Home Truths

by Louise Forster

  Jennifer lost her breath. She threw her arms around his neck. ‘Make me,’ she purred.

  He followed her gaze towards the ladder that led up to the loft, and smiled.

  *

  Jennifer chewed on a piece of straw, her head resting on Calum’s arm.

  ‘How are you at organising weddings?’ he asked.

  ‘You’re my first wedding.’ She laughed softly.

  ‘I’m glad to hear it.’ He tickled her ear with his mouth. ‘My next question is — gold, white gold, or platinum? What do you reckon?’

  ‘Gold with lots of bling.’

  ‘What’s bling?’

  ‘Diamonds as big as a sugar cube.’ Jennifer turned for a better look at his face. He didn’t seem at all worried. ‘I’m kidding about the sugar cube.’

  ‘I knew that,’ he said.

  A loud clanging interrupted them. Jennifer sat up, hay in her dark curls and clinging clothes.

  ‘Good grief! What was that?’

  ‘My mobile.’ Calum laughed, dug it out of his pocket and peered at caller ID and answered. ‘Yeah, Gran?’ he said, tugging bits of hay out of Jennifer’s hair. ‘No, just been showing Jen… Sure, we’re on our way.’ He slipped the phone in his pocket. ‘Afternoon tea is ready. Hot scones, jam and cream.’ He caressed her face with the back of his hand. ‘You hungry?’

  ‘Am I ever. Must be the country air — and hay.’

  Calum stood and held out his hand for Jennifer. ‘I’ll go down first, you come directly after me,’ he said.

  ‘You just want to look at my arse,’ she said, eyebrow arched.

  ‘Love your arse. I could spend all day…Truth is, if I go first and you happen to slip, your lovely arse would have a soft landing.’

  ‘Okay, my arse on your soft head,’ she laughed.

  ‘Yeah,’ he chuckled, ‘I fell into that one.’

  Back on the barn floor, Jennifer brushed hay, seeds and grassy bits off Calum’s back while he tried to do the same for her. Satisfied there was little evidence, he took her hand and they headed for the house.

  ‘Jen, I can’t wait. I want to tell everyone right now, you’re mine, I’m yours.’

  A flutter of adrenalin caught her breath. ‘Okay,’ she whispered.

  Calum toed off his boots and showed Jennifer where she could wash up. Mouth-watering aromas of freshly baked scones and cake permeated the air.

  The moment Jennifer walked into the large sunny country kitchen, Connie called out, ‘There you are. I saw your car drive up ages ago, what have you two been doing all this time?’

  Michelle and Bret looked up from the battered timber table, faces beaming, shoulders shaking as they held back from laughing out loud.

  ‘Hi,’ Jennifer said, ignoring Connie’s awkward question as she held the older woman’s arm and kissed her cheek in greeting. ‘How are you, Connie?’

  ‘Couldn’t be better,’ Connie giggled.

  Calum came up beside Jennifer. ‘Why is everyone looking weird?’

  ‘Could be the bits of hay and crap in both your hair,’ Michelle said dryly, pointing at them.

  ‘We were looking for a needle,’ Jennifer grinned.

  Everyone laughed, and the awkward moment vanished.

  ‘I think you’ve finally met your match, Calum.’ Approval lit Connie’s face.

  Bret pushed his chair back. Arms out, he headed for Jennifer. ‘Jen’s pretty quick. Sofie’s the dippy one.’

  Jennifer hugged him. He still felt skinny under her hands, but stronger, if that were possible in just a few days. ‘I’m very proud of you, bro,’ she whispered.

  On the opposite side of the table, Connie pulled a handkerchief out from the depths of her blouse and dabbed her eyes. ‘Come on, everyone, sit.’ Her voice broke a little. ‘Have a scone before I get any older.’

  Calum pulled a chair out for Jennifer.

  ‘Thank you,’ Jennifer said, trying to stay calm. She fidgeted with her napkin. Calum covered her hands with one of his and gave hers a squeeze.

  He leant into her side and whispered, ‘Relax.’

  Sure, but he might announce their engagement at any moment. To ease her nervous tension, she turned to Michelle. ‘How’s school these days?’

  ‘Too much homework.’ Michelle wrinkled her nose. ‘Too much of everything.’

  ‘I sympathise, its hard going. Do you know someone who’s not studying? I’m looking for a waiter or waitress to help with the restaurant’s opening.’

