Page 129 of Unscripted with Mila

“Yes. Another one of Mila’s books.” Maddox grinned at me. “Our little Mila. Quiet, shy, and bursting with talent.”

“Still waters and all,” I quipped. “They are good together. He says she’s the best thing that ever happened to him. That everything good in his life began when they got together.”

Aiden smiled. “Well, he won best actor for his work in the first film. The film won best adapted screenplay. Now this one is garnering a lot of attention. His little Rosie, whom he adores. Another babe on the way. Plus, he got all of us. That right there is like gold.”

We all chuckled. Nick had fit in with us so well, and everyone loved him. He was good to Mila, and she adored him. And Aiden was right; his career took off in a positive direction once he met Mila. It was wonderful to see.

“Are Richard and Katy staying for good?” I asked Maddox. “Not going back and forth as much?”

He nodded. “Yes. They sold the house in BC. They bought a small condo close to Matthew’s place so they can go visit. They’re going to make Port Albany home now. Gavin and Matthew promised to visit more.”

“You must be pleased.”

He grinned. “Having my partner in crime here all the time? Absolutely. The four of us are planning some major golf rounds.”

Aiden nodded, equally delighted. Richard VanRyan wasn’t a part of BAM, but he was as close to being family as everyone.

“Heather and Gracie are so happy about it. Richard and Katy can fly easily to England, so Penny is pleased too. Gavin and Amanda are planning on spending more time here as well, so everyone is happy.”

Maddox chuckled. “Poor Phillip always looks a bit shell-shocked when he’s here.”

“I don’t blame him. Penny says his family is much smaller and proper.”

“It’s good for him,” Aiden insisted. “Lady Peepee gives him the normalcy he needs.”

“He’s pretty laid-back for a lord. Great dad,” Maddox mused. “And Penny looks very happy.”

“She does. So does Matthew. I have to say, I’ve never seen him look so relaxed.”

“The last to fall,” Jordan murmured. “Always the sweetest. He said he would never get married. No kids. Now he has a wife and one child here and, from what I heard, one on the way. Richard is hoping for twins. Not sure how Matthew feels about that. But Madison is good for him. She made him realize he needed a life outside of being a doctor.”

“And Ashley and Luc fit in so well, you’d never know they weren’t part of us all this time,” Maddox murmured. “Their son looks so much like his namesake, it’s scary.”

“Acts like him too. No doubt who his hero is. He worships Gramps.”

We all glanced toward the VanRyan clan. Richard was being smothered by his youngest grandkids, loving every second of it. The businessman was put aside now, the loving husband, father, and grandfather in his place. Katy observed them, a smile on her face. She was happiest when her children were around, and today, she beamed with delight.

It was good to see.

It was incredible to have them all here. To live long enough to see all my boys and their families, happy, healthy. There had been scares and traumas for everyone, but we all persisted.

I glanced at Bentley, who was leaning on the doorframe by the kitchen. He had a cup of coffee in his hand and was gazing around, the look on his face saying everything. The once-lost man was home. These were his people. His family.

He glanced toward the microphone then back to the room. I met his eyes with a slight nod and a smile, encouraging him. Nothing was planned, but somehow I knew the day wouldn’t be right if Bentley didn’t speak.

I smiled as he set down his coffee cup and picked up the microphone.

* * *

BENTLEY

I grabbed the mic we usually used for karaoke. I took a minute to look around the room at all the faces. The smiles. Listen to the laughter. Feel the love that permeated this place. I tapped the mic to get everyone’s attention.

I smiled at their confusion. We hadn’t planned speeches. I had just wanted to celebrate this occasion with the people I loved the most. But I found myself wanting to say something. I cleared my throat.

“I won’t take up much of your time, but indulge me for a minute. It’s not often we have everyone—so many generations gathered together at once.” I met Emmy’s eyes, still beautiful and captivating after all these years. She nodded and blew me a kiss.

“Never would I have imagined when I opened the doors of BAM fifty years ago that I would be standing here today. Celebrating our achievements.” I took in a breath as emotion suddenly swamped me. “BAM was, and is, more successful than I ever dared to dream. ABC is the extension of that dream, run by some of our children and upholding the values we stood for all those years. It is a legacy I am proud of. One of many.”