McKellan's Run

by Nicole Hurley-Moore

  Violet’s hand tightened around the door handle until her knuckles turned white. ‘There’s no shame, Grandad. Jason and I love each other,’ said Violet, feeling frightened as she looked up at her grandfather standing on the stairs, his face cold and furious.

  ‘What do McKellans know about love? They’re scum who have tricked and cheated our family out of land for the past four generations and now it looks as if one has even managed to take your good name.’

  Violet felt like crying but she knew she couldn’t break down in front of him.

  ‘Do you deny it then?’

  ‘No, I don’t. I slept with Jason because I love him, Grandad, and we’re not exactly living in the 1800s,’ she said, standing a little straighter. ‘And I’m not ashamed of what I . . . we did. Why would I be? Besides, it was our family that got into debt and lost the land. The McKellans didn’t steal it.’

  ‘That’s a damned lie and you know it, Violet Beckett. You know they’ve taken everything from us. They’ve ruined us and now one of their pups has managed to ruin you. Of all the boys in this town why in God’s name did you have to pick a bloody McKellan?’

  ‘Grandad, let the past go. We could be happy if you’d just let us. Please, for the sake of your great-grandchild,’ said Violet.

  His lips set in a grim line as he squared his shoulders and Violet knew what his answer was going to be before he even opened his mouth.

  ‘I can’t. You ask too much.’

  ‘Grandad, please.’

  ‘No, if you want to side with that family you can’t stay here.’

  ‘What do you mean? There’s nowhere else I can go.’

  ‘You should have thought about that before. Hell will freeze over before I have a McKellan under my roof. Just leave girl, you and your child aren’t welcome here. Not now, not ever.’

  Violet shook herself, her grandfather’s voice seemed to resonate through the empty house.

  ‘You’re dead and gone, Grandad, and you can’t judge me or my child anymore. Besides, you were the one who missed out. Holly is kind, clever and wonderful,’ Violet whispered as she walked into the large front room on her right which she’d turned into an office. It was time to put the past behind her and concentrate on the wedding from hell.

  Violet slid into her chair and grabbed the phone off the desk. First things first, she needed to secure equipment for the wedding; she rang her go-to supplier and crossed her fingers.

  ‘Hey Tony, I have a wedding I have to put together in a month and I need your help.’

  ‘Hi Violet, are you serious when you say a month?’

  ‘Yes, I am. I’m sorry there’s hardly any notice but I’m so hoping you can help me out? I promise it’s only a teeny weenie wedding.’

  ‘Violet, define “teeny weenie”,’ said Tony.

  ‘Smallish . . .’

  ‘Violet, you’re killing me.’

  ‘But you’ll do it?’

  Tony gave a long and exasperated sigh. ‘I’ll do whatever I can, but only because it’s you.’

  ‘You’re the best, Tony. Thank you, thank you, thank you!’

  ‘Yeah, well I’ll be asking for a favour.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘It’s Jazzy’s eighth birthday party in a couple of months. I expect you to plan it, decorate it and bring Holly.’

  ‘Done, and I promise it will be every little girl’s fantasy birthday party,’ Violet said with a laugh. ‘Thanks, I’ll see you soon.’

  ‘Bye Violet. Hey, and next time give me a bit more warning.’

  Violet flopped back in her chair and let out a relieved sigh as she replaced the phone. With a little begging and the promise of a party, she’d placed an order to hire the glassware, extra tables, chairs and the damask tablecloths (even if Celine thought they were busy).

  She rested her head on the back of the chair and stared up at the ceiling. If anyone had told her a month ago that she’d be planning Jason McKellan’s wedding she would have said they were completely bonkers. But that was before her car engine blew up and the plumbing decided to start self-destructing. In the end she didn’t have a choice about taking on the job but she still had to admit the whole situation was surreal.

  The phone rang and Violet snatched it up ‘Hello, Violet Falls Parties & Events.’

  ‘Violet, it’s Mac. You’ve got Celine’s go ahead, just don’t use yellow flowers or lace tablecloths.’

  Violet’s stomach did that annoying clenching, squiffy thing as she recognised his voice.

  ‘But how did you—?’

