A Bride for the Bear (Bear Creek Clan 6) by Harmony Raines Page A

did, was it the right thing for her?
    Deep down, what worried her the most was that she gave off a vibe that said, “I’m not the marrying kind.” Because, despite all the brides who came to see her for advice on their wedding dresses, she didn’t really understand what went into a good marriage. How did people actually know they had found the right partner in life? Some of her clients seemed to know instantly, like Drew.
    “I’ll go and take this off,” Drew said, heading towards the fitting room.
    “She looks so beautiful, thank you, Alli,” Marjorie McCormac said. “I can’t wait for her to become my daughter-in-law.”
    “She’s very lucky to have you to help with all the arrangements,” Alli said, thinking how sad it was for Drew to be getting married without her mother watching. Alli drifted back into thoughts of what her own wedding would be like. She had no real relatives—her mom had raise her alone, but had died three years ago. She missed her every day and could understand how Drew felt.
    Startled from her musings, she looked up as a gorgeous, dark-haired, dark-eyed man came into the shop. He was huge, all bulging biceps and broad chest; his skin was golden, tanned by working outdoors. Swallowing, she thought how Graham would pale in comparison to such a man. If Graham needed a tan, it came out of a spray bottle. He had no time for the outdoor life. Then she chastised herself for even thinking of comparing them. Graham loved her; he was loyal to her. This man was a stranger who would walk into her life and then right back out of it.
    “Hello, I’m Alli. How can I help you?” She put on her most helpful smile, but, seeing the look of confusion on his face, she began to feel uncomfortable. “Do you have the right place? We’re a bridal store.”
    He continued to stare at her, his mouth opening and closing. Slowly he began to stammer. “I … I … have … c … come to pick up a silver comb,” he managed to finish.
    She stood looking into his brooding, dark eyes, wondering if the passion they contained was for a woman she knew. Damn, how she longed to look into a man’s eyes and know such passion was for her. Graham never showed passion, unless it was for a business deal.
    Alli realised she was standing with her mouth open but no words coming out. Was this contagious? Clearing her throat and gathering her thoughts, she answered, “Yes. It’s for Melanie, isn’t it? It was ordered in specially.” It had been on her day off, when old Mrs. Bury looked after the shop. Although “day off” was a term she used loosely. She usually went into the nearest city to stock up on ribbons and fabrics. “Wait there and I’ll go and get it.”
    She walked to the shelves tucked away to one side of the shop where she kept the orders, and he did as she asked. He waited exactly where she had left him, as if turned to stone. His eyes looked a little glazed, as though he was daydreaming, or on drugs. Around him, Drew and Marjorie began to collect their belongings. He took no notice; it was as if there was no one else in the shop. Alli couldn’t help but let her gaze slip his way, her eyes skimming over his fabulous body and then flicking up to his hauntingly soft eyes. Her heart actually skipped a beat.
    No doubt about it, she had never had feelings like this for Graham. There had never been this instant recognition of another human being. Was this love at first sight? No, she was in a relationship, a strong relationship. But Alli acknowledged that, along with marriage, she needed passion in her life, and not the kind Graham expected. Material things were his passion; along with business he liked big houses and fast cars, things he could control.
    Graham liked being in control.
    “Here,” she said, bringing the silver comb out to him.
    “Thank you,” he replied, his composure returning, yet his eyes were still slightly out of focus.
    “I’ll just wrap it.” She reached for a sheet of gift-wrap and