“Of course. Just need to get the public one done first,” said Ginny. “Besides, George is going to have to be ‘Buster’ for the first too.”
“Yes, and I’d really like to render tribute if I could,” said George.
Everyone nodded.
“What do you mean by two services?” asked Sam.
“First one is for people. Second is for shifters and family,” said Luc.
“Oh,” said Sam.
“You’d be welcome at both, because you were his family for so long,” said Patrick.
“Well, but I…” stammered Sam.
“Sam, if you weren’t at the first, he’d come back to haunt you!” said Ginny only partially teasing.
“Fine. Just tell me what’s expected,” said Sam.
They discussed plans while they ate.
*
Donald and James from the funeral home brought the urn with Brian’s remains to the B&B the next morning at 10am. Sam invited them to the service at 2pm, and they said that they’d try to be there. She thanked them again and asked if there was any charge as money had been left for cremation.
“Ma’am, I knew Buster and I’d feel bad to charge for his cremation. There was hardly anything left of him. Give the money to a charity or something,” Donald said.
“Are you sure?” asked Sam.
“Yes. We talked about it. Plus, with all the hassle those idiots are causing you, I couldn’t bear to charge you,” Donald said.
“All right, but if I find out you shorted yourselves, I’ll be after you,” she said.
“Don’t worry Sam,” said James as they walked off. What Sam didn’t know is that Luc had paid for the cremation on the condition that James and Donald never say anything about it.
Sam waved them off and locked the door. Then she went to lay down until an hour before the first service.
*
The service was a typical non-denominational funeral. Ginny had hung up his WWI uniform on a hanger and put out pictures of the family on the altar. ‘Buster’ sat at the back, and howled a time or two until patted by Patrick.
Outside, the paramedics were still trying to raise a stink, but it wasn’t working out so well. Especially as ‘Buster’ came out of the chapel and growled at them as the family followed behind. Luc and Patrick took point and made sure that no one bothered any of the women, who hovered around Sam and protected her from reporters, and curious people in general.
At the door of the B&B, Luc stood outside until everyone was in. Then he waited, as he knew the crowd would try and interrupt things.
“I don’t know what your problem is, but it is time to leave us alone. Sam has a business to run and my cousins and I need time to grieve. I suggest you all go home and watch TV if you want to see supernatural beings,” said Luc.
“I still say you’re hiding something!” said the arrogant man from the day before.
“You really should think before you open your mouth. If Brian was a werewolf and we’re all related to him, shouldn’t you be afraid?” said Luc.
The man stammered and then turned and walked off in a huff.
“I guess one werewolf was okay, especially if he was an old man, but the idea of a hotel full of them was just too improbable,” said Patrick.
The two men laughed and went in to join the rest.
*
Late that night, Patrick checked around before the family exited the B&B. All of them were dressed in dark clothes. Ginny walked with Sam, while Patrick and Luc guided Meg and Angie. Shifter night vision made flashlights unnecessary. George in the guise of ‘Buster’ followed behind, keeping a nose out for anything unusual. After about a mile, the forest behind the B&B opened up into a meadow. George loped around the meadow, came back and shook his head at Luc. Then he nosed a pack from Angie and disappeared for a few minutes. He came back dressed in jeans and a shirt and stood with Angie.
Ginny set the urn down in the middle of the meadow. She had the picture of Brian with his wife Natalie and propped it in front. Luc got out the glasses and the bottle of Canadian Whiskey he’d bought in town. He stepped up next to Ginny.
“We gather under the moon, in the woods and beneath open skies to honor a man who thought himself forgotten. Brian Davy had seen a lot in his life. He survived wars, and difficult times. He knew love and family. Some of that family is here tonight. Family by blood and family by choice,” Luc said. He opened the whiskey and poured a shot into everyone’s glass. When that was done, he set down the bottle.
“To Buster, my great-great uncle whom I knew as Buster,” Luc said and took a sip of the whiskey.
“I didn’t know the man, but heard of him through my cousin and her mate. I’ve slept in his house, and spent time with his family of choice, Sam. To Buster, my great-great uncle,” said George who then took a sip.
“I knew him as Buster. He kept my mate company while I was busy and we took many a walk and run under the moon. He was a good person and I will miss him,” said Patrick and he sipped his whiskey.
“To Buster,” said Angie who sipped her whiskey.
“To Buster, great-great uncle to my mate,” said Meg who took a sip of whiskey.
“I first knew him as Buster. He’d sit on my bed while I recovered from a concussion. He kept my mate company on runs in the forest. After he passed, I learned that he was my great-great grandfather and his name was Brian Davy. He was a good man who went to war and used his abilities to keep his buddies safe behind enemy lines. The love of his life was Natalie. They had five children together. I’m still learning about him. For whatever reason, he lost track of his family, or his family lost track of him. He came to the mountains to die, but instead found a new family. He passed with family around him. To my great-great grandfather Brian,” said Ginny. She took a sip of her whiskey and turned to Sam.