Country Mile

THERE'S ALWAYS TOMORROW

Adam entered the house, bags in hand with the girls trailing behind him. Anne met them in the foyer and the man all but melted into her when she hugged his waist and laid her head down upon his chest.

Genna took the bags so he could properly hug her back and as inconspicuous as possible, tried sneaking down the hall.

"Genevieve," Adam's voice stilled her. "I wanna take that walk with you now."

Picking up on his tone, Anne pulled back to look up at him. "What walk? What happened?"

He shook his head and bent down to kiss her softly. "I'll tell you tonight after dinner."

Clarice clapped her hands together as she passed the hall. "Speaking of dinner! I hope you don't have plans tomorrow night because I invited the new neighbors over as a nice little 'welcome to the neighborhood'."

Anne merely shifted her gaze to the heavens before turning around. "No, Aunt Clarice, we don't. That's very kind of you to be hosting.. despite.. everything."

Adam released Anne as she made her way down the hall with Clarice, then crooked his finger at Genna. She set the bags down before releasing a groan and following him outside. When they stepped out into the warm air, Genna was surprised when Adam took her hand and pulled her down to sit on the steps instead of marching her to her death like she had assumed.

He sat down beside her and shifted his body so he was facing her. His thumb rubbed back and forth on the back of her hand and she stared at him, confused.

"I know why you're actin' the way you are," Adam finally said, "and even though you deserve to have your tail whipped somethin' fierce for all fool headed things you've done today..." he shook his head and looked out across the road to the trees. "Doin' so just don't sit right with me. Not with knowin' exactly what stuck that burr up under your saddle."

He looked back to his daughter and brought his hand up to stroke her cheek. "I ain't gonna do like I said I was gonna.. not tonight.. but this behavior can't happen the whole time we're here. I'll do my best to be patient with you, but the very second you start upsettin' your mama, will be the very second my understandin' ends."

Adam stood and pulled Genna up with him, then crushed her to his chest. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I love you, sunshine. Don't let these cloudy days make me rain hellfire down on your backside."

Genna let out a breathy laugh and nodded, feeling loved despite the warring emotions invading her chest.

***

A knock at the door had Clarice giddily making her way to the foyer.

"Louise, Harold, I'm so pleased you could make it!" She quickly motioned the family inside. "Oh, what beautiful children! Please, come on in kids!"

She smiled at all three sons and then her gaze shifted to their daughter. "You know, my niece is visiting and brought two girls about your age. I bet you'll all get along splendidly."

"I'm so glad you invited us! You have a lovely home!" Louise said.

"Yes, thank you so much for the invitation." Harold smiled along with his wife. He then pointed to each child as he rattled off their names. "This is my daughter Deja, and my boys, Timothy, Theodore, and Tucker."

"It's wonderful to meet you, children." Clarice turned, smiling brightly at Louise for the compliment. "And thank you, I like to dabble in interior design; a little hobby of mine to keep me busy. If you ever want me to spruce up your place, just let me know!" She closed the door and motioned for everyone to follow her. "Dinner has just been placed so please, follow me."