Not Expecting to Collide (COMPLETE) - ABP Fanfiction

Chapter 87 - Auld Lang Syne

Rosanna returned to Seattle before the new year signalling the beginning of the exodus from Browntown. August and Robert bade a fond farewell to Browntown at the end of the week and whisked Birdie away with them to the big city. First Birdie was leaving, then him, Rainy and October would go. His whole family would be fragmented and Bam couldn't help but feel like he was partly to blame for that.
Birdie's farewell was more bittersweet. She would be away from everyone in her family for the first time in her life but she was embarking on a grand adventure where her possibilities were endless.

~*~

"In a few minutes it will be a whole new year." October unfastened her braid and began brushing her hair. "Do you remember last Christmas?"
Bam set aside his book and leaned himself up against the headboard. "Here, let me do that." He reached for the hairbrush. October smiled and handed it over to him. She settled down on the bed between his outstretched legs. "I remember the first time you told me you love me." He replied as he gently stroked the brush through her golden mane.
"Did you think you would be where you are now at this time last year?"
"Yes and no." He mused.
"How do you mean?"
Bam thought for a moment before replying. "Yes, I thought I would be here. I hoped you would be with me but I expected it to be still under my fathers thumb with him calling the shots and barking the orders. I couldn't have predicted any of this year to happen the way it did."
"Are you - are you disappointed with the way everything has turned out?" She asked trepidatiously.
Bam shook his head slightly. "No. I do wish that my relationship with my parents was different - or at least with my mom, but it's not and wishing it so is a waste of time." She heard a tinge of bitterness in his voice.
"Do you think it will be different by next Christmas?"
Bam shrugged. "I really don't know, sunshine. I don't see anything changing in the near future. Ask me next Christmas."
"Do you have any regrets?"
Bam's eyes crinkled at the corners in curiosity. "What are you getting at?"
October's brow furrowed. "I don't know. Just making sure you don't regret...us, or the baby."
Bam smiled to himself. She was always seeking reassurance that he wanted her. "Well, I thought I might be married to Heidi Klum by now, but you'll do."
October gasped and turned to thwack him on the shoulder. Bam was too quick. He grabbed around her waist, flipped her underneath him on the bed and kissed her soundly. "No. I don't regret us or the baby, only that it took me too long to come for you. For both of you."
October brushed his silver curls away from his forehead and sighed in satisfaction. Outside the cabin there was a loud crackle and then a few popping sounds going off in the distance. "What is that?" October asked, eyes wide.
Bam grinned. "Matt got some fireworks to set off on the beach tonight. That means it must be midnight. Do you want to go watch?"
October ran her hands down his chest and slipped her fingers under the hem of his tshirt. "Or we could stay in and make our own fireworks right here." She suggested. Bam watched her in the firelight. He loved it when she looked at him like that. Her irises had grown so filled with lust that only a thin rim of colour surrounded them, like an eclipse of the sun.
He bent his head to flick his tongue against the long curve of her throat. "Damn woman, what you do to me."
October moaned breathily. "Happy new year, Lover."

~*~

Good news came by way of mail less than a week later. Bam's permit had been approved and he was free to enter Canada to go to work, and more importantly, arrive in time for October to give birth in Calgary. It didn't take long for travel arrangements to be made. October was anxious to get back home and finish preparing for baby's arrival.
As the rest of the family stood at the Hoonah Ferry terminal, Rainy gave each and every one an extra long hug. "Take care of them." Bam said to Matt solemnly, glancing at their three other brothers. He turned to Amber to envelop her in an affectionate embrace. "Keep him under control." He nodded toward Matt. Amber smiled as Matt wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. "She will." He assured.
October was next. She clasped hands with both Amber and Matt. "We'll see you in time for your wedding." She promised. "Please call us as soon as there is any news about the baby." Amber reminded. October nodded. "You will be the first to know."
Last call for the ferry boomed out over the loudspeaker. Bam picked up the bags and Rainy quickly gave everyone one last hug before the three travellers walked up the ramp to the waiting boat.

~*~

The house was dark as Bam pulled the truck into the driveway. "Welcome home Rainy." October said quietly and jostled the sleeping girl by her arm. The long day of travel had worn all of them out. A warm shower and soft bed sounded like heaven to October. The two girls left Bam to wrestle the luggage into the house while October gave Rainy a tour of what would be her home for the next few months. She flipped on the lights before they climbed the stairs.
"This is your room." October stated as she opened the door with a flourish. "You have your own bathroom through there and the closet is on the right." Bam came through the door and deposited Rainy's bags inside the room.
Rainy went straight to the bed, sat down and yawned widely. October smiled. "We'll go through everything else tomorrow." Bam nodded in agreement. "Get some rest. You have a big week ahead of you." Bam took October's hand in his and turned to leave.
"Bam?" Rainy called quietly behind him.
"Yeah?" Bam stopped in the doorway.
"Thank you for bringing me here with you."
Bam's eyes softened at his baby sister. "Of course, sweetie. Anytime."