Rachael strode to the front door with Shar right behind her. She paused with her key in the lock, not turning to face her sister. Her mouth was dry as the words crawled out of her throat.
‘He has a daughter.’
Shar gasped.
With her head down Rachael opened the door and walked out.
‘A daughter?’ The incredulity in Shar’s voice mirrored her own feelings.
Now that the words were out, she expected some relief, lightness, but it didn’t come. She had the overbearing sense that there was something more going on with Mike and his daughter. It had been gnawing at her for most of the night.
She grinned at her sister whose jaw had dropped. ‘Shut it, your mouth’s not a flytrap.’
‘Well,’ said Shar. ‘Well. I don’t know what to say to that.’
She grimaced. ‘Not much too say really. It is what it is.’
That was the truth of it. Mike had a daughter and as much as she might not like it, it was none of her business. She shuddered. How could she think that?
It was plain that he loved children, he’d said it himself. For someone who yearned for a family life it must be a painful challenge every day to train other people’s children, share meals with other families and then to walk away.
Shar trotted alongside her, her light steps echoing in the empty street. ‘There’s a story there. Who’s the mother?’
Rachael shrugged.
‘How old is she?’
She stopped mid-stride and faced her sister. ‘I don’t know. I didn’t ask and I don’t care. We have bigger problems than Mike’s daughter.’
Her words didn’t stop her curious sister who ran up ahead and stood in front of her, almost blocking her. Her eyes were wide, beseeching. ‘Ask. You’re always asking questions. Why didn’t you ask? You’re always saying you can’t make a decision without knowledge.’
Rachael strode around her. They had enough going on in their lives without any other added drama. ‘I don’t have a decision to make.’
‘Oh, Rach. You do. You like the guy.’
She swallowed hard. And that was the truth of it. ‘I might like him, but my life is in Sydney, his is here and he has a daughter.’
‘Oh,’ scoffed Shar. ‘That’s nothing these days.’
She continued walking, almost tripping over in her effort to get away. ‘Says she who married the guy next door. Leave it will you?’
‘For now.’
Shar’s questions were uppermost in her mind. Despite herself she wanted to know everything about Mike and his daughter. Curiosity was part of it, but the other part went to the heart of Mike. Family. He’d obviously bought a home with his daughter in mind.
Her agitation grew with each step to the bakery and it didn’t stop until she was inside and had switched on the ovens.
Searching for calm, she laid her hands on the cool steel bench and closed her eyes. She loved this time of day in the bakery, being alone with just her thoughts.
Her phone rang. She jumped at the piercing sound.
She grabbed her phone and hesitated; her eyes were glued to Gordon’s name as her thumb hovered across the phone’s surface. It rang out and she let out a deep sigh. She spent the next couple of minutes checking her messages.
It took a few deep breaths for work issues to offload in her brain. Her phone was full of pictures of her standing beside some guy at some event, looking happy and with the in-crowd. Those photos couldn’t be further from the truth. Deep down she knew that most people in her life were fair-weather friends.
Her gut twisted as she processed that thought.
Last night she’d sung three songs in public. In public. She had survived. Mike was right; the high at the end was addictive.
When had she ever felt safer? Never.
Did she trust him? Yes, last night was proof positive. She hadn’t made a complete fool of herself and somehow she knew Mike wouldn’t have let that happen. There was something decent and kind about him. Singing in public hadn’t turned out to be the nightmare she’d always imagined.
So what if she liked Mike. What did that mean?
She shut her eyes tight and considered that for a moment. She would be a friend. But the temptation to be more would always be there.
Raucous squawking outside caused her to look out the window. Two galahs had flown into the bakery’s small backyard, landing by the back door. Nancy had once said galahs paired for life. What would that be like? She moved closer to the window as they scavenged the damp ground for food.
She brushed down her clothes in an effort to freshen up. Work ruled, it always had and Gordon’s daily calls would keep her on the straight and narrow. His calls would keep her focused on what truly mattered for her.
Her phone buzzed.
Mike’s name flashed on the small screen; her thumb hit the message button—Hope you slept well. See you soon.
A hot charge of excitement whirled in her chest.
She pulled herself back. What was it Shar mentioned? Make a decision. She couldn’t deny her growing attraction for the sexy Irishman. Maybe Mike was right to stop things when he did. Her instincts were telling her Mike was not the type of guy she could easily forget or brush aside.
***
Mike stepped out into his backyard. The sun was just peeking over the horizon but it was still too bright for him. He blinked a couple of times. With a final shrug he pulled on his jacket and slammed shut his back door. He tossed a bag of tools into the back of his truck. Every movement was an effort, his body sluggish.
He climbed in and started the engine.
It had been a rough night. Far worse than the one after he’d discovered he was going to be a father.
At eighteen he thought his life had ended when Leanne told him she was pregnant. His worst fears had never materialised that time.
But to feel this way from a kiss? Who knew they could be so powerful?
The unexpected intimacy left him wanting more. His body hummed just remembering. And like an arse he’d pulled back. He groaned. The shock and surprise in Rachael’s lovely eyes cut him deeply. Why couldn’t he have just ’fessed up and said, ‘Got it wrong, Rach, let’s do that again’.
