Nor did they have to wait long to meet Bella Ray herself, the slight and gray-haired owner of the voice which had both comforted and encouraged and sometimes terrified them along the way—for she emerged onto the covered stage which the rows of tables faced well before dinner was even done, asking the newcomers to stand and introduce themselves and directing leis to be placed over their heads as each of them spoke up.
“Sheila Were, housewife, Anchor Rock. This is my son, Erik.”
“Sammy Benson, Harley-riding man-child turned bus driver.” He glanced at Sheila and winked. “And these are my kids: Lucas, Carina, Sally Meyers, Thomas, Freddy, Malcolm, and Sloan.”
“Peter Romero, pilot for United Airlines. This here is my fiancée, Samantha.”
“How do,” she said, and accepted her lei.
“And who mi
