by Annie Seaton
But this? This mess was in a league of its own.
Straightening her shoulders, she followed Ned into the office adjacent to the kitchen, and he gestured politely to the chair beside the desk.
“Please sit down.” His voice was crisp and business-like.
Her stomach sank. It was going to be just like the job interview at the school. Where she’d been judged and found wanting.
She moved the breakfast cereal box from the spare seat and put it on the floor before she sat down. At least Ned had the grace to look embarrassed and moved it onto the desk.
“Sorry. One of Ryan’s bad habits.” But still no welcoming smile.
This was a very different Ned to the one she’d had coffee with yesterday. Maybe without the children, he was more serious. Maybe he only put on the happy face when they were around. Jemima was confused, and her self-confidence fled.
He cleared his throat and lifted a piece of paper from the desk without meeting her eyes. The happy anticipation that had filled her since she’d met Gwennie in the library yesterday trickled away.
“So I’ve done an analysis of your proposition. A plus minus—”
“And interesting,” Jemima said. “De Bono’s theory.”
That got his attention. He lifted his head and met her eye. “Um, is it? I’m not sure what it’s called.”
Jemima lifted her chin a fraction higher. If he was going to be formal, she would, too. “It is. Carry on.”
“Well, in terms of what you’ve suggested, the pluses certainly are a positive for my consideration.”
“That’s good.”
“But in terms of benefits for you, there’s really only the experience with the kids that you can’t even put on a resume. I can’t afford to pay you, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable about that at all.”
Jemima leaned forward. “Look, you need a loan. Apparently, you can’t get one without me, and you need someone to watch your kids. I can provide the collateral, and I can help care for your kids. I get the experience I need, and you get a nanny. Win-win. It’s not like I’m giving you the money”—she hurried to qualify her words—“and it’s neighborly. You need a hand. I’m free. And I’m more than happy to help you out.”
Ned brushed the back of his hand against his cheek. Jemima stared. Even though there was now a streak of red dust on one cheek, he was clean-shaven, and his hair was a bit tidier. Maybe he’d made an effort because she was coming over.
He was one fine-looking man. She shook herself and ignored the funny feeling in her chest. Nerves, that’s all it was. She wanted to do this.
“I don’t think I should take you up on your offer, however neighbourly.”
“Why not?” Cold disappointment replaced the warm feeling in her chest. She clenched her hands on her lap and looked down at them as he kept talking.
“Jemima, you’re an international fashion model, driving an Audi, for God’s sake. How long will you be happy out in the bush, washing, cooking, and cleaning, and helping my kids with their homework?”
She sat up straight, and her voice was cold. “You disappoint me, Ned. You’re the same as everyone else in this town. Assuming that you know what I want.” She leaned forward. “What I want is to live in the hometown that I love, do the job that I want—a teacher, like I’ve wanted to ever since I finished high school.” She held out her hand to him and then pulled it back and put it in her lap. “This is the perfect opportunity for me to be seen as a member of this community, which I know I already am. I just need to convince the community that I’m serious about living here and starting a new career. Working here with your kids will prove that I’m serious about staying, and that could translate to a teaching job. I won’t give up. I’m here to stay.”
He took a breath, and Jemima held hers as he looked at her for a long moment. “You really mean that?” he said.
“Of course I do.” She lowered her voice, and this time she reached out and put her hand on his arm. “Ned, it’s what I want. And you can help me get it.”
“Okay. You’ve been more than honest with me. This is my dilemma. If I don’t get the loan, I can’t hire farm help, and we can’t stay here on the farm. Like you, I want to stay. I want to bring my kids up out here and spend time with them.” He cleared his throat. “So the benefit for me is we can stay here. I guess it sounds the same for you. The one thing that really bothers me is how casual it will be, so I have a condition.”
She looked up. His shoulders were square, and his face was unsmiling. Jemima realised he was as nervous as she was.
“A condition?” she parroted.