But, he hadn’t.
Her words ‘I feel such a fool’ were the real kicker. They were his undoing and had kept him awake all night; they broke him every time he thought about them. He didn’t want her to feel a fool because of something he’d done, or they’d done.
What was he thinking? All along she’d told him she didn’t want to sing. She was one gutsy lady; she got up there and sang not one, but three songs with him.
I’m such an indulgent prick. Why couldn’t he just leave it at one?
Sending her the text was a risk, but he had to start somewhere. To say he was nervous was an understatement.
He parked in the small driveway of the bakery and pulled out his gear. In the backyard he kept one eye on the back window and the other on what he was doing.
He dropped the gear off by the garage and then studied the structure of the building. It was a good solid double-brick building and the only problem was if there would be any electrical changes.
Rachael was taking a huge risk. Has she really thought this through? Had she had the time to really nut it out? People in town were watching their pennies. It would take more than a lick of paint and some updated equipment to make the bakery pay for itself.
His eyes skimmed the back windows. A mix of relief and disappointment rippled through him. How much did he want to be involved? He had the choice. It was in his hands. Rach could survive without his help, she’d sort it. It would be business as usual for her.
Their lives couldn’t be more different. His life was also changing. If his plans worked out, Caitlyn would be living with him, and a lot of the work at his place would be done.
Yes, he could help get the bakery up and running again. He rubbed his face. He’d spent too many hours agonising and it had to stop. His eyes stung from lack
of sleep and his body ached.
‘Need a hand?’
His head shot up.
Rach stood in the doorway. His eyes roamed over her slender frame and noted she was still in the same clothes as yesterday.
He slowly walked towards her, searching her face for clues. Her pale face and puffy eyes confirmed his worst fear. You dickhead. She had enough pressure on her without him adding to it.
When he reached her, he ran a nervous hand through his messy hair.
‘Bad night?’ he whispered.
Her eyes met his. He noted the dark shadows under her eyes, and her half-hearted grin didn’t ease his guilt.
‘Looks like we both had a bad one. Come in. I’ve just pulled out the first loaves. Fancy a slice? What’s it to be—honey, peanut butter or vegemite?’
He followed her inside, glad her reception hadn’t been frosty.
‘Vegemite sounds good.’
Inside it was warm and cosy. His stomach rumbled. The scent of the baked bread whetted his appetite. It was pure heaven.
Her ponytail hung temptingly down her back and he dismissed a playful urge to pull it.
Instead, he walked past her and picked up an apron which hung on the side wall. He held it up. It was a floral, full of red and pink roses, with a lace edging. He grinned at Rachael. ‘Nancy’s?’ Before she answered, he rubbed his hands together, and said, ‘Sit down, Rach, I can make us toast and a cup of tea.’
He reminded himself he had to give up some of his teasing ways; they weren’t for everyone. And for someone like Rachael, who took life seriously, it didn’t do well to be always making light of every situation.
With a soft sigh Rachael walked to the table closest to him. He studied her movements as she eased into the chair.
‘You have my full attention,’ she said.
Mike knew he was grinning at her like an idiot, but he couldn’t help himself.
‘Must be my lucky day.’
‘Or not,’ she laughed, tilting her head, her eyes locking on his.
With those two words, and her steady gaze, he knew she wanted details about his life. About a past he was reluctant to offload to anyone. Details he’d kept to himself. His life in Mindalby would change forever once people found out about Caitlyn. He hated being the subject of gossip.
He cleared his throat. ‘You want to know about my daughter. Am I right?’
She nodded, her face serious.
‘Of course I do. I can’t get my head around the fact that you’ve come out here as a single person to Mindalby and bought a magnificent family home.’
He chuckled, amazed it sounded normal when it hid so much hurt.
‘Caitlyn is thirteen going on thirty-four—’ he paused, as his gut started to churn, ‘—and I’ve never lived with her.’
The fact that he’d never lived with his daughter, not for one night, haunted him. He’d spent every night of his life under the same roof with his parents until he left to go to university. He’d failed at the first hurdle at re-creating what he loved, a happy home life.
Mike kept his head down buttering toast. Rachael’s chair scraped on the floor tiles and then her soft hands covered his.
He looked up into one of the brightest warmest smiles he’d ever seen. His heart gave one solid thud. Understanding shone through her eyes and his fear of having to ward off any form of judgement fell away.
‘When is she coming out?’
Her words were a strange comfort. So direct, and that’s what he was beginning to like about her. She didn’t deal with all the little consequences; she went for the big ones.
‘I’m hoping in two months’ time. That’s the plan, but it’s not going down well.’
Rachael frowned. ‘What’s the hold-up?’
‘Caitlyn. She’s not saying much, but I think she’s worried about moving out here and my sisters are paying me lip service.’
He started to warm to the subject. It was nice to let it out and share his fears with someone.
‘Sit down before we both end up with high cholesterol.’
On hearing her schoolmarm tone he did as he was told.
‘What about Caitlyn’s mother?’
