by J A Scooter
At last, satisfied, the flyers called their young back to the security of their pouches and lazily ambled away in long, slow hops, disappearing back into the grass.
A lone rabbit darted across the dirt track, its grey body mostly hidden but its white tail like a target before it too disappeared into the long grass.
Hearing a loud splash, Peter turned to see Andrew lying in the water with Jennifer, hands on hips, laughing on the bank.
“Serves you right for splashing me,” she spluttered, rushing to her bike and racing off with Andrew in close pursuit.
“They’re as bad as they ever were,” commented Eric. “They haven’t grown up at all.”
Sitting down on the grass and pulling Elizabeth onto his lap, he sighed. “Come on Peter, don’t rush off after them. Let yourself rest while brother and sister relive their childhood. Besides, we would like to talk with you alone.”
A flash of anxiety passed through Peter’s eyes.
“We won’t embarrass you,” Eric hastily added.
Elizabeth had her own queries. “You ride horses, you ride motor bikes, you can sing and you danced with Jennifer with a practiced ease I haven’t seen since the last time I was at the ballet. Now tell me you can shoot.”
That last question really surprised Peter.
“Yes, I can shoot, and before you ask, I’m an accomplished marksman. No shot guns though. Why that question?”
Revealing her background as a rancher’s wife, Elizabeth continued. “There’s an infestation of wild pigs in the top paddock and shooting seems the only way of getting rid of them. They’re attacking the lambs and destroying the fences.”
“Wait, I’ll be back soon, so perhaps I can show you.” Peter was on his bike and riding away before Eric and Elizabeth could ask what he had in mind.
In minutes, Peter returned with a leather attaché case across his lap. He opened it and removed the Mini-Uzi to which he attached a collapsible stock. The large machine pistol had become a rifle.
“This will stop any pig. Perhaps you’d like a demonstration.”
He rode to a gum tree over one hundred yards away and leant a fallen branch against the trunk. On his return, Eric and Elizabeth were amazed that he seemed to take very little time in aiming before they heard the soft crack as Peter fired. The branch jumped a little before falling to the ground in two pieces.
Quietly, they watched Peter lovingly remove the stock, folding it with care and returning everything to the case.
“I’m glad I haven’t lost my ability,” he noted. “Removing the pigs will be no problem.”
Secretly he was relieved that his time in hospital hadn’t affected his aim. Now that he’d satisfied Elizabeth’s curiosity about his shooting ability, Peter knew there would be more questions to follow. At this stage, he wasn’t ready to deal with them.
“Now, no more questions, please. I realize you are anxious to know this man who has come, unbidden, into your daughter's life. You’ll have all your questions answered rather soon. I’ll tell you of my life and my history - something I believe I owe you because of my deep feelings for your daughter.”
Further conversation was impossible as brother and sister arrived back - dusty and breathless with excitement.
“Come on, you lot! You’re missing out on the fun,” called Jennifer.
All five on their transport once more, with two dogs sitting up behind master and mistress, headed for a tour of the property.
They negotiated the cattle grids carefully and, as the ride progressed, Peter noted, with satisfaction, how Elizabeth and Eric were growing in confidence. He realized that there was no need to worry about the confidence of the other two. They were back on bikes, reliving their childhood. He was content.
It was dark as they turned homewards, the beams of their headlights cutting a swathe through the ground mist as it rolled down the valley.
Lovingly they parked their bikes and scooters in the machinery shed. Then the five happy riders waddled over to the house in their riding boots, footwear totally unsuitable for walking.
Peter rushed to his room, showered, changed and was in the kitchen heating the dishes before any of the others appeared.
Elizabeth demanded that she set the table in the dining room but Peter stood firm, setting out the kitchen table with the Chinese crockery and chopsticks he had earlier purchased. To the side of each setting was a bottle of Tiger Beer and a glass - full to the brim with ice.
As soon as everyone sat, Peter explained that he was waiter and that’s why he was dressed in sarong with shirt and no footwear.
