"What'd I tell you?" Alastair stepped into the room and perched on the edge of the couch.
"They were lucky."
"No, Harris is a great bowler. The English team's wary of him."
"Yeah, he's pretty good."
"Alastair! What are you doing sitting on the couch in your towel? Mum will have a fit!"
Alastair jumped up. "Sorry, Chlo—forgot where I was."
She glared at him. "You'd better get dressed. Lunch is just about ready."
"Onto it." He popped a kiss on her lips as he slipped past her.
Harrison chuckled at the banter between the two, and all of a sudden he just wanted Zoe to be here.
Lunch passed with general chit-chat and questions directed at Harrison about the trip to and from the farm, and plans for Zoe's Grandma's funeral.
He shrugged. "Don't know much yet, apart from the funeral being out in the country."
"A pity she was flown to Brisbane in the first place," Sophie said as she picked up her glass of sparkling mineral water.
Exactly what he was thinking. Maybe having Spencer around had caused Zoe to act rashly. Would anyone else have considered asking someone to fly them to hospital? He doubted it. Not even Ruth or Kevin. They would have waited for the doctor. "Guess you never know in situations like these. Zoe did what she thought best at the time."
"You're right. She obviously didn't want her Gran to die," Chloe said.
"No, not at all. She's devastated." Harrison put down his fork, and leaning forward, rested his elbows on the table and steepled his fingers. "I remember when Granddad died, we were all upset for ages. I was only ten, but I remember it clearly. A pity I didn't get to know him better."
"He was a good man, your Granddad," Harold said. "Didn't like me to start with, stealing his daughter away from him," Harold's eyes twinkled as he glanced at Margaret, "but I soon got him on my side."
"How d'you do that, Dad?" Chloe asked, angling her head.
"Ah," he chuckled, "I made sure she got home early every night, and I always called him 'sir'." He chuckled again. "He liked that."
Harrison sighed. That wouldn't work for him. He'd have to think of some other way of keeping Zoe's parents onside. Apart from becoming religious.
Chloe gathered the dirty plates and carried them into the kitchen. She returned a few minutes later with the cake, protecting the lit candles with her hand. Everyone cheered as twin brothers, Alastair and Angus, looked up with surprised expressions on their faces.
Two-year old Lachlan climbed up on his dad's lap. "Lachy blow candles?"
Everyone laughed as they began to sing "Happy Birthday".
"You can help Daddy blow them out." Together, Alastair, Lachlan and Angus blew the candles out in one go. Lachlan clapped his hands and everyone laughed again.
Harrison grew quiet as he studied father and son. Zoe had never mentioned if she wanted children or not. And he himself hadn't really thought about it until now, but seeing the way Alastair connected with Lachlan, and Angus with Lara-Katie, made him think it might be nice. But would Zoe give up her career as a doctor, after all the study she'd put in, to raise children? He gulped. After all, hadn't that been why he'd stopped talking with his parents when his mother was always away with her job as a journalist instead of being there for him and his sisters when they were growing up? He understood why she'd done it now… she wanted to give him and his sisters a better life than she'd had, but did he still hold the same belief that mothers shouldn't work? Maybe deep down, he did. Zoe would never agree with that. He had some soul searching to do.
Margaret leaned closer and placed her hand lightly on Harrison's arm. "We were thinking we'd go down to the bay late this afternoon and have dinner by the water. Do you think Zoe and her mum would like to join us?"
Harrison jolted himself out of his thoughts and smiled at her. "I think they'd like the fresh air. I'll give Zoe a call."
When Harrison phoned Zoe shortly after, she agreed on one condition…that they ride their bicycles there.
He let out an exasperated sigh. Riding to the bay was the last thing he felt like doing, especially after such a big lunch. "But Zoe, it's such a long way, and it's still so hot. Can't we drive?"
"It'll do us good, Harrison. I need to do something physical. Mum can drive my car so we can put the bikes on the back to come home."
