Under Christmas Stars

by Alissa Callen

  He ignored the fatigue that dug deep into his muscles. If he went to bed he wouldn’t sleep anyway. ‘Actually … that sounds great.’ He grinned. ‘But I’ll drive. If we’re supposed to be fire-hosing rumours, we’d better not be seen together in your fancy city car.’

  ‘True. Luckily every man and his dog has a white four-wheel drive around here.’

  ‘Exactly. Give me ten minutes to take a shower.’

  He soon returned and they headed out to see the Christmas displays. A comfortable silence was interspersed with small talk as they slowed to take in the decorated mailboxes.

  Freya laughed softly when they reached little Zoe’s farm. ‘How did I know their decorations would have something to do with horses?’

  Horse wreaths decorated the sides of the cattle grid while a huge tinsel-wrapped horseshoe glittered around the mailbox.

  At the Walshes a nativity scene had been set up complete with a sturdy stable and real hay, while at the Lawsons a life-sized Santa sat in a tinnie as though he would soon be off fishing.

  Drew adjusted his high beam as another car drove by. He smiled across to where Freya sat relaxed in the passenger seat. ‘I’ve never seen so much traffic this time of night. Everyone’s out looking at the displays. There’s no doubt your plan to raise everyone’s spirits has worked.’

  ‘I hope so.’ She looked over her shoulder as they passed psychedelic fairy lights flashing pink, blue and green. ‘I don’t know how Edna will choose the best decorations. There’s so many amazing ones.’

  ‘Knowing Edna she’ll have a checklist on her clipboard.’

  ‘I bet Denham’s done something spectacular,’ Freya said as she leaned forwards in her seat to see the entryway into Cressy and Denham’s farm.

  ‘We’ll soon find out.’

  Drew slowed as Glenmore’s mailbox came into view. He chuckled as the ute’s headlights revealed a large steel sled decorated in red bows and tinsel. ‘He’s been welding.’

  Freya smiled as two dogs barked from inside the sleigh. ‘He has. Tippy and Juno approve.’

  Drew pulled over. Glenmore was on a back road and he and Freya would be safe to leave the four-wheel drive to chat to Denham. No passers-by would see them together.

  The bull-rider greeted Freya with a kiss before shaking Drew’s hand.

  ‘This looks great,’ Freya said as she patted the older kelpie and exuberant young poodle-kelpie cross.

  ‘Thanks.’ Denham dipped his head towards the four large reindeers that were constructed out of lights. ‘All I need to do is put these in place and I’m done. Cressy hasn’t seen any of it yet. She’s over helping Fliss wrap presents so it’s a surprise for when she drives home.’

  Denham’s deep tone and tender smile said how much he loved Cressy. Was that how Drew looked when he spoke about Freya?

  They gave the two dogs a final pat and left Denham to finish his display.

  Freya stifled a yawn as darkness pressed against the car windows. ‘Thank you. That was fun.’

  He reached for her small hand and she smiled as she entwined her fingers with his. As simple as her gesture was, it still had the power to move him. Emotion ached in his throat, leaving him in no doubt that when he spoke about Freya he shared Denham’s expression. He fought to keep his reply casual.

  ‘It was.’

  Soon the lights of their own display lit up the night. His chest tightened as he drove across the cattle grid to the only place he’d ever call home. A home that, without the beautiful and warm-hearted woman beside him, would never feel like a real home again.

  Chapter Seven

  The summer heat showed no sign of abating on the afternoon of the Christmas party. Freya secured her hair in a neat twist that left her nape bare. She’d contemplated wearing her special red dress, but as the plan was to keep a low profile she’d opted for a white lace dress with capped sleeves. She finished putting on her crystal Christmas tree earrings as she entered the kitchen.

  Drew stood with his back to her as he slipped a bottle of wine into the gift bag she’d found earlier in her Christmas stash. When he turned and saw her, he stilled. His eyes darkened.

  ‘You look beautiful.’

  She smiled, hoping the flutter in her stomach didn’t make her smile shaky. The huskiness in his voice said that perhaps she had reached him. When he’d kissed her forehead the day of Edna’s visit, she hadn’t imagined the concern in his touch. She worked hard to keep her words light. ‘Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself.’

