The Dance

Chapter 60 Family

Lila and Bam eagerly welcomed the remaining Browns to Juneau. After introductions to Jack and Becky, Bam and Matt escorted Ami, Billy, Gabe, Bear and Noah to the guest house to get them settled. The guesthouse was a nice change of pace for the family. Jack and Becky had stocked it with fresh linens, beverages and a smorgasbord of foods and snacks. Bear and Gabe wasted no time in raiding the refrigerator while Noah fiddled with the flat screen TV.

With the wedding only a few days away, Ami pulled Bam to the side to talk with him. "You look happy." She smiled and brushed his shoulder with her hand.

"I am. I'm glad everyone is here. It's important to me to have all of you here."

"How's Matt doing?" Ami asked with slight concern.

"He's fine, Ma. Wait until you see him in his wedding suit. He cleans up pretty good."

"And Rain and Bird?"

"Ma, they've been having the time of their life. They really love Lila and she feels the same about them."

Ami was happy to hear that Lila blended so well with the family. It also helped that she was an Alaska girl which meant she and Bam would stay close to home. Ami's biggest fear was losing any of her children to the lower 48 but in her heart she knew one day that fear would become a reality for one of her children.

Rain and Bird flew into the guesthouse practically knocking Ami over with their excitement. Both girls spilled wedding details until Ami coaxed them into the sitting area to share all the details with the entire family.

Lila slipped quietly in the guesthouse and wrapped an arm around Bam's waist. They stood there surveying the room. "Are you sure you want to join this family?" Bam shook his head watching the chaos of the reunion unfold.

Lila squeezed his waist and replied, "I wouldn't have it any other way! Nine times the joy!"

Becky and Jack joined the family escorting the last of the extended family, Kay and Kenny. Matt couldn't help but yell "Keennnnnnaaaayyy" at the top of his lungs leading off a chorus of howls from the brothers. Lila was thrilled to see Kay arrive and quickly whisked her off to the main house to show her the dress she would wear for the service.

Kay and Kenny had been so kind to Lila and Bam during her recovery from the fall. She was pleased Kay had side yes to being her matron of honor.

The reunion was a sweet remembrance that Lila would always cherish. Her one and only regret was that her father wouldn't be there in person to see her exchange vows with Bam. She thought how much he would have liked Bam. She knew that he would be there in spirit all the more reason the wedding had to be held at her home. She knew he'd be watching over her here in this place called home.