*Megan is eighteen. Her father, obviously older, is whatever age you want him to be.
"I hope the rain stays away," Megan said, peering through the windscreen. "It's silly that we have to come all this way in the first place."
Molly barked in the back seat. Her frothy tongue flapping, she skipped restlessly from window to window. Greg was sure he recognised the Lexus parked next to them. He was also a bit surprised at his daughters tone. He thought she'd be happier to be here again, especially since their talk. Their talk about not going on such outings anymore. Perhaps she'd changed? Or was just being a moody woman like her mother. Either way, the dog needed to be walked.
"Molly doesn't seem to agree with you," her father joked. "We're here now. Let's get going."
Megan smirked at him as she tightened her boot laces. It was a grey, November day. Leaves of a hundred autumn colours covered the small walking trail. Greg adored this kind of weather -- peaceful and calming - so long as the rain held off. He squeezed his key remote and heard the electric click of the central locking system. Past the little wooden gate, Megan was being pulled along by their hyper dog. Molly wasn't that big, but then neither was his daughter. A strong breeze could probably knock her over. Glancing around, the trail didn't seem very busy today. That was good. He brought his eyes back to Megan's yoga pants. A good choice for casual exercise. She stopped at the opening of one of the side trails.
"What are you doing, honey?"
"Just letting Molly off the leash. So she can run around."
She smiled at him as she backed slowly down the trail.
"Not yet, Meg. We're too near the road here. Might be unsafe for...Molly."
Her lips surrendered her grin.
"You take her then!" she said, pushing the leash into his hand. "I just wish we didn't have to come all the way out here."
Greg rubbed her shoulder and peered down on sad eyes.
"Don't frown honey. It doesn't suit your pretty face."
Soft, brunette hair flowed over his hand. Her brown eyes sparkled back up at him. Some walkers were heading their way, so they let go of each other. Gravel crunched as they trod on.
***
"So, are you looking forward to college next year?"
"What are we doing, dad? Normal conversation now?"
Reminding her that fatherhood overruled friendship, he shot her a firm look. It never failed to work.
"I guess so," she continued. "It'll be weird moving away from home. Part of me doesn't want to."
"You'll be fine. You're a smart kid. Way too smart for this little town."
"I happen to like this little town. It's got such lovely walking trails."
Playful fingers glanced. The stream trickled as they crossed a little, stone bridge.
"It'll be good to get out on your own. No parents to annoy you."
"Come on, dad. You guys don't annoy me. Well, maybe mom...sometimes."
She pulled his arm tight to her comely body. Tight enough to render her baggy layers useless.
"Promise you'll come visit me?"
Molly barked.
"Oh! I'll miss you too, Molly," she said as she bent down to hug her dog.
Molly's tongue wet her lips and face. Upon briefly pausing at his waist, she looked up at her father, still awaiting his reply.
"I promise I'll come."
The leash slipping from his hands, Molly sprinted towards the other dog.
"Fancy seeing you here!"
Megan and Nicole embraced as the two men shook hands.
"I had a feeling that was your car I saw back there," Greg said.
The four chuckled as dogs sniffed each other's assholes.
"Guilty! We're just out for a bit of a stroll," Hugh said. "Megan! Nicole tells me you got the course you wanted. Finance was it? Way to go!"
"Oh, thanks Mr. Delaney. Yeah, I'm really happy."
"And you too, Nicole. Medicine? Wow! That's impressive," Greg said. "What did we do to deserve such brilliant girls."
Nicole and her father shared a warm, familiar gaze. Megan figured it was a daddy -- daughter thing.
"We're lucky men indeed."
"Are there many people on the path?" Megan asked.
"No." Nicole and her walking partner answered in unison.
"Not too many. It's pretty quiet today," Nicole said. "Pretty much deserted after the pond."
"Ah! We're holding you two up. Go have fun. Hey, Greg, we should grab a beer sometime."
"Sounds good, Hugh. Safe home."
Megan watched as they walked on. It was something about Nicole that made her wonder. The way her clothes and hair sat. Not quite right. They probably thought they were far enough away. Nicole slid her arm around her father's and leaned into him. It was a feeling Megan knew well. After, you just wanted to be close to him. Or maybe it was just a daddy-daughter thing. She pushed fingers between his.
"How much further?"
"Not long now."
***
Greg unclipped the leash and watched Molly dart under some bushes. She was a good dog, and knew to come when her master called. He smiled and looked down at his daughter's hungry eyes.
"How about down here? Next to the river?"
"Sure."
She took his hand and followed him down the steep bank. Crisp leaves cracked under steady feet. She relaxed back against a huge tree and placed her hands on his chest.
"I think we're safe here," he said, still looking around.
"Shut up and kiss me."
He ran his fingers through her hair and tasted her young, luscious lips. A gentle kiss to start off with; neither could stop eager hands roaming. Megan unzipped her jacket and tossed it onto a log. Her sweater bulged from his burrowing hands. His warm palms felt good against her skin. His tongue crossed her lips as she pulled back her head.