  Drew wore a blue and white checked shirt she hadn’t seen before, brown leather belt, jeans and town boots. The woody notes of his aftershave tempted her to step in close and trail her fingers over his clean-shaven chin.

  ‘Just as well you didn’t see me twenty minutes ago.’

  She laughed softly and went to the fridge to collect the pumpkin and feta salad she’d made for the party. ‘So what’s our game plan?’ she asked over her shoulder.

  ‘Separate cars and conversations and never mention the word baby or wedding.’

  Even though his words were teasing, she didn’t smile as she sat the salad on the bench. ‘Thanks for taking the afternoon off. I know you’re only doing this for me. You don’t care what people think. I wish I could be more like you.’

  He moved closer, expression serious. ‘No, you don’t. I used to not care. But you’ve shown me … life isn’t meant to be lived alone, without friends and company.’ He tucked the hair that had slipped onto her cheek behind her ear. ‘And I want to show you that not all men are careless. I kissed you, so it’s my fault we’ll be the main topic of conversation tonight. I need to fix things.’

  ‘Thank you but …’ Her breathing grew shallow as she focused on his mouth. ‘I kissed you back so it’s not all your responsibility.’

  ‘Freya …’ Her name was more a groan than a word. ‘One thing us men have in common is we’re only human. And if you and I don’t leave now we both know we won’t make it to the party.’ He lowered his head to press a kiss to the sensitive point where her neck and shoulder met.

  Her fingers curled into his hair and when he straightened, she smoothed her hand down his neck, over his shoulder, to rest against his heart. His large work-roughened hand covered hers. Beneath her palm she could feel the strength of his heartbeat. For a second she wavered, the need to kiss him short-circuiting all common sense. Then she slipped her hand free and stepped away. Drew was doing all he could to look out for her and she needed to do the same.

  Uncaring her face would reflect her struggle, she met his gaze. ‘Let’s get this party over with and when harvest and Christmas are out of the way, we can revisit this … conversation and see where it leads.’

  His grin flashed white. ‘You have yourself a deal, Miss George.’

  * * *

  Freya followed the traffic as a convoy of cars turned past the drystone wall entrance of Claremont. Three cars ahead, Freya could see Drew’s four-wheel drive as the traffic slowed to a crawl along the poplar tree–lined driveway.

  Even now her heart beat too fast and her face felt too hot. Just as well she was staying away from him, as how she felt about the broad-shouldered cattleman would be obvious. Her strong feelings weren’t just a quirk of her sometimes obsessive nature. They were true, deep and real. She knew now she’d never loved Charles. Their university friendship had developed into a convenient, practical relationship that hadn’t ever been based on any genuine emotion.

  Her sigh filled the car. But as for Drew … she wasn’t sure what he felt. Was it loneliness or chemistry that pulled him to her? Did he feel the same? All she knew was that now wasn’t the time to discover the answers, no matter how much she wanted to.

  A historic homestead materialised out of the trees. With a wide wraparound veranda, sprawling Claremont sported eight chimneys. Home to the Rigby family for generations, Denham’s Aunt Meredith and her husband Phil now lived in the main house since Denham had left to live with Cressy. Tanner came and wen
t, depending on if he was out droving or staying local and training horses.

  The park-like gardens and modern stables provided a picturesque venue for the town Christmas celebrations. A towering fir tree in the front garden had coloured lights strung almost halfway up its ancient branches, while over to the right the stables were festooned in fairy lights. Hay bales provided plenty of seating and trestle tables were already laden with food.

  A slashed paddock beyond the stables provided a designated parking area. Freya drove to the end of the last row, making sure she parked nowhere near Drew. Her phone beeped and she answered Ella’s text telling her to have a good time. The vet had received a call-out and wasn’t going to make it. Freya collected her salad and as she walked across the soft grass she was pleased she’d worn wedges instead of heels. Her city-girl ways were long gone.

  Hattie gave her a wave from where she ran between the garden beds filled with white roses. Zoe and another student, Alice, ran beside her. All three girls wore flashing reindeer antlers.

