The Milestone Tapes by Mackler-Paternostro Ashley

Author:Mackler-Paternostro, Ashley [Mackler-Paternostro, Ashley]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2012-03-12T07:00:00+00:00

~ * * * ~

Jenna watched the tide roll over the bay below her. She stood at the end of her land, feeling like it was end of the world. Mia was playing a few strides back, and Gabe was lounged on a lawn chair. It was early, Ginny would be collecting Mia soon, and Gabe would sneak off to work with an apologetic smile. It was the sort of morning that called them outside: the wind was mild and abiding off the coast, the clouds holding the rain at bay, and though there was no sun, the fall rarely offered a escape so inviting.

“I don’t have school today, Daddy,” Mia grinned.

“I know, that must be nice, I have to work.” Gabe forced a small frown.

“I’m going out with Ginny, we’re going to the movies!” Mia twirled about in the soft grass, spinning pirouettes, her skirt swirling out in a parachute of soft fabric.

“That’ll be fun,” Gabe agreed, glancing at Jenna with questioning eyes, silently questioning why. “You feeling okay, babe?” he asked innocently, folding his newspaper and setting it aside.

“Oh, I’m fine. Just a bunch of things to do, Mia would be bored to tears.” Jenna brushed off his concern, not bothering to turn around, pretending to be bewitched by the sight of the ships going out to sea.

“Want company?” Gabe pressed, Jenna winced. She didn’t want to dive into this conversation in front of Mia.

“You’ll be thinking about work all day if you’re here, so you might as well just be there,” Jenna laughed, knowing that the truth in that rang true.

“Probably right,” Gabe sighed deeply in defeat. “Speaking of, I should be heading out,” Gabe groaned as he hefted himself from the seat.

“Bye Daddy, have a fun day!” Mia jovially waved, sprinting across the short distance to his side, latching her arms around his thigh.

“Bye Mia baby, have a fun day, too.” Gabe lifted Mia up, smothering her cheeks with kisses until she caved with fits of squirmy, joyful laughter.

Jenna turned, pacing across the lawn to the little klatch of love. She wrapped her arms around Gabe from behind, feeling the way his muscles ebbed and flowed under the thick, dowdy fabric of his coat. She pressed her face between his shoulder blades, breathing in deeply, committing his scent, something earthy and spicy, to memory.

“All right, all right, I’ve gotta go.” Gabe finally gave up, placing Mia on the ground gently.

“I love you Gabe.” Jenna released him as her turned to face her.

“I’ll stay,” Gabe answered, meaning it. He’d stay with her, run all the errands and ignore all the distractions.

“No, you go. Make beautiful houses,” Jenna teased lightly, wrapping her arms around him again, stepping up on her toes to kiss his lips, tasting his coffee.

“You sure?” He pulled back, a pensive look causing his eyes to squint in speculation.

He was getting old, Jenna realized. The thin of hint of wrinkle pinched around his eyes, his temples pierced with silver.

“Scout’s honor.” Jenna held up her hand in innocence, lying to him.

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