Country Mile

IN MANIFOLD WAYS

By the time the plane touched down in Connecticut, Genna was inwardly hysterical.

The passing of Anne's uncle caused the woman enough stress that she began to have intermittent contractions during the flight. Adam immediately took her to the nearest hospital upon arrival where she was given a good report, but urged to push fluids and rest as much as possible during their stay.

"As soon as we get to your uncle's house, you head straight to bed. Anyone who wants to visit with you can do so while you're layin' down."

Anne reached out and stroked the handsome, stressed face. "It's okay, Adam. I'm fine, the baby's fine.."

He glanced at her briefly before bringing his eyes back to the road and tightening his grip on the steering wheel. "Ain't nothin' fine about any of this, Anne."

"The doctor said—"

"I know what she said." He sighed dejectedly before whispering, "I'm just worried is all."

"I know."

Genna let out a heavy breath from the backseat, causing Anne to turn around.

"Let's do quick introductions, then you girls go with Dad to the mall. Hows that sound?"

Delilah clapped her hands together excitedly. "Oh! That sounds fun! Right Genna?"

Genna turned to her sister, her face twisted with disgust at how the girl could be even remotely happy given all that was happening. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Delilah's face fell. "What?" she questioned, hurt evident in her voice.

"Genevieve." Adam's eyes found his daughter's in the rearview mirror. "Quit while you're ahead."

She shifted her body, angling it toward the window where her eyes stayed the rest of the drive.

***

"We're here," Anne said with a sad smile.

Adam reached out and gave her knee a gentle squeeze. They pulled into a circular drive way that wrapped around a gaudy water fountain featuring a 7 foot stone fairy cupping an orchid in its hands. It looked terribly out of place when compared to the quaint two story home sitting behind it.

"Ew," Genna mumbled under her breath as they all exited the car.

"Is that an elf?" Delilah asked Anne.

The woman smiled but shook her head. "No, it's a garden fairy."

"It's ugly."

The second the quiet comment left Genna's mouth, her hoodie was grasped and she was whipped around. Adam placed both hands on either side of her as he leaned on the car, caging her in place.

He whispered harshly, "There's enough stress and upset happenin' as it is, Mama don't need to deal with your smart-mouth on top of it. Got me?"

Genna felt that old, nearly forgotten burn in her chest. It was the flame that all of the worst-case scenarios running through her mind about Anne ignited, making it feel impossible to swallow her attitude.

Adam stared into her blazing eyes, then shook his head before fully leaning down to speak directly into her ear.

"Straighten up or you and I will be makin' a lotta visits into them woods behind me." He paused to let his words really sink in. "Do we got an understandin' or do we need to take a walk right now?"

Genna felt the flame subside from his cold words and she shook her head. "No, sir. We don't need to do that."

Adam turned his head and pressed a kiss to her temple. "I know you're worried, but that ain't gonna excuse poor behavior. Do better."