“I’ve made a few calls today. There’s two things. First, to ensure that the collateral you put up for the loan is accepted by the bank, we need to formalise things.”
“With a signed contract? I suppose, if you think that’s necessary.”
“No. By getting married.”
“What?” Jemima gaped at Ned. What did he say? “Did you say ‘get married?’”
“I did.” He ran his hand through his hair, and it stood up in tufts. If it hadn’t been Ned McCormack sitting across from her, Jemima would have felt it was a bit creepy. But it was Ned, and she was sure he had a good reason for saying what he had.
“Okay, so…Paul Crowe rang from the bank. There are two ways we can do this. As well as giving me gushing congratulations about ‘hooking the catch of the town’—”
“Seriously? How sexist is that!” Jemima stared at Ned. “What else did he say?”
Ned fiddled with the pen on his desk. “He outlined the financial obligations of the rural loan. As my fiancée, you can provide collateral for my loan by going guarantor. The problem there is, if I don’t make a go of this and I go broke, you’re responsible. You would have to pay the loan back out of your money.”
Jemima nodded slowly. “Not a good option. We both know how uncertain the land can be.”
Ned sighed, and Jemima felt sorry for him.
“No, I couldn’t risk that,” he said. “But I’ve talked to a few more people today.”
Jemima frowned. It was okay to be seen as helping out with the kids’ schoolwork, but she didn’t want the whole town knowing that she was helping Ned out financially.
“Don’t worry, I didn’t call anyone local. I talked to the head of the branch bank in Sydney—I didn’t want Paul to get wind of any more questions—and there is another option. To ensure that the collateral you put up for the loan is accepted by the bank, and the only way you’re not liable for any default on the loan, is if we formalise our relationship.”
“By getting married?” Jemima stared at Ned. “That’s the only way?”
“Yes.” He took a deep breath and held her eyes with his. “I didn’t mean to blurt it out like that. Sorry. He said if we’re married—he asked my intentions about dates, but I fobbed him off—the loan is approved automatically without the risk of you losing any money. It sounds crazy, but that’s the way the rural co-op banks work.”
“Old fashioned standards, I guess,” Jemima said. “Different to the city banks.”
“Very.” Ned looked glum.
“You said there were two things,” she said as she tried to process what he’d outlined.
“Yes. I’ve taken some more calls this afternoon. I’d forgotten what Spring Downs was like. Very different to the anonymous life you can lead in the city.”
“What sort of calls?”
He rolled his eyes. “Two Sykes’ calls. Maisey Sykes from the library calling to tell me what a wonderful mother you’ll make for the children and how lovely you and Gwennie looked together yesterday. And asking whether the girls were going to be bridesmaids!”
Jemima knew she was gawking. “Oh my goodness.”
“Then Mrs. Sykes, the school principal, rang, saying how wonderful it was that the children would have a mother now and did I think you would help out at the school. Maybe volunteer reading and helping out in the tuck-shop.” Ned’s lips tilted in a smile, and Jemima
couldn’t help the laugh that began to bubble up from her chest.
“Tuck-shop, really? I haven’t heard that word for years.” She smiled as the memories came back. “I remember my mum used to help out when I was at primary school. I loved the days she’d serve me and my friends.” Her smile disappeared as his words sunk in. “But seriously? Surely there’s some sort of confidentiality a bank manager should have?”
Ned shook his head. “Not the bank manager’s doing. Jenny Sykes, the bank teller, overheard the whole ‘Gwennie-Mummy’ thing and got straight on the phone to the other Sykes women.” His expression got serious again. “And it’s worse than that. I’ve already had a call from my parents up on the north coast. Poor Mum was beside herself with happiness. Maisey Sykes is a friend of hers and couldn’t wait to ring. Mum was cross at me, but she said she pretended to Maisey that she knew all the details. God knows what she told her.”
Jemima folded her hands in her lap. “Well, we do have a situation, don’t we?”