‘Leanne and her husband died about eight months ago in a car crash. They were coming home from a party and a drunk came out of nowhere and collected them. And, I want Caitlyn living with me.’
A strange expression crossed her face, darkening her lovely features, and he sensed her sadness. He hadn’t meant to make her sad. There was no way to avoid it; he suspected her life had many painful hits.
‘How did Caitlyn react?’
He ran a hand through his hair. ‘Excited at first, but now I’m not so sure.’
‘Do you keep in touch often?’ she asked.
Her interest cheered him as he bit into a slice of toast.
‘We have a weekly Skype, but she opts out of that once we get past the general chit-chat. I’m tempted to send her a ticket and say come out.’
Rach smiled. ‘Hence all the bedrooms?’
He nodded. ‘I want her to come out with my father, my two sisters and Leanne’s parents. I want them all to feel comfortable and happy, but I’m not getting any joy when it comes to sorting out a date.’
He stared at her bent head, her eyes lowered as she sugared her tea, examining her with keen interest.
‘She has quite the gang in her corner, doesn’t she?’
He leaned an elbow on the side of his chair. ‘Yes, my interfering slash well-meaning family.’
‘For what it’s worth I only ever spent three months of my life under my parents’ roof before being shipped around the family and then foster homes. Get her here sooner rather than later.’
His jaw dropped.
Her clanger left him speechless. He suspected her childhood had been difficult. Not for the first time in his life did he feel truly fortunate to have grown up with a solid family background. He accepted she was speaking from experience. Maybe it was time to take a stand and simply send over the tickets.
Rach leaned on the table and he caught a glimpse of her cleavage, and shifted in his seat. Her smile was bright and reassuring.
‘Does Caitlyn know you’ve bought a renovator’s delight? Has she met Molly? Does she know all about your plans for the backyard?’
He shook his head, ‘No, no and no.’
Her smile broadened.
‘Involve her. Let her see what you’re doing warts and all. I know—’ she rolled up her sleeves, ‘—I’ll film it and you’ll do little narratives. Let her get to know you. Let her see how you’re progressing, or not. What do you think?’
He laughed out loud—a laugh of pure relief. It made sense and he cursed himself for not doing it sooner. It was so obvious and so simple it was beautiful.
Her smile was sweet and encouraging. It was then he realised he badly wanted to kiss her. He stood up keeping his eye on her. As he moved closer she raised an eyebrow.
Her phone buzzed.
She did a little jog down to the other end of the counter and answered her phone.
The smile that was so bright a moment earlier was gone. She rolled her eyes at him. ‘Gordon, I missed you earlier. Sorry.’
For a short time he’d had her attention. He studied her as she raced to her bag to pull out her notebook. Gordon’s call was timely. It was the reminder—or the kicker—he needed that for Rach work came first.
It was a sobering thought. Dragging his feet, he walked past her and gave her a nod goodbye. She frowned, but he tapped his watch and pointed to home.
Outside, he climbed in his truck and switched on the engine. He drove down the small driveway and waited for traffic to pass when he caught sight of her standing by the back window.
He sat mesmerised, watching an ever-changing kaleidoscope of expressions flitter across her face. His interest intensified, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. Rachael nodded, and in that moment he envied her: she was fully engaged in her life.
As
she had been when discussing Caitlyn, discussing plans for the bakery and singing with him.
He tapped his steering wheel. A growing sense of unease ate at him. He realised he needed to get stuck into his own life. At some point he had to set a date for Caitlyn’s visit and not wait for the house to be perfect or for his family to agree. In Rachael’s short time in Mindalby she’d already turned the Henderson home upside down.
As he drove into his driveway he thought about their kiss. He pulled on the brakes. What was he afraid of? It was a kiss, it contained four letters, and the world was full of people kissing.
He squeezed his eyes shut as he replayed each nerve-tingling sensation of it. His heart thudded in his chest. It was the naked intimacy that both shocked and frightened him. He let out a heart-rending groan which reverberated in his truck’s cab … She’d been a hundred per cent fully engaged—with him.
Chapter 10
In the empty bakery Rachael closed her eyes and started to count down from one hundred in her head. Counting helped get her head into the right place, especially after such a personal conversation with Mike. A conversation she didn’t want to end. Over the phone she could hear Gordon issue instructions to his secretary. She opened her eyes when his voice grew louder.
‘Rach, a major job has come in and you’re in a perfect position for us to take full advantage.’
Her body stiffened at the urgency in his voice. With a clean page in front of her she wrote the date on the top right hand corner. What was it with Friday mornings? He never failed to find some way to keep her busy over the weekend.
‘Go on.’
‘We have to move on this. The banks have sent me through a list of mortgage defaulters in your region. It’s simple. They want the properties re-valued, and either the properties auctioned or put to private sale. In my experience these properties will be auctioned.’
Bankruptcies.
Her heart plummeted as she listened to Gordon. ‘Don’t you think the banks are being a little premature? Things are happening up here, and soon money will be flowing back into town.’
‘Rach, I’m looking at their figures now and it’s not looking good.’
A Reason To Stay Page 10