‘Yes.’ His grip on her hand tightened. ‘Lily, I don’t know what your plans are now that Fern is on the mend, but I was wondering if…’
He stopped, looked stricken, and ran a hand through his wind-blown hair. ‘I’m doing this badly. I haven’t told you how much I’ve missed you, how amazing it is to see you again.’ He took both her hands in his. ‘How I feel about you, Lily.’
She looked up and saw the truth of it in his eyes, and her heart was so full she couldn’t speak.
‘I don’t know how I’ve survived these past few weeks,’ Daniel said. ‘It’s been worse than anything I felt in jail.’
She recognised the dark pain that lay behind his words. ‘I’ve been the same, Daniel. I’ve been so miserable.’
‘Would you consider coming back?’
‘To live with you?’
His throat worked. ‘Yes.’
Across the kitchen table, Jess said to Fern, ‘Do you think my dad and Lily are in love?’
‘Yes, my dear, I do.’
Jess, under Fern’s supervision, was threading beads to make an anklet. Fern picked out a marvellous purple bead with tiny chips of silver mirror. ‘Would you like this one?’
‘Oh, wow! Yes, please.’
‘Would you mind if Lily and your father decided that they’re very much in love and want to stay together?’
Jess shook her head. ‘Not now. Not now I understand.’
Fern smiled at her. ‘And what is it that you understand?’
‘That Dad couldn’t help falling for Lily. She’s right for him.’ Jess set the threaded beads down carefully, so she could concentrate on what she was saying. ‘I saw the way Dad and Lily looked at each other, and something just seemed to click inside me. It felt right. I don’t know if I can explain it any better than that.’ She frowned. ‘Maybe it’s like a joke.’
‘A joke?’
‘You know how it is with a joke. People either get it or they don’t. I “got it” that they’re right for each other.’
Fern smiled and reached out to squeeze Jess’s hand. ‘I “got it”, too.’
‘I thought Jess objected to us,’ Lily said, as they wandered along the almost deserted beach while the daylight faded around them.
‘I’ve sorted things out with her.’
‘How? Are you sure? It seems too good to be true.’
Daniel’s mouth tilted into a wry curve. ‘Jess could see for herself that I was a hopeless case without you. And then I told her exactly what you mean to me.’ He tightened his arm about her shoulders. ‘I told her how much I love you, Lily. I told her how you rescued me.’
‘Rescued you?’
‘Of course. If you hadn’t run out of petrol and stumbled onto Ironbark I’d still be a depressed and broken man.’ He smiled, but his eyes glittered with a sheen that rocked her heart. ‘I might never have recovered from the shame and the horror of prison. Without you, I’d never have been strong enough to go to Sydney to reclaim Jess. I owe everything to you.’
‘Oh, Daniel.’ She lifted her hand and fingered a wing of dark hair blown onto his forehead, traced the dear, familiar ruggedness of his cheek with her fingertips. It was so, so good to touch him at last. ‘How did Jess react?’
‘She couldn’t get me here fast enough.’
On a heady wave of relief and sheer joy, Lily let out a cheer, and she spun in a quick, ecstatic pirouette.
Daniel caught her with two hands at her waist. ‘I love you, Lily.’
‘I know,’ she cried, laughing and crying as she hugged him hard. ‘I know, I know, I know. And I love you, too!’
He kissed her. He took a deliciously long time about it, and Lily doubted there had ever been a kiss quite so perfect.
Later, he said, ‘I would have been here yesterday if I hadn’t bought a new mob of calves. To be honest, I shouldn’t really be here now. I should be checking that they’ve settled in OK.’
A small wave lapped at Lily’s ankles. ‘The joys of a cattleman’s life.’
He drew a sharp breath. ‘Lily, is there any chance that you would consider sharing that life with me?’
Smiling, she shook her head at him. ‘Can’t you guess, Daniel Renton? From the very first day I walked onto Ironbark I’ve been fantasising about spending my life with you. You were a marked man.’
‘You mean I didn’t stand a chance?’
‘Not one.’
