The Dance

Chapter 185 Nightshifts

Although their honeymoon had been cut short, Bear and Red were good sports about sneaking time alone whenever possible. The urgency to get the new compound built was now at a fever pace. The pack was growing everyday and the businesses were as well. Matt spent just as much time on the job site as he did their future homesite. Bam was equally as busy hauling much of Matt's lumber orders all over the coast of Alaska. The remaining brothers threw themselves one hundred and ten percent into the build as Lila helped manage the project site along with Matt and Bam. Jill was occupied with Colton and Lucas and kept a watchful eye out for Jace and Lily.

An exhausted Bear would come home and fall into bed with Red both wore out from the days activities. On one of those nights, Bear had a flash of genius. Although he appreciated working with Matt, the sawmill was his baby. With the impending birth of his first child, Bear needed a way to provide for his growing family in his own way like Matt and Bam had for their families.

"I've been thinking about something that I want to run by you and get your thoughts on it, babe." Bear propped himself up on one elbow as Red laid next to him. "I want to start my own business."

"Honey, I think that's a great idea. What do you want to do?" Bear felt her mothering instincts kick in as she stroked his arm and listened to him intently. "I want to start a hunting and fishing guide business. I'm really good at tracking game and well, I am an awesome fisherman."

Red nodded in agreement. "I think I can take parties of one or more out to Browntown and give them the Alaska experience by letting them hunt and fish. Heck, they could even stay in the cabin overnight. Ma and Da will be here and the property will be vacant. Bird could even help if we get female clients."

"And do you have a name for this business?" Red asked already knowing that he had that covered as well.

"Bear Brown's Awesome Alaskan Adventures." He took pride in the name as well as he was able to incorporate his favorite word into the title.

"And to think, all this time I thought you wanted to expand the bakery into a pizzeria." Red giggled as Bear scrambled for a notebook and pen and began to make notes for his new venture.

Meanwhile, Matt and Jill were struggling with Colton having his days and nights reversed. A bleary eyed Matt begged Jill to get Colton to stop crying. He needed sleep and badly and Colton didn't sound like he was giving up. Jill was exasperated. As the mom of a newborn, she didn't quite realize how much work just one baby could be. As Matt and Jill debated what to do next, Lucas woke up and peeked in the bassinet. He quietly rubbed his hand on Colton's back calming him down with his little voice. "Listen to that he stopped crying." Matt heard the silence first. Jill and Matt found Lucas standing on a chair next to Colton telling him a bear story and Colton was fast asleep. Matt picked Lucas up and asked, "How did you do that?" 

Lucas shrugged and laid his head on Matt's shoulder and fell fast asleep as well. He whispered to Jill, "So I think we have a baby whisperer in the family."

Bam was burning the midnight oil again when Lila came to get him. "I'm tired of sleeping alone Mr. Brown." Bam was spending so much time on the hauling business and the build Lila was beginning to feel neglected.

"But there's so much to get done." Bam continued to review financials and shipping deadlines never turning to see his wife in the shadows of the room.

"Mr. Brown, there used to be a time when you would never let a piece of lingerie go to waste." Bam turned to see his wife dressed in a sexy little black number.

As she turned to walk away, he reached for her hand pulling her closer to him. "Why Mrs. Brown, I see you've been to town."

Bam reached for the light turning the switch off. He slipped the thin straps of her chemise off her shoulders and let the silky fabric fall to her waist. He whispered in her ear. "You should know by now, Mrs. Brown, I like it when you just wear moonlight."

I Swear - John Michael Montgomery