Free Bearly a Memory: Pacific Northwest Bears: (Shifter Romance) by Moxie North Page B

I had her throw some cream cheese on it; it’s how I like to eat it. Usually, I make them myself after Thanksgiving,” he said. He wasn’t sure why he told her that, but at least his voice sounded normal.
    “Well, I feel like I’ve been starving. So your aunt owns the diner?” She tried to make conversation.
    “This town is about as big as a postage stamp. At least half of the town has the last name of Rochon. My father and uncles all started lumber and timber businesses here years ago. Six brothers, plus their wives, plus plenty of kids, and the town filled up. So the main employers here, outside government jobs and the hospital, are all Rochon companies,” Tanner explained.
    “You aren’t in timber, though, are you?” Brooke said stating the obvious.
    Shaking his head, Tanner glanced down at his sandwich then back up at her. “You know when you grow up surrounded by something? Something that almost everyone else seems to feel is normal, but it never fit you? It never made you excited or excited for the future?”
    Brooklyn thought for a split second before responding. “Yes, I do.” She couldn’t give an example, but it was a truth she felt in her soul.
    “Well, I worked with my family. I learned the jobs. I never loved it. I wanted to do this,” he said, gesturing to his uniform.
    “You always wanted to be a police officer?”
    “No, I wanted to join the Marines. But I knew it would break my mother’s heart if I left. So I joined the police academy. Stayed here, close to family,” he explained.
    “That makes sense to me. I don’t know why, but I get the feeling of not being what your parents wanted,” she said. Her brain was searching for something that she just couldn’t grab onto. It felt…familiar.
    “So, I’m the sheriff. Not a tough job around here. Summers get busy with all the traffic heading into the woods for camping and hiking. I actually spend most of my time settling disputes between neighbors around here.”
    Brooke tasted her soup and tried not to moan as the creamy soup slid down her throat. It tasted like a baked potato in a bowl.
    “Still sounds nice that you are so involved with your community,” she offered.
    “It is. It’s what I really wanted to do with my life. My family finally accepted my choice. It’s not like there aren’t enough Rochons around to fill in any open positions,” he scoffed.
    “So are you close with your family?” she asked. She set her plate down, her stomach full and warm.
    “You didn’t save any room for dessert?” Tanner asked.
    “Maybe in a bit. So how many siblings do you have?” she asked.
    “Just two. I have two sisters, both younger. Trinity is in college, and Tabitha is an environmental engineer for the state. Trinity was a surprise for my parents. They thought they were all done.” Tanner chuckled.
    “What is your sister studying in college?” she asked.
    Tanner finished his food and put his plate down. He stretched his other foot up on the bed and crossed his feet at the ankles.
    “I don’t know, underwater basket weaving or something. She’s a bit of a free spirit, my Trin is. I haven’t quite figured her out. I feel more like a dad than a brother sometimes. My dad was way too indulgent with her, so she hasn’t settled down yet,” he said.
    “Well, dads should spoil their girls. It gives them goals for their future partners,” Brooke said with a smile.
    “I suppose that’s true. Tabby is so focused. She has life plans that are written in stone. She has always been rigid and controlled. I don’t worry about her as much,” Tanner explained.
    Brooke could see that he loved his sisters. He really wanted to know that his sisters were going to be okay.
    “Wonder if I have any siblings?” Brooke pondered.

Chapter 15
    “ Y our mom didn’t mention anyone but your father. Do you want to give them a call?”
    Shaking her head, she said, “I don’t know what I would say. Hi, I don’t know you, how’s life ?
    Tanner