Vivienne hugged him right back and ran her thumbs down his cheek causing him to shiver.
As they stood together as one, enveloped in their own love, Vivienne said, “I’ve got some news, too.”
Chapter Twenty
Daniel woke. The sheets entangled his arms and legs and his mind was foggy with sleep. He’d had a cracker of a dream and the smile on his sleepy face was evidence of the adventures he’d lived whilst his eyes were closed. Beside his bed, Big Red whined for attention and Scarlett barked not far away. He reached his hand down to pet the dog’s head and scratch its ear.
Vivienne.
It hadn’t all been a delicious dream that had made his body tingle.
Now fully awake, he rose swiftly and raced to the spare room. Vivienne wasn’t in the bed where he’d left her the night before. The bed’s covers were ruffled and unmade and the pillow still dented with the shape of her head. Loose strands of her red hair lay across one of the cushions strewn to the far side.
His heart beat faster and adrenaline tore through his veins. Had he lost her again?
Did his mind play tricks on him? Or was it true? Was she here?
Piercing screams rang out close by and he sprinted from the room heading in their direction. He ran fast through the short corridors in his bare feet and pajamas.
Had he come this close only to lose out again? For frantic moments, he thought the worst.
For some reason, his life to the present day flashed before him like a slideshow at a funeral. Glimpses of joy with Sarah and newborn babies, young calves after delivery, birthday parties and summer celebrations and barnyard bonfires, followed by grief, darkness and weeping and bewildered children.
Daniel followed the squeals. His mind dashed ahead of him, but soon enough he identified the screams were trills of happiness and raised voices in the laughter of his own children.
Slowing his pace, he moved through the kitchen and spied dirty cereal bowls, toast crumbs and plates and cups sitting on the bench. The opened butter container sat next to the sink.
Sarina’s raucous giggle floated indoors. As he moved toward the bi-fold doors to outside, he wondered where Vivienne was.
But there she was. Here in his yard.
As if the sunshine had quickly risen after a grey and cloudy day, his heart swelled until he almost couldn’t breathe. Snatches of more recent images ran through the film reel in his mind–laughing with Vivienne by the creek, dining at the pub, snuggled against one another whilst delivering the cow, her face and the look she’d given him when he’d yelled at her.
But then sunshine filled images replaced these. These pictures were hazy and uncertain but he couldn’t deny them: he and Vivienne holding a baby, painting the homestead fence, her plaiting Sarina’s hair and playing football with Colton.
As the landscape outside came into view, Daniel made an abrupt stop.
Colton and Sarina bounced with Vivienne on the old, near-broken trampoline. No one had used it for almost three years, since before Sarah died. It had sat neglected and unwanted as a disregarded toy. Until today. Three bodies bounced with their hair flailing behind them as they crashed back to the rubbery surface and all the time screaming with joy as they bumped into each other before flinging off the soft netting walls.
Once exhausted they sat in a huddle on the tramp. Colton showed Vivienne a beetle in the palm of his hand whilst Sarina clawed the hand over to her to see better. The object flew away and all heads turned upward, watching it fly into the blue, cloudless sky above. Sarina waved it away, saying words he couldn’t hear.
Becoming bored quickly, Sarina reached for Vivienne’s hand and pulled her off the tramp and across to the small cubby house in the corner of the yard. It too, sat in a state of disrepair but that didn’t matter as the two of them played house. Colton would have no part in that baby game, so he sat cross-legged on the lawn near them, listening and inspecting the ground for ants.
Daniel soaked in the scene. The picture caused both heartache and happiness. It could be any typical family playing together in the beautiful glow of a new day. It warmed his heart so much, it heaved; he couldn’t take much more today: so many emotions all at once and he feared they’d overwhelm him.
As he stood there gawking at them, it didn’t take long for Sarina’s radar to sense him.
“Daddy!” she shrieked and raced over to embrace him in a bear hug.
