An early start.

His Dad was waiting for him when Spencer got up and made his way into the kitchen. He’d left Danielle in bed to sleep in on a Sunday morning.

“Morning Dad,” Spencer greeted him as he went to the coffee machine and started to put a fresh pot on for everyone.

“Morning Son. What’s say you and I take a walk this morning. Just the two of us.”

It was a strange request. His father was overweight with a big belly and not known for his personal fitness. It was the last thing Spencer expected him to ask on a cold Sunday morning.

“Ahh sure. Let me just get this coffee on and then I’ll throw some warm clothes on.”

When the coffee was brewed, Spencer went back into his bedroom and put on an insulated jacket and a pair of thick sweatpants. He kissed Dani goodbye, quietly telling her where he was going and then pulled a beanie over his head on the way out of the room.

Outside the cold was biting, Spencer was glad he was carrying his insulated coffee mug with him to keep his hand warm. His dad had just a normal ceramic coffee mug with him. He had barely any warm clothing on him either, just a normal pair of trousers and a pullover. If he felt the cold though, Glenn made no comment.

They set off from the farmhouse and up along one of Spencer’s favourite walking trails. If they went far enough, they would get a view out from the Awonwick mountains and onto the town itself. Spencer hoped they wouldn’t be going that far. He wasn’t sure his dad would be fit enough to climb all that way. Still, they’d gone over a mile without them speaking. His dad was huffing and puffing beside him determined to push on.

Spencer was starting to get a little worried. “Is everything alright Dad?”

Glenn didn’t answer but kept on trudging up the mountainside. Another half a mile later he finally stopped. “I need to sit down,” he said lowering himself down onto a fallen log.

Spencer came and sat down next to him and waited.

"Spencer. I have something to tell you."

"What is it?"

"It’s... It’s hard to say."

Spence balled his hands into fists and felt his whole body tense. "Spit it out, Dad."

'I... I have…. I have the Big C."

"Cancer? You have cancer?" Spencer was almost knocked backwards over the log.

"Yes "

"Christ." Spencer ran his band through his salt-and-pepper hair. "What type? What’s the treatment?”

“It’s testicular cancer. Don’t worry about the treatment, it's simple. I’m having one of them removed next week before the Mediterranean cruise.”

“And that’s it? No chemo or any other sorts of treatment?”

“Nope. The doctor said we found it early before it had a chance to spread anywhere.”

“Well, that’s a relief. You didn’t have to drag me all the way out here to tell me though.”

“I didn’t want Amy hearing or your new lady for that matter so don’t you go telling her. A man’s business down there is private.” Spencer’s father said with a sagely nod.

Spencer agreed he wouldn’t but then made one crucial mistake. “How did you find it so soon?”

“Well, actually it was your mother who found it. She was doing some exploring down there shall we say and she noticed it.”

“Oh, Dad! For crying out loud! I’m going back to the house,” Spencer bellowed before setting off, trying to get the image of his parents out of his mind.

Lunch was organised for sometime around 1 pm. At noon Danielle set off to Avonwick in her car to pick up Mia Maxwell as well as a cake from the Corner Coffee House. Baking was far beyond his current capabilities. Steak he could manage with an ever-watchful eye on how he handled the grill outside by his father Glenn. It had warmed up ever so slightly so that Spencer was able to tolerate being outside the house. He’d set the coal-fired cooker up in the barn to protect it from the elements just in case.

Amy was in the living area with her grandma when Dani and Mia arrived back at the house. Dani brought the cake inside and put it in the fridge to keep cold.

“I can’t get over your dress. It’s gorgeous.” Dani told Mia as they entered the kitchen area.

‘Thank you. It’s a Sablé by Prada. I bought it for work but I think it’s too nice to waste on just business,” Mia offered. The dress in question was long and black. Belted at the front and with a mini train at the rear that went to mid-calf.

“Would anyone care for a drink?” Dani asked her guest as well as Kathy Askren.

“Do you have any more of that wine from the other night?” Kathy asked.

Spencer had a small collection of Stumbling Foxes bottles in his pantry knowing it was Dani’s favourite. Dani checked and there were still three remaining. She’d have to remember to get some more before long.

“How about you Mia?” Dani asked as she uncorked the bottle of wine and poured out two glasses.

“I brought gin. Do you have any tonic?” Mia said pulling a bottle of Tanqueray No. Ten from her Birkin bag.