Daniel smiled. ‘That was the luckiest day of my life.’
‘And mine.’
And, for that, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her again.
Afterwards, he asked, ‘Are we expected back at the house for dinner?’
She laughed. ‘Actually, no. You’re supposed to be taking me out for a romantic dinner.’
‘Are you sure? Will Fern mind?’
‘No, it’s written in the tea leaves that Fern and Jess will have macaroni cheese, while you wine me and dine me at the lovely new restaurant attached to your motel.’
He looked amused. ‘I didn’t know you read tea leaves.’
‘I don’t. Fern does. She’s an expert.’
Daniel grinned. ‘Then we mustn’t let the expert down.’
EPILOGUE
LILY WATCHED THROUGH the weathered timber stock rails as Daniel deftly secured a young steer and began the process of vaccinating and ear-tagging. He worked quickly and smoothly in a carefully timed succession of movements, ensuring that the animal wasn’t stressed for any longer than was strictly necessary.
He must have felt her gaze on him, and he looked up, glancing quickly her way. In that fleeting instant, in the midst of his busy work, his bright blue eyes met hers, and he winked and grinned at her.
That was all it took.
Lily melted.
His clothes were covered with dust, he was hot and tired, but he was strong and lean and gorgeous, and he was Daniel. He was her man—her lover. Her husband.
‘Next!’ he called.
Oh, dear, she’d been caught daydreaming. It was her turn to send the last calf down the race to him.
Left till last, the young steer had become anxious and frisky, and Lily had trouble rounding it up, but eventually it was on its way down the timber-fenced race. Minutes later, the day’s work was completed. A new herd was in the holding yard, chomping quietly on the choicest hay, the ordeal of their initiation on Ironbark already forgotten.
Lily and Daniel, with Smiley in tow, began to walk back to the house. Daniel linked his hand with Lily’s. She felt the familiar tough skin on his palm, and couldn’t hold back a moment longer.
‘I have some news,’ she said.
Smiling indulgently, he squeezed her hand. ‘What is it?’
‘When I was in Gidgee Springs yesterday, I went to see Dr Barnes.’
Daniel frowned, his eyes suddenly serious, full of unspoken questions.
‘It’s good news,’ she hastened to assure him.
He watched her cautiously. ‘So, tell me.’
‘I’m pregnant.’
He stopped dead in his tracks and stared at her. He frowned again, and shook his head. A tiny smile appeared, briefly lighting his eyes and lifting a corner of his mouth. And then it vanished, and his mouth twisted downwards and he looked worried. Upset.
‘You don’t mind, do you?’ Lily whispered, suddenly frightened by his reaction.
‘Did you say Dr Barnes told you this yesterday?’
‘Yes.’
‘Why didn’t you tell me then?’
Lily dropped her gaze to her dusty riding boots. ‘I thought you might not let me help in the stockyards today if you knew.’
He cursed softly. ‘Damn right, I wouldn’t!’ Groaning, he put his arms around her and held her close.
‘Nothing happened, Daniel. I’m fine.’
‘That’s not the point.’
‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘I didn’t think you’d be upset. You know I love helping you with the cattle.’ Her chin lifted stubbornly. ‘I’m sure I’m not the
first pregnant cattleman’s wife who’s ever done a little yard work.’
Daniel jerked his gaze away from her and stared out across the paddocks, his face set and hard.
And Lily was struck by a terrible thought. ‘Daniel, are you angry because I didn’t tell you I’m pregnant? Or are you upset because you don’t want a baby?’ She couldn’t keep a note of fear from her voice.
His head whipped around. For heart-stopping seconds his eyes were fierce as he searched her face. And then, at last, his expression softened. ‘Oh, Lily, darling girl, of course I want our baby.’
And as he pulled her closer, hugged her, it didn’t matter that they were hot and dusty and sweaty.
‘We’re going to have a baby,’ he said, sounding suddenly excited, as if the truth of her words was only now hitting home.
‘Yes, darling. That’s what I said.’
‘You’re pregnant. I’m going to be a father again.’ His face split into a grin, and he let out a shriek of delight.
