The Round Yard

by Alissa Callen

  Cressy waved at her from the back of the noisy, crowded room. Smaller than her older sister, Fliss, Cressy shared her sibling’s thick dark hair and hazel eyes. When Neve had met the no-frills cowgirl over dinner at Fliss and Hewitt’s, she’d liked her straight away. They exchanged a hug.

  ‘I keep forgetting how busy it is on a Saturday,’ Cressy said as she returned to her seat. ‘I usually don’t come in on the weekend.’

  ‘Yes, every man and his dog seem to be here this morning.’

  Cressy’s grin turned mischievous. ‘That is everyone except a certain horse trainer.’

  Neve failed to quell the rush of heat in her cheeks. There would come a time when she’d made up for her lack of social opportunities and wouldn’t always blush. Her fair Irish skin revealed far too many of her emotions.

  ‘No, Tanner isn’t. By now, Dell and Bassie would have their very own round yard.’

  ‘I take it everything went well yesterday?’

  ‘I still can’t believe Tanner simply walked up and caught them. I could run a marathon after all the exercise I’ve had chasing them.’

  Cressy’s soft laughter merged with the hum of conversation. ‘I know I’m biased because he’s Denham’s cousin, but Tanner does have a way with horses.’

  ‘And donkeys. Honestly, when he scratched Dell’s neck I swear her eyes glazed over.’

  Cressy laughed and pressed a hand to her ribs. ‘Don’t make me laugh. I did something to my side in the hay shed.’ She paused to take a deep breath. ‘Wait until you see what Edna does when she’s around Tanner. Which reminds me, Edna’s in town and she’ll be looking for you.’

  Neve glanced out of the large shop window at the busy Main Street, half expecting the social queen bee to be peering inside. Edna was a formidable town personality, but so far, apart from a five-minute inquisition when Neve had arrived, the local gossip had left her alone.

  ‘Why? I made sure I gave her just enough of my life story to keep off her radar.’

  Cressy began to laugh and stopped herself at a chuckle. ‘Very wise.’

  ‘Edna went to school with my mother and even our grandmothers were friends. I’m sure it’s hardwired into my DNA to watch what I say around her.’ Neve smiled at Sally as she delivered her latte. ‘I’ve no doubt Edna’s mother and grandmother also took a keen interest in other people’s lives.’

  Cressy also gave Sally a grin before the university student returned to the counter. ‘Bethany thankfully seems to have broken with tradition. All she’s interested in is finding a man her mother disapproves of.’ Cressy spooned sugar into her cappuccino. ‘Odds on Edna wants to see you now that Tanner’s going out to your place because she’ll be checking there isn’t anything happening between you.’

  ‘That’s ridiculous. When she grilled me, I made it clear I didn’t move here to find a man.’

  ‘I know. Just be prepared if she tracks you down.’

  Neve nodded and stared into her latte. There was zero chance of Edna’s fears coming true. Even if she was ready for a relationship, which she wouldn’t be while her life remained rudderless, Tanner could have any woman he wanted. She didn’t exactly have a history of men queuing to date her.

  ‘Neve …’ Cressy’s serious voice broke into her thoughts. ‘I usually don’t meddle, but there’s a reason why Tanner’s so good with horses. He lets them get close … it’s very rare he lets … people do the same. When he does it’s only ever a short-term thing and this can, and does, lead to … hurt.’

  Not sure what to say, Neve nodded before steering the topic onto something safer than Tanner’s love-life. ‘So how are the wedding plans coming along?’

  ‘Fliss has missed her true vocation. She might be a brilliant doctor, but she was born to be a wedding planner. All those to-do lists would do my head in. She’s even found the most beautiful pair of handmade white cowgirl boots.’

  Neve took a sip of her latte to hide her grin. Horrified that Cressy would wear her battered work boots with her bridal gown, Fliss had made it a priority to find the perfect pair of wedding boots. Preoccupied with the glimpse of a blue shirt out the café window, Neve slowly lowered her glass to the table.