Standing at the foot of the table quietly he assumed control.
“Tonight I will say grace.”
None of the family showed surprise at his dress or when he said the grace in Malay.
As Peter spoke the words so unfamiliar to their ears, Elizabeth was surprised to see tears in his eyes and patted his hand reassuringly as he placed a steaming bowl of Hot and Sour Soup before her.
When he had served everyone, Peter lit red candles and switched off the bright electric lights then took his seat with them at the table. Once the family had finished their soup, he placed plate after plate of varying dishes on the table.
The meal consisted of everything from a complete steamed ginger fish - including its head and eyes - to a roast duck with its head and beak prominently displayed. Crabs, fish, prawns, duck and beef were there as well as Nasi Lemak (coconut rice) and Nasi Goreng (fried rice).
Eric was the first to comment.
“I can smell incense burning and this meal - there’s enough for a team of shearers. Peter, are you trying to fatten us? Just as well, Jennifer taught us to use chopsticks. I believe you once told her to learn or starve.”
“Dad, you’re a tattle-tale.” Jennifer patted Peter’s hand as she leaned across to whisper in his ear, “I love you.”
Peter’s hand reached across the back of her hair and he pulled her to him as he kissed her deeply.
“My God,” Andrew’s laughter interrupted them, “Peter, leave the girl alone and eat or you won’t have the strength to deal with her.”
Jennifer pulled a face, poking out her tongue in a childish gesture at her brother.
The meal completed, Peter suggested that everyone refill their glass with ice from the bowl he had placed in the middle of the table and then fill the glass with beer. As host, he spun the duck’s head as he explained the Chinese custom.
“The host spins the duck’s head and the beak will point to one person who has to drain their glass without removing it from their lips, while everyone else takes a sip and shouts ‘Yam Seng.’ This process is repeated until all the beer’s gone.” He placed five more bottles of Tiger in front of each person before spinning the duck’s head once more. The beak pointed to him so he drained the glass while Jennifer led the chorus of ‘Yam Seng’.
Strangely enough, it was Jennifer who had to drain her glass at the next three spins of the duck’s head, and it was Peter who took only little sips.
The laughter in the household was raucous as the game continued. Loudly they urged each other to be the next to drain their glass.
The game continued until Elizabeth called an end to the banquet. Tipsy and giggling, she stood and pulled Peter to his feet. “I’m so glad Jennifer brought you home. I haven’t enjoyed a day so much for...” She clutched the table and sank back to her seat.
Peter resumed command. “Goodnight everyone. You, Andrew, help me clean up. You others go as I believe there is church in the morning, so go.”
Chapter 10 The Moment of Truth
Fuzzy headed and blinking in the morning glare, one by one the family gathered in the kitchen.
Elizabeth had laid out a late, light breakfast and fussed over her brood, which now included Peter, checking they all looked respectable as they climbed into the car.
“Church is not all that far away,” she told him, but Peter didn’t hear. He was too busy holding Jennifer’s hand and drowning in
the depths of her eyes.
For once, Andrew was silent, possibly, because that damned duck’s head had pointed to him so often that he ended up drinking most of the beer on the table.
The church, as Elizabeth called it, was no ordinary country church but a gothic cathedral endowed with a massive pipe organ, wonderful stained glass windows, magnificent hand-hewn sand-stone walls and a history going back to the gold rushes.
Peter’s appearance beside Jennifer caused a stir in the congregation and proudly he held himself tall as he took her arm to walk beside her down the aisle. Lustily he sang the hymns and knelt in prayer beside his love.
Together they took communion and, as he walked back down the aisle to their pew, he fervently prayed that Jennifer would one day be dressed in a white bridal gown walking beside him as his wife.
Eric introduced Peter to the Bishop who was most gracious and friendly in his welcome.
However, the Bishop couldn’t refrain from teasing Jennifer about her man. “I’m surprised Jennifer. I heard you had captured a wild Irishman. Glad he knows how to pray.”