  ‘’Tis the season for reindeer antlers,’ a masculine voice said to her left and she turned to see Denham, a smile in his blue eyes.

  ‘It sure is.’ She returned his smile. ‘So where’s yours?’

  ‘Hidden away in the same cupboard as my suit and tie.’ Denham’s expression sobered. ‘Cressy’s filled me in on Edna’s visit. If you have any issues this afternoon let me know.’

  ‘Thanks. I will.’ She glanced to where he favoured his left leg. ‘What have you done this time?’

  ‘Nothing bad like falling off a bull.’ His grin turned sheepish. ‘Don’t tell Fliss as she’ll put her doctor hat on. I was reliving my glory days and climbed the fir tree to put up the lights. I obviously weigh more than I did at fifteen and a branch broke.’

  ‘Ouch.’

  He grimaced. ‘Who knew the soft lawn would be so hard.’

  She looped her arm through his so when they walked his limp wouldn’t be so noticeable. Together they entered the throng of people congregated outside the stables. She saw Drew talking to a group of men near the round yard. His dark head turned and while he appeared to not be looking in her direction she knew he was making sure she was okay. The knowledge warmed her and stirred emotions she was supposed to be hiding.

  When Denham stopped to talk to a neighbour, Freya excused herself. She added her salad to the delicious array of food. Smiling at people as she walked, she made her way over to where Fliss sat at a small table painting a little boy’s face. Two other children stood waiting.

  Her shoulders relaxed. Other than a few curious glances, no one appeared to give her any special attention. So far she hadn’t seen any sign of either Edna or Mrs Knox.

  ‘Need a hand, Fliss?’

  Fliss nodded her head so hard the pom pom on her Santa hat bounced. ‘Yes, please. I need all the help I can get. This is supposed to be a Christmas tree.’ She smiled at the little boy. ‘You don’t mind if it looks more like a monster, do you?’

  He grinned, showing his missing bottom tooth. ‘Nah.’

  Freya settled herself into the second chair and busied herself turning the two waiting girls into Christmas angels. When she’d finished painting the last white wing, her two little angels skipped away.

  ‘They look so good,’ Fliss said with a sigh.

  ‘Thanks.’

  Fliss glanced over to where Drew was now speaking to a different group of farmers. ‘Before I forget, Cressy’s booked the last timeslot for the horse-drawn Christmas lights tour tonight. There’s plenty of room for you and Drew and, as it’s the stage coach, if you sat inside no one would see you.’

  Freya had heard Hattie and Zoe talk about the carriages that went down Main Street and around Woodlea to see the lights.

  ‘That sounds wonderful. I’d love to go. I’ll text Drew.’

  ‘Great.’

  The two girls whose faces Freya had painted were now surrounded by other children. The oldest girl turned to point to Freya and little feet started running towards her.

  Fliss chuckled. ‘There’s no chance of you being seen with Drew now. You’re about to be mobbed.’

  * * *

  Drew looked over to where Tanner and Freya sat on a hay bale laughing as they enjoyed the buffet dinner. Even though he knew their closeness stemmed from friendship, he couldn’t stop unease from writhing inside.

  Freya was so out of his league. Beautiful, compassionate and clever, she could have any man she wanted. What did she see in him? Edna might think he was a perfect match for Bethany, but he wasn’t under any illusion Edna valued who he was as a man over his acres.

  As for the awareness that had burned between him and Freya in the kitchen, he hadn’t been joking when he said one false move by either of them and they wouldn’t have made it to the Christmas party. His willpower was stretched to breaking point. He remained thankful harvest had kept him away from her as much as it had.

  He took a swallow of beer and nodded as the farmer he spoke to talked about what rotation crops he’d sow next winter.

  Edna’s voice sounded above the hum of conversation. Heads turned and noise died as she stood at the front of the stables. She needed no microphone to announce the winners of the mailbox decorating competition. After a heartfelt tribute to Brett and Sarah, and a brief mention of thanks to Freya for the competition idea, Edna ran through the winning farms.

  As families went up to claim their certificates and prizes, the clapping and smiles said how much the competition had helped the community through what was a difficult time. When Denham won the prize for the best overall display, the crowd whistled and cheered.