  ‘I’d love to do that, it’d be a terrific experience. I’m your woman — waitress-person,’ Michelle said, enthusiastically slathering jam and cream on her scone.

  ‘Do you need to make sure that’s okay?’

  ‘Of course it is. And Cal’s happy to take me into town any time. Just let me know when.’

  As there were no objections, Jennifer carried on. ‘Michelle?’ she waited till she had eye contact. ‘Claudia will be up this weekend with her mum. Drop by sometime and we’ll go through presentation and waitressing.’

  ‘Sure, it’ll be great catching up with Claudia. What’re your plans?’

  ‘I want to build a reputation for the restaurant,’ Jennifer told everyone. ‘Have it known in Sydney as the place to dine when they’re on weekend getaways.’

  ‘That’s a brilliant idea. It’ll do wonders for the town,’ Connie said.

  Bret helped himself to another scone. ‘Hmm, these are good.’

  ‘Make it happen, Jen,’ Michelle grinned.

  ‘I’ll do my best.’ It was difficult to keep her mind on the subject. Every time Calum moved or opened his mouth, she wondered whether he was going to make the big announcement.

  ‘You could start off with a package deal,’ Michelle said, full of youthful enthusiasm. ‘Motel or B&B, plus winery tours and dinner.’

  ‘Yeah Jen, you can take me on a tour and feed me that candlelit dinner you owe me, and then we can f…’

  Calum bit into a scone smothered in jam and cream, just as Connie smacked him up the back of the head. Cream splattered his face. Calum didn’t blink, scooped the mess with a finger, put the lot into his mouth and continued as if nothing happened. ‘Yeah, your order comes, and there’s this pretty little pile in the middle of your plate with a bit of sauce dribbled over it, a sprig of this and that, and you know someone has…fiddled.’

  Jennifer supressed a grin and tried not to blush. ‘A lot of hard work goes into making a meal taste great and look even better. But you wouldn’t know; you’re probably a meat-pie-and-tomato-sauce man.’

  ‘Not if I can help it,’ Connie said.

  ‘I’m your pie man,’ Bret announced, reaching for another scone. ‘Especially Jen’s pies,’ he laughed. Weeks of deprivation while missing and desperate slipped away, disappeared.

  Bright-eyed and enthusiastic, Connie told everyone how Bret had saved the day. ‘He was amazing,’ she told Jennifer. ‘I can see he’s going to be a great help on the farm. I told him he had a calming influence and wonderful hands with the animals. And you know what he did? He blushed. My goodness, anyone would think he’d never heard praise before.’

  ‘He probably hasn’t,’ Jennifer mumbled. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks. ‘My parents weren’t into praising, not for the right reasons anyway. And I wasn’t much help.’

  ‘Yes you were,’ Bret piped up. ‘You and Sofe were always protecting me.’

  ‘Yes, Bret, I’m sure they were too,’ Connie reassured. ‘So what you said, Jen, is nonsense, dear. It’s the parents’ job to raise their children. You were busy growing up yourself. Bret thinks very highly of you and Sofie. He talks about you both all the time.’ She leant across and kissed Jennifer’s cheek.

  ‘Jen, as soon as the vet sees George and his leg’s okay, I’ll come and help out.’

  ‘You can help my fiancée out any time,’ Calum said.

  Right at that very moment, Jennifer had a cup of tea to her mouth: she choked, coughed and tea gushed everywhere. I have a fiancé. I am a fia
ncée.

  Silence. Three sets of eyes grew large as they looked from Jennifer to Calum. Jennifer could hear her heart hammering. Or was that her fiancé’s?

  Connie gasped and covered her mouth with both hands in surprise. She gathered her wits. ‘This is wonderful news, wonderful!’ she laughed. She pushed her chair back and hugged them both. ‘I’m so happy for you.’

  ‘Sis, you’re gunna marry my boss!’

  ‘And it’s about time,’ Michelle said.

  ‘Okay, that’s enough hugging.’ Calum slapped Bret on the back and pushed him off.

  ‘You’d better make me a bridesmaid,’ Michelle said, holding onto Jennifer’s arm.

  ‘Bridesmaid? Sure,’ Jennifer said, suddenly feeling overwhelmed.

  ‘I’d crack open a bottle, but Jen has to drive home.’ Calum brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her palm.

  ‘Perhaps we can organise something just for family,’ Jennifer suggested. ‘It might have to be after the opening.’

