He took a second to answer. His testosterone was staging a last-minute revolt. ‘Agreed.’
The tension ebbed from her expression. She squeezed his hand before easing her fingers free.
When she turned towards the house, he walked beside her.
She looked at him with a half-smile. ‘All I can say is thank goodness Edna hadn’t driven past last night. It wouldn’t have mattered if our families had been friends, I wouldn’t be on her Christmas-card list.’
He gave what he hoped passed as a chuckle and dug his hand into his jeans pocket to hide how empty he felt now that her hand was no linger linked with his. In his pocket he felt the crisp edge of folded paper. Glad of a distraction, he withdrew his hand and passed her the note.
‘Before I forget, my father emailed through this list of all the known aircraft crashes at the training school. Even though none of the dates line up with when Edward passed away, he suggested you do some digging as sometimes dates and information can be wrong. He also suggested looking to see if there were any other aircraft accidents, even minor ones, as well as non-aircraft fatalities.’
Neve unfolded the paper. ‘Please pass on my thanks. I’ll definitely do some digging. Maybe I could give you Meredith’s family albums to take back? I’ll keep the scrapbooks a little longer as some of the newspaper articles did mention road accidents. It’s so sad, I didn’t realise so many young pilots lost their lives while training.’
Tanner nodded as he looked at the list that contained at least eleven fatal crashes. In most cases two men had been in each plane. Families had lost loved ones even before they’d made it to the frontline.
When they reached the veranda he hovered on the bottom step. Leafy vegetables again grew in the raised garden beds, wood smoke tinged the air and soft cushions invited him to sit on the church pew to the left of the outdoor table. Neve had a gift for turning a blank space into one that welcomed and beckoned.
He couldn’t heed such a call. Since he’d met her his loneliness had already given him nothing but grief. He’d come today to make sure nothing further happened between them. For her, and for him.
He didn’t realise he was frowning until Neve’s quiet voice sounded from where she held the door open. ‘Everything okay?’
He nodded, not trusting himself to speak.
‘Have you got time for a cuppa?’ she asked, her grip on the doorhandle tightening until her knuckles whitened.
Despite their open conversation about what had happened by the river, a clear way forward hadn’t yet been established fully. He needed to show her they could still have an easy and companionable friendship, even if they couldn’t act on what simmered between them.
‘I’d love one.’
She gave him a sweet smile.
When inside he offered to help, but she waved him over to the kitchen table. He looked through a photo album until she joined him at the table.
He pointed to a photograph of a couple on the dancefloor. ‘Call me paranoid, but doesn’t this woman look like Edna?’
‘She does. It would have to be her grandmother.’ Neve looked at him from over the rim of her mug. ‘Any news on what Edna wanted? Maybe she has a surprise planned for Friday’s adventure playground opening?’
‘I wouldn’t put it past her, but she wanted to talk to me because she’s come up with an idea for a weekend horsemanship clinic to raise money for the shade sails.’
‘Let me guess, Bethany has a role somewhere?’
It was just subtle, but Neve’s question had sounded clipped.
‘Yes, as chief organiser and my right-hand person.’
She stared out the window before replying. ‘So how many people will go?’
‘We’re hoping for eight. It will be at the rodeo ground, which is where the trail ride’s usually held. It’s all set up for horses and camping.’
‘What do you do in such a clinic?’
‘It depends, but generally it’s things like ground work, confidence building, re-education.’
‘So people … like me could go?’
‘Absolutely.’ He took a swallow of too-hot coffee to hide his hope that she was thinking of signing up.
‘Would you mind if I went?’
‘Of course not. It would be perfect for you and Jazz and it’s also for a worthy cause.’ He hesitated. They’d agreed to draw a line between them and to keep to their respective sides. But he was powerless to silence his words. ‘I’d really like to have you there.’
Her soft green eyes met his. ‘Okay. Count me in. Jazz and I’ll be there.’
