They held each other and had no need for more words.
After a few moments, Vivienne said, “I do have a few ideas about your products and the business side of things. Are you happy to hear them?”
“Of course. Fresh ideas are often the best.”
He still held her tight; her back snuggled into his and their arms circling each other. In other circumstances, she would have felt trapped.
“I think that all sounds fantastic. We’ll be life and business partners. But, Vivienne that isn’t enough.”
Vivienne shrugged out of his embrace to turn around and face him. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t want to just be partners. It’s a fancy modern term, but if we are together, I want you to be my wife. Be a proper family.”
“I’m assuming that given we’ve just managed to get ourselves together now and made some significant decisions that that isn’t a marriage proposal.”
“No, but it could be.” His dark, intense eyes searched hers.
Vivienne returned the look sharply and raised her eyebrows.
“Seriously?”
“But, more sensibly it’s just me expressing my terms for the future. I’m making this commitment to you and if all goes well, that is what I want the future to hold.”
“And for me, that sounds just perfect.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Hours later as Vivienne woke, the sun had already commenced its descent and the room she slept in had lost its light. She stretched her arms and legs bringing life back into her limbs.
Emotionally raw and mentally exhausted, she’d retired for a nanna nap after her conversation with Daniel. And, boy, how she’d slept. It was odd; she never slept during the day. It fitted with her new circumstances. Usually she’d consider life an abject failure if one slept during the day. Who had the time?
But, now, instead of dread setting in at her limitations, it liberated her, reminded her of how life could be different, how it would be different from now on. How she was changed.
Was there a new and relaxed Vivienne in the house?
Recollections of earlier in the day, of Daniel, their kiss and their heart to heart, planted a grin on her face and made her stomach do flips of happiness. If she’d been standing up, she’d have danced a jig.
Yes, she was prepared to risk everything and trust this man.
But she wasn’t willing to throw her hard work away. She hadn’t scrimped and saved and worked tirelessly to give it up now. She was after all, her mother’s daughter and for too long, financial security had been her only desire, along with living a life free from violence. It all couldn’t change overnight. Not even for love. She hoped that both was possible—achieving overwhelming love and happiness and being secure and independent.
Despite her desire for Daniel, she would never allow herself to rely upon him one hundred percent, or any man. Whether he was the handsome and tough Daniel or anyone else. What if it all went wrong?
No, she wouldn’t think like that, but she would be sensible and ensure she would always be okay, regardless of what might occur in the future.
For the first time, she sensed that what Harriet, her mother, had experienced might have had a purpose. If not for the humiliation, hurt and anger produced in Vivienne, she would not be the strong, sensible and courageous woman that she’d become and who could conquer her fears yet remain resilient and focused.
With all her might, she would give everything to this relationship with Daniel. But she would remain who she is and be a better person for it. It made her nervous, but excited, too. And, she knew, that Daniel wouldn’t want her any other way.
The sinking sun sat on the horizon until it gave away the last of the day’s rays and plummeted her into darkness. Vivienne leaned back onto Daniel’s pillow and inhaled his manly scent. It tickled her nose but she had to control the urge to leap up and find him, engulf herself in his real smell. Her need was great, but first she looked around his bedroom.
It was a simply decorated room with a large king-size bed. She lay on high quality cotton fabric. She ran her hands over it, surprised by the Egyptian thread. Photos of the children lined his bed stand along with a book and a random glass of water. Her stuff would fit in his place perfectly.
Already, she visualised her favourite antique piece, the Queen Anne chaise in his living area and her lamps on his bedside tables where currently there were none. She had a perfect hallway table that would just about squeeze into his narrow corridor. Determined to make a fresh start, she decided to only keep her most treasured items. Perhaps it was time to give the trinkets away? She would gather them together and donate them to the local store and that way someone else could experience the joy that she had. It wrenched her heart to think of giving them away, but knew it was the right time and the best thing to do.
