Bear My Heart: A Small Town Paranormal Romance (16 page)

Just what was everybody
waiting for?

Olga turned to Lilly, hoping
her friend would tell her what was going on but Lilly only laughed
and grabbed the coffee pot. “I'll get you your coffee,”
Lilly said. “And chocolate milkshakes for the boys,” she
added with a wink as Olga opened her mouth.

“Thanks, Lilly.”
Olga shook herself and hurried to the booth where Leo and Logan were
playing with the salt and pepper shakers.

As Lilly arrived at their
table with two tall chocolate milkshakes and a cup of black coffee,
the door opened and Troy and Brandon walked in. Smiles widened into
grins and there were a few cheers and whistles.

Olga stared around in
bewilderment. Was the diner in need of some urgent repairs? Was
that why everyone was so happy to see their favorite Mister Handyman?
She looked at Lilly, and saw a sly smile on Lilly's lips and a
telltale mischievous glint in her eye.

“Hi Troy, Hi Bulldog,”
Lilly said as Troy and Brandon came up to the booth.

“I'm a bear, not a
bulldog,” Brandon retorted.

“You look like a
bulldog to me,” Lilly tossed over her shoulder. “Always
growling and snapping.”

Brandon stuck out his tongue
at Lilly's back. He sat down between Leo and Logan and rubbed his
hands gleefully. “I can't wait!”

“Wait? What are we
waiting for?” Olga asked immediately.

Brandon simply chortled and
howled when Troy kicked him under the table.

The door burst open and Megan
clattered into the diner. “I'm not late, am I?” she
panted.

Nanny grinned. “You're
just in time, my dear.”

Troy sucked in a deep breath
and stood up. A hush fell over the diner.

Olga's eyes and mouth rounded
when Troy pulled out a ring from his pocket and dropped to one knee
beside the booth.

Olga gasped and she could
hear the collective intake of breath around the diner. She heard a
pin drop.

“Olga,” Troy said
clearly. “Will you marry me?”

Olga stared at the ring that
Troy was holding out to her. She blinked at the beautiful, rosy pink
gem on the ring. It was a Rose Quartz, also known as the Heart
Stone.

She had seen the ring in
Annie Sunder's jewelery shop. Annie made all the exquisite jewelery
pieces herself, and she told Olga that she only used gems and
crystals with positive, healing energy and vibrations. Annie had
explained to her that the Rose Quartz was the stone of unconditional
love. It represented not just romantic love but love of self and the
powerful, healing love of family and friends.

Olga blinked away her tears
and took the ring from Troy. He understood her so well. He knew
what she wanted and needed, and he gave his love to her,
unconditionally and eternally.

“Yes,” she
answered, throwing her arms around him. “Yes, Troy! Yes, yes
and yes!”

The whole diner erupted into
thunderous cheers and applause. Megan and Lilly ran up and hugged
them both, while Brandon whistled loudly and hi-fived the twins.

As everyone crowded round to
congratulate them, Olga saw Nanny Riddle hop down from her stool and
amble towards the door. Nanny winked at her and disappeared.

Olga blinked hard. She
hadn't seen the door open but when she looked out the window, she saw
Nanny sauntering down the street. Nanny didn't look back, but she
raised her arm in a broad, sweeping gesture and did a happy little
jig.

Olga smiled. “Yes,
Nanny,” she whispered. “I'll invite the whole town and
you'll have the first dance.”

Olga turned to Troy and said,
“We're inviting everyone, the whole town.”

Troy grinned. “It's
going to be a big wedding.”

Lilly squealed when she heard
that. “Big love in a small town. This is so romantic!”

Olga remembered something
suddenly and went to Megan's side. “Megan, is that writer's
workshop still on? I...”

“Oh yes! Your first
talk was such a success. Everyone wants to sign up for your
workshop! I think more than fifty people have signed up already! I
think I'm going to have the change the venue. The reading room in
the library can't hold such a large crowd,” Megan said
cheerfully.

“Looks like you're
going to be very busy,” Troy whispered to Olga, nuzzling her
neck.

“Busy and happy,”
Olga replied as they shared a sweet, tender kiss.

With a happy sigh, Olga
rested her head on Troy's shoulder and gazed down at their joined
hands. The beautiful, brilliant pink gem gleamed and winked on her
finger, promising a future that was just as bright and rosy.

This ring represented
everything she loved about the little town of Bear Cove. It was
crafted with love and care, and there was no other like it. And it
belonged to her.

This was where she belonged.
She was home at last.

* * * * *

End

About the Author

Natalie Kristen is a writer
who enjoys mixing the sweet with the spicy, the light with the dark,
the possibilities with the unimaginable. She enjoys exploring
paranormal and dystopian worlds, deep desires and inspiring romances.
She is hopelessly addicted to coffee, chocolate, reading and
writing. She loves to hear from readers so please feel free to
follow her on Twitter and Facebook, or visit her blog for the latest
news and updates.

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