Just One Kiss (Hearts of the Outback Book 1)

by Susanne Bellamy

  Donna groaned and writhed and her crumpled dress slipped off her swollen stomach as Amy stopped beside Dan and looked down.

  “Oh my God.” Amy pressed a hand to her mouth and reached blindly for Dan’s arm. The gossips had only half the story. Bruises, some livid, others fading, patterned the woman’s hips, including across her womb.

  Dan manoeuvred Amy’s unresisting body to stand up beside Donna’s head. Only then did she notice the death grip Donna had on Dan’s hand. “Donna, let go of my hand. Amy’s here. She’ll count you through each contraction. Listen to her, okay?”

  Amy blinked and moistened her dry lips. What did Dan want her to do? “What? How do I count?”

  “Stupid cow.” Jeb’s comment barely registered.

  Dan paid the man no heed as he demonstrated the pace. “When a contraction starts, count a steady beat and hold her hand. Or rather, let her hold yours. A woman in labour has an almighty strong grip.”

  Softly, Amy leaned close to him and murmured, “I came with someone. She’s—”

  Pain contorted Donna’s face. Her grip tightened and she began to pant. Conscious of Dan’s speculative gaze, Amy counted through the contraction. As Donna’s death grip eased, Amy turned to Dan. A flicker of movement at the door caught her eye. Another figure stood quietly beside Jeb.

  Lizzy! She’d walked right into a trap. How had she missed seeing Jeb’s gun? If only she didn’t scream or make a sudden move or—

  “Hello, Jebediah. Long time, no see.” Lizzy’s appearance took everyone by surprise, with the exception of Donna who lay back on her pillow and closed her eyes.

  Amy bit her lip, scared of what Donna’s husband might do.

  He looked at Lizzy and his eyebrow rose. “Lizzy, did you come to see your brother, or to meet your nephew?”

  “He’s your brother?” Amy looked from one to the other. Now they were standing side by side, the family resemblance was easy to pick; so easy, she wondered why she hadn’t noticed when she first saw Jeb.

  “The baby might be my niece. Pity the poor little thing in this family if it’s a girl.”

  He leaned against the wall and eyed his sister with disdain. “Girls aren’t any use ‘cept to ease a man’s needs.”

  “When I was taken away by Children’s Services after Mum died, I was told I’d never set foot on this place again. They got that one wrong. They also told me I’d be better off not having any contact with my older siblings.” Lizzy looked past Jeb’s shoulder at his wife lying in a lather of sweat and bloodied sheets. “I think they were right about that and I bet poor little Donna Tait wishes she’d never had any contact with you either.”

  “You know nothing about your family. You’ve been brainwashed against us by that piss-weak aunt.” Jeb’s face contorted with anger but the gun no longer pointed into the room. He stepped into Lizzy’s space.

  She stood toe-to-toe and thrust her face into his. “I’m glad Mum’s sister took me in when Mum died. It was the only good thing to come out of that time. She said that women in this family don’t live long if they stay here. Looks like she was right about that too.”

  “Shut up.”

  “Look at your wife. She could die in childbirth like our mother if you don’t let her go to hospital. Is that what you want? To kill your wife and baby like our father did his?”

  Sobs shook Donna’s body, unlike the screams torn from her moments earlier. “Please, take me away from here. I don’t want to die. My baby—”

  “Shush, Donna, it’s okay. We’re here.” Amy patted the sweaty hand clinging to hers as though she was a lifeline.

  “I knew it. I knew you were going to leave me first chance you got. But I’m not going to let you, Donna. Your place is here with me.” Jeb had moved to the end of the bed, one hand gripping the ironwork frame, the other, white-knuckled held his gun at his side.

  Dan spoke for the first time in ages. “Jeb, we can save both Donna and your baby, but you’ve got to let us get them to hospital. There isn’t much time. Donna’s lost quite a lot of blood and she’s getting weaker the longer this goes on. Do you want your wife and child to live?”

  Lizzy stepped up beside her brother and raised a hand to his shoulder. “Don’t be like our father. Trust the doctor and let us take Donna to hospital. Now.”

  A fly butted against the window, its buzz the only sound as they waited.

  “Take her. Get out of here.” Jeb turned on his heel and strode away.

