#rivervale_lodge

"How's the Dawntreader?" Siv's voice says to him. "Franki's still asleep, and mom is rooted by the crib so I'm actually done with MY nap and thought I'd see what the sun was like" A smile.

"She's fine." Frank says, straightening and wiping his hands on a rag "Just making sure she stays that way."

"Minor upkeep now holds back drastic repair later" she nods "You taught me that."

He pauses and looks at her. "I hope so." (not without kindness)

"Saved my ass when I was working at the Marina" She explains then adds "She going to be able to handle the cold of Alaska?"

"With the right care, sure. Truckers work in Alaska."

"There are TV shows about it."

"Fair point" Siv pats The Dawntreader, "Just didn't know if she'd better heaters or installation installed . Da, not sure I ever thanked you for all you did for us while we were at the hospital enough. The baby seats installed, for example? And there was more. I STILL think you were the one who smuggled in a plushie 18 wheeler in the big gift box."

"Well, if you say so." he agrees.

A huff at his papa answer judo, but a fond one. "Well, like I said, mother is hoarding your grand daughter near the crib here. When you're done with that, if you want some cuddle time with Franki too, I know mom would love your company ." A smile "**Of all the folks who I worried about spoiling that girl, mother wasn't one of them that came to mind, but she did make the most amazing teething aid and toy for them." She looks over the truck "Looks good. Want me to start the engine and get a check on how she sounds while you hang on the outside closer to the hood?"

An offer, not an insistance.

"Thanks."

She is glad to be of help, and gets in the seat. "Say when" And when he does, she hits the ignition . The Dawntreader gives a soft roar which settles into the truck version of a loud purr. Frank listens for a moment, but sounds like all systems are good!

"Thanks!" he calls "We're good."

She turns the engine off, makes sure she didn't displace anything, and returns the keys to him "Glad to hear it. Geez, da. She sounds like she came out of the factory just a week ago. No wonder you're proud."

"She does it herself, mostly. By now."

"If only she was a sailing vessel, she'd be perfect." She teases.

"Maybe so." agreeably.

"No fun teasing you, da" She hugs him, "I'm going to go take a long walk.. Piper worries about her figure, of course, but Ive been kind of slacking off my own routines. "

A soft chuff of humor. "Enjoy."

"That would be a plus" She concedes, and waves "If you see mom by the crib tell her she has my number if Franki wakes up and she needs me to stop taking advantage of her kindness. I'll race right back! Love you both!" And she heads off at a brisk walk.

(End Scene)