Vivienne followed behind the girl and smiled shyly at Daniel.
“Hi.”
Engrossed in looking at her, he took a moment to respond.
He beamed back. “Hi. Just seeing you with them, here in the yard, it is strange, in a good way. They haven’t played out here for ages.”
“They are such sweet kids. You should be proud of yourself and them. They’re fun and happy.”
Daniel made to start talking, then stopped, faltered and looked away, his mind was muddled.
“Daniel, we have all day. Let’s take our time. I’m not going anywhere unless you want me to. I’ll make breakfast. It’s one meal that I can make. I can prepare eggs but I am not a great cook. Have I told you that?”
With a bud of excitement growing in his belly, he shook his head. He felt like today would be a day of discoveries, and he couldn’t wait.
“Well, no, I can only make basic meals so maybe we’ll have to get take out later.” Vivienne moved toward the kitchen. “The kids have eaten already, but I’m sure they’ll be ready for another snack.”
Unusually, Daniel was stuck for words. “How do you know kids so well and why are you so good with them?”
As she searched for utensils and pots and pans, she answered, “I have two nephews and a niece. They are Bec’s children and I love to spend as much time with them as possible.”
“Where do they live?”
“Buderim.”
Those words made Daniel’s soul sing.
“I can’t believe the amount of food you’ve got in your kitchen. Your fridge has every type of food one could dream of and the pantry is stocked, too. Incredible.”
He couldn’t contain his smile. “This is a farm unless you hadn’t noticed. We have a vegetable patch and we are a little isolated, so there are always provisions.”
Vivienne beamed back. “Bacon and eggs coming up.”
***
It’s true Vivienne didn’t classify cooking as one of her favourite pastimes, but pottering around the country-style kitchen, she hummed tunes and sung under her breath. The sheer act of being domestic in the warm and inviting and equipped kitchen filled her with a level of contentment that she wasn’t familiar with. With it came achievement, of simple things and the joy they can deliver. Of course, it didn’t hurt that the day blossomed with possibilities.
Vivienne whipped and flipped and fried eggs, bacon and cooked toast and added fresh parsley from the garden out back. Waiting for the final piece of toast to pop, she imagined herself in this kitchen on peaceful, cool mornings where fresh coffee brewed, and aromas of food flowed through the house as squeals erupted from happy children and the waking animals.
Maybe she could learn to like cooking?
For Sarina and Colton she prepared a batch of pancakes after searching up the recipe. As a foursome, they sat at the long, oak table with the sun’s rays pouring in and soaking them all in its glory.
After scoffing down two buttermilk pancakes each, the children scuttled away for more play. Sarina kissed Vivienne on the cheek. “Thanks for that yummy breakfast. Daddy makes them too thick and sludgy but yours were perfect.” The little girl applied a small squeeze with one arm haphazardly wrapped across Vivienne’s shoulders before rushing away.
A tear formed in Vivienne’s eye and escaped to roll down her cheek as the little girl raced away after her brother. Vivienne saw Daniel brush a hand across his face too, his hand coming away wet.
After they had both collected themselves and cleaned up the breakfast dishes, Daniel said, “But you haven’t told me your news.”
“No, we didn’t get to it, did we? We were so tired last night when we arrived back here from the cottage, sleep was all I wanted to do. But, you know what, I’m keen to get your loan sorted. Do you want to do that first?”
Vivienne let those words digest before she continued. “That way, it’s done and you don’t have to think about it anymore. Might relieve some of your stress. I guess, for me, too, I would like to get this behind us so we can think about other things.”
Hot, red heat swiftly rose up Vivienne’s neck.
Daniel’s eyes crinkled in embarrassment; he looked away with a close-lipped smile.
Without speaking he rose from the table and left the room. For a moment, Vivienne thought she’d said the wrong thing or that it had been a bad idea. Instead, he returned with his computer and the lap top lid open, on the page.