As if on auto-pilot, her mind turned to work. She was officially unemployed! How strange it sounded. And as much as she’d like to deny it, it caused a lump in her chest that she found hard to dislodge.
No point wasting energy on the bank, her next project was the farm. Vivienne would concentrate on that. At the thought, happiness returned and her mind filled with images of products–milks, cheeses, yoghurt and ice creams. There was so much to talk to Daniel about. She’d do that soon, but first she reached for her mobile phone and rang Bec.
***
Strong aromas drifted under Vivienne’s nose. Stretched out on Daniel’s bed, she’d been talking to Bec for over half an hour. As usual, her sister’s endless enthusiasm and confidence buoyed her and her decision.
“Gotta go. I can smell something amazing. I think dinner’s ready. Love you.” She hung up and galloped off the bed to trace the smell.
“Here she is,” Daniel’s face lit up. He greeted her as if he hadn’t seen her for days.
“Vivienne! Daddy has bought Indian for dinner. We never have takeaway. If he’s too lazy to cook, we’ll have cheese toasties or baked beans, sometimes eggs. I love the orange chicken and yellow rice and the hot bread. Yum!” Sarina squealed. The little blonde girl sat on her knees on the chair at the table perusing the numerous exotic specialities displayed before her.
“I could smell something amazing. I didn’t realise how hungry I am, until now. I’m starving.”
“Me too,” yelled Sarina.
“That’s because you haven’t eaten since breakfast and that was hours ago.” Daniel addressed her as he came to stand close, tenderly touching her bottom so the children didn’t see. He didn’t kiss her.
Vivienne turned back to the table whilst Daniel rushed to retrieve cutlery. Colton watched her. They hadn’t yet discussed the dynamics of their burgeoning relationship and how they would address it with the children.
“What’s your favourite dish, Colton?” she asked the boy.
“Definitely the lamb korma. But I like it spicy but Sarina and Dad don’t, so I usually have to eat it mild.”
“Not today, mate. I’ve got a special dish for the boy who likes it hot, hot hot.” Daniel sang the words and did a little dance to accompany it. “And here it is.” They boy’s face beamed at the exclusive meal sitting in front of him. I guess it was a big deal not to have to share. She could imagine Bec’s three fighting over their serving. Daniel tousled Colton’s hair and father and son exchanged a glance of mutual love.
“Is this from Ahmed’s Indian store?” asked Colton.
Vivienne smiled at the memory of the MC from the trivia night.
Daniel nodded at him.
Then, finally, he sat beside Vivienne and for the second time that day, they ate as a group. Vivienne couldn’t use the word family, just yet.
“So, Vivienne, are you having a sleepover?” Sarina asked innocently. “Do you want to sleep in my room?”
Daniel coughed mid-swallow, almost choking on his food. It took several glasses of water until he could speak.
“Sarina, honey, do you, and you Colton, want to call me ‘V’? My nephews and nieces call me
Aunty V because my name is so long and tricky. When they were little they couldn’t say it properly, so I became just plain, simple V. How does that sound?”
“I love it.” Sarina exclaimed and Colton offered a less committed, “Yeah, sure.”
“A niece is a girl, right?” Sarina continued.
“Hm, yes. I have a little niece called Gigi. Her full name is Giselle, but she’s only three, younger than you. Then there is Riley who is four and Tom who is eight, so they are similar ages to both of you.”
“Cool,” they both echoed.
“Can we meet them soon?”
“Sure. They would love that, and their mummy is my sister and she’d love to meet you, too.”
“Great,” said Sarina with great maturity. “So, you are sleeping in my room, then?”
“Sarina. Vivienne is my friend and she will sleep in my room, okay. She’s an adult and there’s no room for her in your bedroom and she won’t fit in your bed.”
The room stilled. Where moments before it had been filled with laughter and banter and vigorous chewing, now round eyes looked baffled, food sat in mouths unchewed and all was deathly quiet.
