by Kiera Jayne
“With me. With us.” Perie glanced down at Flynn, who was snoring softly. Her eyes fluttered closed when Vaughn kissed her forehead.
“With you,” he confirmed.
“I was thinking a rosemary plant for your friend, since it’s a remembrance plant. Or is that a cliché?”
“Nope. I think it’s perfect. What should Denise’s plant be? What was her favourite?” Vaughn asked.
“She loved daisies.”
“Then that’s what we’ll plant.”
Perie smiled and gazed up at him for a ridiculously inordinate amount of time. “I meant what I said to Brooke yesterday, Vaughn. I wasn’t trying to prove anything. I have fallen in love with you again.”
Vaughn cradled Perie’s head in his hand. “I never stopped loving you. You’ve been with me all these years. I took you to Afghanistan with me. I tried to run from the two of you, but you were buried deep inside my soul. You got me through the hardest times.”
Perie’s eyes welled up. “Even when you were injured?”
“Especially then.” Vaughn swiped his thumb across the apple of her cheek when a tear fell. He kissed her forehead again. When she moved into his kiss, she could hear his heart thudding loudly in his chest.
“I hope I’m included in this love fest,” Flynn mumbled in a groggy voice.
Perie and Vaughn glanced down at their blonde boyfriend as he traced his finger across the dry base coat coating Perie’s skin.
Perie wrinkled up her nose. “It would be kind of weird without you.”
Flynn laughed against the skin of her hip. “You’re such a sweet talker, Per.”
“I only speak the truth.”
“You’re going to need a shower to wash this off.” Flynn glanced around the room and frowned. “And we kind of fucked up the walls.”
“It’ll wash,” Vaughn answered. “Looks like we’ve got an all-nighter ahead of us since we used up most of the day doing . . . other things.”
“Sure.” Perie attempted to move, but her body protested. “Just give me a few minutes.”
“Alright.” Vaughn hooked one of his arms under his head and felt his eyelids grow heavy. The sound of Flynn’s steady breathing met his ears once more and one glance at Perie told him she was going the same way.
Bugger it.
If they were going to nap, he was, too. Who cared if they had rooms to paint?
PERIE COULDN’T QUITE BELIEVE the progress they had made over the weeks that had passed since that day Brooke had popped by. Most of the house was close to being finished and her big, fancy bathroom was finished. The claw-foot bath was positioned in a way that had it in front of the open fireplace and also beside the giant window where you could relax and gaze out over the bush and in the winter, you would keep warm in the process.
With the house painted from top to bottom and new shutters on the windows, everything was starting to take shape.
Opening her daily schedule one morning, Perie was pleased to see things were up to date. She was also surprised to see the actual date. “What the hell?”
“What is it?” Flynn asked from where he was cleaning dishes from breakfast and dinner the night before.
“It’s the twenty-fourth of December.” Perie lifted her hazel gaze to him, her forehead crinkled in a frown. “It’s Christmas Eve and I never even realised. How did I let it sneak up on us?”
“We’ve been a tad busy, Perie,” Flynn answered.
“But it’s my favourite holiday of the year, and I’m completely unprepared.”
Flynn threw down the tea towel and came to lean opposite her at the kitchen bench she stood at. “Well, it’s early. We can go into town and get a few things. What do you need?”
“A leg of ham, salads, sweets, starters, a Christmas tree, gifts for you and Vaughn—"
Flynn held up a hand, cutting Perie off. “You don’t need to worry about getting me a present. Let’s focus on the other stuff.”
Perie glared at him. “I am buying you a present.”
Flynn gulped at the venom in her eyes. “Okay. Well, then, I think we need to make our way into town for the morning. Let’s go and get Vaughn.”
With an excited squeal, Perie bounced around to Flynn and pulled him into a rough hug and quick kiss. “Thank you, Flynn, you’re awesome!”
“Anything for you, hotness,” he replied, laughing at her as she bounded off to get ready.