Smiling broadly, he turned to speak to the next parishioner.
Immediately after breakfast the next day, Jennifer handed Peter a picnic basket.
“We’re off down to the creek for a picnic.” Her eyes twinkled as she walked off carrying cushions and a rug. “It’s been years since I’ve been down to the creek. Not since Andrew and I were children.”
Past the shearing shed, the shearers’ quarters and the sheep yard she led the way with Peter dawdling behind, across the wheat stubble towards the distant line of weeping willows, she-oaks and peppercorns.
Firmly fixed on her hips swaying so enticingly under the flared skirt, Peter’s eyes did not waver.
As he caught up to her she linked an arm through his.
“We used to hide down here whenever we’d been naughty,” she smiled up at him. “It’s still the same, after all these years.”
He didn’t fail to notice the buttons on her blouse, undone just enough to reveal the white tops of her silken breasts.
As if unaware of his glance, Jennifer seemed captivated by the setting. She let the cushions and rug tumble to the ground. Freed of the bulky bundle, she threw her arms out and twirled around, her head back and her hair hanging free.
“This is it!” She cried excitedly, slowing down a little. “Spread the rug out here.” She laughed as she came to a standstill, pointing to an area under the largest willow.
Not daring to break into her mood, Peter watched her investigate the clearing.
“It’s just as I remember it,” she repeated as she examined each section. Shyly, she suddenly dropped her voice almost to a whisper, “Now you’re here, it’s just like I had imagined when a little girl.”
They talked - well - Jennifer talked, while Peter was her captive audience.
Filtering through the trees, the sunlight gave their world a strange mellow light, and the bottlebrushes separating them from the outside world added an insulating barrier against the heat. The babble of the creek and the twittering of birds was the melody to which Jennifer reminisced.
Heads cocked to one side, four magpies strutted towards them as if to enquire why they were there. Satisfied that the humans meant them no harm, they threw their heads back and caroled their welcome to the two visitors.
At last, lunch eaten, the lovers grew silent. Quietly they lay in each other’s arms, enjoying the peace in their souls.
Peter knew the time had arrived and didn’t shrink for fear of refusal.
“Jennifer, there is something, I must ask you. Every time I’ve tried...”
Jennifer put two fingers to Peter’s lips and smiled with a knowing, amused look in her eyes. ‘“I won’t stop you this time,” she whispered softly.
For min utes, silently, not daring to breathe, they stared into each other’s eyes until Peter stood, lifting Jennifer to her feet. Holding her hands, he dropped to his knees and looked up at her face.
The world seemed to become quiet and still, as if holding its breath in anticipation, even the birds were silent.
Peter broke the silence. “Jennifer, I love you with all my heart, all my soul and all my body. Will you marry me?”
Peter had never before seen such a look of love cross her face as he saw at that instant. Her eyes were two soft wells of green warmth, her face softened and her head dropped towards him as she whispered her reply, “Darling Peter, yes.”
Peter was sure the family must have heard his whoop of joy as he leapt up and lifted her off her feet.
“Thank God, thank you God!” His cry to the heavens came from his heart. They kissed with a passion that made both of them pant their need.
Not daring to progress too quickly, he gently lowered her to the rug and placed pillows under her head. He lay beside her, gently allowing his tongue to flick sensuously across her lips. Softly he nipped her bottom lip, dragging it between his teeth.
Jennifer’s response surprised him. Previously she had been reticent, not allowing her full feelings to flow into her kiss. He had expected reservation - a shy holding back, even a deliberate withdrawal - but instead she opened her mouth and entwined her tongue with his, greedily sucking it into her mouth. Their embrace became more passionate than ever as she threw one leg across Peter, pulling him closer to her body as if unwilling to release him.
He felt the meaning in her embrace, her arms, thrown around his neck, and her leg-tightening telling him, “I am yours forever.”
