“Manageable,” Rachel said with a forced smile.
Tessa checked her watch. “I should head out now if I’m going to make it in time for the lunch shift.”“Thanks, Tess,” Rachel said, her tone apologetic.
“Text me if you need anything,” she said as she gathered her purse and her phone. “And I’ll check in when I can.”
Rachel nodded gratefully. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“That’s what friends are for,” Tessa replied with a small smile, the phrase so familiar it felt worn smooth like a river stone.
At the door, Tessa paused, her hand on the knob. The scene before her made her chest tighten: Rachel nestled under the blanket on the sofa, Aria and Lucy curled against her like bookends, their small faces illuminated by the television’s glow. They were eating sandwiches from plates balanced on their laps, completely absorbed in the movie. Lucy’s head rested against her mother’s shoulder, and Rachel’s arm curved protectively around her youngest.
Tessa swallowed hard against the sudden lump in her throat. Her loss felt especially sharp, watching Rachel with her daughters.
“Are you okay?” Rachel called, noticing her hesitation.
Tessa blinked rapidly and forced a smile. “Fine. Just making mental notes of what you might need when I get back.” She waved, keeping her voice light. “Enjoy the movie!”
Outside, she took a deep breath of fresh mountain air, then exhaled slowly. “OK, Matt Thornberg, here I come.”
Chapter Two – Matt
An hour until they opened, and already things were not going to plan. Their newest employee, Rachel, was laid up at home with a sprained ankle, which would leave them short-handed on a fully booked Saturday lunchtime.
That was the only reason he’d agreed to Rachel’s friend Tessa, who was visiting from out of town, stepping in.
Not that it wasn’t good of Tessa to offer. But an inexperienced staff member could be worse than no staff member.
Maybe Rachel’s accident is not an accident,Matt’s bear said.Maybe fate is stepping in to bring us our mate. Just as it accidentally brought Hannah into Caleb’s life.
Matt sighed with open longing at the idea of his brother finding his mate a couple of weeks ago.I don’t think fate would be that obvious.
Perhaps Elliot has found his mate on his travels,Matt’s bear mused.
Perhaps,Matt agreed as he efficiently minced garlic with practiced precision. His younger brother had been backpacking through Europe for the past six months, ostensibly collecting recipes for the restaurant, but who knew what—or who—else he might find.
Maybe he’s collected the perfect mate instead of the perfect recipe.Matt chuckled, the knife never faltering in its rhythm.
His bear rumbled with amusement.I wouldn’t complain if fate chose us next. Though I’d be happy for any of our brothers.
Matt nodded absently as he swept the minced garlic into a small bowl and reached for an onion. Seeing their brother Calebmeet his mate had given them hope that it wasn’t too late for any of them.
It had also made them more impatient for fate to step in and find their bonded mate.But that was a dream. The restaurant was real.
Making sure the diners who passed through the door were served the best food and had the best experience meant a lot to Matt, as it did to the rest of his family.
Maybe we should call Mom and Dad and ask them to step in for the lunchtime shift today,his bear said.
No,Matt replied.They are heading over to the vineyard for lunch. They’ve been looking forward to it for ages. You know how hard it is for Dad to get all his brothers together under one roof.
Six brothers. Six mates. Who had all had six sons.
Matt hoped one day he and his own brothers would have the same problem.
Yes, that would be a good problem to have,his bear answered happily.
So, we’ll manage, whatever Tessa’s like,he said.Rachel’s friend can’t be worse than that college kid we hired last summer.
His bear snorted at the memory.The one who dropped an entire tray of desserts?
