by Reina Torres
That made all the difference and Angelina eagerly tore into the paper, stopping when the baby-sized quilt fell into her lap. She lifted it up and draped it over the sides of the cradle.
Stepping closer, Haley pointed out the quilt block pattern she used. “It’s a bear paw pattern,” she explained softly. “I made it in three sizes on the quilt. Daddy, Mommy, and baby sizes.”
Angelina held her hand out to Haley and drew her down until they wrapped each other in a loving embrace. “Thank you, Haley!” She repeated her thanks to Clancy, but he seemed uncomfortable with the praise.
The only time he seemed to be comfortable with such things was when it came from Haley.
Someone cleared their throat. Turning to look in the direction of the sound, she saw Mr. Behr standing beside his wife. “I think it’s time for our newest Allaway couple to give each other their presents.”
Haley looked at Clancy and he mirrored the gesture.
“You got me a-”
“You didn’t have to-”
Manny sighed. “You two are just adorable! Now, Angie’s going to expect me to be cute too. Just give her your present.”
Angelina elbowed her mate in the stomach, and he pretended to wince. “Ignore him. Go ahead, Haley. Give the man his gift.”
Mrs. Behr put the package into Haley’s hands and as she held it, she watched Clancy and Mr. Behr bring up a box just like the one they’d given to their friends.
Unable to do much more than breathe, Haley put here present in Clancy’s hands and watched as he looked from it to the blanket hanging over the cradle.
“You,” he swallowed hard enough that the sound was audible to her ears, “you made another quilt?”
Blushing, she nodded. “I’ve been trying to tell you-”
Clancy lifted the top off the box and Haley looked into it. Her eyes started to fill with tears. “You knew?”
His smile was lopsided at best. “I thought you didn’t know. I was trying to figure out a way to tell you in case you weren’t ha-”
She cut off his words with a kiss. Even as tall as Clancy was, she’d learned just the right way to grab his shirt so that he’d lean down, and she could plant a kiss on his mouth. He kissed her back with barely contained enthusiasm, peppering kisses along her jaw as he sank down onto a bench, setting her down on his lap.
#
When he could catch his breath, he rested his forehead against hers and felt her hands touch him. His cheeks, his jawline, his shoulders. He let her hands touch him because he craved it too. They’d done enough touching in their short time together that they’d created a cub. Cub or baby, he’d love that child just like he loved their mother, endlessly.
“Haley?”
He swore he could hear her smile. “Yes, Clancy?”
“Are you happy? Really happy about our cub?”
She leaned closer to his warmth, sitting up higher on his lap, and her hands cupped the back of his head and drew it down until his ear was pressed against her chest.
“Can you hear it, Clancy? Can you hear how full my heart is? Can you hear how much I love you?”
He tightened his embrace around her gorgeous body and hugged her tight, but careful enough to keep his arms away from her belly. Sitting back against the bench, he lifted his head and nuzzled the healed scar at the base of her throat.
“I can hear it, Haley. I can hear it in my heart too. You and me? We’re going to be so happy together. I’m going to give you as many cubs as you’ll let me and we’re going to love them like the miracles they are.”
Clancy tilted his chin up and caught her mouth in a tender kiss.
#
When Haley looked up, she saw that they were almost alone in the center of town. The celebration continued around them, but their friends had let them have as much privacy as one could have in a town of shifters who could hear a bird in a tree on the other side of the square.
Clancy still had his arms wrapped around her, so she leaned back against him, and shared his warmth like she shared his love.
Things had changed lighting fast since she’d agreed to come to Allaway, and she knew they’d continue changing. She had her quilting classes to look forward to. Working with the other residents of Allaway she would find new connections to the town that was now her home.
Haley knew she had everything to look forward to and nothing she needed to look back on. From that moment, it was forward for the both of them and whoever else might come along. Yes, Mrs. Behr had been right that everything would work out for the best and Haley Rhodes was sure that next year there was going to be another perfect Gingerbear Christmas.
About the Author
Books have always been a big part of my life. Reading was an escape from my classmates who teased me because of my speech impediment. Books were the walls of my castle, protecting my fortress, and allowed me to bask in the sunlight of my beautiful labyrinth filled with fantasies. Now, I hope that I can share that same gift with others. If I can give them a place of shelter, of joy, and yes… love, then I will count myself blessed.
Also by Reina Torres
Reina writes a variety of romance books from Heat to Sweet and back again…
**Many of Reina’s books are available in KINDLE UNLIMITED**
Shifter Romance that will bring the Heat
Mystic Mountain Series – a Mountain Resort where Shifters are at home
Winter
He’s waited for years to claim his mate. Now there’s no holding back.
Xavier
He valued his solitude and freedom, until he met her.
Locke
He felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. She gave him back his fire.