  Cressy turned to look at the people on the street. Aware that her face would have revealed her distraction, Neve nodded towards the delicate white crocheted squares decorating the smooth trunk of a plane tree. On each visit to town, there were new woollen creations draped over the streetscape. The mysterious guerrilla knitters had firmly put Woodlea on the tourist map. ‘The recent yarn bombing seems to have a wedding theme?’

  ‘Or it could be white for winter,’ Cressy said with a twinkle in her eyes.

  ‘True.’

  Cressy finished her cappuccino. ‘I’d better go and make sure Denham’s survived his meeting with the glamping people. He said he was fine to talk to them on his own, but at the first mention of what cotton count the sheets were, he’ll be grinding his teeth.’

  Neve too finished her hot drink. ‘The pop-up glamping village will be such a fun way to accommodate wedding guests at Glenmore.’

  ‘I hope so.’ Cressy stood and tucked her pink shirt into her jeans. ‘Even Ella said she’d sleep in one and she likes her creature comforts. She’s going to ask if you want to share.’

  Neve came to her feet. She’d only known Cressy for three months, so hadn’t wanted to presume she’d be invited to her wedding. She didn’t try to hide the delight in her words. ‘I’d love to.’

  ‘I’m so glad. Make sure you keep the last weekend of May free.’

  ‘I sure will.’

  Once out of the coffee shop, they swapped a last hug and went in opposite directions.

  Still smiling at knowing she’d be sharing Cressy’s special day, Neve scrolled through her phone to find Tanner’s list of things she’d need for Dell and Bassie. He hadn’t been joking when he’d said donkeys liked toys. Luckily, she already had a hoop and a small ball at home. She also owned a large fitness ball that Dell would make better use of than she ever had. The other items she’d find at the saddlery.

  The leaves on the plane trees rustled as she passed as if they were whispering to her. Soon they’d turn the yellow-amber hue of her honey. The white bell tower of the old church shone against the cloudless sky. It was inside the historic stone walls that her mother had been christened and her grandmother married.

  This was why she’d left her city world. Out here where the breeze carried the scent of eucalyptus after rain and nature painted in bold, intense strokes, she was returned to a time she associated with family. Each step she took along Main Street followed a path her mother and grandparents would have taken. Each building she entered they too would have frequented, even if the train station now housed the library and once occupied buildings stood empty.

  Being in Woodlea anchored her and connected her to something bigger than she was. The town reminded her of the people she’d loved. She could only hope it would also help her find her place in an unfamiliar world in which she was now the only one left.

  She pushed open the saddlery door. The timeless smell of leather enveloped her. The shop owner smiled from where she was helping a mother and daughter buy a pair of boots.

  Neve headed for the back of the shop where a coloured array of leads hung on the wall. She was right for a saddle and bridle as Fliss had borrowed what Bassie would need from her young friend Zoe, who’d outgrown her pony. From the lunging leads, Neve chose a deep purple and from the saddle cloths she selected a red colour to match Bassie’s headcollar.

  But as she stood in front of the rugs, she had no idea which sizes would fit or whether she needed the combo design, let alone ripstop fabric. The shop owner was still busy fitting boots on the tiny cowgirl so Neve sent a text to Ella.

  While she waited for a reply, she browsed through the shelf filled with horse books. But when there was no message from the vet she bit the inside of her cheek. She really needed to keep moving. She didn’t usually have the girls on a
Saturday, but Graham mentioned he might need to go to Dubbo after lunch. Before she could even think it was a bad idea, she texted Tanner.

  She eased out a tense breath. Communicating by message was far less nerve-racking than talking face to face. There was far less risk in typing a few short words than stringing together a sentence. He also mightn’t text back as his phone could be in his ute while he finished the round yard.

  His reply was almost immediate: Are you in the saddlery?

  Yes. In front of the rugs. What size is Bassie? she responded.

  I’ll come over. I’m across the road.

  What had he been thinking? Tanner tunnelled a hand through his hair as he jogged across Main Street towards the saddlery. It hadn’t been his brightest idea to call into Woodlea, even if the latest issue of his horse magazine was in the newsagent. Both Edna and Neve were in town.

  But he couldn’t not help Neve. He never went back on his word and he’d said he’d sort out her pony and donkey. He could text through Bassie’s rug size, but it would be quicker to see for himself what options the saddlery had. He stepped onto the footpath and headed towards the shop.