“We do. But I’ve given it a lot of thought. If we draw up a confidential agreement, one that just you and I know about—and we use an out-of-town solicitor—I think we can make this work. But only if you’re absolutely comfortable with it, Jemmy.”
A number of emotions flitted through Jemima—not least the warmth that settled when he called her Jemmy—and she frowned. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“A marriage in name only, for one year. Of course, as far as we’re concerned, but to the outside world, it would be real. I can’t afford to jeopardise the loan. You’d move in, and that would free me up days and nights to get the farm working—that way I might be able to get away with only hiring one farmhand—the kids would be happy, and with you being a ‘mum’ and ‘wife,’ that will show those Sykes’ women once and for all that you’re here to stay.”
“A year?”
Ned nodded slowly. “I think a year will see me on my feet. The other thing is, if you’re here all the time…well, I know what the town is like. You’ve already had experience with what they see as your glamorous reputation, and I think being married would fast track your acceptance back in the community, and you’d be able to get a teaching job when one comes up.”
“And then what?”
Ned frowned. “That’s the only thing that worries me. At the end of the year, we’d annul the marriage. It might hinder you getting the job you want.”
Jemima waved a hand. “We’re in the twenty-first century. That can’t be used as an excuse these days.”
“But this is Spring Downs.”
“I’ll worry about that when it happens.”
Ned’s eyes widened. “So you don’t think it’s a stupid idea?”
Jemima spoke slowly. “I think we could make it work—the business side of things, I mean. The main thing that worries me is your kids. What would you tell them?”
“I know. Kids talk at school, and we don’t want the real situation getting out. I’ll have to think about that. Kelsey’s already been upset about the idea of having a new mum.”
Jemima jerked her head up. “You’ve already told them?”
“Of course not. It was when Gwennie said in the car that our new mum drove past us. Kelsey burred up, but we had a bit of a chat about you helping out. I’ve let the kids know that I already know you, so they don’t wonder.”
“That’s sounds okay. Just play it as it comes. Be natural, and see how it works out.”
“So is that a yes?”
“I guess so.” Jemima smiled. Ned had visibly relaxed. “The only thing I have to work out is what to tell my family.”
“We need to be truthful with those closest to us. When Mum and Dad come up, I’ll tell them the truth, and I think you should do the same with Liam and Lucy.”
“We have a deal then.” Jemima held out her hand to seal the deal with a handshake. Ned took it and stared down at her bare fingers. As he held her hand, her chest filled with warmth, and her fingers tingled as he moved his head closer to hers. She tipped her head back a little and waited, wondering what he was thinking. God forbid if he knew that she was hoping he’d seal the deal with a kiss. His lips opened, and his breath was warm on her cheek as he spoke.
“I’m sorry, Jemmy. I don’t even have an engagement ring to offer you. We need to make this look real from the get go.”
She waved her other hand and stood straighter, trying to dispel the stupid romantic notion that had flitted into her thoughts. She’d almost made a fool of herself. This was a business deal, and she had to remember that. “Don’t worry. I’m sure I have something at home.”
By the time Ryan woke up an hour later, Jemima and Ned had the details worked out. He’d called the courthouse in Dubbo and made an appointment for the following Friday. They had to attend the courthouse together and lodge a notice of intended marriage, and then they could be married a month later.
Jemima turned into the gate of Prickle Creek Farm in a bit of a daze.
She was getting married.
Chapter Seven
One month later
“Slowly, take it slowly. Use your knees.”
Kelsey grinned at Jemima as she rode Monty around the paddock next to the hay shed. The horse from Prickle Creek Farm was placid, and Jemima knew he would be fine for as long as Kelsey wanted to stay up there.
Liam had been more than happy to let her bring the old horse over, so both she and Kelsey had a mount to ride when Jemima moved in.
Tomorrow. Nerves skittered down her back as she watched Kelsey.