Once she was dressed in her red wraparound dress and black ballet flats, Perie met the boys at the Amarok and climbed into the back seat as Vaughn made his way to the same spot.
“Am I chauffeuring you two?” Flynn asked as he settled into the driver’s seat.
“You don’t belong back here, princess. Take the front seat,” Vaughn told her.
“Are you sure?”
“Positive,” Vaughn confirmed.
Instead of getting out the door, Perie got to her feet. Bending at the waist, handbag hanging over her forearm, she climbed through the centre of the vehicle, her left leg reaching over the centre console until her foot hit the seat. She felt Flynn smack her arse as she dragged her second leg across and plonked down in the seat.
“Oi!” Perie’s half-hearted scowl made Flynn laugh. She pulled the seatbelt across her body and said, “Let’s get going.”
Flynn steered the vehicle down the driveway.
***
They knew they were approaching the town limits fifteen minutes later when the annual council Christmas tree was placed in the middle of the main roundabout leading into town or onto the town bypass, making it difficult for drivers to see and give way to each other. T’was the season after all, and not even the elevated amount of fender benders stopped the council from decorating the town however they wanted.
Perie pulled out a pen and notepad. “Okay, we need a plan of attack. Vaughn, you’re getting the meat.”
Vaughn gripped the grab-handle above the window as he was bounced around in the back. “Righto.”
“Flynn, you’re in charge of groceries, and I’ll get the decorations.” She peeled off the list and handed it to Flynn. She jabbed the end of her pen at him, her face all businesslike. Or, as Flynn liked to call it, her ‘Don’t-Fuck-With-Me’ face. “Do not deviate from the list. Got it?”
“Got it.” He held onto it tightly.
“So, we’re splitting up?” Vaughn asked.
“Yes. So, I can buy both of you gifts. And before either of you say anything, I am buying you gifts. Let me, please?” She sent them both a pleading look.
Vaughn squeezed her shoulder and Flynn brushed his hand along her thigh, sending sparks through her body from both touches.
Vaughn leaned forward so his mouth was close to her ear. “As long as you let us spoil you, as well.”
Perie’s heart fluttered and she leaned into the kiss he pressed to her temple.
“Perie loves being spoiled,” Flynn said.
“It’s true,” Perie confirmed.
Vaughn chuckled. “What woman doesn’t?”
As soon as Flynn found a parking space underneath one of the long, thick garlands of tinsel that would put a two-metre long carpet python to shame, Perie was out in a flash. “See you in a few hours. You know how to reach me!” She waved her smartphone in the air, then spun away and skipped off down the footpath.
***
Vaughn’s first port of call was the computer store. He was determined to get his father set up with a cheap, but useful computer for the business. Even if his dad wouldn’t use it, Robert, his smart, young employee, certainly would. Dave would probably rail against this whole idea. He was so old-fashioned. But Vaughn could be just as pigheaded as his old man and he would have his way.
Vaughn paused as he passed a jewellery shop, his gaze falling on a rose gold bracelet interspersed with rose gold beads and tiny diamonds. At least, he thought they were diamonds. Nevertheless, they were pretty. They were perfect for her. He moved towards the doorway, then paused. He went back to the window. Did he want t
o impulse buy or think about his purchase for Perie?
Vaughn glanced at his watch.
It was Christmas Eve in Granite Ridge. He didn’t exactly have a whole lot of time. He still had to get to the butcher before it shut down, too.
“Hi there, Vaughn. May I help you?”
Vaughn turned to the gentle voice of the pretty brunette who was now standing in the doorway. Did he know her? She seemed to know him. That had happened a lot since he came back. So many people knew who he was and for the life of him, he couldn’t remember them. Had she been in school with him? She appeared to be a lot younger, so perhaps she was a few years under his grade.
He glanced at her name badge. “G’day, Jameson. Ahh, yeah . . . I’m thinking about buying this bracelet as a gift, but I’m unsure about it.”
Jameson moved up beside him, her hands tucked behind her back, and inspected it with him. “It’s a lovely piece. What are you unsure about?”