Immediately springing into action, she placed the computer on in front of her and for the next half hour they maneuvered between the crowd funding page and the online bank.
Daniel watched as her fingers slid across the keys. At one point, he needed to retrieve his banking details, loan numbers and stuff for her to complete the transaction. Once you had the money, it was swift. It did not obliterate his debt but placed him in clear waters and with no risk of further default notices. Of course, what they didn’t discuss is that he needed to continue to produce milk and make money to keep up with the remaining repayments.
There were no secrets between them now as his finances lay bare before her.
Once done, Vivienne stretched out her cramping muscles from being kept in one position too long. “Oh, it is such a relief. For you, I am so happy that this chapter is closed and you are safe and secure in your home and business and can move forward.”
“I am still completely awestruck by the whole thing. A bunch of strangers have donated money to save my farm. It hasn’t sunk in and I can’t believe it. All I keep thinking about is how to thank them. I mean, how can that be it? One flick of a wrist and money is moved between accounts.”
He sank back in his chair, a frown crinkling his brow.
Vivienne turned away and looked out the glass doors and considered the far reaches of the valley below. Grey clouds were starting to form in the sky.
“What about a public thank you? You could contact the program again and say that you want to do a short clip to thank everyone for their support.” Vivienne was getting excited now and she sat up straighter and moved her chair to face Daniel. “You know, I have seen that before. They often flash back to previous episodes. Sometimes it’s to provide an update or the birth of a child or the success of an invention, other times to pass on bad news. But why couldn’t they do a short follow up on you and that would give you the opportunity to say thanks.”
“Whilst the last thing I want is to be on television again, once was enough, but I do think that’s a fantastic idea. I don’t want people’s generosity to go unnoticed or for those people to think that I don’t appreciate what they’ve done. Maybe, do you think, that you and the children could do it with me, like a family snap shot sort of thing? We’ll drag Ned in, too.” Daniel looked away, uncertain.
“I guess that depends, doesn’t it? Like what would you introduce me as?”
“I could call you my partner.”
He let the words hang.
“I mean, that’s the modern term, isn’t it? They all represent the same thing. I can call you whatever you’d like as long as it fits into that category.”
“Was that a statement of affection for me?”
She returned his look coyly but didn’t want to turn away. She wanted to watch him and take in his every nuance.
Daniel reached for her hand. “So, after all this, you’ll give me a go?”
“No,” she said. “I will give us a go. You need to remember that you’re taking on me too, with all my foibles and quirks and habits. I’ve been alone for a long time and will have to work hard to break down some of the tall walls that I’ve built.”
“I’m happy to have you in my life with all of those issues and the good bits and the bad. But, you must do the same for me. I haven’t had a relationship since Sarah died. The children haven’t had a mother. For you, it’s not just me, you are gaining an instant family.”
Vivienne’s heart soared at the thought and the smile beamed from her.
“I understand and am happy to gain a family. Other than my sister, I don’t have one anymore, so that is a wonderful thought. I’ll do anything if it means we can be together.”
“We aren’t teenagers anymore. This isn’t an ideal world. It will be hard for you—I’m a farmer with children. You are a city career woman.”
“Are you trying to discourage me? You aren’t selling it very well.”
The mood became somber. “But seriously, Vivienne. I live here in Rosebrooke. I’ve just saved my farm, I’m not about to move to Brisbane. The only way we can be together is here, in the country. Are you prepared to live here?”
Emotions ran wild in her chest. Her heart pounded.
She gathered her thoughts together but before she could speak, Daniel continued.
“I thought you were amazing from the first moment I saw you. Even though I was a little distracted at the time.”
“It helped that you held me captive in between your legs...” Vivienne giggled and the mood lightened.
“That wild hair...” and Daniel reached out and ran his fingers along the fine strands framing her face. “Those aquamarine eyes, your sassy nature, I’ve been a bit intimidated actually. You are so confident.”
