Animal Rescue Bear Read online

  “We’re going to toast your happiness with coffee, since it’s only eleven in the morning and I haven’t had time to go to the store and get champagne.” Nana handed out mugs of coffee. “I hope you and Ronni will be very happy.”

  “When do we get to meet her?” George asked as they drank coffee and ate the cookies Joanna offered around.

  “Tomorrow,” Lucas confirmed. “She’s coming over to do a home check.”

  “To see if you are house-trained?” Marcus asked and earned himself a dig in the ribs from Sage.

  “Behave,” his sister warned. “Do you still intend to adopt a puppy, Lucas?”

  “Yes, I do. Jessie is the perfect dog, she’s great with kids and needs a second chance at life.”

  “I thought you were getting a dog because you were lonely. That’s not going to be an issue for you now.” Marcus bit into one of the cookies. “These are amazing.”

  “Thanks,” Joanna said. “I think I’ve entered the nesting stage, all I want to do is stay home and bake and clean house.”

  Lucas took a cookie and ate it with relish. “These are good.” He took another one, feeling the need for a sugar boost.

  “It’s so great you found the right dog.” Nana offered a coffee refill.

  “Well, I fell in love with not one, but two ladies today,” Lucas said with a smile as he sipped his coffee.

  “In love.” Sage rolled her eyes. “I didn’t think you would fall so hard so fast.”

  “One was my mate, so it's not unexpected. And the other is a yellow Lab who is from a split home. She ended up in the shelter through no fault of her own and is very sad.” Lucas finished his cookie and brushed his hands together. “What?”

  “Of course you must adopt her.” Nana’s face was set firm. “If you don’t, we will.”

  George chuckled. “Any moment now they will be fighting you over the right to adopt the dog.”

  “Jessie, her name is Jessie and she and I already have a connection. She also likes Ronni.” His expression altered as he decided now was probably a good time to tackle the other burning issue. “Ronni is coming here to do a home check, but this probably isn’t where I’ll live when Ronni and I eventually move in together.”

  Marcus stopped eating his cookie and glanced at Joanna before he said, “You are going to move out?”

  “The house isn’t getting any bigger, but your family is.” Lucas held up his hand. “Don’t get me wrong, I love the old house and I love you both. But it’s going to get complicated real fast if Ronni moved in here, too. Anyway, I don’t think she’d want to be that far away from the animal shelter.”

  “So where do you plan to live?” Nana asked, a small catch in her voice.

  “I don’t know, I need to talk it all over with Ronni.” Lucas wished he had more answers, but he didn’t.

  “Is there an apartment at the shelter?” George asked.

  “Not right now,” Lucas admitted. “Ronni lives with her parents but stays over at the shelter a lot. We’re going to figure something out. But not until after the shelter is safe.”

  “But the great thing is you have the rest of your lives to figure out all these things.” Nana kissed his cheek. “I’m so happy you all found your happy endings.”

  “Or happy beginnings,” Sage said, holding Honor’s hand and kissing Patrick on the cheek.

  “New beginnings.” Lucas looked around at the people he loved all gathered here together in the kitchen. He was truly blessed to have such an amazing family who loved and supported him.

  Now he was truly blessed to have Ronni in his life. And George was right, they had the rest of their lives to get to know each other and raise a family.

  Chapter Seven – Ronni

  “You’re early.” Ronni’s mom, Tansy, looked over her shoulder as her eldest daughter entered the kitchen. Her smile immediately slipped from her face and she pushed the roast chicken back in the oven and shut the door.

  In an instant, Ronni was enveloped in her mom’s arms, the place where she always felt safe and secure. Did anyone ever grow out of needing a mother’s hug?

  Tansy rubbed Ronni’s back and didn’t push for answers. She knew they would come when her daughter was good and ready.

  Ronni sighed and pulled back an inch. “I’ve had a bit of a day.”

  Tansy cocked one eyebrow. “That expression tells me it was more than a bit of a day.” She indicated the worn chairs that were nestled lovingly around the worn table. “Sit yourself down, I’ll make tea.”