CHAPTER
12
The day of the official opening of the new adventure playground promised to be a clear and sunny afternoon, even if the morning proved crisp and cold.
Neve walked faster to keep up with Maya and Kait as they skipped beside her on the paved path. As promised, the girls were going to be the first children to play on the equipment. That afternoon, about the same time as the playground ribbon-cutting ceremony, she’d say goodbye to them for the fortnight. She curled her fingers a little tighter around the two warm hands nestled in hers. Until then she was determined to make the most of their time together.
Hewitt greeted them at the playground entrance. ‘Morning.’
‘Morning. Sorry we’re early. I don’t know why, but for some reason we were ready in record time.’
The girls giggled. They’d had their boots and jumpers on before Neve had even picked up her car keys off the bench.
‘No worries.’ Hewitt stepped away from the entryway and gave a small bow. ‘Maya and Kait, welcome … the playground is all yours.’
Both girls gave Neve a quick hug before beaming high-wattage smiles at Hewitt as they tore past. They made a beeline for the bridge that led to the red-topped castle turret. Squeals and laughter sounded from inside.
Neve’s eyes misted. Beside her Hewitt cleared his throat.
She knew he understood how the loss of a parent could strip the joy from young lives. After the death of his brother he’d stepped in to help raise Quinn and Lizzie.
Neve spoke softly. ‘If that isn’t a reward for all you’ve done, nothing is.’
He nodded as Maya and Kait ran along a suspended walkway. ‘It’s the only reward I need.’
Neve followed Hewitt over to where the morning sun warmed a wooden bench.
‘I hear you’ve signed up for Tanner’s horsemanship weekend,’ Hewitt said as he sat and stretched his jean-clad legs out in front of him.
‘I did.’ Neve slid the backpack that held the girls’ water bottles and snacks off her shoulder, before also sitting. ‘Jazz is such a sweetheart. I’m sure I’m not asking her to do things the right way.’
‘She’s such a gentle soul, she wouldn’t mind. Is Tanner picking her up or do you need a hand to get her to the rodeo ground?’
‘Actually …’ She was reluctant to ask for help, but the alternative was Tanner collecting Jazz. Despite his reassurance, she wasn’t sure she’d done the right thing by signing up for the weekend. She shouldn’t have let the thought of Edna and Bethany taking advantage of Tanner’s kind heart get to her. The sensible thing would have been to stay away. ‘Would that be okay? I’m sure Tanner will be flat out.’
A smile lightened Hewitt’s grey eyes. ‘It’s no problem.’
‘Do you know who else is going? When I spoke to Bethany four spots had been filled.’
‘All eight spots have gone now. There’s Mac Barton, two city friends of Bethany’s who’ll ride her horses, Freya George, who teaches at the Reedy Creek school, you, Sibylla Elliott, who apparently has returned to town, and a husband and wife who saw Tanner’s demonstration at Mudgee.’
‘He’s certainly in demand.’
‘He is. There’re another eight names on the waiting list.’
‘Poor Tanner … Edna will be booking him in for another fundraising weekend. Freya’s a redhead, isn’t she?’
‘She is and she’s also from Sydney. You�
�ll have fun together.’
‘I’m sure we will. Cressy, Fliss and Ella speak highly of her.’
The conversation paused as Maya and Kait waved from over at the swings.
Hewitt chuckled. ‘I think that’s our signal to push.’
Neve stood with a smile. ‘Something tells me we’ll be pushing for a while.’
Her prediction proved true. After a lengthy time on the swings, the girls took only a short morning-tea break. Looking like they’d never stop, they continued to explore. Hewitt went back to the last-minute jobs he needed to complete before the afternoon opening while Neve moved to a bench that was in the shade. The girls had already discarded their jumpers.
The next fortnight would seem too quiet without their energy and constant supply of hugs. But at the end she hoped being alone and at a loose end wouldn’t fill her with the dread it did now. Her list of things to do to help her face her fears had grown. From taking a solo day trip to Dubbo, to reading books from the Reedy Creek Hall bookshelf, to cooking a recipe her mother had loved, however she filled her day, she’d make sure she had no time to feel lonely or lost.