It didn’t last.
As quickly as it quietened, the instant passed and Sarina shrugged. “Okay then, maybe next time,” she said resignedly and Colton helped himself to another serving of his dish without comment.
Daniel and Vivienne exchanged a glance. They were both nervous at the prospect of what lay ahead, but also relieved that they had escaped the first inquisition unscathed for now.
The darkness of night enveloped everything so quickly in the country. Before dinner had finished, blackness surrounded the land and not a sound emanated from any corner of the farm with the animals all safely tucked up for the night.
With the children in bed, Daniel poured Vivienne a glass of red wine and they sat in the cosy living area. An intricate patchwork quilt covered the tatty arms of the well-used lounge and Daniel had lit a fire even though the temperature hardly required it.
Butterflies flew wildly through Vivienne’s tummy.
They were alone.
At last.
Daniel sat so his leg touched hers and one arm draped over the back of the chair whilst his fingertips grazed her shoulders. She inched nearer, closing the gap.
“Is this one of your famous collection?”
“Sure is. And there’s plenty more just like it. We can taste each precious bottle.”
They snuggled and sipped the deep red drink. Vivienne revelled in the experience, the sensation of nearness and the contentment it generated, but most of all the hope and joy she felt about the future.
Vivienne broke the silence.
“You know, there is something I wanted to talk about.”
“You’ve said that a few times today,” he murmured.
“Yeah, I know. Tell me to slow down, but I’ve got all these thoughts in my head needing to escape,” she softly laughed unsure whether her ongoing monologues were too much.
But she was determined to speak anyway.
“It’s fine. What is it?” He stroked her hair with feather-light touches that distracted her and rushed heat to all areas of her body.
“It’s about the farm and the produce. I think, if you can, we can, if it’s possible, we should expand to other products. You know a greater cheese range, yoghurts, and different varieties of milk.” She stopped there letting her words digest. She knew this was a sensitive topic.
Daniel sighed and Vivienne immediately worried she’d said too much, too soon.
Fearful, she backtracked.
“Look, I’m sorry, there’s heaps of time to talk about these things. It can wait.” She repositioned herself the slightest centimetre away from him.
His arm pulled her back in towards him. “You are absolutely right. Ned has been saying the same thing to me for years but I have refused to listen.”
“Are you just going to say yes to everything I suggest?”
He smiled cautiously at her. “It seems that way now, doesn’t it? But, honestly, no. It just so happens that you, sensibly and others around me, are recommending ideas that are solutions to problems I have and ones that I’ve had my eyes and ears closed to all these years. There was a lot of comfort in keeping things the same after Sarah died. I didn’t want to change one single thing. And I didn’t. But now, with you, with a fresh beginning, it needs to happen and plus, I have to satisfy my business partner that we are maximising our profit margins.” Leaning in with a grin, Daniel kissed her, his lingering lips leaving her cheek both moist and warm.
“Okay. But we can take our time. I’ve got heaps to learn. But I do like the sound of a gourmet strawberry flavoured ice cream. Or maybe a sorbet? Do you know how to make them?”
“No. But I guess we’ll both learn.”
Daniel reached for her empty glass and placed it on the coffee table next to his. He stood and clasped her hands in his-the stubby calluses rubbing against her softness and pulled her upwards until their bodies met. The virtuous start of lips on hungry lips concealed the long-hidden passion within her. Vivienne’s mouth opened under his gentle pressure whilst their tongues slid along each other, tasting and exploring novel flavours. His grip tightened around her waist as their lips caressed and drew closer, allowing their groins to meet. Vivienne felt his arousal and the heat that he radiated.
Breathless, they eventually drew apart, both panting but Vivienne held tight, wanting more and not wanting to be released from his embrace. Her cheeks flushed from his touch and her longing burned hot within.