  The kitchen table, a mess with crumbs and the odd blob of jam and cream, was to Jennifer’s way of thinking perfect. The family around it, so relaxed and friendly, was also perfect, and something she’d never experienced in her life. Best of all, Bret had found his niche. Seeing him among these wonderful people who had taken him in almost brought her to tears. This was what a family meal should be like, she thought. Not the sterile, perfect setting her parents had always insisted on.

  Jennifer said, ‘Before I go, Connie, have you seen Calum’s amazing work?’

  ‘Not finished, I haven’t.’

  ‘You and Shirley should come by for coffee or tea before the opening Saturday week.’

  ‘That would be lovely, dear, what day would suit you?’

  ‘Any time is fine.’ Jennifer gave a little shrug. ‘Whenever you like. Pop in next time you’re in town.’

  ‘Thank you, dear.’ Connie patted Jennifer’s hand. ‘I look forward to it.’

  ‘I could stay here all afternoon.’ Jennifer pushed her chair back. ‘I’ve really enjoyed this afternoon, but I’d better get moving; my sister and niece are due back any time. Thanks for the scones and tea, it was all delicious.’

  Calum’s hand gave her waist a gentle squeeze.

  *

  Calum escorted Jennifer out to her car and opened the door. But before letting her go, he pulled her to him, and gave her the wildest kiss. Her knees buckled, she fell back against the door with Calum plastered to her.

  ‘This time you taste like jam and cream,’ he murmured.

  ‘You still taste like hay.’ Jennifer wrinkled her nose. Probably something you ate,’ she said dryly, and couldn’t hold back on the laugh, which echoed around the quiet valley.

  ‘Stop it, you’ll scare the animals,’ he grinned, hands caressing her waist.

  She drew in a breath and squirmed against him, loving the feel of his big hands. ‘You’d better stop that, I need my wits about me when I drive home.’

  His grin turned into a wide, satisfied smile. He stepped far enough away to allow her some breathing space. ‘You’d better drive to the conditions.’

  She gave him a wry look and said, ‘Excuse me a moment.’ She slipped out of his grasp, ducked across the driver’s seat to the passenger side, came out with her wallet, and turned to see Calum looking amused.

  ‘You don’t want to go doing that in town,’ he said, sounding amused. ‘There’d be a pile-up in Grey Street.’

  ‘Huh?’ Jennifer didn’t know what he was on about.

  ‘You bending over, arse wriggling while you rummage to get whatever it is,’ he explained.

  She looked over her shoulder and gave him a provocative smile. He deserved nothing less. ‘As I have no car, it won’t be happening in a hurry.’

  ‘Brock’s twin-cab?’ Calum nodded towards the car.

  ‘Yep.’ Jennifer straightened, opened her wallet and took out a bank cheque for six thousand dollars. ‘Here, I hope this is the correct amount.’

  Calum looked at the offered cheque, plucked it from her fingers and ripped it up.

  ‘You can’t do that!’ Jennifer cried out.

  ‘Well I just did. I don’t want your money, Jen. This is between Bret and me. He’ll do the right thing, trust me. Trust him. Anyway,’ he grinned, ‘I’ll be family soon.’

  Jennifer cocked her hip and studied his face. ‘You already are.’ She forced herself away from the mindset she usually had when it concerned her brother. Besides, Calum’s stance deserved respect.

  ‘I’ve never seen him this happy and confident.’

  He nodded. ‘I like what I’m seeing. Bret’s a good man.’

  ‘I know he’ll be all right, thanks to you and your family.’ Jennifer pushed him away. ‘I have to go now before I blubber all over the place. Not a pretty sight.’

  ‘Woman, you amaze me. I couldn’t give a rat’s arse if you came dripping after me.’ He pulled an ‘oops’ face. ‘Maybe I should rephrase that,’ he said, laughing at himself. Jennifer rolled her eyes. ‘Jen, you’re beautiful anytime, anyway, anyhow,’ he said and tucked her in close.

  She kissed his ear and nibbled the lobe. Stepping back she asked, ‘When will you be in town again?’

  ‘Tonight, I’m sleeping with you,’ he said, as if her question was weird.

  ‘Um…’ It was her turn to pull a face. ‘My sister and niece will be at the house. I want a little alone time with Sofe, tell her our news and get silly-tipsy.’

  ‘Really?’ His eyes lit up. ‘I’m not missing out on seeing my woman behaving cute and happy-sloppy-drunk.’

  ‘I’m not cute, seriously.’