“Whether she’ll like it,” he huffed, feeling slightly embarrassed.
“Who is it for?”
He felt himself blushing. “My girlfriend.”
“Aw, lovely! Would you like to come in and take a closer look at it?” Jameson suggested.
“Okay.” Vaughn followed the woman inside and watched her make her way to the display window. She opened it up with a small key that was attached by a springy rope at her hip and carefully lifted the bracelet and its bedding out. Vaughn’s hands became clammy as Jameson approached him.
The way the gold caught the light as she set it on the countertop, the way the possible-diamonds sparkled . . . he knew then that he was making the right decision. Perie deserved this and more.
“Are they diamonds?” Vaughn asked as he bent down to inspect the bracelet closely.
“Swarovski crystals, actually. Our diamonds aren’t displayed in the front window, and unfortunately, our diamond bracelets are all sold out for Christmas.”
“Do you think she’d like it?” Vaughn wasn’t sure why he would ask a stranger such a personal question.
Jameson rested her elbows on the bench, bringing herself down to his level. “That all depends on what kind of woman she is. Is she fancy? Is she a bit of a tomboy? Does she like pretty things? Does she like dressing up, even occasionally? Does she like to get a little spoilt?”
Vaughn smiled slightly. “All of the above.”
“Considering it’ll be coming from a man like you, Vaughn, I think she’d love it no matter what.”
He glanced at her out the corner of his eye. Was she coming onto him? No. All he could see in her gaze was genuine warmth.
“Consider it sold.”
“Lovely! Would you like it gift wrapped?”
“Absolutely.”
“Won’t be long.” Jameson picked the bracelet up with a flourish and went to prepare the gift.
***
Perie stared at the festive section of Granite Ridge’s cheap shop with the same awe that might afflict a very small child on Christmas morning. All of these wonderful decorations, all so incredibly cheap, and they didn’t even look tacky. Armed with a shopping basket and a determination to make this whirlwind Christmas celebration spectacular, Perie grabbed everything she could off the shelves—baubles, tinsel, Santa Claus figurines, adorable little Christmas animals, a star topper, a nutcracker soldier, lanterns, bowls and cutlery, and the all-important plastic Christmas tree. Perie stumbled to the cash register and dumped her armful of stuff onto the counter. The young boy’s eyes widened at the collection.
“I . . . may have to rethink some of my impulse shopping here,” Perie admitted with a twist of her mouth.
“No worries.” The pimply teenager lifted the handheld scanner from its cradle. “Where should I start?”
“Definitely the tree.”
Beep.
The boy looked at her expectantly as Perie considered the next item to go into the bag.
“Definitely the tinsel and the baubles.”
Beep, Beep.
This was where it became difficult. Perie sorted dumbly through her items, oblivious to those around her.
“Ma’am?” the boy asked.
“Shh. Give me a minute.” Perie held up her hand to him.
“Alright. It’s just . . ..”
Perie glanced at the kid, then turned at the sound of someone clearing their throat behind her. Behind her was a line-up of people that could very well have been a mile long. She sheepishly turned back to the kid. “All of it. Give me all of it.”
“Are you sure?”
“No!” She hesitated for a moment. “Okay, do it.”
“O-okay.” Reluctantly, he began to scan the items once again.
At the end, he announced the cost and Perie blinked. “It’s what?”
“$178.69,” the boy repeated.
“I thought this was a cheap shop?” Perie exclaimed.
“It is.”
Perie looked at her mountain of stuff. $178.69 and she’d just spent a small fortune on the guys’ gifts. What on Earth had she done? Fishing out her card, Perie held her breath and swiped away. She was going to regret this come statement time.
Perie’s arms were aching by the time she was mere steps down the street from the cheap shop. She saw Flynn make his way to the Amarok with a trolley load of goodies, but then he paused and changed direction.
With a curious frown, Perie followed him.
