Birthright

by Fiona Lowe

  Joy rose in her. ‘Me too.’

  ‘Thank God.’ Relief smoothed out his features and he suddenly looked less haggard—younger than he had in months. ‘And I’ve been thinking about what you said about me needing a new challenge. When you’re back at work, I want to bounce some ideas off you.’

  ‘I’d like that.’

  ‘Good.’ He sighed, but it lacked the frustration that had dogged him for so long, and sounded more like freedom. ‘What happens now? Do we do things in stages? Do you want to keep living here for a bit longer while you settle back into work first?’

  ‘Are you okay with me moving home?’

  ‘Hell, yeah.’

  ‘I want to live at Riverbend but in a new way.’

  ‘You want separate bedrooms for a while?’

  ‘God, no. I mean I don’t want to be that controlling superwoman. I want to share the load with you.’

  ‘Fair enough. We’ll draw up a list of jobs.’ His smile was part regret, part triumph. ‘I’ve learned how to use the washing machine and I’ve improved on ironing shirts but to be honest, I think we should just pay Rita to do it.’

  She cupped his face—so very dear to her—and feeling his familiar stubble scraping against her palms, tried not to cry. ‘I wasn’t sure I’d ever be allowed to touch you again.’

  ‘Aw, shit.’ He stood, wrapping his arms around her to pull her in close, and kissed her.

  His lips, as familiar to her as her own, warmed her and his quintessential flavour poured in, replacing heartache, shoring up the foundations of their love and taking her home.

  She didn’t know how long they stood there reacquainting themselves with each other’s touch and taste, only that it felt right.

  Alex finally lifted his head, his eyes dark with desire. ‘Is sex on the first date out of the question?’

  ‘Didn’t we have sex on our first date?’

  He grinned. ‘Yeah.’

  ‘I broke my five dates before sex rule for you then, and I can break it again now.’ She caught his hand, turned towards the bedroom then saw the clock. ‘Um, Alex?’

  ‘Hmm?’ His mouth was nuzzling the crook of her neck just like it had twenty-four years earlier at the party in the Carlton share house.

  ‘It’s five to nine.’

  He groaned. ‘Gus. I have to pick him up.’

  ‘Sadly, you do.’

  ‘What are you doing tomorrow?’

  A zip of excitement raced up her spine. ‘I thought I’d come back to work.’

  ‘Can you start another day? I want to take you out to breakfast and spend the day with you. Just the two of us?’

  ‘A day with no work, no kids, and no responsibilities?’

  ‘Well, between the hours of nine and four, anyway. Gus has training.’

  ‘I love it.’ She stroked his hair. ‘And I love you.’

  He kissed her hard and fast before releasing her and racing out the door. She hugged herself tightly, squealing in delight just as she had the first time he’d kissed her goodnight all those years ago. Except now she wasn’t an immature twenty-one-year-old with stars in her eyes, imagining life with Alex would be a golden road ringed in rainbows. This time she was forty-five years old, battle-scarred and a hell of a lot wiser. She knew the next twenty-two years of marriage would bring its own set of challenges, but this time they both knew the pitfalls. Even if they didn’t know how to avoid them, at least they knew how to ask for help to navigate their way out of them.

  Her phone beeped and she scooped it up off the bench, reading the text.

  Love ya. Ax

  She smiled. The x was back. Alex was back and in that glorious moment, she dared to dream.

  EPILOGUE

  ‘I’ve herded cats more easily than you lot.’

  The photographer’s frustration was palpable as Izzy moved yet again. Noah grabbed her hand just as Luke said, ‘Stand still or there’s no cake.’ She instantly stiffened like a board.

  ‘Okay, everyone look this way and say cheese.’ The photographer took the photo and checked it on the camera’s screen. ‘Fantastic. You’re free to go.’

  The children scattered, the band started a new set and Luke leaned in and kissed his wife. ‘How are you, Mrs Sorenson?’

  ‘Happy, Mr Jamieson.’

  ‘Did I tell you how beautiful you look in that dress? It’s all floaty and soft and …’ He trailed off, seeking another word.