  ‘Yes you are. I’ll get there later, around ten, you should be well and truly primed by then.’ He grinned his sexy grin, and she couldn’t say no. Besides she was actually looking forward to it and grinned back at him. ‘You’re a fox,’ he said, pulling her into him. ‘You, me and the closet, soon. Or did you go in without me?’

  ‘I tried…it’s not nearly as much fun. And I didn’t find anything.’ Jennifer hopped into the dual-cab. ‘Anyway, you and I and the closet have a thing going. Any time is fine.’ She gave him a sultry smile, and took off.

  *

  ‘I’ll just be in my sewing room.’ Connie dried her hands after washing up the afternoon tea dishes.

  ‘Sure, Gran, I’ll get on with my homework,’ Michelle said and put the last of the cups away. ‘Hope Calum goes away far enough, especially since Bret has gone to check on KG.’

  An eerie wail echoed from a far-off hill. Connie pushed the lace curtains aside just as George bellowed. ‘Come quick, Michelle,’ she beckoned.

  Michelle arrived at her side just as Bret came charging out of the barn like a man possessed. He bolted, wild-eyed, straight for the back door.

  Tears of laughter ran down Connie’s face. Michelle was trying to catch her breath. Connie clutched her arm and urged, ‘We’ve got to stop laughing or Bret will —’

  The screen door slammed and Bret came running in, barely able to speak.

  ‘What the f-f…hell was that?’

  ‘Do you mean the noise or George?’ Connie asked, holding down laughter.

  ‘The noise — the ugly noise!’ he yelled, eyes big, pointing towards the hills.

  ‘Sorry, Bret,’ Michelle giggled. ‘Didn’t Cal warn you?’

  ‘All Cal said was, he’s going up the south paddock hill to practise. I didn’t think to ask, practise what? It was horrible and it scared the shit out of George and me. Ya shoulda seen his eyes.’

  ‘You should’ve seen yours. And what about us having to endure your practising.’ Connie handed Bret a few slices of bread. ‘Here, go and soothe poor George before he breaks something.’

  ‘At least Cal’s turned the volume down.’ Bret sauntered off back to the barn.

  ‘I’ll go and help Bret,’ Michelle giggled.

  Connie kissed her cheek and headed for her sewing room. She closed the door, picked up the phone and dialled.

&n
bsp; ‘Hi, Shirl, you know how Jennifer’s back, well guess what. My plan worked.’

  *

  After dropping Brock’s car off at the police station, Jennifer walked back to the restaurant, basking in the new feeling that she was a fiancée, Calum’s fiancée.

  The setting sun cast a deep, golden glow over the countryside, which enriched the autumn tones and made them stand out in stunning relief. God, it was beautiful. Her life was beautiful. Calum was beautiful, and she was on a high as she strolled back to the restaurant. She knew the moment she told Sofie her exciting news, her sister was going to cry.

  Happiness hummed through her as she hurried inside and called out, ‘Sofie!’

  ‘I’m up here! Did you see the posters?’ Sofie exclaimed, waiting on the landing, arms wide, ready for a hug. ‘Hi, Jen, bet you’re excited about the opening?’

  ‘Excited? Are you kidding, I’m rapt. The posters look great, thanks for handing them out so soon,’ Jennifer said into her sister’s sweet-smelling curls. ‘Boy, I’m so glad you’re here to help.’

  ‘Only because I’m pathetically dateless.’ Sofie stepped back and eyed Jennifer. ‘You know I’m kidding, right? Even Adonis on a white horse couldn’t keep me away.’

  Jennifer gave her sister a squeeze. ‘I know that.’

  ‘Come on, I’ll make us a coffee. What have you been up to? You look all rosy and you smell like a barn.’ Sofie paused and studied Jennifer. A soft light grew until it shone like a knowing beacon in her eyes. She grabbed Jennifer by the shoulders.

  ‘Why are you giving me that weird look?’ Jennifer asked. Sofie dropped her chin and cocked an eyebrow. ‘Okay, you win. Calum and I made wild love in a haystack.’ Jennifer’s grin bubbled into a belly laugh. ‘Well, not a haystack as much as a pile of hay up a ladder in a loft, which was in the barn, above George.’

  The gob-smacked look on her sister’s face was priceless. Hand to her chest, Sofie gasped. ‘You had sex with Calum!’

  ‘Twice, actually.’

  ‘In the haystack?’ Sofie asked with a wide-eyed stare. ‘Tell me you had safe sex?’

  ‘Well, it was hot and spontaneous, and safe didn’t really get a look in.’