#rivervale_lodge

Frank thinks about it, and makes some notes.

And it as at that time, his coffee is restored, "Croissant, Mountain?" Sally Mae offers

"No, thank you." He says with a chuckle, patting his waist.

"Oh now, as much as you and the Chief patrol onn foot you get plenty of excercise"

"It creeps up on you, Sally Mae." he says, not without humor "Maybe for breakfast."

"Mm well, I can use lite syrup for the pancakes?" An offer

Frank looks hurt. "You would do that?"

Sally mae says with a smile "Mountain, you folks have become a second and often more reasonable family to me. If you want to go Lite Syrup or Gluten free, I'll adapt"

"No, thank you, Sally Mae. Real food is just fine with me."

"Oh thank goodness. I was thinking Hearth Kerri AND Aunt Agnes might look offended if they found out" She laughs softly

"I eat enough un-real food on the road." he points out.

"mmm" A note made "Okay, we'll make you some travel food"

"I usually get by on sandwiches from home but I can heat things up in the Rig."

"Sometimes you like a hot meal, you know? And when there's.... That is, sometimes, company. Other people around."

"Stubborn man" she smiles though "All right. Not my place to fuss at you. You've got a wife and there's the Hearth etc"

"I don't see it as fussing, Sally Mae. You care. I'm honored."

"Well I do" She confnesses "But I have myselfish moments. LIke I'll be stealing Carowyn away this Friday"

"Pretty sure he'll go willingly." Frank flicks through some papers "About due for some time off."

"You or me?" Meaning the time off "Because I'd say both"

"Both, certainly."

"Well, hopefully you at least get spoiled on father's day"

"Mmphm. It's not that big a deal. I appreciate the thoughts."

Sally Mae nods "of course , Mountainnn" and decides to drop a hint to Siv and Jessica

"After all, I'm a father every day. Girls are grown, though."

She rolls her eyes "Your girls still get a lot of strength just knowing you care, and they love you and remember your lessons"

"Best gift I could wish for."

"Mmm" She asks "Anything i he mail for me"

"Mmm...." he sorts through it?

"Maybe that one. Not sure who it's for." he indicates the face-down magazine.

"Ah, swimwear sales. Thank you" she snatches it up

"Mmm."

And flips through "Siv will want to see this too. I think she's tired of her yellow two piece. She thinnks it's too modest"

"Mm."

She flips through "Oh this would lovely on your wife"

"Mph." He seems busy with papers on his desk.

"Oh it's quite modest, it just has a lovely forest pattern"

"We don't swim much."

"Oh, Well, in addition to the lake there is a pool behinnd the apartmennts"

Frank looks up at Sally Mae (since he is seated) "We don't live at the apartments."

"It's open to all changelings"

"Mm. We don't swim much."

"Well, okay. But never too late to learn how to swim"

"Didn't say we couldn't. Said we don't swm much."

"Oh" An amused

an amused look

"Mm."

Annd she vanishes into the kitchen