  “Quickly, in case he changes his mind.” Dan yanked the top sheet loose and covered Donna then put an arm under her knees and one behind her back and scooped her off the bed.

  Donna flung an arm out and waved at the wardrobe beside Greg. “My suitcase. Please, it’s in the wardrobe.”

  Greg yanked the door open and pulled out a small emerald-green carry-on case. “This one?”

  “Yes. Thanks.” Lifting her arms around Dan’s neck, she rested her head on his shoulder as he carried her through the doorway.

  Amy threw medical gear into his bag and snapped it shut and followed. Lizzy held the screen door wide as Dan led the way to Jeb’s four-wheel drive before she raced ahead to open the back door.

  “I’ll drive.” Greg’s pallor had eased and he climbed into the driver’s seat. Amy cradled Donna’s head in her lap as Dan joined her in the back, and Lizzy sat up front with Greg.

  “Let’s go.” Dan’s command set them moving.

  Chapter Eight

  “All set back here.” Dan buckled his seatbelt for take-off and smiled at his patient. “You will be fine, Donna. I’m sorry if I frightened you but the exaggeration and his sister’s pleas worked on Jeb.”

  “So I’m not going to die, even though right now I feel like death warmed up?” Donna gave him a wan smile but pain glazed her eyes.

  “Not even close. As soon as we’re airborne I’m going to give you something for the pain and I want you to keep panting like before, even though the desire to push feels really strong.”

  Lizzy held her sister-in-law’s hand. “I’ll count with you like Amy did. And when we get to the hospital, I’ll let Auntie Trisha know, then I’ll get some clothes for you and my new niece or nephew. By the way, nice to meet you, finally.”

  Jessie’s Girl rolled down the strip, gathering speed until the rumble beneath the wheels disappeared and they climbed into the late afternoon sky. Dan released the breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding as they bumped over the track between the homestead and the plane, half expecting to see Jeb in pursuit. It wouldn’t have surprised him if the man changed his mind and chased them, intent on taking his wife back.

  “Will Greg be okay flying by himself?” Dan knew Amy wasn’t convinced her co-pilot was ready for his captain’s bars although the outbound flight had been smooth. He swabbed Donna’s arm and gave her an injection to ease her pain.

  Amy chuckled and he could imagine the impish grin as she replied. “He’s a big boy and he’s following Tweety Bird home. Apart from the trauma of witnessing a woman in labour, he’ll be fine.”

  Lizzy’s gaze connected with his over Donna’s stomach. “It might make him grow up from an infuriating, cocksure boy into a half-decent man.”

  “True. Seeing a woman endure what Donna has makes a man respectful of a woman’s strength and total awesomeness.” He dealt with the used syringe and checked Donna’s pulse and the baby’s heartbeat.

  Lizzy held Donna’s hand and wiped her brow as she panted through a contraction. The two women may not have known one another before but they were being drawn together when it mattered most.

  Dan frowned as he slipped into the right hand seat in the cockpit. “How long before we touchdown?”

  Amy checked her controls before flipping her wrist up to check her watch. “About thirty minutes. I can give you a little more speed if I climb but I figured our patient might find it less comfortable.”

  “No, you’re right. It’s easier for Donna if we stay at a lower altitude.” He glanced out the win
dow. Vibrant splashes of colour patterned the rich red earth. An ancient landscape, unchanged since the Dreamtime, it stretched as far as the eye could see. So much to explore, so much he wanted to do.

  He looked sideways at Amy. Kissing her again was his new number one goal. And, for an agonising time today, he’d wondered if he’d live to learn the real sweetness of her mouth. A new life and the chance to follow his dream in the west was his for the taking. Gosford would not hold him back.

  “Look, I know you’ll want to visit your brother tonight but—do you want to grab a bite to eat after that?”

  “Sounds good. How about you join Dad and me and we’ll share a bottle of wine? I reckon we’ve earned it. Ask Greg, and Lizzy too, although I suspect she’ll want to stay with Donna and get to know her sister-in-law and the baby. How does Chinese takeaway sound?”

  “Fine. Great.” Except it wasn’t quite what he’d meant, but it was probably for the best. “I’ll go and ask Lizzy now.”

