Bearly Hot (Glacier Pass #3)

Epilogue

GIANNA

Six years later, and life has transformed into a kaleidoscope of chaos and joy that I never tire of. Our cabin has grown, not just in spirit but literally, with an added extension to accommodate our large family. Sawyer and I are relaxing on the back patio, watching our five-year-old identical triplet daughters tearing through the backyard like there’s no tomorrow.

The three little rambunctious bundles of energy are romping around in their polar bear forms. Watching them play sends happiness coursing through me. Their white fur sparkles against the emerald grass as they roll and giggle with their little paws pattering with wild abandon.

“I still can’t wrap my head around it,” Sawyer muses beside me, his gaze following their every move with equal parts amusement and disbelief. “Here we are, two grizzly shifters raising polar bears. How’d we get here?”

I laugh at the silly look on his handsome face. “Blame Mom. I got the polar bear genes from her,” I reply, very matter-of-factly.

Sawyer raises an eyebrow, feigning skepticism. “Polar bear genes are something else.”

“Much more powerful than grizzly genes,” I add, nudging him playfully with my shoulder. It’s true, though. The first time the girls shifted into those adorable little polar bears, our entire family was thrilled.

The girls are happily tumbling over each other, a chaotic tangle of furry limbs, while Minnie perches on the edge of the deck, licking her paws and keeping a watchful eye on her three little best friends.

“They’re the cutest things I’ve ever seen,” Sawyer says, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “Even if they don’t resemble me at all.” My brothers never miss an opportunity to rub in how much the girls look like me, but my mate takes it in stride and gives them hell back.

“Maybe this little one will look like you,” I say, gently patting my large belly, a grin spreading across my face.

Sawyer shoots me a sidelong smirk, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I’m not holding out much hope, what with those powerful polar bear genes and all.”

I chuckle at the silly look on his face. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”

I watch as our three little troublemakers—Lila, Isla, and Jana—tumble over each other in an adorable chaos of furry limbs. The girls giggle, their eyes bright with mischief as they chase one another around the yard in their polar bear forms, all clumsy waddles and playful growls. It’s enough to fill my heart to bursting.

From the corner of my eye, I catch Sawyer watching the antics. Suddenly, he hooks his thumbs into the waistband of his shorts, strips them off without hesitation, and shifts into his grizzly form with an utterly effortless smoothness.

In an instant, where my mate stood, a massive grizzly now ambles into view, muscles rippling beneath his shaggy fur. I can't help but giggle at the sight of his laid-back demeanor contrasting perfectly with the hyperactivity of our daughters.

With a casual slowness, Sawyer ambles out to the middle of the yard and rolls onto his back, sprawling out in the sun. When the girls spot him, they immediately scramble over to him. Within seconds, they’re climbing over him, a flurry of ecstatic yips and playful nudges.

“Look at you, all popular with the girls,” I tease him using our mental connection, leaning back in my chair to soak in the joy of the moment.

He lets out a low rumble, rolling his bear head side to side, clearly reveling in the attention. “I’m just here for the cuddles,” he answers back in my mind.

Minnie hops up onto my lap, curling into a ball and purring loudly, clearly annoyed by the lack of attention she’s been getting. I pet her softly, half-laughing at her feline dramatic flair. She’s not too happy to lose her three little besties to their dad.

“Don’t worry,” I whisper to Minnie, giving her a scratch behind the ears. “I know for a fact that he brought home some special treats just for you.”

The pampered cat stretches languidly and gazes up at me, and for a second, I swear she understands every single word.

Another round of giggles erupts, the girls crawling all over Sawyer, their squeals and playful growls punctuating the warm afternoon air. I watch as they push one another, trying to out-climb each other to reach Sawyer’s broad back.

They’re giggling and nipping playfully at Sawyer’s grizzly, their laughter ringing out like songbirds. I can’t help but smile at the sight of my mate rolling on the grass while our daughters practice their bulldozer-like maneuvering.

I notice their energy is starting to wane. The girls’ giggles have shifted into a series of softer squeals and sleepy grumbles like they’re coming down from a sugar high. “Alright, girls,” I call from near the deck, my voice carrying over to them. “Time to head inside for baths!”

They pause, blinking back at me, clearly torn between the fun of playing and the reality of bath time.

“Moooom!” Isla protests dramatically as she rolls onto her back, her little paws flailing in a mock attempt to fight the inevitable. “Do we have to?”

“Yes,” I say, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. “You can play more tomorrow, but right now, it’s bath time!”

Sawyer shifts back to his human form and declares with exaggerated enthusiasm, “Tonight is bubble bath night!”

I roll my eyes but can’t help grinning as the girls erupt into shrieks of excitement, fully on board with the plan. He quickly throws on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, turning back to the triplets like a kid at a carnival. "Who gets to pick the night-night book tonight?"

“It’s Jana’s turn!” Lila quips, always quick to call out the answer and keep the order straight. As they head upstairs, I head to the kitchen to finish cleaning up from dinner.

After a little while, Sawyer comes back into the kitchen, fresh from the bath chaos. I can see he’s a little damp. “Mission accomplished,” he says, arms raised in feigned triumph, and the sight of him looking so proud brings a broad smile to my face. “All three are out for the count with Minnie sleeping on her window seat.”

I waddle over and wrap my arms around his waist, feeling the warmth of him radiate through my clothes. “Life is good.”

“It definitely is,” he replies, his voice low and smooth. I can hear the smile in his tone when he adds, “And it gets better every day.”

I hope you enjoyed the story and will consider leaving a review!