He let out another sigh, but couldn't help himself from chuckling. "Okay, you win. I'll be there soon." Maybe a ride would do them good, release some tension, but to be honest, he would much rather drive. But he'd do it to keep her happy.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
By the time Harrison arrived back at Zoe's place, she was ready to leave. Dressed in her black and green lycra riding outfit, Harrison could hardly take his eyes off her shapely figure. She was tying back her long auburn hair, and he walked over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Missed you." If Ruth wasn't sitting on the couch he would have pulled her close and kissed her long and hard, but after what he'd heard at his parents' table, keeping his hands off her was one way of staying in Ruth's good graces.
"And I missed you too." She raised one brow as her gaze drifted from his head down to his feet. "See you're dressed for the occasion."
Harrison glanced down at his shorts. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"
"Thought you might have worn the gear I bought you for your birthday."
She had a point. He hadn't had the nerve to tell her he wouldn't be seen dead in lycra. But he had an excuse. "I didn't have time to go home." He smiled apologetically. "Next time."
"Okay, guess it'll have to do." She finished tying her hair and then sat on the couch, stretching first her left leg, and then her right. "Sure you'll be all right, Mum?"
"Yes, Zoe, I'll be fine. I'll follow the directions you put into my phone."
Harrison chuckled. Zoe couldn't help herself if she tried.
"We'll go then, and we'll see you there." She bent down and kissed her mum.
Ruth looked a little fresher than earlier, but her eyes were still rimmed in red. She gave Zoe a warm smile and squeezed her hand. "Ride safely, Zoe."
"We will, Mum. Don't worry about us."
"Bye, Ruth, see you there." Harrison lifted his hand in a wave before placing his hand on the small of Zoe's back.
"Bye, Harrison, take care."
Harrison followed Zoe down the back steps to where she'd left the bikes. Hers was an expensive road bike, light and well appointed. With twenty-one gears, she could fly up just about any hill without slowing down. His was much heavier and nowhere near as fast. To keep up with her he had to work really hard. Just what he needed on a hot day like today. Maybe he should spend some money and get a better one, but that wouldn't help right now.
As Zoe clipped on her helmet, he stepped closer and caught her in his arms. He unclipped her helmet, and lowering his head, pressed his lips hard against hers.
"Harrison!" She sounded breathless as she tried to push him away.
He looked deeply into her eyes. "I missed you, Zoe."
She laughed. "It's only been a few hours."
"I know. But it wasn't the same without you there."
"You're just a big softy, Harrison. Let's go."
"I'm not." He lifted his chin.
"Yes, you are." She laughed as she re-clipped her helmet.
He sighed as he placed his on his head. "Are you sure we can't go in the car?
The amused glint in her eye provided the answer.
He chuckled as he threw his leg over the saddle and placed his foot on the pedal. "Okay, let's go. You lead—I don't want to slow you down."
"Don't be petty."
"I'm not being petty."
"Yes, you are." She looked back at him as she took off.
Harrison shook his head and laughed. He'd never win an argument with her.
Zoe slipped her shoe under the strap and kicked down a couple of gears as she quickly built up speed. The air was thick and hot on her face, but she almost didn
't feel it. She glanced back at Harrison. He was just one bike length behind. So far, so good. Why didn't he get a new bike? That old clunker of his was barely fit for a slow Sunday ride along the river, let alone a long ride out to the bay. Oh well, his decision.
She put her hand out to turn right, checking both ways before she crossed. There was more traffic than she'd expected, but at least it was moving. Once in the separate bike lane, Zoe increased her speed further. Before long, some of the tension in her body slipped away. Harrison wouldn't keep up, but maybe a sprint would help clear the ache in her heart.
Adrenalin pumped through her body as the wind hit her face. She tried to swallow, but her throat was dry. Slowing a little, she reached for her water bottle and took a gulp. Glancing back, Harrison wasn't in sight. She let out a slow breath. She'd better wait. He wouldn't be impressed as it was. She slowed right down to a snail's pace. He should be catching her any time now. As the seconds ticked by, she began to worry. What if he'd come off? Or got a puncture? She glanced back again. Still not there. She let out a sigh. Better go back. Just as she was turning, he came into view. She shook her head as he approached. "We're not out for a Sunday picnic, you know!"