“Maybe in the fridge if you’d like to check,” Dani told her as she went to give Kathy her drink. “Would you like anything, Amy?” Dani said checking on Spencer’s daughter.

“I’m fine thank you,” Amy told her.

Mia had found a previously opened bottle of tonic water that retained most of its fizz as well as a short glass. She’d also managed to find a lemon that was only a little wrinkled with age.

“How are you finding the house?” Dani asked when they were both seated, drinks in hand at the kitchen table.

“It’s lovely thank you,” Mia said sipping.

“Is there anything you need?”

“No. You’ve been more than kind renting to me already.”

“Any word from Dan?” Dani asked delicately.

“He sent flowers to the corporate office.”

“Well, that’s good.”

“I emailed him and asked him to refrain from doing that further. I also told him it might be in his best interests to retain a divorce attorney.”

“Oh, that’s bad.”

Dani thought it best to change the subject off Mia’s philandering husband and onto safer topics. They spoke for some time about the bank and Mia’s current work. Avonwick Bank, which Dani worked at, was part of the larger United Union banking group. Originally from England, they’d been losing market share in the United Kingdom but gaining it in the United States. The problem Mia was facing was how to grow both here and arrest the decline back in the UK. Both countries seemed to want diametrically opposite services. Trying to facilitate both countries' needs was dragging on their profit margins and investors were starting to become restless.

“Actually, there was something a work I wanted to discuss with you,” Mia said after talking about work for a fair amount of time.

“What is it?”

“The Regional Manager for our Boston, Massachusetts area is going on leave for a month. I wanted to nominate you for the role.”

“Regional Manager! I haven’t even been a Bank Manager yet,” Dani exclaimed. She’d only ever envisioned staying at her branch in Avonwick and maybe one day in the distant future taking over from Alfred as Bank Manager when he retired. He was still in his mid-50s now and in perfectly fine health.

“You’ve aced all the Bank Manager training Dani. It wouldn’t be that much of a step up honestly. This would also be a great stepping stone for getting you into Corporate Head Office with me one day.”

“Where would I stay? What about Spencer and Amy?” Dani had only just moved in with Spencer, she didn’t want to be leaving him so soon.

“Corporate would put you up at a very nice hotel. It would also be a considerable bump up in pay. Two full bands while you’re in the role. That would be almost triple what you are on now. I could work it so that you were away during the week and travel back with me to Avonwick on weekends if that helps?”

“I don’t know. Please don’t say anything to Spencer until I’ve had a chance to think about it. How long do I have to decide?”

“It’s not until January next year so you have some time. If you’re not interested, I’d need to know sooner rather than later so we can look into other candidates.”

“Oof, I don’t know.”

Dani fretted. She polished off the rest of her glass of wine in one big gulp to calm her nerves and then got up to pour another one.

Mia came and put her palm on Dani's hand to steady her in the kitchen. “I wouldn’t put you up for this if I didn’t think you were up to it.”

“Thank you,” Dani said and then hugged Mia. “You have been so wonderful to me since I met you.”

Mia hugged her friend back strongly. “Let’s not think about it anymore today. Now is there anything you need me to do to help you get ready. My stomach’s practically rumbling.”

“I’ll get the plates ready here if you’d like to check on Spencer and his father. They’re out in the barn cooking.

Spencer flipped the steaks over one last time and thought they looked perfect. He had some chicken skewers that looked done along with the peppers and corn. He was about to send his dad back into the house for a tray to take everything off when he felt a delicate touch on the small of his back. Turning around he saw the bright doe eyes of Mia Maxwell, her hand lingered still even after she had Spencer’s attention.

“Mia, welcome,” Spencer said stooping to give her a hug. “Meet my father, Glenn. Dad, this is Dani’s boss, Mia Maxwell.”

Mia and Glenn shook hands. Even for a casual Sunday lunch Spencer thought Mia looked stylish in her tight black dress that came down to her knees. Her elegant legs were topped in a pair of point-toed heels. Spencer thought Mia might regret wearing them out into the barn had there been animals in there already. They looked expensive with their patent leather and trademark red soles. Spencer was unable to recognise a pair of Louboutin’s by sight alone.

“Dani said to see if you need anything?” Mia repeated Dani’s instructions.

“Just a tray. These are looking done,” Spencer told her.

