Bearing The Long Road Home (Ice Bear Shifters 7) (9 page)

“How would you feel about a having our lifemate ceremony in April?” Seth asked, grinning up at her.

Chloe returned his grin. “Are you asking me to marry you?”

“I am indeed,” Seth said. “Do you have any openings on your calendar in April?”

“I’m free as a bird all month long,” Chloe said. “Pick a date, and I’ll be there.”

“Is that a yes, then? You’ll marry me and be my lifemate?”

Chloe kissed Seth’s face. “Yes. I’ll even do the first of April if you want—April Fool’s Day. After all, I’m a fool for you.”

Seth laughed. “You’re so cheesy, but I love it. The first of April it is. The day can’t come soon enough. After all these years of searching, I’ve finally found my happily ever after.”

Chloe kissed Seth and smiled. “I agree. The day can’t come soon enough. And I’m so glad that my happily ever after was you.”

Twenty years later, Chloe held back tears as she watched Seth loading up the last suitcase into their daughter Mia’s car. Mia was going to make the long drive to Chicago with Jack, who was James’ cub. The two had grown up together, almost as siblings, and now they would both be starting college together as freshmen in a couple of weeks. Chloe couldn’t believe how fast Mia had gone from a tiny newborn to a grown woman, leaving to start her new life. It was hard to let her go, but Chloe took comfort in the fact that the rest of the Northern Lights cubs had moved to Chicago ahead of her. She would have family there, looking out for her.

Hope and Calum had started the migration, when they had chosen to go to Chicago together for college. Then Avery, Alyssa, and Elliot had decided to continue the trend the following year. By the time Grant went off to school, he didn’t seriously consider anywhere else. Now, Jack and Mia would be joining them. Hope and Calum were in graduate school by this point, but they would still look out for Jack and Mia.

Mia threw her arms around her parents one last time, hugging and kissing them both, and promising to call and write often. Chloe couldn’t believe what a beautiful young woman Mia had become. Mia had never had to know the bloodshed or violence that the Blizzards had wrought on the Arctic before she was born. She had never been anything other than a Northern Lights bear, and she had never had to run in fear from someone just because of her Blizzards’ heritage. Chloe wouldn’t have dared ask for anything more than this, and yet Mia hadn’t just had a peaceful life thus far—she’d also had a happy, fulfilled one. Her childhood had been filled with memories of life out in the beautiful wilds of Alaska. As she started her new adventure, Chloe was sad to see her go, but proud of the woman she had become.

As Mia climbed into the car to drive off with her cousin Jack, Seth put his arm around Chloe.

“You did good, Mama,” he said. “You raised a wonderful, kind daughter. You should be very proud.”

Chloe looked over at Seth, the love of her life, and smiled. His hair had softened into a salt and pepper look with age, and his face had a few more laugh lines than when they’d met. But he was handsome as ever, and he was hers. All hers, for all time. Chloe couldn’t have asked for a better life, and the fun was far from over. One chapter was ending as their daughter went off to college, but new adventures awaited in this new season of their lives. The Northern Lights clan members always found unique ways to have fun together.

Chloe reached for Seth’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“I think you mean
we
did good,” she said.

Seth smiled at her and kissed the top of her head. “We did good,” he repeated softly.

They stood there together for several minutes with their arms around each other, watching their daughter’s car until it was no longer visible.

Chloe wasn’t sure how she had been lucky enough to enjoy a life filled with so much love, but she thanked destiny every day for bringing her and Seth together, and giving them a place to call home.

ICE BEAR SHIFTERS

Book One: Bearing the Frozen Night (Ryker’s Story)

Book Two: Bearing the Whiteout (Eric’s Story)

Book Three: Bearing the Midnight Sun (Tyler’s Story)

Book Four: Bearing the Black Ice (Alan’s Story)

Book Five: Bearing the Late Thaw (Neal’s Story)

Book Six: Bearing the Frostbite (James’ Story)

FIRE BEAR SHIFTERS

Book One: A Blaze to Bear (Ian’s Story)

Book Two: A Spark to Bear (Hunter’s Story)

Book Three: A Burn to Bear (Luke’s Story)

Book Four: A Flame to Bear (Trevor’s Story)

Book Five: An Ember to Bear (Zach’s Story)

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There are bears walking among us. Sloane Meyers is devoted to telling their stories.

Sloane thinks we could all use a little escape in our lives. And what better way to shake up the ordinary than to transport yourself to the mysterious world of those who have an animal within them, roaring to be let out. Sloane promises hot shifter males, and spunky, spirited heroines—with NO cliffhangers! Each book can be read as a standalone.

When she’s not busy crafting bear tales, Sloane enjoys a good glass of wine, preferably shared with good friends. She loves reading, baking, and pretending that she’s actually a music buff. On weekends, she spends a lot of time in the great outdoors, hiking with her own sexy alpha and adorable little cub.

You can connect with Sloane at her website,
www.sloanemeyers.com
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