When the girls appeared from out of a purple tunnel, their cheeks pink and their run having slowed to a walk, Neve called out, ‘Five more minutes.’
Kait pouted. Maya tugged at her hand. ‘Let’s go to the castle again.’
Kait’s displeasure changed to a laugh as they raced away. When they peered out of the turret windows, Neve returned their two handed waves.
The plan for when the girls were away was to also stop thinking about Tanner. Even with him sharing her view that nothing could again burn between them, she’d been surprised at how unsettled she continued to feel. It didn’t matter how many times she’d reminded herself she’d done the right thing, her heart and her hormones refused to listen.
On the day he’d come to talk to her, she’d appreciated his honesty and directness. But she’d never been more relieved than when he’d agreed to come in for a cuppa. When he’d hesitated on the bottom veranda step, she hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that if he’d turned to go it would have been her life he’d been walking out of.
She pushed to her feet and looped the backpack over her shoulder. Even with the five-minute warning, it took another ten minutes to have a last swing, say goodbye to Hewitt and walk back to the car.
The girls were silent as they drove along Main Street. Even when they passed the turn-off to the lolly shop there were no requests to visit. White yarn bombing decorated the bench outside the Royal Arms, while a nearby lamp post sported the beginning of the race-day-themed woollen creations. She pointed out the horseshoes and colourful tiny jockey hats to the girls. When she didn’t receive a response she glanced in the rear-view mirror. Both Maya and Kait were asleep.
That afternoon, knowing she’d feel emotional when she stood on the veranda to wave the girls off, Neve made sure she had a contingency plan in place. She’d visit the library to take a look at their family-history resources. As soon as Graham’s white four-wheel drive disappeared, she turned to head inside to collect her keys and handbag.
But instead of reaching for the screen doorhandle, she stopped. On the handle rested a pale-brown locust. She looked around for others, but no small bodies clung to any leaves or plants. When she glanced back, the winged insect was gone. She’d seen the advertisements on the television asking for landholders to report mass hatchings, but as time had passed she’d thought the locust threat hadn’t eventuated.
She glanced over at her vegetable garden that now was home to a large scarecrow with straw plaits and an oversized hat. She could only hope Dell and Bassie were the worst things to have happened to her carrots and corn.
She continued inside for her keys and handbag, and on the way past the coat stand she grabbed her denim jacket. With her hands full, when her mobile rang from inside her cherry-red tote, she fumbled to find it. Breathless, she finally answered the call.
‘Hi.’ Tanner’s deep voice kick-started a chain reaction in her senses.
She made a conscious effort to slow her breathing and to ignore the goosebumps rippling over her arms. ‘Hi. Sorry, I couldn’t find my phone.’
‘It’s just a quick call. The girls gone?’
‘Yes.’ As she talked she walked through the front door before locking it. ‘It’s far too quiet already.’
‘I bet it is.’
‘How was the playground opening?’
‘Busy. Hewitt and I are just about done cleaning up. My father called. Good news. He’s found where Edward’s buried and it is here. He’s in the general Woodlea cemetery and not the war one.’
Neve stopped on the top veranda step.
‘Neve?’
‘I’m still here, I’m just … processing. I go there every weekend to put flowers on my family’s graves. Odds on, I’ve walked straight past Edward’s headstone.’
This time it was Tanner who was silent.
‘Tanner?’
‘Sorry … I didn’t think. I should have known your mother’s buried here.’
‘She is, she’s beside my grandmother. I’m heading to town now and will see if I can find Edward’s grave.’
‘I can meet you there … if you like?’
She didn’t know if it was his earnest tone or the calm cadence of his words, all she knew was that it felt right to have him with her while she searched for Edward’s headstone.
‘If that’s okay? It will be easier to find with the two of us.’
‘See you soon.’