  He’d had time to deal with yesterday’s curve ball that Neve was single. Everything would be fine as long as he kept his distance. Last week he’d helped Sally load her groceries into her car. By that afternoon the town grapevine had hyperventilated with the news that despite the decade age gap, they’d secretly been an item and had moved in together. All it would take would be a careless, too-long look into Neve’s green eyes and people would sense how aware he was of her.

  Not only had he noticed far too much about her, he didn’t need someone like Neve to unearth the loneliness he’d buried deep inside. Warm and kind-hearted, she’d love her own children as much as she cared for Kait and Maya. He’d carved out a hard-won contentment at being on his own that he couldn’t afford to lose.

  He entered the saddlery and the first thing he saw was the back of Neve’s auburn head. Today she wore a white dress with black dots and like yesterday her loose hair fell down her back. The red-gold strands caught the overhead light and reminded him of the wash of a sunset across a winter sky.

  As if sensing his presence, she half turned. ‘Hi. Thanks for coming. I hope I haven’t dragged you away from anything?’

  It was just subtle, a hint of warmth in her cheeks and a breathlessness to her voice, that suggested she wasn’t as relaxed as she appeared.

  ‘No worries. I was across the street.’ He broke eye contact to scan the shelves filled with an assortment of folded rugs. ‘There’re quite a few to choose from.’

  ‘You can say that again.’

  ‘This is the size we need for Mr Bassie.’ Tanner pulled out a royal blue rug. ‘This rip-stop canvas will also cope with your barbed wire fences.’

  Neve took hold of the rug. He didn’t miss the way she made sure their hands didn’t connect. ‘Great. What about Miss Dell?’

  ‘Clare will need to order her a special one along with a fly mask.’ He moved away to collect a box of worming paste. Yesterday he’d thought it had been the roses in Neve’s garden adding a floral perfume to the air. Now he wasn’t so sure. The longer he stood near her the more the fragrance of summer flowers filled his lungs.

  When the rug and saddle cloth slipped from Neve’s grasp he moved forward to catch them. But she stepped back as she adjusted her hold on the bulky items. ‘Thanks. I’ve got them.’

  The careful tone of her voice reaffirmed his impression that she valued her independence. She’d tried to manage Dell and Bassie by herself. She also hadn’t wanted him to carry the tub of lead ropes and brushes over to her house. If she’d known how, he was certain she’d have put up the round yard. He moved away, respecting her message.

  Over at the counter, Clare handed the little blonde cowgirl a bag containing her boots. While Neve browsed the grooming kits and brushes, Tanner spoke to Clare about ordering Dell’s donkey coat and fly mask.

  As Neve paid for her items, Tanner’s phone pinged with a new text message. Denham had seen his ute and wanted to know if he’d come for a drink at the Royal Arms. He’d just spent the past hour discussing the softness of sheets and the décor of portable bathrooms.

  Tanner texted he’d be there in five minutes. He glanced sideways at Neve as she brushed her hair off her shoulder and laughed at something Clare said. He also could do with a drink. Being around Neve, even for a short amount of time, made him feel restless and on edge.

  But as he held the door open and Neve walked through, the sound of heels clicking on hard concrete warned him that having a cold beer would have to wait. A woman bore down on them. Her perfectly coiffured grey hair had to be the result of a visit to Taylor at the hair salon. Pearls gleamed around the woman’s neck. Her lips curved in a satisfied smile as her gaze zeroed in on Neve.

  ‘Have you met Edna yet?’ he asked, resisting the urge to take Neve’s arm and cross the road.

  She only had time to give him a quick nod before Edna’s strong perfume engulfed them.

  ‘Tanner …’ The notorious gossip extended her arms and embraced him. From long practice, he avoided breathing until she’d released him.

  ‘Edna.’ He glanced at Neve. ‘You know Neve?’

  ‘Of course.’ Edna air-kissed Neve’s cheeks. ‘Our families were old friends. Which is why I have a duty to fulfil.’

  ‘Duty?’ Scepticism added a wry edge to his tone.