  ‘Colourful.’ She circled his waist with her arms. ‘Because you brought the colour back into my life.’

  ‘Oi!’ Luke staggered slightly as Noah threw himself at him in a running jump. He reached behind him, hoisting the little boy up onto his back. ‘Hey, buddy. Are you having a fun wedding?’

  ‘Yeah.’ Noah wrapped his arms around Luke’s neck and rested his head on his shoulder. ‘But when do I go to Gus’s house? I wanna see the goats.’

  Ellie laughed. ‘When Luke and I leave.’

  ‘Is that soon?’ he asked hopefully before scrambling off Luke’s back and racing after Gus.

  ‘I see our honeymoon plans have traumatised him,’ Luke said.

  ‘You did bribe him with a new puppy and four nights at Riverbend.’

  ‘I got the puppy to protect Hec. The poor old guy can’t keep up with the kids. Remember Easter? He chased the ball so much the vet had to give him a cortisone injection. And Splotch is getting on in years.’

  ‘Drinks for the bride and groom?’ Ruby asked, appearing with a tray of mixed beverages.

  Luke picked up a beer and Ellie selected a mineral water. ‘Thanks, Ruby, but, please, you don’t have to work. It’s a casual garden wedding. Everyone can get their own drinks.’

  ‘I know, but it’s kinda weird being a guest when I’m normally working at Mum’s events. I’ve got time to do one more round and then it’s cousins’ T-ball.’

  ‘Cousins’ T-ball?’

  ‘Yeah, Emma’s organised it.’ Her eyes sparkled conspiratorially. ‘I’m one of the captains and I’ve already got Gus on my team.’

  Anita hurried over. ‘Everything good?’

  ‘Everything’s great, Anita. The food’s amazing, thank you.’ Ellie kissed her. ‘It’s very handy having a caterer in the family.’

  Anita smiled. ‘I’ve enjoyed the challenge your wedding’s given me. Thank goodness the weather’s been kind. If it had rained …’ She glanced around and sighed. ‘But I can see why you wanted to get married here. The garden’s on fire with autumn colour and the mountains are awe-inspiring. You’ll never tire of this view. You two got lucky finding this place.’

  Ellie traded a smile with Luke. They had got lucky—she’d got lucky—and their purchase of Gerrigallop was just one example. She knew Anita was disappointed and didn’t understand why she’d refused her offer to use the new wedding venue in the Mill House stables, but there wasn’t anything Ellie could do about that. Over the last nine months, her admiration and love for her sister-in-law had grown, but she didn’t feel the need to share her story beyond Luke and Sarah and, by default, Alex. Recently though, she’d been toying with the idea of writing to Megan Horton. The other reason she hadn’t told Anita about the past was because she didn’t want it to taint Anita’s new home and new venture. After everything she’d been through with Cameron, Anita only deserved good karma.

  * * *

  Sarah sank into a chair, enjoying the relief of sitting after standing in high heels for a couple of hours. Across the garden, she watched Anita darting about checking that everything was perfect and she reflected on the transformation of her sister-in-law. It was the biggest surprise in the fallout of what she’d dubbed ‘The Battle of the Wills’. Now, she and Ellie were Anita’s biggest champions.

  ‘Thought you might like this.’ Alex set a few glasses and a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket on the table. He poured her a glass and took the seat next to her.

  ‘You know me too well.’ She dropped her hand on his thigh. ‘Thanks.’

  ‘You’re welco
me. By the way, you look amazing in that dress. You’re as gorgeous as the bride.’

  She laughed, knowing that Ellie’s natural beauty, combined with today’s radiance, put everyone in the shadows. ‘You’re just hoping flattery will get you what you want.’

  ‘Well, I was hoping to get lucky tonight.’ Grinning, he slung his left arm across the back of her chair and pointed to Anita with his right. ‘She knows how to throw a wedding. Our investment’s going to pay dividends sooner rather than later.’

  ‘It’s exciting watching her grow the business. Luke’s finished the plumbing for the ensuite bathrooms and the tiler promised he’ll be done by the end of the week. It’s perfect timing for the harvest festival. She’s already got her first booking for the Mill House B&B.’

