Page 6 of His Determined Bear

I nodded for him to continue.

“Kelly and I are getting married,” he blurted. It almost felt like it was a confession, and he’d been waiting to get it off his chest.

My lips curved slowly until I had a full-blown smile on my face, “Oh my gods! For real?” I asked. “You’ve been quiet about seeing someone,” I teased.

Aaron chuckled and grinned back at me, and I realized he’d been a little tense since I walked in. Did he think I would judge him? I would never treat him that way. I was happy for him because I knew how much losing Kat affected him.

“The gods saw fit to bless me twice with a mate.” The awe in those words was clear. And I hated myself for the brief moment of jealousy that passed through me. My brothers, Gabe and Austin, had found their mates, and I was happy for them. I really was, but there were more days than not that I wondered if I would ever find mine.

What were the odds of my mate showing up like Gabe and Austin’s had?

None of those thoughts now, Graham… you’re supposed to be happy for Aaron. If anyone deserved happiness, he did.

“Tell me all about her… or him.” I smiled encouragingly at Aaron.

“Her,” he said smiling, “Kelly.” Gods, I didn’t even have to see his face to hear the awe and happiness in his voice. “It’s been mostly long-distance, even though we’ve met up a couple of times. She’s amazing. You know, we actually met on one of those Facebook groups you told me about and started exchanging recipes. We would send messages back and forth and meet up a few times here and there. One thing led to another, and well, I guess the rest is history.”

Aaron sounded happier than I’d heard him since before Kat died.

He beamed at me, “So I guess I kind of owe you for this, huh.”

I chuckled, shaking my head, “I think you managed this one all on your own. When do I get to meet this lucky lady?” I asked.

“Next week. She’s moving here from California, can you believe that?” he asked but didn’t wait for a reply, “I would have moved over there. My cat would have enjoyed the sunshine for sure. But she works from home and reassured me she could work remotely from anywhere.” For some reason, though, his words were followed by a sigh.

“Is everything okay? I’m sure she’ll like it here in Asheville, plus it would be nice for you guys to go out to California and visit….”

He shook his head, “That’s not it,” he said with a sigh. “She has a son.”

I wasn’t sure why that was a problem. I knew Aaron loved kids, and he remained one of the most popular teachers in school. “I’m not sure I understand. He doesn’t want to move with her? Does she know how good our schools are?”

Aaron rubbed his face and blew out a breath. “It’s not that. Cooper, that’s her son, well, I don’t think he likes me.”

“I’m sure you can win him over,” I said, “and you would make a great dad. Any kid would be lucky to have you.” I truly meant it.

His eyes softened, “You’re too kind,” he said. His voice was gruff and filled with emotion. “But you don’t have to say that.”

My parents are amazing, and I loved them, just as I knew with all certainty they loved me. As great as my parents were, I still saw Aaron as a father figure because he’d always been someone I could talk to. Even when it was just to process what I felt before speaking to my dads about it.

“I know I don’t have to say it, but it’s true, Aaron. Any kid’s life would be better with you as their parent.”

Aaron cleared his throat and looked away. When he spoke, his voice was filled with emotion. “Thank you, Graham.”

I smiled at him, then moved to get the coffee maker started to give him a chance to pull himself together.

He finally cleared his throat as I finished scooping the coffee into the machine. So I closed the lid and turned so that I was facing him.

“Cooper isn’t a kid. He’s twenty-seven. I don’t know, Graham. Maybe I’m overthinking all of this. I think he was just protective of her, and Kelly and I did get together rather quickly. We’ve just been in our own world… and I think it’s just always been the two of them. But I spoke to him. I think I managed to convince him that I mean no harm… at least I think I did. They’re coming, so maybe he believed me.” He gave me a hopeful look.

“If you need me to vouch for you, just say the word, and I’ll be there,” I said, “And you know I wouldn’t be the only one.” Many people in town would stand up for Aaron, and I had absolutely no doubt about that.

“We can all meet when they get into town, and I’ll happily sing you’re praises.” I made sure my voice was teasing to try and remove the deep furrow that had appeared between his brow. “I’m sure once he meets you, he’ll see that you’re a standup guy.”

Aaron blew out a deep breath, “I sure hope so.” He rubbed the back of his neck, “I know Kelly, and she loves her boy. It’s one of the things I fell for before even meeting her. You can tell a lot about a person with how they treat their kids. She needs him to approve of us. I know she says she doesn’t,” he sighed, “but she does.”

I stood beside him and clapped him on the back, “It’ll all work out. I know it will,” I said, trying to reassure him. “Is that the favor you wanted to ask me?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

It must have worked because a small smile curved his lips, and Aaron shook his head, “Not at all.” He straightened and faced me. “Even though you’re not my son, I couldn’t love you anymore if you were. I’m proud of all the things you’ve accomplished, making your own way in the world, and just being a wonderful human being.”