  ##

  Amy brushed grit from the corner of her eye, thankful she’d had only a single glass of wine last night. Being a pilot meant she was a lightweight drinker, or else after the incident at the Campbell property, she’d probably have missed work today.

  “Where’s Lizzy this morning?” Amy leaned on the office counter as Tess sorted through the pile of letters in front of her.

  Tess looked up and frowned. “I don’t know. Probably sick. She was weird when the call came in about Dan and Greg yesterday. And when she bolted out of here, I thought she was having some sort of fit. I mean, she threw her Jimmy Choos into the corner. Jimmy Choos! Who does that kind of shit?”

  “Hmm.” If Lizzy hadn’t revealed details of her family connection with their patient, Amy wasn’t going to say anything. “Do you know if Dan is at work yet?”

  “He hasn’t been in here. Hang on—” Tess looked past Amy’s shoulder and waved madly.

  The office door opened and tingles of awareness ran down Amy’s spine.

  Tess grinned broadly at the newcomer. “Hey, Dan, Amy was looking for you”—Tess smirked like a fourteen-year-old in the playground— “Amy, Dan’s here.”

  “Thanks, Tess. Dan, got a minute?” Without pausing for his answer, she led the way into the hangar and didn’t stop until she’d put several planes between her and prying eyes.

  “Everything okay?” he asked and leaned against Jessie’s Girl.

  “Yes. Have you heard how Donna is?”

  “Her baby boy was born early this morning by C-section. Mother, baby, and aunt are doing well.” Shadows underscored Dan’s eyes and he seemed a little less . . . standoffish. His gaze roamed her face with an intensity she hadn’t seen before. It unnerved her, and it excited her.

  “Wonderful. Good news.”

  “Was there something else on your mind?” It looked like he had plenty on his.

  “Do you have to make a report about—sorry, that’s none of my business. Lizzy’s family is her business, not mine or theirs.” She jerked a thumb in the direction of the office.

  Dan glanced towards the office and shook his head. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

  “Tess didn’t seem to know Lizzy flew out with me yesterday, or that she stayed at the hospital with Donna. I figured it was better not to mention it in case Lizzy doesn’t want her association with Jeb known. Heaven knows, I wouldn’t want to belong to the same family.”

  “Good idea. If I recall, her surname is Wilmot. Seems she took her aunt’s name when she went to live with her.”

  Amy threaded her fingers together and pressed her hands over her tummy. Why couldn’t she simply say the words to invite Dan out? He’d said they were friends and friends did things. Like having a drink together. “Will you go back to see Donna tonight? I thought I’d pop in before I visit Jeff, and maybe get to hold the baby.”

  “Probably. Look, I’m on my way to see the boss now. Can we have dinner on Saturday? After rehearsals? I want to ask you something.”

  Dinner? As though he’d read her mind, the invitation tantalised and hung, shimmering in the air between them. She knew nothing could come of it, given Dan’s preference for men, but they could be friends, couldn’t they? And friendship with Dan would be a step in the right direction, a beginning to healing after Derek’s perfidy.

  ##

  “Congratulations, Donna. He’s a handsome little fellow.” As ‘Baby’ Campbell lay in Amy’s arms, he found his thumb, closed his eyes, and started sucking. She leaned close and inhaled his sweet baby scent. “Any thoughts on his name?”

  Lizzy walked in and closed the door behind her. “I can guarantee one name that’s not a contender. Is it my turn to hold him yet?”

  Their shared experience seemed to have brought a truce that Amy hoped would last. Lizzy was a strong woman of unsuspected depths, far removed from the bimbo image Amy had failed to see beyond. The Tizzy Lizzy nickname would never pass her lips again. Amy grinned and handed Lizzy’s nephew over. “What names do you like, Lizzy?”

  “David, Michael, Harrison . . . I don’t know. Donna?”

  Donna eased herself higher up her pillows, grimacing with the movement. “My stitches pull when I move. What do you think of Dan? Do you think Doctor Dan would mind?”

  “I bet he’ll be honoured.” Crooning to her nephew, Lizzy gently rocked him as she strolled to the window. “Who’s the most handsome young man in all the world? Dan, Danny boy, Dan the man . . . it’s the perfect name for you.”

