#rivervale_lodge

An eyebrow. "Arguing." he considers the word and then nods slowly.

"I will speak with him."

She nods. "I will accept your final decision, whichever it is. I wish you to do what you wish to do. You have served long and well in the role, and if you are ready to stop, you have earned that right."

She reaches to take his hand, and squeezes gently.

"Thank you."

He squeezes back, just as gently. "Thank you." he repeats.

She looks at him. "You are very welcome, my Path."

Frank looks at her, perhaps for the first time in the conversation, and then leans in and kisses her.

She welcomes the kiss, and returns it. A peaceful moment between them.

Perhaps overdue.

They part eventually, unhurried. Brekke squeezes his hand again. "I think we should not discuss this with others yet. It may be disruptive."

Frank nods. "I will speak with Zane and make a list for you, but after you have looked it over we should speak with Kerri."

"Agreed." She looks at the garden again, and at the mulch at his feet. "Come, let us finish our work."

She releases his hand, and returns to weeding.

Frank nods and goes back to shoveling mulch.

And thinking.

((end scene?))

((End))