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This entry is 550 words. Happy Thanksgiving, Americans and Leidenaren.

McKeller Flash Fiction:

A Close One

Part 2

Molly, the Kellers' golden retriever, laid her head in Rodney's lap. He scratched the dog behind her ears just like Jennifer taught him.

"Looks like snow, eh, girl?"

Her leg kicked rapidly against the porch in affirmation.

"At least you brought your own coat."

The airline had lost Rodney's bag, forcing him to borrow a coat from Jennifer's dad. Karl Keller was shorter than Rodney but stouter, and the coat hung on him like a shroud. For the first time in decades Rodney felt like a boy trying on his father's clothing.

The storm door squeaked on its hinges, and the blond beauty who had stolen his heart emerged to take her place beside him on the porch swing.

"Molly's sure taken to you," Jennifer said.

Rodney draped an arm around her shoulders. "You Keller women seem prone to that."

"Then I'll have to keep you away from my cousins."

They fell into a prolonged kiss. It was the most physical contact they'd had since the airport, and he relished it. Despite Jennifer's insistence that Karl wouldn't mind, Rodney felt too awkward to initiate anything in front of her dad.

Molly's whimper ended the moment.

"I think someone's jealous." Jennifer laughed and ruffled the dog's fur. "Don't worry, Moll. I won't steal your fella."

The door squeaked again, and Karl stuck his head outside. "Rodney, whenever you can spare a moment, I'd like to speak with you." His gaze shifted to Jennifer. "Why don't you take Molly for her walk before the snow starts?"

"Sure thing, Dad."

When the door shut behind Karl, Rodney groaned. "It was nice knowing you, Jennifer."

"Stop that." She squeezed his knee. "He likes you. He just wants to get to know you."

"I don't exactly have a good track record with parents."

"Asked a lot of fathers for their daughter's hands, have you?"

"No, you're the first and last, but..." Rodney's eyes bugged. "Hold on, no one said anything about asking for your hand. Not that the thought hasn't crossed my mind."

Jennifer stood and pulled him to his feet. "Go make nice with Dad, then you can use what I found at the bottom of your sock drawer."

Rodney grunted. "Unbelievable. You were snooping?"

"Nope. Stumbled across it when I went to borrow a couple of pairs of wool socks for the trip." She kissed his cheek. "If it's any comfort, I'm pretty sure I'll say yes."

Rodney nodded toward the house. "Does he know?"

"No. But I've done everything I can to whet the wheel. I told him about all the times you saved my life, talked up your scientific achievements." She poked him in the chest. "Even employed subterfuge."

Rodney eyed her suspiciously. "How?"

Her tongue pressed against the inside of her cheek. "Why do you think I walked Ronon off the plane?"

Light dawned, and Rodney's jaw dropped.

Jennifer grinned. "Scare dad with a dreadlocked decoy, and you're an even bigger catch by comparison."

"You devious minx." He crushed his lips against hers. "I'll have to keep my eye on you."

"That," she said, "had better be a promise."

END