“I’ll be right back with it,” Mia told him before Glenn cut her off.

“I’ll get it. You stay here and talk.” The older man was very much a gentleman through and through. It was where Spencer had got it from.

“Settling in, ok?” Spencer asked as his Dad exited the barn towards the house.

“Just fine thank you,” Mia told him as she had Dani. “These look good,” she said indicating the steaks.

“They are a bit thick. That’s why they’ve taken so long to cook.”

“That’s alright. Dani likes a big bit of meat so she tells me.”

Spencer was caught by the double entendre and looked Mia deep in the eye. He could have sworn he caught a look of playfulness to go with Mia’s smirk.

“I... hope she’s got her appetite then,” Spencer responded.

“What girl wouldn’t knowing what you’re cooking.”

A small fat flare-up had started just then while Spencer was distracted by Mia. The Indian descendant reached her tanned hand out to the one Spencer was holding his tongs with and gripped his knotted palm. “You’re going to need to put a fire out soon if you are not careful.”

Spencer responded with Mia’s hand on his, and quickly moved the nearest steaks out from the searing red and orange flames. Mia’s hand leaving Spencer’s just as his dad re-entered the barn, tray in hand.

With his Dad’s help, Spencer brought the cooking inside as Mia trailed along behind them. Dani had the table all setup and ready for them as they came inside fully ladened.

“Just there on the table,” Dani told them. She already had all the sides Spencer had prepared earlier out on the large square dining table. “Looks good,” she told Spencer taking a seat next to him and about to start adding things to her plate.

Dani was momentarily halted by Kathy who first wanted to say grace for everyone.

“Bless us O Lord, for these gifts we are about to receive from Thy bounty. And Bless and welcome Dani to our family who has made Our Spencer so happy with her company.”

Dani turned to look at Spencer as she heard him suppress a tiny snigger as his mom said her prayer. She’d never known Spencer’s family was religious. She wondered if she’d committed any unknowing faux pas that would make Spencer’s parents think any less of her. She would ask Spencer later that night then they were alone together.

Lunch was enjoyed by everyone. Both additional bottles of Stumbling Foxes were gone by the time the cake was brought out. Spencer and Glenn enjoyed the craft beers as they ate. Mia made a second gin and tonic to have with her meal. Amy just helped herself to an extra double helping of the sponge cake Dani had brought for them.

Through the afternoon and into the evening the family and friends talked. Amy went off to entertain herself when she grew bored of the adult conversation. By general consensus everyone was too full from lunch to want anything for dinner despite the offer being made from Spencer. It was nightfall by the time Dani remembered that she had to drop Mia back off at her old house. Getting up from the dining table, Dani wobbled on her feet before going to find her keys.

Spencer caught her before she could even pick them up.

“I’ll drive Mia back,” he said.

“Are you sure? I can do it in a little bit.”

“I’ve only had two beers with Dad and you and Mom have drunk half of Foxes 2022 production.”

“It’s really nice wine.”

“I know. I’ll pick up another carton this week,” Spencer said with a laugh and a kiss on Dani’s lips.

Getting his own keys Spencer waited for Mia to say her goodbyes to everyone before they left through the side door to where his new car was parked. He’d just unlocked the doors with the remote when Mia stopped him.

“Oh, Spencer. I forgot the clothing I left here last time. We’ll have to go back inside.” Mia thought saying that was politer than saying panties.

“This is going to sound bad,” Spencer grimaced. “They’re not actually inside.”

“Where are they then?”

“Follow me,” Spencer said and started to lead Mia through the dark toward the shed where he stored his kayaks and equipment. “I’d found them and put them in my pocket for safekeeping. This really isn’t sounding any better.” He shook his head. “I then got all paranoid about what Dani might think of me having another woman’s underwear so hid them somewhere I thought she wouldn't find them. Out here.”

Spencer pulled open the door to his kayak shed and offered for Mia to step inside. Temperatures were dropping and it would be another cold one. There wasn’t much room inside. Just enough space for three canoes lined up in racks on one wall and their paddles and other gear against the other. Spencer squeezed in past Mia and stepped towards the highest of the three kayaks. It was up past the height of Danielle so Spencer had judged it extremely unlikely Dani would ever come across them. Mia’s gauzy panties were in a small plastic bag to keep them from getting dirty. Spencer felt around and then found what he was looking for, giving them to Mia.