  “Knock, knock, can a male come in?” Dan popped his head around the door before entering. Barely concealed behind his back, he carried a bunch of flowers and a purple teddy bear. A blue helium balloon with ‘Welcome, baby boy’ in a curly, fancy font, floated above his head.

  “Dan, thanks for visiting again. Your timing is perfect.” Donna looked at Lizzy and Amy, and raised her eyebrows. Both nodded, and she turned back to Dan.

  “I’m intrigued. What can I do for you?” He put the flowers on the bedside table and sat on the chair beside her bed.

  “I’d like to name my baby after you, if you don’t mind?”

  Dan lowered his head and fiddled with the purple satin bow on the teddy’s neck. For one awful moment, Amy thought he was going to refuse. How could he? Why would he? But when he looked up at Donna, his smile stretched from ear to ear. He set the bear on the cover and took her hand between both of his. “I’m honoured. It’s a wonderful gift you’ve given me. Thank you.”

  Lizzy brought young Dan over and placed him in Dan’s arms. “Say hello to your namesake. Eighteen-hours-old and already a heart-breaker.”

  Dan nursed the baby with an ease and tenderness that brought a lump to Amy’s throat. He should have children of his own. He’d be a wonderful father. Pressing one hand to her stomach, she headed towards the door. “I’d better get a move on and visit Jeff. He’ll want to hear why I’ve abandoned him the last couple of days. Donna, I’ll visit again tomorrow. Bye, Lizzy, Dan.” Her gaze lingered on him as she pulled the door closed behind her.

  In the corridor, she leaned against the wall and let her head fall back as she stared into a fluorescent light. The image of Dan holding the baby was burned into her mind. Try as she may, she couldn’t convince herself that he was a man who would be content not to have children of his own.

  Chapter Nine

  “Ladies, you come in on the first count of the fifth bar. Mike, you’re holding your ukulele like a bass guitarist. Lift it higher.” Dan jumped off the stage of the community hall and strode to his sound system, and reset the music to the opening notes of the intro. “Okay, let’s try that again. And-a-one, two, three-and—”

  In the front row of metal chairs, Amy chewed her bottom lip in frustration.

  Dan shared the feeling, although he was pretty sure their reasons were different. She’d worked hard writing the script for Terri’s luau performance; the bones of the show were good, even if the performers were under-rehearsed and unable to count past four.

>   But each time her teeth captured her full lower lip, he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her. Just one proper kiss—okay, stopping at one was never going to happen.

  Footsteps tapped across the wooden floor in time with the music and stopped beside him.

  “How’s it going?” Lizzy dumped a large tote bag on the nearest chair and folded her arms. “Hmm, looks like they need some help.”

  Amy jumped up and joined them. “Lizzy, how’s Donna and young master Dan?”

  “Great. My aunt can’t believe her luck. She adores babies and she’s fussing over Donna as if she was her own daughter. It’s good for all of them.”

  “You could have brought them over for a look. Although we’re—” Amy’s glance at the stage was eloquent.

  “Struggling? I thought I’d come join you and get out of their hair for the evening. Looks like I got here just in time.”

  Dan stopped the music. “Glad to have you on board. Hop up there and see if you can get the hula girls to come in at the start of the fifth bar.”

  Lizzy grinned and kicked off her sandals and bounded up the stairs to the stage. “Can’t count to save themselves I reckon, doc. Come on, you lot. Let’s nail this and then we can go to the pub.”

  The hour’s practice sailed by and Dan called time. “Well done, everyone. Thanks. Amy, any last comments?”

  “Aside from a huge thank you to all of you, that’s it. Full dress rehearsal next Friday night. Any costume issues—”

  “See me.” Mouths agape, the women stared at Lizzy.

  “What? I’ve got taste, style and a sewing machine courtesy of my aunt. Besides, Amy’s got more than enough on her plate. She doesn’t need anyone whining about itchy coconut bras.” Unconcerned by the looks thrown her way, Lizzy sat and strapped on her fashion sandals. The others drifted to the side benches and collected their gear.

  Dan chuckled and turned to pack up his sound system. Lizzy sure knew how to take charge and get action. And how to throw her co-workers for a loop. It seemed she had decided Amy was okay and thrown her support behind her.