Neve unlocked the front door and returned inside. After she’d picked some bunches of yellow roses and wrapped the stems in wet newspaper, she again headed for her car.
On the drive to the historic cemetery she worked hard to make sure her feelings were buttoned down tight. There’d be no repeat of the emotional instability Tanner had witnessed at the tennis courts. Even when she placed flowers on her mother’s and grandparents’ graves.
Once she neared town she turned north. When she crossed the cattle grid that marked the cemetery entrance, she saw a blue ute parked to the left. She pulled in beside Tanner. Before she left the driver’s seat she tugged on her jacket.
The cemetery was situated on the side of a hill, which guaranteed crisp winds as well as a rural view. In spring the vivid yellow of canola crops would be interspersed amongst swathes of deep green. Today the warm brown ploughed paddocks were patchworked alongside the lighter green of emerging wheat crops.
Tanner met her as she stepped out into the wind. His head was bare and his dark-blond hair sat in tousled spikes as though he’d run his hand through the front.
Now that she knew the feel of what lay beneath his blue shirts, she couldn’t look at him without wanting to run her hands over his muscled strength. Now that she knew how it felt to have his arms anchor her against him, she couldn’t be near him without longing for his touch.
‘Thanks for coming with me,’ she said, making sure she didn’t stare at him for too long. ‘I hope you haven’t been waiting.’
‘No, I only just got here.’
She thought his gaze searched her face before she secured her loose hair in a high ponytail using the hairband she’d worn around her wrist.
‘Shall we start in the middle?’ she asked as she lowered her arms.
‘Sounds good to me.’
Before they moved away, she collected a bunch of roses from her car. She still didn’t know anything about Edward Jones, but she did know her grandmother had loved him and cherished their life together. She’d do all that she could to honour his memory.
When they reached the ordered rows in the midsection, Tanner walked one over to start his search. At the end of each row they moved further apart as Tanner checked the graves on the high side. Every so often they’d exchange head shakes.
At the top of the hill weathered statues kept watch over loved ones while rusted wrought-iron fences enclosed the memories of precious tiny pioneer lives. Further down the
hillside, headstone edges became sharp and polished and colour bloomed as living relatives paid tribute to beloved family members.
The roar of a lawnmower disturbed the quiet as an elderly man on a ride-on mowed the grass at the cemetery entrance.
She didn’t realise Tanner was waving at her until her phone beeped and she read the text message.
Found him.
Neve walked as fast as she could up the slope to where Tanner stood in front of a dark headstone. As she drew near, her pace slowed. Sadness held her silent as she stared at where the man her grandmother had married lay buried. The details on the headstone listed Edward Jones’s name and relevant dates, but otherwise didn’t give any other information.
She bent to rest the delicate yellow roses beside the black granite. As she straightened she was conscious of Tanner standing close beside her.
‘Five months was all they had,’ she whispered.
The warm weight of his arm settled around her shoulders. ‘Let’s just hope they fitted a lifetime’s worth of living into those months.’
The lawnmower noise increased as the elderly man drove to the end of their row. Silence descended as he turned off the motor. Legs bowed, and hair silver white, he approached. ‘Afternoon. I’m Bill.’
Tanner shook his outstretched hand. ‘Tanner.’
Neve also shook Bill’s gnarled hand. ‘Neve.’
His faded blue gaze briefly rested on her hair before he looked at the headstone. ‘Family?’
‘He is now,’ Neve said.
The old man rubbed the side of his jaw. ‘I’ve been taking care of things around here for a while.’ He dipped his head towards a section of headstones lower down the hill. ‘My Eileen and baby son are here.’
Neve could only imagine Bill’s heartache at losing not only his wife but also his child. ‘I’m so sorry.’
He nodded. ‘I’ve got nowhere else to be so I’ve seen generations of family members come and go.’ Bill studied Edward’s headstone. ‘But I’ve never seen anyone visit this grave … even though for many years there were always flowers here. Fresh ones too.’
The Round Yard Page 18