  “I can make it,” Ronni insisted, knowing her mom was cooking dinner for the whole family.

  “You will sit yourself down and let me make you tea. You look all done in, love.” Tansy’s voice was firm, and Ronni knew from lifelong experience that she should do as she was told. Her mom loved her children with a fierce passion and would do anything for them. Ronni sighed again.

  “Thanks.” Tansy set a steaming mug of tea down in front of Ronni and perched on a chair across the table.

  “The others will be here in twenty minutes.” Tansy smiled expectantly, knowing if her daughter came here to share her troubles, she needed to hurry up before the whole house exploded in talk and laughter.

  “I don’t know where to start.” Ronni ran her hand along the length of her messy ponytail.

  “I always find the beginning is the best place to start anything in life.” Her mom’s eyes glinted with humor.

  Ronni gave a short laugh. “You’re right.” She wrapped her hands around the mug of tea Tansy set down on the table. “Kevin Jones came to the center this morning and said he had to sell the land to pay for his father’s medical bills.”

  Tansy let out a long breath and reached for her daughter’s hand. “I’m so sorry. What are you going to do?”

  “We’re going to hold an auction. You know, anything and everything. Goods, services, promises.” She gave a short laugh. “I’m supposed to auction myself, but I don’t know what I’m good at.”

  Tansy snorted. “Hard-working pet whisperer. Why not offer to help retrain a naughty pet?”

  Ronni brightened. “I can do that.”

  “Yes, you can, honey.” Her mom brushed Ronni’s cheek with the back of her hand. “Don’t ever sell yourself short. One day you’ll meet the most amazing man and…” Her mom paused and looked closer at her daughter’s face. “That’s the real reason you’ve had a bit of a day.”

  Ronni nodded and picked up her teacup and sipped her tea.

  Tansy sat down heavily in her chair and then instantly jumped back up as the potatoes boiled over on the stove. As soon as she’d dealt with the pan, she was back in her chair. “And?”

  “And,” Ronni shuffled in her chair. “And his name is Lucas Chance, he lives at Chance Heights Activity Center and wants to adopt Jessie.”

  Tansy’s eyes rolled up as she sorted through the information. “Jessie, the one from a split home?”

  Ronni chuckled. “Trust you to pick that morsel of information out as the most important.”

  “It is? It shows his character off more than any words.” Tansy looked relieved. “He’s perfect for you.”

  “You know that from one sentence?” Ronni asked.

  “No, I know that from the look on your face and the way you spoke that one sentence.” Tansy’s expression grew serious. “And because you are a bear shifter and fate chose him as your perfect mate.”

  “Let’s hope fate didn’t mess up on this occasion,” Ronni said drily.

  Tansy snorted and got up from the chair and turned her attention back to the dinner. “We all think that. But I can’t think of one time it came true.”

  “There’s always a first,” Ronni challenged.

  “So you think you’re that special it will be you?” Tansy asked. Then smiled softly, her voice filled with admiration for the young woman she’d raised. “It might be, because you certainly are special.”

  Ronni’s mood lightened at her mom’s teasing. Especially since her mom did
n’t even realize she was teasing. Just like any mom, Tansy thought all her children were special. Which they probably were in their own way.

  Just like everyone is special in their own way.

  “We’re special because we have special parents.” Ronni gulped down her tea and then stood up. “What can I do to help?”

  “You can stir the pan and make sure the gravy doesn’t go lumpy.” Tansy bustled around happily. This was her favorite day of the week, the day when all her children came to dinner. It was a family tradition and no matter what was going on in their lives, all of them made sure they were here. “Chance Heights is where they have those campouts for disadvantaged children, isn’t it?”

  “It is.” Ronni nodded.

  “So this man of yours is similar to you.” Tansy began setting out plates on the solid wood table.

  “Poor with no real prospects,” Ronni said as she stirred the gravy.

  Tansy immediately jumped to her daughter’s defense. “Good people with good hearts who like to help others less fortunate…” Tansy harrumphed and shook her head. “I fall for it every time.”