Taking her hand, Daniel took charge and ushered her toward his bedroom. Unable to take their hands off each other, it was a slow walk. He caressed her arms, hands and any exposed skin. It made her wild with desire. Their lust kept them moving and the prospect of little children finding them half-naked in the hall.
His room cocooned in the mellow glow of the overhead lamp and made it appear orange. Standing at the end of the bed that remained rumpled from Vivienne’s earlier sleep, Daniel nuzzled her neck and trailed a blazing line of kisses down her throat before reaching the crest of her breasts. He kicked the door shut with his still heavily booted foot and commenced removing one piece of her clothing at a time.
***
“C’mon, it’s playing,” called out Colton.
Everyone bustled into the living area.
“Look, there’s me,” squealed Sarina.
Vivienne turned up the volume on the television until the voice of Barbara Walters bounced around the room.
Once again, the news reporter stood in the lush green fields of Bunyatree. The verdant grass highlighted her muted grey suit as around her swarmed black and white Holstein cows. One came close enough to nudge her bottom causing her to screech.
“How funny they didn’t edit that out,” Daniel commented.
“I love that they didn’t. It makes her appear normal. And funny.” Vivienne giggled. “I still squeal if they come near me.”
“Shush, you two. Here, we are!”
On the screen stood Daniel, Vivienne, Colton, Sarina and Ned off to the edge. He’d strategically placed himself next to the recalcitrant cow and grinned like a naughty schoolboy. He wore his bright red Akubra hat and his ears still managed to stick out. His plaid tweed shirt clashed with his hat.
Barbara stood in front of the group with her large microphone pointed to Daniel’s chin.
“So, tell us, Daniel, what is your news? Why have you called us back to your gorgeous farm?”
As if planned, Willow waltzed across in front of them causing the children to giggle and Daniel to pause. Ned went to move the calf out of the way, but the clever editing of the clip showed the cow walking across the bottom of the screen whilst the camera focused on Daniel.
All agreed it was a great shot.
Despite the antics of the wayward animal, Daniel looked grim. His mouth was set and his hands rose as he spoke. A tear rolled down Vivienne’s cheek as she listened to
his passionate plea of thanks. It was genuine, sincere and there couldn’t possibly be a dry eye watching it. All of Australia would have to be proud.
Sarina moved to sit on his lap as he drew his words to a close. She tucked her head into the nook of his neck. Colton gave his Dad the thumbs up. The door slammed and Ned raced in, skidding across the timber floor on his socks. “Damn. Have I missed it?”
“It’s almost finished, silly-billy,” Sarina said coming out of Daniel’s cuddle.
Ned plonked himself down on the couch in between them, making them move over to avoid being squished.
“Well, there we have it folks. Your overwhelming generosity has saved this farm. Not only a farm, but a business and a family home. Daniel has suffered enough tragedy in his life, but now, because of all our supportive viewers, he is able to stay and make another go at it. This is a fantastic outcome. And more, everyone can continue to drink this pure, organic milk and know that we are helping our Aussie farmers.”
The segment ended with various shots of the farm and the family. The children ran across paddocks with the red-haired dogs in hot pursuit; Vivienne and Daniel stood embracing-the whole world would now know they’re together-and Ned acted the hero and pretended to milk a cow the old-fashioned way. The parting picture collage had the tall and majestic Bunya trees in the background with flocks of birds disappearing into a dark blue sky at dusk.
“That was perfect,” Vivienne said to Daniel who simply nodded, lost for words.
Chapter Twenty-two
Christmas Day at Bunyatree Dairy
“Daniel, can you please pass the potato salad? It’s delicious. Who bought it?” Ned asked, displaying a wide infectious grin, his eyes crinkling in mischief.
All present laughed. Ruby Wallace, seated beside Ned, slapped him on the thigh.
“Ruby did, silly!” Sarina piped up adding to the amusement.
“And it’s so good!” Ned exclaimed again to more delight.
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