The Orsino Security Series – Three Bears who find their fated mates (BBW)
Her UnBearable Protector
He may be the one hired to protect her, but she brought him to life.
His UnBearable Touch
Her music calmed the beast within him and he brought light into her darkness.
Their UnBearable Destiny
He may be the youngest, but he’ s no baby bear, and she’ll make him earn his place at her side… and love every minute of the chase.
Sylvan City Alphas –
The Tiger’s Innocent Bride
When his mate’s life is in danger, Devlin has to make the choice between keeping his animal a secret or saving her life. To him there’s sonly one choice. Love.
Too Much To Bear
A single dad to a whole house of foster shifters, Boone asks for help from a Dating Agency to find his mate. How could he know that the first try would be the only one he’d need?
The Fighter
When Cage has a hard time understanding how to keep his teenage foster’s moods and asks for help. Who knew that the answer to his trouble was also the missing piece of his soul?
Bear His Mark
He’s looking for a mate to have and hold and she’s afraid she’s full of broken pieces. These two opposites might just make the perfect whole.
First Responders & Military Romance with Heat-
San Antonio First Responders Series
Justice for Sloane
When Sloane’s life is in danger, FBI Agent Vicente Bravo steps in to make sure she’s safe, but his heart isn’t safe from falling in love.
Justice for Miranda
Retired Game Warden Miranda finds herself in the crosshairs of a drug smuggler. Her former partner, Trace Carson, is ready to protect her, but is he ready for love?
Shelter for Viviana
Station Seven Fire Chief, Ethan Blaise, has seen an entire shift of his firefighters find love. At a wedding, the caterer catches his eye and soon, he and Viviana Martenz are heating up more than her kitchen.
Justice for Hildie
Hildie Faraday helps women and children in need. Nothing will stop her, even a man with a gun and an axe to grind with her. Texas Ranger Jake McGowan is going to do everything he can to protect her, because it’s more than his job,
he’s in love with the stubborn, hard-headed woman.
Delta Force Hawaii Series
Rescuing Hi’ilani
Jackson “Ajax” Guard made a mistake giving up the woman he loved when he joined the Delta Force – Now he has a second chance to love her, but he needs to keep her alive first.
A Hero for Ku’uipo
Ephrain “Train” Figueroa can’t believe his luck when his Delta Force Unit travels to the island of Kaua’i for training and he meets Ku’uipo Ornellas, a woman who becomes more than his sweetheart… she’s the one he’s been looking for all of his life.
Single Title –
The Mechanic
Adam Masterson didn’t know what hit him when the most beautiful woman’s car broke down in his parking lot. Blake Lennox had never realized how heavy the world felt sitting on her shoulders until Adam helped lift it… with his arms around her.
Sweet Western Historical Romance –
Bower, Colorado Series –
Home to Roost
He wasn’t looking for love, so he wasn’t expecting the perfect woman to stumble across his path.
Imogene’s Ingenuity
She came to Bower hoping to work in the print shop and ends up falling for the printer
Three Rivers Express Series –
Always, Ransom (Book 1)
He rode for the Pony Express through a score of dangers on the trail. Danger followed her to her doorstep. Would their love end before it even began?
Always, Wyeth (Book 3)
Tillie lived a life driven by her father’s ambition, when she met Wyeth she found joy and love. Will her father allow her to be happy?
Always, Ellis (Book 5)
Ellis spent years in prison for trusting the wrong people, but when he meets the Marshal’s daughter he finds himself working harder than ever for redemption… and love
Ellingsford, Montana Series-
Stay With Me
In a world trying to bend their wills, these two lonely souls will find their strength together.
Her Gentle Heart
A man who never asked for help, a woman who gave him what he needed, Her Gentle Heart.
Hold Her Close
A world-weary gambler meets a young woman trying to keep her family together. Is he ready to make a bet on love?
Stand Alone-
The Sailor & The Siren
He found a job on a paddlewheel boat and fell in love with a young woman whose voice and beautiful soul was the melody his heart was searching for.
Sweet Holiday Romance Contemporary
A Dance for Christmas
His daughter’s favorite dance teacher agrees to join them as part of their family on stage in the Nutcracker. What a perfect Christmas miracle to fall in love and make their family real!
Small Town Contemporary Romance with Heat –
St. Raphael, CA Series –
Finding Home
Neither of them wanted to find love when they moved to St. Raphael. Fate & his Nonna had other plans.
Playing With Fire
She swore off ‘True Love’ – He wants ‘Happy Ever After.’ How could this end badly?
Healing Hearts
They’re both going after their dreams. Little did they know that they’d find love along the way, with each other.
Taking A Chance
They dedicated years of their lives to their careers. When they met, they decided to take a chance on love.