  “You do.” Ronni grinned mischievously and turned the heat down on the stovetop. “Tomorrow, I’m going over to Chance Heights to do a home check for Jessie.”

  “That’s not exactly a first date, is it?” Tansy rolled her eyes. “Do I have to get Jax to give you a few lessons on dating?”

  Jax, six-foot-four and drop-dead gorgeous, always had a girl on his arm. Dressed in leathers and riding his motorbike, he gave off the bad boy vibe girls seemed to fall for. Unfortunately, none of them were his mate and Jax knew none of the relationships had a future and so her handsome brother had earned himself a reputation as a heartbreaker.

  And girls were lining up to date him because each and every one of them believed they were the one who could tame him.

  “I don’t think I’m ready to squeeze myself into skin-tight leather pants and drink beer and play pool at the local bar.” Ronni tilted her head to one side. “I prefer a place where I can talk to Lucas and get to know him.”

  “Jax is not known for his conversational skills,” Tansy admitted.

  “One day Jax will be the one who gets his heart broken,” Fleur, Ronni’s younger sister, announced as she entered the kitchen and kissed her mom on the cheek. “Dinner smells good, as always.”

  “Thanks, honey. How was your day?” Tansy checked on the chicken. “Nearly done, trust those men to be late,” she muttered to herself.

  “I had a good day. I showed a couple around a house in Bear Creek and I think they might buy it.” Fleur washed her hands and then sat down next to Ronni. “I think Mr. Preston might let me loose on a few more clients if they make an offer.”

  Fleur had ditched her plans to go to college at the last minute and decided to pursue a career in real estate. Mr. Preston, owner and manager of Preston Property in Bear Creek, was an elderly man with no children, who had taken some persuading when Fleur asked him for a job. However, they were now as thick as thieves and Ronni suspected when the old man retired, Fleur might be the one to inherit the business.

  “Ronni has some news,” Tansy prompted.

  “Oh, don’t tell me it’s about a stray cat or dog. My mascara will run if I cry.” Fleur put her fingers under her eyes as if creating a dam.

  “It’s not about any animals,” Tansy answered and then frowned.

  Ronni cut in before her mom could speak again. “Do you know if Preston Property is dealing with the land auction for Kevin Jones?”

  “Kevin was in this afternoon. I went out as he came in.” Fleur’s eyes narrowed, and she leaned forward conspiratorially. “What did I miss?” she asked in a hushed voice.

  “Kevin is auctioning the land the animal shelter sits on,” Ronni explained. “I wondered if Preston Property is handling the auction. I don’t like to ask because I don’t want to get you in trouble…but could you could keep me up to date with any developments on it?”

  “Of course!” Family loyalty trumped everything in this house.

  “Thanks, Fleur.” Ronni hugged her sister.

  “What are you going to do if the land is auctioned?” Fleur asked in shock as the enormity of the situation hit her. “All those poor animals out on the street.” Her shock turned to horror. “What happens if you can’t find them all new homes?”

  “Nothing is going to happen to them. We’re going to raise enough money to buy the land.” Ronni spoke with conviction and determination.

  “I hope so.” Fleur blew the air out of her cheeks. “If there is anything I can do to help, just let me know.”

  “Thanks, Fleur, although I don’t want there to be a conflict of interest for you, I appreciate your help. I know how much your job means to you.” Ronni didn’t want Fleur getting into any trouble over this.

  “It’s not as if it’s classified information.” Fleur looked a little happier at the prospect of helping the animals in some small way. “All I can advise you on is if there are any interested parties who might make a pre-auction offer.”

  “And tell us if Kevin has a guide price in mind.” Ronni gave that idea some thought. “Perhaps we could make Kevin an offer once we’ve raised sufficient funds.”

  “It will depend on who else is interested in the land. If there is a chance of a bidding war, then Kevin Jones would be advised to go to auction.” Fleur sounded old beyond her years.

  “You really do like your job, don’t you?” Ronni asked.

  Fleur ducked her head and blushed. “I do. I’m good at it. At least I think so.”

  “You are,” Ronni agreed.

