“He’s Conley Island’s most renowned brown bear,” Gage’s dad explained.
“Don’t let the name fool you,” Reed added. “Little John is a full-grown grizzly. We just named him that because all three of us siblings loved reading about, and watching,Robin Hoodwhen we were growing up.”
Aurora’s expression settled into one of concern. “So he’s really big?”
Laughing softly, Gage’s mom shook her head. “Not as big as some get. He’s only come around here every so often, but the boys run him off. Just be sure not to leave any food outside of your cabin, or he might be tempted to pay you a visit.”
“Him or one of his friends,” Reed said with a grin.
Gage could see the concern building on Aurora’s face. If they kept filling her in on all the dangers of the island, she’d be making a night swim back to Juneau.
“You’ll be safe with Gage along,” he heard his father say.
Aurora nodded as she looked Gage’s way. “I have no doubt.”
“So it’s settled,” Julia decided. “We eat. Then we go get some pictures. Afterward, we’ll come back here and play some games.”
“When you kids head off on your photographic adventure, I’ll get a fire going,” Reed offered.
“And I’ll get the g-games out and set them on the c-coffee table,” Jim said. “Aurora chooses who g-goes first.” He looked her way. “A perk of b-being a guest here.”
“I suppose I should have asked how Gage responds to losing before I fully committed to joining family game night.”
Gage arched an affronted brow as he fought to keep the grin from his face. “I can’t really answer that because I never lose.”
“Well, you know what they say,” Aurora replied. “Never say never.”
Gage’s dad hooted and then glanced down at his wife. “Looks like our son m-might have met his match in this young lady. I’m l-looking forward to watching our eldest son get his g-game confidence knocked down a notch or two.”
“Same.” Reed chuckled.
“If we play teams, I get Aurora,” Julia called out.
“We might be drawing straws for that privilege,” Reed said.
Constance clapped her hands together. “Game night is going to be so much fun tonight! I love a little friendly competition. Now everyone go ahead and take a seat at the table. Julia and I will start bringing the food out.”
“Can I help with anything?” Aurora offered.
“Thank you for offering, honey,” Constance said. “But we are used to feeding a table full of guests. We have a system all worked out. You just relax and enjoy your stay here.”
Jim released his loving hold on his wife and stepped aside so she could make her way past him to the kitchen.
On her way, she looked at Gage. “Go on over and find your seats. We’ll just be a couple of minutes.”
When his mother and Julia disappeared into the kitchen, Aurora asked, “Would you mind very much if I took a few quick pictures of this room?”
Gage looked around. “It’s not the wildlife you’re used to photographing, but feel free to snap away.”
“It makes me think of the outdoors,” Aurora told him as she glanced about the room appreciatively. “It’s designed so perfectly,” she went on as she pulled out her camera and snapped several pictures. “From the half log walls to the log beams spanning this big, open room beneath the vaulted ceiling. The floor-to-ceiling windows and the slender, lit pines tucked away in different areas of the room give the feel of standing out in the woods as the sun is setting.”
“Hmm,” Reed muttered as he looked around. “Never quite looked at this room in that way.”
“That’s because all you think about when you’re in here is eating,” Gage said with a grin.
“Fact,” his brother replied with an even wider grin.
Laughing at their playful banter, Aurora returned her camera to its bag.