"It might not be a Sunday, but we are out for a picnic." He chuckled as he pedalled past her, maintaining a steady, but slow, pace. "Besides, what's the hurry?" He laughed as he built up speed and pulled ahead before she could turn around again to catch up.
She was breathless when she pulled alongside. "So I guess you think that was funny?"
He slowed down and shrugged. "Yeah, it felt good to be in front for once."
"You should get a new bike."
"I agree. Maybe I will." He flashed her a smile that warmed her heart.
The rest of the way they rode either alongside each other where the roads or path permitted, or in close single file with Harrison leading the way when it didn't. He raised his brows when she suggested he take the lead, but she felt good about it. For once, she could watch him instead of having his eyes on her all the time. Finally the air cooled a little, and when the first glimpse of the bay came into view, Zoe called out to Harrison to pull over. She got off her bike and removed her helmet, wiping her moist face with the back of her hand.
The bay glistened in the lazy afternoon sun, a deep shade of blue as it reflected the colour of the sky. In the distance, North Stradbroke Island stretched out for miles in either direction, and other smaller islands dotted the water in between. A number of sail boats had their spinnakers out as they headed back in after a day out on the water, and the car ferry from Straddie, laden with holiday-makers, chugged along on its way to the island.
"Maybe we could go to Straddie for our honeymoon?" Harrison slipped his arms around Zoe's waist from behind, working his lips gently down her neck, sending shivers through her body.
Zoe turned around and brought her arms up around his neck. Dropping her head back, his lips trailed upwards toward her face until she tipped her chin and his lips found hers.
Harrison's kiss left Zoe in no doubt of his love for her. She just had to trust God to work out the rest.
Leaning back in his arms, she glanced at the sky. Dark clouds had formed to the south. Was God about to answer their prayers for rain? And if He did, would it reach all the way out to Bellhaven?
Shortly after, they pulled into the park where they were meeting his family. Surprisingly, they were the first ones there, so they bought ice-creams and sat on a seat, holding hands and laughing at the antics of several small children trying to catch sea gulls. By the time everyone arrived, the weight in Zoe's heart had lightened, and she finally felt she could enjoy being engaged to the most intelligent, loving man she'd ever known without feeling guilty. Somehow God was going to work this out. She didn't know how, but somehow He would. She just had to trust Him.
The picnic by the bay was just what Zoe and her mum needed. The fresh sea air washed away some of their grief and helped prepare them for the long days ahead.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Later that night, Zoe slipped her hands around Harrison's neck as he leaned back against his car. A cool evening breeze touched her cheek and neck and made her shiver, but she wasn't about to complain. It just meant Harrison pulled her closer, and that was fine by her.
"I have to go into work tomorrow, Zoe. It's Tessa's last day and she needs to do a hand-over." Harrison brushed her hair with his hand as he gazed into her eyes.
"Well, Mum and I are meeting with the Funeral Transfer company in the morning, and then we've got a telephone meeting with the Funeral director at Bellhaven after that. And I want to go to the bank with Mum." Zoe took a breath and raised her chin. "They're not going to get away with this, Harrison. I'm going to fight them to the end."
Harrison's eyes twinkled with amusement. "I love it when you get feisty, Zoe, but you can't fight everyone's battles."
"No, but I'll fight for justice for my parents. You'd do the same, wouldn't you?"
He smiled. "I guess so. Well, I hope it goes well. I'll be thinking of you."
She returned his smile. "Thanks."
He linked his hands around her waist. "How about just you and I go out for dinner tomorrow night before you head back to the farm?"
"That sounds wonderful, Harrison." Zoe's expression grew serious. "I'm sorry for being so short sometimes."
His face twisted into a playful grin. "You're not short, Zoe. You're almost as tall as me."
She chuckled as she tapped the back of his head with her hand. "Funny."
His expression grew serious. "Goodnight my sweet. See you tomorrow night." His brown eyes softened as he brought his hand to her face, pulling her closer until his lips brushed hers.
His kiss was so gentle, and as he pulled her closer, she felt his love flowing deep into her soul.
