The Dance

Chapter 3 The Transport

"Lila, your dad wanted me to give this to you." Jack handed Lila a sealed envelope. "He made all the arrangements for his service and the attorneys will meet with you to bring you up to date on the business after you've had time to take in all that's happened."

Lila nodded in silence. She was numb to the turn of events. She had hoped they had longer but now she knew he waited until the very end so she would not drop everything to run back to Alaska. Her father had always been a master planner and he was already one step ahead of her.

Lila broke the seal on the envelope and recognized her dad's handwriting
He always preferred handwritten letters to text messages and emails. When she was at college, he would send ten page letters of all the Alaska comings and goings. It made her feel connected to home. When she left New York, she had carefully packed the shoeboxes of letters from Alaska. These were her most precious memories of him. She wondered if he had done the same.

The letter was dated three months prior.

Dearest Lila,

If you are reading this then Jack has followed my final instructions. What a good friend he has been.

I'm sorry to leave you all alone. It wasn't my plan but there's a bigger architect than me. I have done everything humanly possible to make sure you, Jack and Becky will be cared for after I'm gone. Everything that happens after my final farewell is in God's hands.

I have made arrangements to be cremated in Juneau. I have instructed Jack and Becky to take you and my ashes to Hoonah Bay to be spread in my favorite fishing spot. Jack knows the one.

I have also made arrangements with my attorneys to have the cabin deeded to Jack and Becky. They have called this place home for so many years I can't imagine anyone else but the three of you staying here.

My final wish is for you to take over the business or not. Keep it, make it thrive, or sell it and follow whatever passion you have. If you do sell it, the profits should be enough to afford you a home anywhere in the world and time to decide what's next for you.

Lila, sweet Lila, follow your heart always and remember me when you see the Aurora lights.

Lovingly yours,

Dad

Lila folded up the letter and handed it to Jack and Becky to read. Becky began to sob and Jack found himself fighting back tears. Lila hugged them both and never wanted to let go of them again.

Jack had carried out his friend's wishes. He, Becky and Lila would travel to Hoonah for a private disposition of the ashes. They decided to extend their stay in Hoonah. Jack and Becky had family in Hoonah and were long overdue for a visit. They made arrangements for Lila to stay at the lodge in town. Jack's family place was a little to rustic for Lila at least he thought so. She would have to acclimate herself to the Alaskan lifestyle again as she had been away from home for 6 years. The lodge would be a better fit for her for now and the change of pace might do her good.

After arriving in Hoonah, Jack chartered a small boat and he, Becky and Lila travelled to the spot for the service. Lila carefully opened the urn and gently spread her dad's ashes on the still waters of Hoonah Bay.

"You are home, daddy. You're home."

Jack broke the somber moment with the retelling of how he had rescued Lila's dad from the bay and how from that moment on the two of them had become fast friends. They laughed as Jack regaled them of their adventures from their childhood. It was a good way to end the day. Tired from her travels and the days activities, Lila kissed Jack and Becky goodbye at the lodge. They would see her in two weeks and this would give her time to contact the attorneys and make some decisions about her next steps.

She watched as Jack and Becky headed out the door of the lodge thinking how blessed she and her dad were to have them in their lives.