As they embraced ardently, Peter stared into her eyes gratefully accepting her body’s message.
Taking his face between her hands, she pulled him even closer to her. Their lips met once more, brushing softly against each other. Then her hands went behind his head and pulled him into a more intense kiss. Her mouth opened and her tongue parted his lips.
Unaccustomed to a Jennifer who was so demanding in her passion, Peter was unsure what to do with his hands. Smiling, he lost his insecurity and wrapped one arm around her back, stroking her gently as he put the other hand on her thigh to pull her hard against him. He pressed his body into her, wanting to feel her soft breasts against his chest.
“Oh my God!” murmured Jennifer as she explored Peter’s mouth with her tongue. She began caressing his neck, then down his shoulder and upper arm with her soft fingers.
Responding to the pressure of his hard arousal against her body, Jennifer wanted Peter as never before and she couldn’t get enough of him. Slowly, she shifted her hand to Peter’s, removing it from her thigh. Gently, she lifted it up to her breasts, pressing that hand hard against her.
She pulled out of the kiss and closed her eyes, savoring the moment. She noticed that her fast breathing had turned to panting as she arched her back and thrust her breast again into Peter’s palm.
His hand just curved to hold that one breast gently.
Tenderly he whispered, “The other one is getting jealous,” as he moved to clasp the other breast. He made no effort to tweak her rock hard nipples, being content to just hold them and worship the feel of her softness - even through her blouse.
Completely relaxed, Jennifer felt her leg and hands drop away as she offered her whole body for further exploration.
Peter moved closer. He began to kiss her again, slowly and delicately, their lips together, slightly parted.
As they kissed, more slowly than before, Jennifer felt the warmth between her legs beginning to build until she felt as though she were on fire. She felt her toes curling slightly as if they were somehow involved. Her knees seemed to weaken a little as her relaxed legs fell wide apart and he held her body more tightly.
Their passion grew even more fervent and their feelings intensified.
Jennifer was losing her inhibitions and fear.
The background sounds of the magpies and crows disappeared. She could only hear his breath and the soft moans escaping from their ensnared mouths. All too soon, the light in the clearing dimmed and
she could only see his eyes, sometimes closed, sometimes captured by her, as they became part of the kiss as well.
Jennifer became one with him and her body melted into his. She began to feel her body blossoming as even more of her honeyed essence flowed freely. She felt herself growing first warm and then wet between her legs and she could feel him move on top of her, his hardness pressing against her stomach. Rejoicing at the feeling, she demanded more.
As he kissed her throat, his lips followed the pathway where his fingers quietly undid the buttons on her blouse. Slowly he slid down her body until his head was on her breasts. Once there, he slid her blouse off her shoulders to reveal the lacy bra holding her succulent sweetness. Moving his lips to first one breast then the other, he worshipped her softness as he kissed the skin that lay open to him. Sucking her nipples into his mouth through her bra, Peter rejoiced in the knowledge that he was making her essence flow even more readily.
Jennifer’s eyes flicked open and she stared at him as he moved to kneel at her feet. His hands began a painstakingly upwards climb from her ankles, savoring each inch of her satin-smooth legs until he flicked her skirt above her waist.
She knew the time had come and she was ready for him. She was ready to complete the act of love with the man who had become her life’s commitment.
“Oh God, oooh!” The involuntary sounds broke from her without restraint, even as she stopped thinking, giving herself over to the pleasure that had taken possession of her body and mind. She knew that the sounds of moaning were coming from her own lips but was unable to be quiet. It was as if her moans were goading Peter onwards.
He stared at the vision revealed - murmuring in admiration of her beauty. “You’re so exquisite, so lovely.”
Realizing he had almost lost control, Peter stopped suddenly, panting hard as he asked the question he knew he must, his eyes pleading as he sought an honest reply.
“Jennifer, you’ve told me you want to wait for the wedding night. Do you want me to continue now or will I bring you back to reality so that you’ll have no regrets later?”