  “But look at everything you do…” Fleur looked down at her hands. “For all the animals and their new owners.”

  “Hey, don’t hide your enthusiasm and success,” Ronni said. “You know Mr. Preston has a big house and plenty of money. So if you find a career you love and there’s a good living to be made, then you should go for it.”

  “Thanks, Ronni. It’s tough when you are so selfless and do so much for the animals without expecting a reward.” Fleur raised her eyes and locked them on Ronni. “I wish you could find a mate to share that with, you know, share the weight you carry on your shoulders.”

  Tansy nearly dropped the roast chicken she was pulling from the oven and the door clanged noisily. Fleur swung around and was on her feet helping her mom in seconds while Ronni composed herself. She couldn’t decide if she wanted to share her news one person at a time or if she preferred to make one big announcement and deal with the fallout that way.

  Fallout, you make it sound like a bad thing, her bear chastised.

  It’s not a bad thing, but I prefer to blend into the background, not be the center of attention. Her stomach turned over at the thought of the charity auction. There she would be the center of attention, she’d have to get up on stage and talk to a lot of people.

  “Ronni, are you okay?” Fleur’s concern switched from her mom, who had expertly gotten the roast chicken onto the counter in one delicious piece, to her sister who was twisting her fingers together in anguish.

  Ronni’s head snapped up. “I’m fine, I’m nervous about the auction. You know, having to get on stage and everything.”

  A laugh from the doorway heralded the arrival of Jax. “Like the time you had to get on stage…”

  “Jax, if you want to eat at my table tonight, you will stop right there,” Tansy told her leather-clad son.

  Jax rolled his eyes and then kissed his mom on the cheek. “You spoiled my fun.”

  “Well, your sister needs your support, not your teasing. She has some big news.” Tansy opened her eyes wider and nodded at Ronni.

  “What’s up, Ronni?” Jax slid into the seat opposite her, effortlessly attractive with his unruly hair and piercing blue eyes. The ugly stick had missed every part of her brother, that was for sure. However, Ronni also knew the biker boy image hid a heart of gold and the man beneath the rough exterior would do anything for anyone.
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  “Kevin Jones is selling the land the animal sanctuary sits on.” Ronni needed a badge pinned to her lapel with that sentence written on it, so she didn’t have to keep saying the words. Each time she did it was like a dagger to her heart.

  “He’s what?” Jax asked indignantly.

  “It’s not his fault,” Ronni added quickly.

  “What’s not whose fault?” Her dad, Joe, entered the kitchen with her brother, Cal, and his wife, Teagan. Their small son, Joshua, ran straight up to Ronni and she hauled him up into her lap.

  “It’s not Kevin Jones’s fault he has to sell his father’s land to pay for medical bills,” Tansy said as she began dishing up the roast potatoes and vegetables. “Could you carve the chicken when you’ve washed your hands?”

  “I can.” Joe kissed Tansy on the cheek. Even after their long years married to each other, their love was still as fresh and new as the day they first met.

  “What do you plan on doing?” Jax asked, his voice calmer now that he knew the reason Kevin was selling the land.

  “An auction,” Ronni began.

  “Maybe you could get Jax to auction himself,” Cal suggested with a mischievous glint in his eye. “I’m sure there are plenty of women who would bid on him to have their hearts broken.”

  “I can’t help it if I’m so attractive to women,” Jax smoothed his hand over his hair.

  “But you don’t have to date each and every one of them,” Cal teased.

  “I’m doing my best to let them all have a chance to date me before I meet my mate. Because when that happens, I am off the market for good.” A hint of longing played across Jax’s face.

  “You’re lucky, Cal, you are the only one of us who has met their mate.” Fleur rested her chin on her hands and sighed, while Tansy coughed and looked expectantly at Ronni.

  “What did we miss?” Fleur asked, suddenly alert.

  “After Kevin told me about the land…” Ronni hugged the small child in her lap, keeping her eyes averted as she spoke. “Lucas Chance came to adopt a dog and…”

  “Lucas Chance is your mate?” Fleur squealed before Ronni had a chance to finish her sentence.