  Once the awards had been announced, Drew watched Edna make a beeline for Tanner and Freya. He hadn’t missed the way she’d glanced at them while she’d been presenting. Edna said something to Freya who nodded and came to her feet. With a smile at Tanner, she followed Edna over to a group of older ladies.

  Tanner joined Denham and both men walked towards Drew. The pregnant wife of the farmer he’d been talking to gave Drew an apologetic smile as she asked her husband to help with their toddler who had green icing smeared through her blonde curls.

  ‘Fancy a road trip to the rodeo yards?’ Tanner asked.

  Tanner’s expression grew strained as he glanced at the parents with the uncooperative and noisy toddler.

  ‘Sure. I’ve been waiting to see these yards of yours.’

  ‘Great.’ Denham grinned. ‘It just so happens I left my ute out the back in case we needed a fast getaway. Tanner, don’t look now but Edna has you in her sights.’

  Tanner shuddered. ‘Babies and Edna, that’s the stuff nightmares are made of.’

  They wove their way through the crowd and ducked into the lengthening shadows to reach Denham’s ute. Once they’d piled into the Land Cruiser they followed a dirt road through the paddocks to where Denham had custom built a set of rodeo yards. Even though he now lived at Glenmore, he still bred rodeo bulls on his family farm.

  Denham looked at Tanner and then over his shoulder to where Drew sat. ‘Edna won’t be impressed I’ve whisked away her two favourite bachelors.’

  Tanner grimaced. ‘I’m sure she has a GPS tracker with my name on it. Every time I go into town I bump into her.’

  Drew and Denham laughed before Denham spoke, ‘Just be thankful Bethany has headed to the city this weekend or Edna would have found a way to throw you all together.’

  ‘Tell me about it,’ Drew said. ‘I must have walked under a ladder as I drew the short straw and got the charity ball gig last spring. I was just thankful Bethany’s city boyfriend turned up and I could leave.’

  ‘What you both need,’ Denham said, ‘is a better half.’ He turned to wink at Drew. ‘Even though you and Freya have been avoiding each other, my gut tells me you’re sorted, but you, Tanner, had better hurry up as soon you could be the only eligible bachelor left on Edna’s list.’

  Drew smiled while Tanner groaned. The contentment that filtered through Drew
said he hoped Denham’s gut was right. Once harvest was done he and Freya would have a chance to address what was going on between them.

  As the ute approached the steel yards a mottled-grey bull lumbered towards the paddock gate.

  Denham shook his head. ‘Even when it isn’t Christmas Reggie eats more carrots than Santa’s reindeers. He’s already had half a bucket today and now he wants more.’

  Drew took in the muscled power of the bull’s shoulders, his athletic stride and the white gleam of his eyes. ‘I can see why you’d want to breed bucking bulls from him. He has the right confirmation and temperament.’

  ‘Exactly,’ said Denham. ‘You can join our Reggie-is-a-bad-ass team. Cressy and Fliss swear he doesn’t have a mean bone in that massive body of his.’

  Drew chuckled as Reggie reached the gate and pawed the ground. Red dust puffed into the air. ‘Let’s just say that look he’s eyeballing us with isn’t going to win him any awards for playing nice.’

  Denham stopped the ute and leaned over to open the glove box. He pulled out a withered carrot. ‘Cressy always keeps an emergency supply in here.’ He unclipped his seatbelt. ‘Fliss and Cressy have this thing they call passing the Reggie test. They don’t know that I know about it, but basically if you feed Reggie a carrot you’re man enough for them. They are serious when they say he’s a good judge of character.’

  ‘It’s all right for you,’ Tanner said, tone dry as he looked at Denham. ‘You passed. I fail every time.’ He reached for the carrot. ‘Come on. I’ll show you.’

  Denham was already laughing by the time he left the ute. Tanner hadn’t even made it to the gate when Reggie bellowed, spun around and presented him with his rump.

  Drew grinned where he stood slightly apart from Tanner and Denham. Reggie turned to glare in his direction. The bull snorted before ambling towards him.