The Dance

Chapter 122 Farewell

Matt and Jill broke the news to Bam and Lila first, knowing that they would be sympathetic to their cause. Hoonah was a 90 minute ride away and it wasn't like he was leaving the state. The sat phone was always available in case of emergencies. The hardest part of all of this was saying goodbye to Jace Matthew and Lily Rose. They would grow and change while he was away and he didn't want to miss out on a single one of their triumphs. Bam and Lila promised to take lots of pictures so he could see the changes everyday.

While Matt and Bam made their way to the main cabin to tell the family of his decision, Lila and Jill had time to talk privately.  "You will be gentle with his heart."

Jill nodded. "And you'll make sure he doesn't fall back into any bad habits?"

Jill nodded again. "And you'll keep him safe for us?" Lila's last question was almost inaudible as she choked back tears. Watching Matt leave was almost as bad as being separated from Bam. Lila loved Bam in the romantic sense but she loved Matt like he was her own brother. He had shown remarkable courage when he delivered the Brownies and he was slowly turning into the man she had knew him to be.

Jill wrapped her arms around Lila's shoulders and promised her that she would let no harm come to him. "Lila, I love Matt. I just haven't told him yet. I'll be there for him...always. And when you come to town, I expect you to visit us until we can figure out how to make this all work."

When the brothers returned, they found both Jill and Lila a little teary eyed. "How did everyone take the news?" Lila asked.

"They know I'm going to be fine." Matt stood by Jill and held her hand. "I'm still close by and I'll see them every week when they come to Hoonah. Hopefully, once we get things figured out, we'll be reunited.

"Man, let's get a move on it or we'll miss the tide." Bam didn't want them to linger too long because goodbyes were hard on everyone. Lila gave them all a hug and wished them well. Bam volunteered to take them back to Hoonah on tbe skiff as it would be a faster trip without the whole family in tow.

The family gathered on the beach to bid farewell to Matt and Jill. Gabe and Bear were the first part to say goodbye. "This gives us an excuse to come to town more often." Bear kept the tone upbeat.

Gabe was a little more reserved with his words. He and Matt had a special bond ever since he had revealed his drinking problem to his younger brother. Gabe had missed Matt terribly when he was in rehab. He also knew Matt was still missing something in his life and he knew it was a partner. He knew Jill was good for Matt's spirit. He hoped she was good for his soul.

"Gabey, don't look so sad, man. This gives you an excuse to come to town and meet pretty girls." Matt grabbed the sleeve of his jacket and gave him a huge bear hug.

Rain, Bird and Noah were next in line for their goodbyes. "Noah, I expect you to keep making progress here without me. You got the Bamster to keep you focused on our project list." Noah nodded and answered back, "I got this."

Bird and Rain fought back tears as they tagged team their eldest brother with side hugs. "Girls, you'll have a place to stay with all the amenities of a hot shower and a private bathroom." They appreciated the invite as bush living always seemed a little harder on them than it did their brothers since they were a little more fussy than the boys when it came to personal hygiene.

Jill held her breath as Ami and Billy stepped forward to bid them a safe passage to Hoonah. Jill hoped they would see this time away as an opportunity for Matt to grow and not as a means to leave them. "Matthew, you'll always have a home here with us." Ami held his face in between her hands. "Don't forget how to navigate home when you need to re-energize your soul."

Even Mr. Cupcake sensed the sadness surrounding Matt's departure. He circled Matt's legs as Matt rubbed his head. "Cuppy, I'm going to miss you most."

Lila took a photo of Matt and Jill holding the Brownies and promised to send them a copy. The trio of Jill, Matt and Bam climbed into the skiff to head for their new life in Hoonah. It was the saddest day for the family unit but the happiest of days for Matt and Jill.