“It is,” Tessa agreed, nodding quickly. “Except that it means relocating to the other side of the country.”
“Oh.” Rachel sank down beside her, letting out a long breath. Her injured ankle jutted awkwardly in front of her.
“Yeah. Oh,” Tessa echoed, staring at her hands.
The room suddenly felt too warm, too small. Outside the window, Bear Creek sprawled beneath the mountain backdrop, picturesque and perfect. The same view she’d admired just yesterday, before everything changed. Before Matt.
“Matt offered to come with me,” Tessa whispered.
Rachel’s eyes widened. “Wow. That moved fast.”
Tessa shrugged, a small smile playing at her lips despite the turmoil inside her. “When you know, you know, right?”
Rachel studied her carefully, her head tilted to one side. “It’s more than that, though, isn’t it?”
Tessa nodded, reaching for her friend’s hand. She guided Rachel back to the sofa, where they could sit more comfortably.
“If I tell you something, promise not to freak out?” Tessa asked, her heart hammering against her ribs.
Rachel shook her head, a knowing smile spreading across her face. “If you’re going to try to explain shifters to me, it’s okay. I already know.”
“You do?” Tessa pulled back in surprise, searching her friend’s face.
“Yeah. After Caleb and Hannah got together so fast, Jenny spilled,” Rachel said with a casual shrug, as if they were discussing something as mundane as a new restaurant opening.
Tessa blinked, struggling to process this revelation. “And did you know that Matt and I were... mates?”
“I thought so,” Rachel admitted. “I hoped so. But it wasn’t until I saw you two together that I knew.” She squeezed Tessa’s hand. “And I also knew it wasn’t my secret to tell.”
Tessa pressed her lips together, emotions welling up inside her. “What am I supposed to do?”
Rachel rubbed her back in slow, soothing circles. “You are supposed to follow your heart.”
Tessa sighed, leaning into her friend’s touch. “And what if I don’t know what my heart is saying?”
“Then you’re not listening hard enough,” Rachel replied simply.
Chapter Twenty-Two – Matt
I did not see that coming,Matt’s bear said.
Me neither,Matt replied as Tessa drove away.
After last night and this morning, he thought things were settled between them. Last night, when he’d shown her his bear and explained that they were mates, Tessa had accepted him completely. After they made love, he dreamed of their life together here in Bear Creek.
Him working at the restaurant, then coming home to her working in the art studio he planned to build for her. Working together to make their dreams come true.
But now…
When Tessa had seen the missed calls and the text from the publisher, her face had lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. She wanted it.
That was her dream. Not staying here in Bear Creek with him.
So we move wherever she goes,his bear said.
And they would. If she’d have them.
She will,his bear said with utmost conviction.
