A Heart to Bear (Bear Creek Forever #4)

Chapter Nine – Tammy

“I could have cooked something for lunch,” Tammy told her uncle as they got back into the truck, ready to drive over to the Thornberg Ranch. They had completed the scheduled appointments for the morning, with time to spare.

Time in which she could have cooked a meal and eaten it before heading over to the Thornberg ranch to collect Dougray for their trip to check over the bull.

However, any argument was fruitless now since she had already texted Dougray to tell him they were coming over.

“I know you could,” Uncle Gavin said. “But why give up the chance of sampling Mary’s cooking? She truly is a master at good home-cooked meals.”

“I don’t want to impose,” Tammy added as she started the engine and then waited for Uncle Gavin to buckle his seatbelt.

“You won’t be imposing,” he assured her as she put the truck in drive. “Mary and Waylan will want to meet you.”

Tammy steered the truck away from the farm, her stomach in knots. Her relationship with Peter’s parents hadn’t been the best. Particularly his mother, who seemed to think her son could do better than marry a veterinarian.

When Peter broke the devastating news, that he was taking a job and canceling their wedding, Tammy had been convinced his parents were behind the callous decision.

But whether they were or not, it did not change the fact that Peter had made a choice. Even if he had been pressured by his family, he could have stood by her.

“If you grip that steering wheel any tighter, you might break it.” Uncle Gavin lifted his injured ankle and placed it in a more comfortable position. “Relax, Tammy. The Thornbergs aren’t anything like your ex’s family. They’re good people, salt of the earth types.”

Tammy loosened her grip, taking a deep breath as she navigated the winding country road. The lush green fields rolled by, dotted with grazing cattle and the occasional weathered barn. She tried to focus on the beauty of the landscape, pushing away the memories of her ex and his family. Her uncle was right, the Thornbergs were not like that.

“I know,” Tammy said, forcing a smile. “It’s just...meeting new people right now is a bit overwhelming.”

Uncle Gavin patted her arm gently. “I understand. But it breaks my heart to think of what that shallow cowardly…” She shot him a look, and he clamped his mouth shut before he said, “I’m sorry, I know you loved Peter.”

“I did,” she replied, then her brow wrinkled. “At least I thought I did.”

“Ah,” Uncle Gavin said with a knowing smile. “But next to what you feel for Dougray, you are not so sure.”

“I don’t know if I love Dougray,” Tammy said. “Not for real.” She bit her lower lip.

“You’re scared what you are feeling is an effect of the mating bond, that you are being manipulated,” her uncle said, with clarity.

Tammy nodded, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. “Is it that obvious?”

Uncle Gavin chuckled softly. “Only to someone who knows you well. And who’s seen the way you two look at each other.”

She felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she navigated a sharp turn. “I just don’t want to rush into anything,” Tammy admitted. “Especially after...well, you know.”

“Of course,” Uncle Gavin nodded sagely. “Take your time.”

Tammy nodded, keeping her eyes on the road. “That’s the thing. It’s all happening so fast. One minute I’m heartbroken and questioning everything, and the next...there’s this undeniable pull toward Dougray. It’s intense and scary and wonderful all at once.”

Uncle Gavin looked thoughtful. “The mating bond is a powerful thing, Tammy. But it doesn’t create feelings out of thin air, if that is what you are worried about. It amplifies what’s already there.”

Tammy mulled over his words as they crested a hill and the gate leading to the ranch appeared on their right. “You mean that even if the mating bond wasn’t a thing, then we would have found love with each other anyway?”

“Isn’t that how animal attraction works?” Gavin asked with a playful smile.

Tammy rolled her eyes at her uncle’s attempt at humor, but a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she slowed the truck to a stop in front of the gate leading to the ranch.

“I suppose you’re right,” she conceded, feeling some of the tension ease from her shoulders. “I just need to trust my instincts.”

“Now, my instincts are telling me we are going to have a wonderful lunch with amazing food and equally amazing company,” Uncle Gavin said as he waved her out of the truck. “So, get this gate open.”

“Yes, boss.” She gave a mock salute, chuckling as she climbed out of the truck. As she pushed open the heavy wooden gate, Tammy glanced around in search of the rabbit she’d seen yesterday, but there was no sign of it. Hopefully, it hadn’t been eaten by a bear.

Did shifters eat in both their human and animal forms?

She had so many questions for Dougray.

As Tammy stepped back into the truck, she glanced at Uncle Gavin. “Thanks, Uncle Gavin.”

“You know all I want is to see you happy,” he replied.

“I know.” For the first time that day, she felt a glimmer of hope. He was right. She was her own woman, her own person. If her relationship with Dougray was wrong for her, she would find the courage to walk away.

Yet deep down in her soul, she was convinced that their relationship was right. That they could carve out a future together, here in Bear Creek. She could help her uncle at his clinic and Dougray could continue to work at the ranch with his family.

It sounded perfect.

And perhaps that was the problem. It sounded too perfect. As if someone had looked inside her head and brought her dreams to life.

Fate.

Was it truly that powerful?

Tammy’s mind drifted to thoughts of fate as the truck rumbled past the gate and continued down the meandering driveway. Her thoughts filled with the idea of a family, of children, who would grow up here under the watchful gaze of the mountains just like Dougray and his brothers.