  ‘Doesn’t matter, everything is sorted.’

  ‘Thanks Mac, I don’t know how I can thank you.’

  ‘Dinner?’

  ‘Sorry, what?’ said Violet.

  ‘Have dinner with me, Violet.’

  ‘Sure,’ said Violet, ‘but can we wait until after the wedding? I need to concentrate or the whole damned thing will go to hell in a hand basket.’

  Mac was silent for a moment or two. ‘Does that mean I distract you?’

  His voice was so soft, deep and beguiling, thought Violet. Funny how she’d never noticed before.

  ‘Perhaps, or maybe I’m just flat out trying to organise a wedding,’ she said.

  ‘Okay, we’ll wait until after the wedding but I’m holding you to it,’ he said, his voice seeming to wrap around Violet, making her feel warm and tingly.

  ‘Fair enough. Thanks again for getting Celine to agree,’ said Violet, smiling.

  ‘No worries. I’m so glad you’re back. See you soon Violet.’ ‘Bye,’ said Violet then sat for a long time just staring into space. Despite the feelings Mac stirred up in her, she was just re-establishing herself back in Violet Falls, she had a fledgling business and a daughter to raise. She needed to stay focused on her goals and not get involved with anyone, especially another McKellan, she told herself, a determined expression on her face as she picked up the phone.

  ‘Hello, is that Mainstop Florist? Yes, hi, I know its short notice but I need to order some flowers.’

  Violet closed her eyes and tried to go to sleep but the image of Mac kept creeping into her mind. He had taken her by surprise, appearing in the doorway looking so strong, handsome and sexy. It had been eight years since she’d seen him. In that time the gangly frame she remembered from school had, well, filled-out.

  They had been in the same year at school but Violet had only really got to know him through Jason. Back then, she’d spent every moment she could at McKellan’s Run. Other than the obvious allure of being at Jason’s home it was also a good distance out of town and away from gossiping tongues.

  Mac had always been quieter and more reserved than Jason or his best friend Flynn Hartley. But Violet remembered he had a kind heart and plenty of courage. She’d seen him step in and stop the bullying of poor Andy Ferris by a group of boys in their year who should have had more sense.

  Violet had always liked Mac, though she’d grown to see him mainly as Jason’s sweet and dependable little brother. Violet rolled over and wiggled around in an attempt to get comfortable. She needed to get some sleep because tomorrow was going to be a hectic day. Apart from the McKellan wedding, there were the other events she had to see to.

  There was Rex Bottle—actor, poet and local eccentric—who had commissioned her to transform the small private dining room at Hedge’s restaurant into a sumptuous feast for royalty (his words not hers). She still needed to track down the rest of the props as well as the centrepiece. Apparently the highlight of the evening would be his recitation of an ode himself, praising all the great food, good wine and all the women he once had, although not necessarily in that order.

  Other than Rex’s bacchanalia, she had a young couple coming to discuss throwing a surprise ‘We’re Engaged’ party for their families.

  So why did her mind keep going back to Mac? Violet snuggled down under the covers. Moving back home and running into old friends was bound to stir up some memories.

  Violet pulled up to Mac
’s house in her newly repaired car. She smiled when she heard the sound of work boots crunching on gravel and watched as Mac made his way over to her.

  ‘Hey,’ he said with a nod.

  ‘Hi Mac, I hope you don’t mind but I really need a few measurements and I wanted to check how much natural light there is in the great room.’

  ‘Whatever you need,’ he said as he stopped in front of her. There was mud on his jeans, sweat trickling down his brow and a couple of nasty scratches on his forearm.

  ‘Mac, what happened?’ Violet asked looking at his arm. Blood was oozing from the scratches which looked deep and nasty.

  ‘One of the ewes got herself wedged between some rocks and a big blackberry bush up at the top dam,’ he said, glancing down at his arm.

  ‘Would you like me to bandage it for you?’

  ‘Nah, it’ll be fine.’

  Violet grabbed her handbag and shut the car door. ‘I’m sorry I had to pull you away from your work.’

  ‘Not a problem,’ said Mac, taking off his hat and running his hand through his hair.