  ‘She’s wise, doing it in stages.’

  ‘She’s working around the little girls. When they’re older, she can manage all six rooms, but not right now.’

  Sarah still got a very unfamilial kick every time she thought about how Cameron’s manipulation, greed and grand plans had come completely unstuck when his previously compliant and biddable wife rediscovered her principles and sense of family. And Anita had done it in spectacular style by keeping Mill House, which was rightfully hers by law. Sarah had no qualms at all delighting in the fact that she’d lost Cameron from the family but she’d got to keep Anita and the girls. Not that she’d wish a divorce on anyone— except perhaps Cameron. While she admired Anita’s strength of character, she felt keenly for her because she didn’t deserve what had happened or the way Cameron had pulled the rug out from under her.

  It rankled that, after all Cameron had done, the only real justice that came his way was at the expense of Anita and the girls. He’d lost his marriage and family. Sarah knew it had gutted him, but she didn’t have any sympathy to waste on a conniving, avaricious man who’d schemed to disinherit his sisters as well as disadvantaging other people. The court’s ruling had been a variation of both wills—a type of meeting in the middle. An education trust fund was established for all the grandchildren and Cameron technically got Mill House, but as he’d convinced Margaret to put the deed in Anita’s name, he’d ended up losing it. It was about the only time his devious planning failed him. Sarah received seventy per cent of what had originally been left to her in the first will. Cameron got the third of Margaret’s money he was entitled to along with the remaining thirty per cent of Sarah’s, and all of what should have been Ellie’s share—funds Margaret had denied her. Money Ellie refused to fight for. In the end, Sarah had given her own inheritance to Ellie, who had struggled to accept it.

  ‘You’re not making any sense, Ellie,’ Sarah had said to her, frustration burning hot in her chest. ‘You just told me that the sale of Luke’s place is paying for three-quarters of Gerrigallop and you feel bad that you don’t have any real money to contribute. Yet, you won’t take money that is rightfully yours. Money Dad would have wanted you to have.’

  ‘Dad didn’t have any money to leave us.’

  ‘He had some money separate from the business that got left to Mum.’ Sarah told Ellie what Margaret had said about Kevin and her sister looked immensely sad.

  ‘I hate the idea he was probably miserable for years. But I love him more for still managing to be our wonderful dad.’

  ‘Then think of the money as an extension of his love for you.’

  ‘That’s a leap. You know why I don’t want that money.’

  ‘It isn’t that money, Ellie. It’s my money and I get to choose what I do with it. It will clear your mortgage and pay for Gerrigallop outright. Think about what life without debt means. It’s a buffer for times when the building boom slows and Luke’s business slows with it. It means you can have another baby and not rush straight back to work. It means holidays. It means a less stressful life and I want you to have that. If last year taught me anything, it’s that sometimes you need to come out from under the blinding fog of your own issues and see the other person’s point of view. You’re my sister. I love you. I want you to have this money.’

  Ellie stood firm. ‘I’m not promising anything except that I’ll talk to Luke.’

  Sarah loved her new brother-in-law almost as much as she loved Ellie and she knew Luke would tell her sister that the decision to accept or reject the money was totally up to her. His love and respect were why Ellie finally accepted the funds and now Sarah got a thrill of satisfaction every time she thudded across the cattle grid and drove down Gerrigallop’s glorious tree-lined drive. Ringed by mountains and overlooking the valley, Gerrigallop was her second favourite place—after Riverbend. It was the perfect setting for the wedding and not just because of the view, but because it represented a new start for Luke, Ellie and Noah.

  She shielded her eyes with her hand and squinted. Ellie wasn’t drinking champagne. Did that mean something wonderful?

  ‘Wedding cake, Mother dearest.’ Emma plonked herself down on Alex’s lap. ‘And Daddy dearest too.’

  Alex laughed. ‘What do you want?’

  ‘You on my T-ball team.’

  ‘Ruby and Phoebe bribed Gus with cake, did they?’

  ‘And Finn!’ Emma said indignantly. ‘It’s so not fair.’

  ‘Life isn’t, darling,’ Sarah said sagely. ‘Let’s hope your brothers’ betrayal is only limited to T-ball.’