“Do you normally hide things from your girlfriend like this?” Mia asked.

Spencer thought of the things he kept hidden from Danielle. That time he’d slept with Evelyn Malone just after he and Dani had gotten together the first time before they were officially dating. The long lingering kiss he’d shared when his old school friend Jasmine Hong had just moved to town. Jessica Wolfe’s massage and her sensual touches and offer of more.

“Not unless I can really avoid it,” Spencer said. He wouldn’t admit anything of what he’d done to Mia right then.

Now with her panties back, Mia didn’t make a move to leave the confines of the shed right away. “This sort of reminds me of the woodsheds we had growing up back in England. Children would only end up in them for being naughty in one or two ways.”

“What were they?”

“If you were bad your father might take you down the back of the woodshed for a clip round the ears.”

Spencer noticed as Mia said that her accent slipped out of its refined polish for the first time he’d ever heard. “What’s the second way?”

“If you needed somewhere for snogging boys,” Mia laughed.

Spencer was suddenly drawn to exactly how close he and Mia were together. Their bodies were just inches apart in the tight little tool shed. It was mostly dark but he could see Mia’s tight lips in the moonlight. Spencer imagined for just a second what it would be like to lean towards her and kiss Mia on her delicate mouth. Had Mia been inviting him to try by bringing that memory of home up? Spencer wouldn’t risk it.

“I should be dropping you off now that you’ve got them,” he said meaning Mia’s errant knickers.

“Yes… Thank you, Spencer. It’s a relief to find them and get them back. There have been some incidents in the past with things of mine going missing.”

“What sort of incident?” he asked in concern.

“Nothing I want to dwell on any longer. Perhaps one day I will feel comfortable enough to talk about it with you.

The walk to the car was filled with silence. The polished purr of the engine was the only sound when Spencer started it. As they made their way along the gravel driveway away from the farmhouse, Mia had taken the heeled shoes off her feet and placed them down in the footwell on the passenger’s side. Her delicate feet she’d tucked up under her body on the leather seat. Her body turned to watch Spencer intently as he drove.

“Spencer, can I ask you something else? Mia asked breaking the silence after they’d gone a handful of miles from the house.

“What is it?”

“What room are your parents staying in? The one I was in or the other.”

“The other one.”

“Oh,” Mia said simply.

“Whys that?”

Mia took a long minute before continuing. “Mmm… it’s just when your mother said grace and the part about Dani making you so happy with her company.”

Spencer didn’t follow what Mia was talking about. “What about it?”

“The floorboards in the room above your bedroom are very thin.”

“And?” Almost as soon as he’d said it, Spencer made a very embarrassing connection.

“Danielle is very loud when you fuck her. I thought when she said about making Dani happy, she might have been meaning during intimacy.”

Spencer flushed bright red in the swallowing darkness. He made love to Dani very vigorously the night Mia had stayed in his house right above them. She would have heard everything. Yet still, despite his complete embarrassment, Spencer found it surprising to hear the entirely proper Mia Maxwell say the word fuck.

“Mia, I’m so sorry you had to hear that. I’m beyond embarrassed, I’m mortified.” Spencer apologised.

“It’s not the first time I’ve heard you two,” Mia admitted something to Spencer then.

He cocked his ruddy ears in response and waited to hear what she had to say.

“At the hotel, the night I found out about Dan and his Welsh mistress. I couldn’t sleep and was walking outside your room. I could hear you and Dani even out in the hallway. I stopped and listened. I’ve been wondering something ever since.”

“What is it?”

“Dani has said on a number of occasions you’re very gifted in your manhood. You don’t have to admit anything, it’s alright. I’m a small woman. I’ve been thinking ever since would I be able to handle something like that. Inside me.”

Spencer didn’t know how to answer right away. The images were all together too stimulating. The heat started to rise along the back of his neck as well as in his trousers. That generous manhood Mia had just mentioned stiffening from her words.

{Author's Note: 100 Chapters! That took far too long. Thank you everyone who has supported me up until now. I wanted to make this a long one for such a milestone.

I love reading all the comments people leave on each of the chapters. I get so much motivation from them to continue my work. It keeps me true to the characters when you call out things that don’t suit the tone of the story. (That terrible barn foursome for starters!)

Your likes are a guiding **** too so don’t forget to like a chapter when you’ve enjoyed it. Hopefully this and many more to come are worthy.

Dacia xoxo}