  In an emergency Edna was indispensable. Her efficiency, local knowledge and zest for being in charge had seen Woodlea weather a mini-tornado as well as spring floods. But when it came to unselfish acts of goodwill, the jury was out as to her true motivations. Some locals swore she had a heart of gold, but others, like Tanner, suspected Edna usually had an agenda.

  ‘Yes.’

  Tanner braced himself. The gleam in her sharp gaze usually preceded an indirect order to come to Sunday lunch.

  Edna turned to Neve. ‘I worry about you out at Rosewood all by yourself.’

  ‘That’s very kind of you, but I’m not on my own. I have the girls.’

  ‘I know. It’s been such a relief to Graham to have them so well looked after. But you also need adult company.’

  Tanner didn’t miss the way Edna shifted so she now stood between Neve and him.

  The older woman touched Neve’s arm. ‘Which is why I’ve organised for you and that nice young pharmacist, Michael, to have dinner tonight. My treat.’

  ‘Thank you, Edna. That’s so thoughtful.’ The sweetness of Neve’s words had Edna raise a hand to her chest in false modesty. Then Neve’s chin angled. ‘Unfortunately I’m busy.’

  Edna blinked. Tanner masked a smile. Neve’s tone was as resolute as the steel of the round yards he’d work Bassie and Dell in tomorrow.

  ‘Busy?’ Edna’s frown would have stopped a saddle bronco mid-buck.

  Neve’s expression remained serene. ‘Yes. Very busy.’

  ‘Well then, let’s make it next Friday.’

  ‘Sorry. I’m busy then too and the weekend after.’ This time Neve patted Edna’s arm. ‘I really appreciate you looking out for me, but Tanner will be around for the next few weeks should I feel lonely.’

  Admiration filled him. Neve might be all big eyes, creamy skin and soft words, but she was whip-smart with a strength of will to match.

  Edna’s gaze sharpened as she turned to him. ‘You haven’t spent weeks working with Bethany.’

  He held Edna’s stare. ‘Bethany’s only ever had the one horse to work with.’

  Edna pursed her lips as she glanced between Neve and him. ‘I see.’ Her expression cleared. ‘When you’re done at Rosewood, keep your schedule clear. Bethany’s always talking about getting another project horse. I think now would be a good time.’

  He kept his expression neutral while he worked out how soon he could organise a new droving job. The season out west continued to be dry and help was needed to move hungry stock along the travelling stock routes. ‘I
’m sure it will be.’ He glanced down the street to where the white wrought iron of the two-storey Royal Arms gleamed. ‘Nice to chat, Edna, but Denham’s waiting. I’d best get moving.’

  ‘I’d better go too,’ Neve said, swapping the oversized bag she carried to her other hand.

  While Edna air-kissed Neve’s cheek, Tanner moved a safe distance away.

  Knowing Edna was watching him, he briefly looked at Neve. ‘I’ll be out at nine if that suits?’

  ‘I’ll be home.’

  Tanner nodded at Edna. ‘I might see you next time I’m in town?’

  Edna’s smile grew smug. ‘I’m sure you will thanks to your blue ute. I always know when you’re here. It’s the only one of that colour.’

  Without another look at either woman, Tanner strode away. He scraped a hand over his stubble. Next trip to town, he’d park in a side street or he’d borrow Phil’s farm ute. Small-town matchmaking never failed to make him feel like a wanted man.

  His tension must have shown on his face, as when he walked into the Royal Arms Denham didn’t say a word, just slid a beer across the table towards him.

  ‘That obvious?’ Tanner said with a grimace as he took a seat and curled his fingers around the cold glass.

  Denham touched his beer to Tanner’s. ‘Yep.’

  Tanner sighed and relaxed into his chair. The familiar smell of alcohol was universal in all the bush pubs he’d visited in his search for who he was. Thanks to the church bell tower, the only clue he’d had about his birth mother, he’d found the answers he was looking for. Now, the only pub he visited was the Royal Arms.

  Denham grinned, his blue eyes brimming with laughter. ‘Cressy might have also texted that Edna had you and Neve cornered outside the saddlery.’

  Tanner took a swallow of beer. ‘It’s all right for you. Your ute is white and you’re a soon-to-be-married man.’