When he drove off soon after, Zoe pressed her hands to her chest and savoured the lingering taste of him on her lips. Her heart felt as light as the leaves wafting along the path in the gentle breeze. Thunder echoing in the distance aroused her senses further, and made her long for the day when Harrison could stay. Shaking her hair loose, she let it play on her shoulders and imagined Harrison was still holding her, caressing her, kissing her. The moment passed and she laughed at herself before turning and running lightly up the steps.
Mum was already in bed, so Zoe poured herself a glass of chilled mineral water and tip-toed out onto the balcony. Her legs were sore and tired after the bike ride, but her mind wouldn't stop. So many things to organise and sort, Grandma's funeral being one of them. And Mum had asked her to give the eulogy.
Zoe glanced up at the star speckled sky just in time to see a shooting star zooming across the darkness before it disappeared into oblivion. Words Grandma had spoken to her when she was younger drifted through her mind…"Take time to smell the roses, dear." Zoe smiled as she gazed up into the clear night sky, the storm clouds having moved out to sea. Yes, Grandma, I'll try. In fact, I'll go smell the rose Harrison gave me this morning. And with that, she turned and went inside, picking up the now fully opened pink rose she'd placed in a tall, slender vase just this morning. Inhaling its sweet perfume, warm thoughts of both Harrison and Grandma flowed through her mind.
Zoe's alarm bleated at six a.m. Knowing she'd be tempted to hit snooze, she'd placed her phone on her bookshelf, just out of reach so she'd have to get up. Climbing out of bed, she stood and turned it off. She stretched her neck before peeking out the blind. Already the sun's rays were beating down on the city. Another hot day, but she needed to run. After the bike ride yesterday, she was determined to regain her fitness, and running every morning would be part of her new regime, as well as a long bike ride every other day. She changed into her lycra shorts and top, slipped on her Nikes, and opened her bedroom door.
Mum was already up and dressed, and sitting at the table reading her Bible. She looked up and smiled. "Good morning, Zoe. Going for a run?"
Zoe held her arms above her head and stretched to the left. "Thought
I would, if you don't mind."
"Fine by me, love. I can look after myself."
"I won't be long." Zoe finished her stretch, and stepping closer, popped a kiss on Mum's cheek. As she did, her eyes caught a highlighted verse in Mum's Bible. "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Zoe straightened, placing a hand on her hip. She pointed to the verse with the index finger of her other hand. "I'm struggling to understand how God can be looking after you when you're about to lose the farm."
"Maybe He doesn't want us to keep it, Zoe."
Zoe's eyes widened. "How can you even think that, Mum? Why would God want you turned out of your home?
"I don't know, but I do know He'll provide for us one way or the other."
"It sounds to me like you're giving up."
"No, we're not, but we have to consider our options."
Zoe angled her head. Options? How could her parents be considering options? "Like what?"
Mum shrugged. "I'm not sure yet."
"Well, I'm going to do my best to help you keep it. I'd like to pay the bank a visit today."
Mum smiled wistfully as she placed her hand on Zoe's wrist. "They won't budge, Zoe."
"It has to be worth a try." Zoe squared her shoulders. "Will you come with me?"
Mum sighed heavily. "It'll be a waste of time, Zoe, but okay. I can't let you go on your own."
Smiling, Zoe squeezed Mum's hand. "Guess we'll see if it's a waste of time. Anyway, I think I'll go for that run. Get geared up for the day. I won't be long."
Minutes later, Zoe's feet pounded the pavement as she jogged along the path winding down to the river. Other runners were out, and she nodded as they passed each other. She normally listened to her favourite radio station when she jogged, but today she needed a clear head. Especially when it came to the bank. How could Mum and Dad even be considering options? What were they thinking? Surely God wouldn't allow them to be turned out of their home. Zoe slowed to take a corner, but struggled to build up pace again. After yesterday's ride her legs still felt heavy, and the air was already thick with humidity and she was finding it hard to breathe. Stopping and bending forward, she pressed her hands to her thighs and gulped in mouthfuls of air.
Promises of Love: A Contemporary Christian Romance Page 8