‘So, you’re pleased?’ she asked.
‘Pleased? At the thought of our baby? Are you kidding, Lily? I’m ecstatic. I’m rapt. I’m over the moon!’ He caressed the side of her head with his jaw. ‘But you’ve brought out my protective instincts, too. No more yard work.’
‘All right.’ It was, after all, rather sweet of him to want to protect her. ‘I can’t wait to tell Jess when she comes back from Susan’s.’
Daniel grinned. ‘She’ll be over the moon too.’
Suddenly he released her, and let out a whooping great shout of triumph. Before Lily knew what was happening, he turned and raced to the middle of the paddock. There, he cupped his hands to his mouth, tipped his head back and let out a yell.
‘Lu-cy! Jenn-i-fer! Agapanthus!’
‘What on earth are you doing?’ Lily shouted.
Daniel grinned back at her. ‘I’m giving our baby’s name a test-yell.’ Again he tipped back his head. ‘Gwen-do-line!’
‘Hey, wait a minute.’ Lily charged across the paddock to join him. ‘What’s with all the girls’ names? I want our baby to be a boy.’
‘Do you?’ Daniel’s eyes danced with happiness. His mouth twitched with amused delight.
‘Yes!’ she cried. And now it was her turn to yell. ‘Pe-ter! An-drew! Nebuchadnezzar!’
Daniel watched her with a possessive, teasing smile. ‘I guess I have no objection to a son,’ he said. And, tipping his head back, he shouted, ‘Ben-ja-min!’
‘That’s better.’ Lily grinned at him. ‘And I suppose a baby girl would be fine too.’ She lifted her face towards the setting sun and yelled, ‘Soph-ie!’
And then, absurdly happy, they fell into each other’s arms.
In the middle of the big empty paddock they stood, laughing and hugging and sharing ecstatic kisses, until at last the lengthening shadows reached them and the sun dipped low behind the distant hills. Then they called to Smiley to stop sniffing for bandicoots, and, together with her, they headed for home.
* * * * *
Dear Reader
When I start to write a book I set out on a journey with my characters, never quite sure what lies around the corner or whether we’ll safely reach our destination.
I begin each of these adventures with a bunch of ‘what if?’ questions, knowing that my desired destination is a happy ending for two people who are meant for each other.
But what if my characters have already tried marriage and failed? And what if there is a dearly loved, vulnerable child involved? And vast distances? What if this couple have very passionate natures that have caused them to make serious mistakes in the past? What if there has been a complete communication breakdown?
Many of my stories have ended with happy marriages in the Outback, but what if, this time, one of my characters simply cannot face the unrelenting isolation, the hardship and the danger of life in remote Australia?
These were the questions I began with when Erin Reilly and her son Joey met Luke Manning at Sydney airport.
Together with my characters, I took tentative steps into the mist, and over the weeks that followed this story emerged. I’m pleased to tell you that Erin and Luke proved to me once again that true love can find workable solutions to life’s biggest hurdles. But the process is never easy. It takes courage and compassion—from all of us. I hope you enjoy their story.
Warmest wishes
Barbara Hannay
Luke & Erin
CONTENTS
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
CHAPTER ONE
ERIN SAW HER ex-husband at the exact moment he saw her, at the very instant she emerged from Customs into the International Terminal at Sydney Airport. Their eyes met across the crowded sea of expectant faces, and she felt a jolt so savage she almost stumbled.
Luke Manning looked exactly as she remembered—a man who could never blend into a crowd. Wide-shouldered, long-legged and lean, with dark hair, prominent cheekbones and a mouth that could be brooding or good humoured by turns, Luke retained an air of inner confidence and calm that always set him apart.
But today there was something more. Despite the crowds that jostled him as they waved and called to loved ones, he gave an impression of remoteness, like the vast and lonely Australian Outback he loved.
Even at this distance his grey eyes could freeze her.
