that reached her eyes. “In that case, a bath sounds wonderful, actually. Thank you.”
You’re welcome in our den anytime,his bear rumbled contentedly.
Caleb stepped back into the hallway. “I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”
He closed the door gently behind him, then stood there for a moment, his palm flat against the wood, overwhelmed by thesimple fact of her presence on the other side. His bear was uncharacteristically quiet, as if they both needed a moment to absorb the reality of what was happening.
She’s here,Caleb thought, his chest tight with something between joy and terror.In my house.
Our house,his bear corrected gently.
Inourhouse. Inourlives.Caleb agreed, making his way back downstairs to find Matt waiting in the living room, hands in his pockets, a knowing smile on his face.
“You should head back to the restaurant,” Caleb said, reluctantly tearing his thoughts away from his mate. “I’ll see you in about an hour.”
Matt shook his head. “No, you won’t.”
“What?”
Matt nodded toward the ceiling, where the faint sound of water running could be heard. “You’ve got better things to do tonight.”
Caleb clenched his jaw, torn between duty and desire. “I don’t like letting you all down. We both know it’s going to be a busy night.”
“We’ll manage,” Matt assured him, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You staying here is more important right now.Sheis more important.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Caleb nodded. “All right. If you’re sure.”
“Absolutely positive,” Matt said, then pulled him into a quick, fierce hug. “I’m so happy for you, brother.”
“Thanks,” Caleb said, his voice rough with emotion. “For everything.”
Matt grinned as he pulled back, eyes bright with genuine happiness. “Damn, this gives me hope. Hope for the rest of us.” He chuckled softly. “Because you know what happened at the ranch and the vineyard.”
Caleb inhaled deeply, then smiled, nodding. “Once one found their mate, the rest followed.”
It was Thornberg family lore now—how first Ezra had found his mate Camille and then the rest of his brothers had. Then the same quirk of fate had happened for Kris, over at the vineyard, when he met Cassia. It was as if the first pairing had somehow triggered a chain reaction.
I hope that’s true for our brothers,Caleb’s bear said.
Me too,Caleb agreed.I wish it with all my heart.
He wanted them to know what it felt like to sense their mate for the first time. To feel a connection to another person on a soul-deep level.
Matt punched him lightly on the shoulder. “So you’re the first, and we’re going to follow where you lead.”
“No pressure then,” Caleb said dryly as he walked his brother to the door.
“No pressure at all,” Matt replied with a laugh.