***
He couldn’t believe his eyes. Flynn watched, dumbfounded, as Izzy and Michael carried baby Max out of the little church beside the supermarket amid a circle of well-wishers. Flynn saw his mother, happy and hanging onto Chris’ arm, with not a care in the world. He saw a few old mates from his school days as well.
Everyone was invited, it seemed, but him.
Flynn wasn’t sure why it hurt so much—it was only a couple of weeks back when he told his mother he was done with the Coopers. But he was being left out once again, and he couldn’t help the old frustration that crept up inside him. This was it, then. All the proof he needed to show he honestly didn’t matter to any of them.
“Hey, what’s the deal?” Perie asked breathless as she stopped beside him. When Flynn didn’t answer, she followed his gaze. “Is that the christening?”
“Yeah,” Flynn spat.
“They really didn’t invite you. God, those arseholes. I’m sorry, Flynn.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for.” He shook his head slightly. “Look at them. So perfect and proper. They make everything look so effortless. It’s like nothing touches them.”
“Except they’re not perfect, not even close. There’s no such thing as perfection, Flynn. Life is messy and real. No matter how fantastic they look, we both know how ugly they can be on the inside. The whole town knows it. Why do you think everyone calls the Coopers snobs?” Since she was unable to wrap her arms around Flynn in a hug, she nudged him with her shoulder. “I know it’s difficult, but you honestly don’t need them. You never did.”
Flynn pressed a kiss to Perie’s forehead, then glanced down at her mountain of shopping. “Jeez, Perie, what the fuck did you buy?”
“All the decorations!”
Flynn laughed at her awe-inspired voice. He took her shopping bags from her and settled it into the trolley.
Perie’s adorable smile touched her lips. “I made you laugh.”
“You always make me laugh. You always make me feel better about myself.” He pulled her into a gentle kiss. “I love you, Per.”
“I love you, too, Flynn.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled into him.
As they turned away from the sight of the Coopers, Flynn held her tight against him, cherishing the way her small body felt in his arms. Perie Miller was his anchor and Vaughn Forester was his new voice of reason. The two of them were all Flynn needed in this world.
VAUGHN CARRIED THE NEW all-in-one computer into his father’s mower shop, past the tired old one metre tall Chrissy tree that sat by the office door an
d that still bore the same decorations since 1988 when he and his mum had bought and decorated it together. Perie and Flynn followed behind with the add-ons in their hands. Vicki looked up from the other side of the reception desk, causing Vaughn to pause for a moment. “Vicki? What are you doing behind there?” He didn’t mean for the question to sound so accusatory, but before he could take it back, Vicki glared at him.
“Your dad has needed some extra help since you made yourself scarce.”
“I didn’t mean to,” Vaughn said.
“Yeah, well, you have. Where have you been?” Vicki demanded.
“Sorry, that’s probably my fault. He’s been helping restore my aunty’s old house.” Perie stepped forward to greet the woman. “Nice to see you, Vicki.”
Vicki narrowed her eyes. “Oh, I get it. You’re hooking up with Perie Miller again. That is so high school!”
“Vicki. As bitchy as always,” Flynn observed. “Don’t let the jealousy turn you too green, now. Mind you, it’s kind of festive, isn’t it?”
Vicki gaped at him in utter surprise.
“Where are we setting up?” Flynn asked, blatantly ignoring Vicki.
“In the back.” Vaughn pointed to the office and the three of them headed in there.
The boys got busy setting the computer up on the ancient metal desk and soon, they were arguing about how to install the software.
“Perie, tell him that’s not how you do it!” Flynn demanded, turning his attention onto her.
Perie held up her hands in surrender. “Not saying a word.”
“What’s all this?” Vaughn’s father demanded as he entered the office.
They all started at his sudden, gruff appearance.
Vaughn got to his feet. “Hey, Dad. Merry Christmas.”
His dad ignored his greeting and indicated the computer. “You didn’t answer me.”
“It’s your Christmas present.” Vaughn patted the top of the computer. “I thought I’d help you get more efficiency with your business and install a computerised system.”