  ‘They’re nothing like Uncle Cam,’ Emma said stoutly. ‘They said yes because they feel sorry for the cuzzies.’ She studied her parents’ faces intently, as she’d been doing on and off ever since she’d returned from France six months earlier; seeking reassurance they were happy together and not about to separate.

  Sarah squirmed with guilt every time it happened; hating that she and Alex had traumatised their children and given rise to a level of anxiety that, although fading, still lingered.

  ‘Thanks for not getting divorced,’ Emma said finally, before shoving wedding cake in her mouth.

  ‘We’re thankful too.’ Alex caressed the back of Sarah’s neck. ‘But our situation’s a bit different. Some things are easier to forgive than others.’

  ‘As much as your aunt may have wanted to, she couldn’t trust or forgive your uncle for what happened to the Parrys and for changing your grandmother’s will.’

  * * *

  Across the garden, Anita watched Alex’s public display of affection for both Sarah and Emma. She tried not to let the ache of loss dent her happiness and pride at what she’d achieved, not just today, but during the last year. She loved Cooked By a Friend and now Mingunyah Country Weddings, but she missed sharing her life with a man who loved her. Of course, Cameron still loved her, but it wasn’t in the way she needed to be loved. When she saw the respect that ran like a steel cable through Sarah and Alex’s—and Ellie and Luke’s—relationships, she realised the respect in her marriage had been an illusion. Cameron’s needs and greed had always come first and she and the girls second.

  Although they were a few months away from being officially divorced, their protracted and difficult financial negotiations had finally been settled. Cameron had begged Anita to reconsider the divorce, apparently distraught at the thought of losing her, but given everything she’d learned about him, she couldn’t separate his claim to love her from his love for Mill House and the money. Even with Sarah receiving over two-thirds of her original share of Margaret’s assets, Anita felt Cameron got more than he deserved from his mother’s estate. She’d engaged Rebecca Chin, the family law specialist in Valley View, and instructed her to ‘take him to the cleaners’. Neither Rupert Grimes nor Cameron knew what hit them.

  All Anita had really wanted was Mill House and to be assured that the girls’ education was taken care of. Ruby and Phoebe wanted to stay at boarding school and she conceded that Cameron had been good about that, especially when she heard tales of other divorced men pulling their kids out of expensive schools and refusing to pay the fees. The education trust helped, but even so, she cynically believed Cameron’s support for the girls st
aying at their private school was more to do with his fear of losing a continuing source of clients if they left.

  He was dividing his time between Melbourne and Mingunyah. Anita couldn’t tell if Prestige Country Properties had survived the taint of scandal because Cameron was lucky or exceedingly talented in deception. Just like the lack of evidence to prove undue influence with Margaret’s will, there was not enough evidence to prove any underquoting or price manipulation of Warrnbatt. During the investigation, reputable real estate agents stated that, given the limitations of the property, the price he’d paid for Warrnbatt, although at the lower end of the scale, was still within reasonable and fair limits. ‘Fair’ was arbitrary and many locals were leery of dealing with Cameron, but enough were tempted by ‘offers on the table’ from overseas investors to sell using him as the broker.

  Anita had wanted a fifty-fifty custody arrangement but Cameron claimed his business didn’t allow for this so she’d pitched for him to take the little girls each weekend. He’d insisted on every second weekend and as weekends were very busy for her, whether it be high teas, cooking classes or a wedding, Anita was confident this arrangement was to punish her for leaving him. Excluding the saw mill, she and Mill House were the only valuable possessions in his life that he’d lost.

  She may have discarded a husband but thankfully she’d gained his family. She really didn’t want to think about how her life might be without Sarah and Ellie’s support. Even with it, there were still dark and miserable periods when she was tempted to forgive Cameron and get her old life back. Except that life was gone and with it, the needy woman she had once been. The morning after Cameron had told her he was selling Mill House, Anita had telephoned Sarah and said, ‘I’m terrified you’re right about Cameron.’ From that moment, Sarah was unstintingly supportive of her; probably because Sarah hated Cameron more than Anita did.