Vivienne shook her head at the compliment making her hair swish around her face.
As if too many thoughts crammed his head and he became overwhelmed, he said, “Are you sure you want me and the kids and this? What about your life in Brisbane?”
“Stop, Daniel. We can do this. Don’t pull back now.” She grasped both of his hands into hers and drew him nearer so they faced each other with their knees touching. “Don’t give up on this before we get started. You are the first man that I’ve ever been seriously willing to have a go with. I rejected relationships, needed my independence and was desperate to never rely upon a man. It had become a way of life for me. I was an expert at it. That is probably why you think I’m so confident. But I’ve always had to be in control, of my money, my work, everything. I couldn’t cope otherwise. But I’m learning that grey areas are good. Sometimes uncertainty is okay and that, more importantly, it’s necessary to rely on others. We need to. I think we’ll make a pretty good team.”
Those were the words Daniel needed to hear and he leaned in and kissed her. It was soft and sweet and loving and Vivienne never wanted him to pull away.
“I’m the first to confess I’m super nervous about this, but my life changed the moment the bank sent me to Rosebrooke. The people, the environment, you, all of it changed me and back in the city, I didn’t fit, the chaos bothered me where previously I’d loved the noise, the smells, the people I worked with. I think I am different but I just didn’t realize it. I don’t trust easily, and you’ll learn all about that, I’m sure. But, you are different. You are real, vulnerable, genuine yet soft and strong at the same time. You make me feel safe and alive and I’m really living, not just existing, when I’m with you. I’m not scared anymore.”
“I’m scared. I’m frightened of hurting you. And I don’t mean emotionally. Sarah was hurt on my watch, so you’ll have to forgive me for being over the top sometimes. I’ll be watching you like a hawk on the farm. But I have learned that I can be happy with someone else and that life does go on, and more, that what I have here is fantastic. What a great place to live and raise my kids. I can’t wait for you to be part of it.”
They kissed again and with gentle fingers explored each other’s faces and necks and hands. Vivienne adored the prickle of his face hair, the softness of the back of his hands, and cuddling into the curve of his neck.
“So, it’s appropriate to tell y
ou my news. It actually fits in perfectly with what we’ve been talking about.”
Daniel gave her his full attention but didn’t release her. The heat of his skin radiated onto hers.
“I’ve quit my job at the bank.”
Daniel let out a long breath.
“Wow.”
“Wow, yes, I know. It is actually a life changing decision for me.”
“Why?”
“Well, I couldn’t live with myself. The task of delivering default notices was hellish and I hated every moment of it. I understand it needs to occur but not by me. Then, I started to examine my role as lawyer in the bank. Again, it’s a job someone must do, but I was hiding away in that corner office, working hard to draft contracts and mortgages. I wasn’t exactly helping the world, was I? I came to the realization that it was futile and it felt petty. I don’t mean any disrespect to the bank and it’s a job someone must do. But it isn’t the right one for me.”
“But you didn’t quit because of me, did you?”
“No. I didn’t. It would be easy to say to you that I left the job that was keeping us apart. But that isn’t true. It was not where I needed or wanted to be, but other issues in my mind had to change for me to see it clearly.”
“What will you do now? I mean, I support your decision one hundred percent because it means you aren’t committed to Brisbane. I’m stoked. But will that be enough?” He looked worried.
“I have enough savings to think about my situation and consider my options. For a while, anyway. That’s one advantage of fearing financial dependence. I don’t know. Maybe I can help you on your farm and with your business? That’s not so crazy, is it?”
“No, not at all. I need it!”
“The answer is, I’m not sure. But it gives me time to sort my life out in Brisbane and arrange moving,” and she clasped his hand again tightly, “and then decide. I’ve been thinking that a more worthwhile role for me might be in family law or domestic violence or maybe opening my own country practice. I’m not sure, but I feel excited about all the possibilities.”
Unexpected Delivery Page 23