  ‘Well, thanks anyway,’ said Violet, thinking how strong and dependable his hands looked.

  He gestured to Violet and they started walking towards the house.

  ‘I figure you’ll have to get into the house a fair bit to get ready for the wedding, won’t you?’ said Mac.

  ‘Yes, but I promise next time I won’t drag you away from work. I’m sorry I disturbed you.’

  ‘You didn’t,’ said Mac. ‘Do you remember where we used to keep the spare key?’

  ‘Yeah, under that ugly garden gnome you and your brothers bought your poor mother one birthday.’

  Mac grinned at the memory. ‘It was a joke. You know how much she hates them. Besides, we got her a real present as well.’

  ‘Good thing too.’

  ‘Anyway, the key is still there. Mum accidentally-on-purpose forgot to take the gnome with her when she moved.’

  ‘A very wise woman, your mother,’ said Violet with a smile.

  ‘Hmmm, so if I’m not here, just let yourself in.’

  ‘You don’t mind?’

  ‘Not at all,’ said Mac as they wandered over to a small herb garden. Nestled amongst the rosemary and basil was the ugliest garden gnome in all creation.

  ‘I see age hasn’t improved him,’ said Violet.

  ‘Shhh, you’ll hurt his feelings,’ said Mac, reaching over and picking it up to reveal the hidden key. ‘So, here it is if you need it,’ he added before replacing the gnome.

  Mac walked over to the door and opened it. ‘I’d better get back.’

  ‘Thanks and sorry again for interrupting your day.’

  ‘Nothing to be sorry about.’

  There was a pause and Violet glanced up at Mac just in time to see him look away.

  ‘Um well, if you’re alright I’ll get going. Just pull the door shut when you go,’ he said.

  ‘Sure and thank . . . I mean. I’ll see you around.’

  Mac hesitated as if he was going to say something else. Instead his eyes locked onto Violet’s for an instant before he gave her a nod and headed back down the path.

  Violet stood by the open door and watched him go.

  Since when had there been awkward silences between them?

  Chapter 12

  The only way Violet could describe the first part of her visit to McKellan’s Run was frustrating. Celine had been okay until Jason had set off to catch up with old friends, and Mac left saying he needed to check on some stock. After they disappeared Celine had basically questioned nearly every one of her decisions. Violet had tried hard to be accommodating, explaining that the short time-frame had made pulling the wedding together harder than normal, though she’d managed to source nearly everything Celine had requested. But whatever she said seemed to fall on deaf ears. Her fuse had got shorter by the minute.

  ‘Well, I don’t see why I can’t have the entire outside area and the great room filled with latte-coloured roses?’

  ‘Because there’s not enough time to order that number of flowers. And what you asked for when I suggested white camellias was “lots of cream roses”.’

  ‘I didn’t want cream roses I wanted latte-coloured ones.’

  When Violet fired up her tablet and pulled up the email exchange between them where Celine had asked for cream roses, Celine had just brushed her off. ‘I have to say, Violet, I’m more than disappointed. Sarah assured me you could handle this but I’m wondering if you might be in a bit over your head,’ she said.

  Stunned at Celine’s rudeness, Violet opened her mouth to say something, but had difficulty formulating something intelligible. Gathering herself, she’d laid out the reasoning behind some of the on-the-spot decisions she’d had to make in Melbourne, but again Celine questioned all the choices she’d made. It was while she was doing this that Mac appeared in the kitchen and sat down next to Violet, laying his hand on her leg beneath the table and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

  The next time Celine started patronising Violet, Mac said, ‘That’s enough, Celine. Violet was gracious enough to agree to help Mum out with the wedding. You gave her so little time—just over four weeks. And I didn’t know it back then but I’ve since learnt that most weddings take a hell of a lot longer than you gave Mum to plan. We’ve all pulled in favours to arrange this because you and Jason wanted to be married here at McKellan’s Run. Violet is organising everything from the seating and music to the decorations, and all the designs she’s shown me in response to your feedback have looked amazing. Dan’s taking care of the food as a gift. As far as I can see, the only thing you have to do is pick out your dress.’

  ‘Oh Mac, don’t be cross. Every girl wants their day to be perfect,’ said Celine, smiling at him coquettishly.