Erin drew a sharp breath. For a fleeting moment there had been a spark of excitement in Luke’s eyes, but then, just as suddenly, the light vanished to be replaced with chilling blankness. In the past she’d never seen such coldness in his face, but its appearance now was hardly surprising. What else could she expect? Five years ago she’d walked away from their marriage. She hadn’t seen him since.
Now she felt a flash of panic. Seeing Luke again was even harder than she’d feared.
She’d been schooling herself to feel nothing. Nothing. But all it had taken was that single icy glance from those too-familiar grey eyes and the wounds that were supposed to have healed were ripped open again.
Once again she felt the awful pain. This was what she’d dreaded, why she almost hadn’t come.
A small, impatient hand tugged at hers. ‘You said my dad would be here.’ Joey sounded anxious. ‘Can’t you see him yet?’
‘Yes, sweetheart, he’s here.’
Erin gave Joey’s hand a squeeze, more to reassure herself than her son. She tried to ignore the trembling in her stomach, the unwanted surge of anxiety shooting high, filling her throat.
Around them, the lines of fellow passengers were breaking up as weary travellers were enveloped by welcoming arms. Mere metres away, Luke Manning stood still, waiting.
Erin’s heart thudded. She had to remember that this meeting was not about her. Or Luke. They weren’t here to rake up the past. Neither of them wanted that. Their marriage was a closed book, finished for ever. They were meeting because of their son. This was for Joey, for his future.
She heard a sharp exclamation and felt Joey’s hand slip from hers. He’d seen his father.
Even though Luke wasn’t astride a stock horse or wearing an Akubra hat, he looked so like the photograph on Joey’s nightstand that his son couldn’t fail to recognise him.
‘Hey, Dad!’ Joey shrieked, and began to rush forward, but after three or four steps he stopped, overcome by shyness.
Erin, pushing the loaded luggage cart, tried to catch up with the boy, but she too was gripped by a vexing hesitation. It was like a bad dream where she couldn’t seem to move. She’d come so far, all the way from Manhattan, but these last few steps seemed impossible.
Perhaps she should have accepted her sister’s offer to accompany Joey in her place.
How terrible this was. The three of them were l
ike a stilllife tableau—Erin in her trendy New-York black trouser suit, suitably crease-resistant for travelling—Luke, an Outback man in the city, in pale moleskin trousers, a long-sleeved, blue cotton shirt and carefully polished elastic-sided riding boots—and little freckle-nosed, red-headed Joey, staring up at his father as he clutched his favourite possessions in a New York Yankees backpack.
They stood there, stiffly silent and awkward in the midst of the busy, bustling airport.
And then they seemed to come to life at once. Luke’s hands came out of his pockets and his mouth quirked into a quarter-smile. With his eyes fixed on Joey, he stepped forward. Erin forced their luggage cart to move once more. Joey hitched his backpack over one shoulder and grinned.
‘Hi, Dad.’ His face was glowing as he looked up at Luke.
‘Hello, Joey.’ Stooping low, Luke offered his right hand and Erin held her breath as she watched the man and the boy greet each other. She felt a leaping sensation in her chest as she saw the deep emotion in Luke’s eyes, the shining pride in Joey’s.
This was such a big moment for Joey—the culmination of months of longing and desperate impatience that had begun last autumn when he’d started school—when he’d suddenly become obsessed by a need to know everything about his father.
Now, as Erin watched, Luke’s eyes seemed to devour the boy. What was he thinking? Was he remembering Joey’s birth and how proud he’d been of his new baby son—how smitten they’d both been?
Was Luke looking for a physical resemblance to himself?
Superficially, Joey looked more like Erin’s family, the Reillys. Both she and Joey had inherited dark red hair from her Irish father and their smallish noses were a Reilly feature too. But already it was clear that Joey was going to be tall like Luke and his high cheekbones were an unmistakable Manning legacy.
And the boy’s eyes were smoky indigo, a true mixture of Erin’s bright blue and Luke’s deep grey.
She wondered if she should break the silence, but it was Joey who rescued the moment.
Shooting Luke a self-conscious grin, her son said, ‘Good day, mate,’ in his best attempt at an Australian accent.
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