After she’d got home from Ned’s place the afternoon he had talked about them getting married, she’d sat Liam and Angie down at Gran’s kitchen table—funny how they all still referred to everything as Gran and Pop’s—and told them what was happening. The truth.
“That’s old news. I already knew,” Angie said with a grin, but Liam’s eyes had widened.
“What?” he said. “What do you mean you’re getting married?”
Jemima nodded and gave Liam a sweet smile. “Yep, I’m getting married, and don’t go pulling the bossy big brother deal. I’m all grown up now.”
“Maisey Sykes asked me yesterday if you pair were getting married before Liam and I were.” Angie laughed and hugged Jemima. “I managed to nod and smile and focus on her cat. The cat that had nothing wrong with it! She’s such a gossip. I’m sure she came in just to get information out of me.” Angie had stepped back and kept hold of Jemmy’s hands. “Don’t worry, I played dumb.”
Liam and Angie, as well as Lucy and Garth, had gotten more used to the idea over the last month. They’d decided not to tell the children until the month was up. Ned had hired Billy Andrews from Come-by-Chance to help him out, and he was working out well. Jemima had spent her days at the farm looking after Ryan and had often stayed for dinner and helped the girls with their homework. To her relief, Ned had cooked each night. She hadn’t had to admit her lack of cooking skills yet.
Liam had hitched up the horse float and helped her load Monty this morning. He stood beside the car window as she fastened her seat belt. “Are you sure about this, Jemmy?” Liam had followed her to the ute, and his brows had lowered as she’d started the engine. He hadn’t been impressed when Jemima had filled him in on the details. “I know Ned’s a great bloke, but marrying him to help him out? And moving in with him and three kids? It’s a bit over the top, isn’t it? Are you really sure that you haven’t rushed this? I know what a kind heart you have.”
“I’m a big girl now, Liam. You don’t have to worry about me. Ned needed a big favour, and this was the best way to go about it for everyone. And I’m really grateful to you and Angie for looking after Ryan while we go to Dubbo tomorrow. And picking up the girls from school, too.”
“That’s not a problem.” Liam had looked worried. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“No fear of that, big brother. My heart tells me I’m doing the right thing.”
Now, as she stood watching the l
ook of delight on Kelsey’s face, Jemima knew the first hurdle had been overcome. She’d made the right decision agreeing to Ned’s “proposal.” Both of them—business and marriage. When they’d sat down with his three children last night and told them that Jemima was coming to live with them on Saturday—they hadn’t mentioned the M word yet—the only thing Kelsey had wanted to know was if she was bringing any more horses with her.
Gwennie had squealed and thrown herself into Jemima’s lap and hugged her tightly. “Oh, I am so happy,” she’d cried.
Ryan had looked at her for a minute and then smiled before he went back to playing with his cars. Jemima had watched as Ned let out the breath he’d been holding. She’d caught his eye, and when he’d smiled at her, a warm feeling had shimmied in her chest, and she’d looked away.
Oh no, you don’t, she’d chastised herself silently. Don’t even think about going there.
“Jemima!” Kelsey’s call pulled her from her thoughts that were all over the place. “Can I go faster? Can he canter?”
She walked over to the middle of the paddock, where Monty had stopped dead. Kelsey held onto the reins tightly as he put his head down and chewed on the only piece of green grass that was growing there.
“Monty’s a bit old to go much faster. Maybe in a few weeks, we might go looking for a new horse. Maybe two? One for each of us. The farm could do with some more horses. What would you think about that?”
Kelsey’s eyes lit up, and Jemima wondered if she was moving too quickly. She didn’t want it to look like she was trying to buy Kelsey’s affection. She probably should have asked Ned before she talked about buying a horse, but if he wasn’t happy with the idea, she’d buy one and keep it over at Prickle Creek. She’d missed riding the years she’d been a model. And it would be fun to take Kelsey into pony club in Spring Downs on Saturdays.