There was something so permanent, so unchanging about them.

Is that how her love for Dougray would be? Permanent and unchanging.

She would never know unless she gave it a chance.

When they reached the ranch house, Tammy parked the truck and took a moment to compose herself while Uncle Gavin opened the passenger door and got out. She’d offered her help earlier when they were out on his rounds, but he’d steadfastly refused, saying he wasn’t an invalid yet.

But as she’d watched him struggle, she’d decided that no matter what happened with Dougray, she would move to Bear Creek full-time and forge a new chapter in her career here.

Whatever happened with Dougray? Who was she kidding? Between the feelings she already harbored for him and fate, love would conquer the day.

And her heart.

They walked side by side toward the ranch house. Tammy kept her pace slow to match her uncle, even though she could feel the same force she’d experienced last night pulling her forward.

She felt Dougray before she saw him. When he emerged around the side of the house, her eyes were already searching for him, and when they found him, her whole body seemed to respond.

It was a curious sensation. A new sensation. One she had never experienced with Peter.

There was no denying that this relationship was something else. Something other .

She shivered. How had she never given much thought to shifters before now? Her world was one of science, and yet she’d known for so long that this other world existed. Now she was a part of it.

“Hey there.” Dougray closed the distance between them, his eyes intense, his body language both welcoming and protective.

Or maybe even possessive , as if he had already decided she belonged to him.

Which she did.

“Hey,” Tammy replied, her voice husky as every part of her reached out to him. Wanting to be possessed.

“I’m glad you could make it for lunch,” Dougray began as if trying to keep the conversation neutral.

“Wild horses could not keep us away from your mother’s cooking,” Uncle Gavin said as he limped toward the house.

“Uncle Gavin insisted we came,” Tammy added, her eyes still locked with Dougray’s. “I was worried we might be imposing.”

“Never,” he replied, his eyes darkening. Then he sucked in a breath and his expression lightened. “My mom always makes enough food for an army.”

“That’s what I told Tammy,” Uncle Gavin said. “I also told her your mom and dad could not wait to meet her. You have told them?”

“I told them after your visit yesterday,” Dougray replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I’m sure my mom has been trying to come up with reasons to orchestrate a meeting. She’s been asking all morning whether Lucy needs checking over again.”

“Oh, I can take a look now if you want,” Tammy offered.

“Oh no. She’s fine, I just checked on her. And my mom will never forgive me if we don’t head straight inside.” Dougray slipped his hand under her elbow. “This way.”

“You heard the man. Let’s not keep Mary waiting.” Uncle Gavin’s pace quickened as he gave Tammy an encouraging nod. “Or her cooking.”

Tammy let Dougray guide her around the house to the kitchen door. Not because she needed his help. She could have followed the aroma of Mary’s delicious cooking on her own.

But by allowing him to guide her, it was as if she was unconsciously telling him she was willing to give their relationship a chance. That she was willing to put her trust in him. In the hope he would prove himself to be loyal and true.

“They won’t bite,” Dougray assured her as he reached to open the kitchen door.

“I… Oh. Sorry.” She flexed her fingers as she realized she had been gripping his arm so hard she’d likely left bruises.

“That’s okay. I’ll be equally as nervous when I meet your parents,” he replied. “But then I have something to prove to them, whereas my parents already know you are the one for me.”

Any nerves she had seemed to melt away. His parents had been waiting for this moment since Dougray first shifted. They would never have concerns about how fast their relationship developed.

If he married her tomorrow, they would not bat an eye. Everything was so simple in this world.

Now that she could get used to.

“Ready?” he asked.

“I am,” Uncle Gavin said from behind them, and she chuckled, letting go of her nerves as Dougray opened the door.

“Hello.” Mary came toward them with her arms outstretched and Dougray let go of Tammy as his mom enveloped her in a hug. “It’s so good to meet you, Tammy.”

“You, too.” Tammy hesitated for a split second before she returned the hug.

“Come in, come in,” Mary urged, leading the way to the spacious kitchen with its warm, inviting scents of spices and home-cooked goodness.

“Hi, Tammy.” An older man with a startling similarity to Dougray stepped forward, offering a firm handshake and a welcoming smile.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Thornberg,” she replied, grasping his hand and giving it a shake.

“Waylan, please,” Waylan said. “Even now, after my father is long gone, I still look for him when I hear Mr. Thornberg.”

Tammy nodded, feeling the warmth and sincerity in Waylan’s handshake. “Waylan, then,” she said, her smile growing more confident.

“Now that the formalities are over, shall we eat?” Mary held out her hand, guiding them toward the table.

“Yes, please.” Uncle Gavin’s eyes lit up at the sight of freshly baked bread, and a large pot of steaming stew.

“You know you are always welcome at our table, Gavin,” Mary said, giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“Doubly so now that you have brought Tammy into Dougray’s life,” Waylan said as he pulled out a chair and sat down.

“Oh, I’m just happy we are going to be family,” Gavin replied as he limped to the chair Mary pulled out for him.

And he was happy, the happiest he’d been since Tammy arrived in Bear Creek.

As Tammy sat down at the table and looked around the kitchen, a sense of belonging washed over her.

One she liked very much.