  ‘Sure, well if you think you can do better than Violet maybe you should take everything over,’ he said with stony politeness.

  ‘I’m sorry, Mac,’ said Celine looking contrite. ‘I guess I got a bit carried away.’

  After the conversation resumed with Mac there, Celine dropped her outright rudeness to Violet, replacing it with a more passive-aggressive approach. She’d apologised to Mac when he called her on some of the things she said, but she barely acknowledged it when Violet explained a choice she’d made. She also tried the whole I’m-too-pretty-and-special-for-you-to-be-angry-at-me routine with Mac, which Violet found sickening. Did other men really fall for this sort of shit, Violet wondered. Surely not?

  Mac caught Violet’s eye at a particularly tense moment when she felt like she was just about to lose it with Celine and gave her leg another squeeze. Her skin warmed under the heat of his hand.

  When Jason finally returned, Mac had stared at him with barely concealed anger and said, ‘What I don’t understand is why you’re having to do everything in such a rush.’

  Before Jason could answer, Celine cut in, ‘We’re in love, Mac. We just don’t want to wait. Surely you understand? It was love at first sight and we can’t get enough of each other. Jason is my total soul mate,’ she gushed, reaching over and covering Jason’s hand with hers.

  For the first time since meeting her, Violet sat back and really considered Celine dispassionately. Everything she’d just said about her relationship with Jason didn’t really ring true. It was as if underneath Celine’s cool exterior there was an eagerness to impress Jason that didn’t speak of any type of soul mate relationship. There even seemed to be a nervousness in the way she looked at him.

  Violet’s thoughts about this were cut short by the arrival of Sarah, who breezed into the kitchen and headed straight for Jason giving him a warm hug and a kiss.

  ‘I’ve missed you,’ she said with a broad smile as she mussed his hair just like she had when he was a little boy.

  ‘Easy there, Mum,’ said Jason, grinning as he picked her up and gave her a twirl.

  Sarah let out a yelp of surprise before dissolving into laughter. ‘Ah, put me down!’ she said before going
over to Celine and giving her a peck on the cheek. ‘Hello dear, you look lovely—as always.’

  ‘Thank you, Mrs McKellan,’ said Celine with a tight smile. Again, Violet sensed a nervousness in Celine that she didn’t really understand.

  Sarah rounded the table, bent down and gave Mac a hug from behind.

  ‘You’re in a good mood,’ Mac said with a grin.

  ‘Of course I am, I have two of my handsome sons in the one room,’ she replied, releasing Mac and wrapping her arm around Violet. ‘Everything under control, sweetie?’

  Violet nodded. ‘Sure is.’

  ‘Good,’ said Sarah.

  Just then Dan walked in to the kitchen, saying, ‘I think you meant three handsome sons, Mum.’

  Violet smiled to see Dan after so many years. He was a shade shorter than Mac, with brown hair and the same greenish-hazel eyes as his big brother.

  ‘Hey, long time no see,’ he said to Jason before he nodded to Celine. ‘Nice to see you, Celine.’

  ‘Hi Dan, it’s great to see you too. Thanks so much for agreeing to do the food for us. We really appreciate it,’ she gushed. ‘I don’t suppose you brought the menus with you?’ she asked. ‘I can’t wait to see them.’

  ‘I did bring them with me and we can go over them in a minute,’ he said before wandering over and giving Violet a kiss. ‘Hey Violet. We’ve all missed you. I’m so glad that you and your daughter have moved back.’

  Violet found herself almost tearing up when he said that. All the McKellans, even Jason, had made her feel as if she belonged today, which was incredibly nice and comforting.

  ‘Thanks Dan, it’s good to be back,’ Violet replied. And despite how horrible it had been with Celine thus far, Violet realised she really meant it. Thanks to Mac and Holly’s friends and their mums and teachers, she felt like she was totally in the right place to be bringing up Holly and continuing on in her life.

  Violet went to turn back to Mac but as her eyes swept across the room she caught Jason staring at her intently. He had a strange expression on his face, almost as if he was seeing her for the first time. It made her uncomfortable and wary. She could feel her heart beating as she quickly looked away.