‘Is that a new dress?’ Edna asked, expression speculative.
‘It is. You’re here early. Have you come to help?’
It was common knowledge that the museum and its opening was something Clive, Noel and old Will had handled on their own. In the history of Woodlea she wasn’t sure there had ever been a project that Edna, her mother or her grandmother hadn’t played a role in organising.
‘No, I just … had some spare time.’
If Ella didn’t know better she would have almost said Edna looked a little lost at having nothing to do.
‘Could I ask a favour? I meant to pick up some extra milk—’
‘Consider it done. Full cream, skim, lactose-free and soy?’
‘Yes, please.’ She only hoped that whoever was bringing the milk for the tea and coffee table hadn’t already bought a fridge full. ‘Thank you.’
Edna turned with an airy wave.
While Ella waited for Edna to leave in Noel’s ute, she texted Bethany that they had a small window of opportunity. She then sent a blanket group text asking that if anyone was in town could they please run interference by keeping Edna talking in the grocery store.
The first reply was from Saul. Contentment filled her at both the speed of his reply as well as his message.
Walking there now. Hope you had a good morning. Guinea fowls glad to see Duke.
She sent a quick reply of a crying laughter emoji and at the last minute added a blowing kiss that she then deleted. Technically friends with benefits didn’t involve romance or displays of affection, even if she couldn’t stop smiling.
Bethany greeted her with a hug as she walked into the designated party room. Sue and Bethany had been busy. Gold swirls hung from the ceiling while gold organza runners topped crisp white tablecloths. On the far table a two-tiered birthday cake with pink flowers took pride of place. Ella arranged the white and gold balloons on either side of the cake before adding the bag of presents to the large pile assembled on the nearby table.
Bethany caught a small square box as it toppled off one side. ‘I know Mum’s a handful but I can’t believe how many people dropped off gifts to my office and genuinely wished her a happy birthday.’
‘As much as Edna terrifies us, we really would be lost without her.’ Ella paused as a text came through from Saul. ‘That would have to be the quickest grocery shop ever. Apparently your mother didn’t want to chat and is on her way back.’
They had just enough time to put the final touches in place and for Bethany to slip out the back door when Edna’s loud voice sounded in the main room. Ella went to meet her.
Once the milk was in the fridge of what had been the second classroom, and tonight would be the dining room for the museum opening, Ella made sure Edna kept busy. The plan was to surprise her before the official ribbon cutting as otherwise no one would relax. Even Clive appeared nervous, his scowl deepening every time Edna marched past the closed door of the party room. It was just like Edna to open the handle and sneak a peek at what lay inside.
To everyone’s relief, the main classroom holding the museum displays soon filled as well as the school playground that was now home to a collection of restored windmills. The bare tables in the dining room became laden with food as people dropped off the salads and desserts that would accompany the barbeque.
Ella caught sight of Saul over near a display cabinet of old shearing handpieces talking to Fliss, Cressy, Denham and Hewitt. Before she had a chance to catch Saul’s eye, Noel gave her a small wave. It was the signal she’d been waiting for. Bethany had taken Mrs Knox into the party room and forbidden her to text or call Edna and spoil the surprise.
Edna appeared deep in conversation with Clive and oblivious to the crowd quietly drifting out of the room. As Noel went to join Edna, Ella moved to the closest glass cabinet, pretending to read the information plaque. She was in position to distract Edna if she went to walk into the hallway.
When Saul strode by and gave her a wink, she couldn’t stop a rush of longing. Her skin remembered every slow and sensual sweep of his hands last night and her heart remembered every tender and lingering kiss.
The room had almost emptied when Edna glanced around. ‘Where’s everyone gone?’
Noel took her arm. ‘There’s going to be a demonstration of a working windmill on outside.’
Not wanting to appear obvious, Ella waited until Noel and Edna went by before following them.
When Noel and Edna reached the closed party room door, Noel stopped. ‘There’s something in here you might like to see first.’
He opened the door to darkness. Then the lights came on and a chorus of voices erupted in a boisterous ‘happy birthday’.
Edna gasped and Ella glimpsed genuine surprise, joy and a sheen of tears before Edna placed an unsteady hand on her chest.
Bethany stood in the front of the beaming crowd, an oversized bunch of roses filling her arms. Beside her was her older brother, Rodger, who’d made it back from their property out west and who held a magnum of champagne.
For once Edna was speechless. All she could do was keep shaking her head. As Bethany hugged her mother, she gave Ella a thumbs up. Against the odds, they’d pulled off the impossible.
Ella smiled as wellwishers surged around the guest of honour.
It was one for the record books. Edna Galloway hadn’t been privy to everything that had been happening in small town Woodlea.
It took all of Saul’s willpower to concentrate on the conversation flowing around him while plates were emptied and beers consumed.
Over to his left Edna held court, surrounded by people wishing her a happy birthday. While across from him, after news of Duke’s snake bite had dominated the conversation, Denham was now fishing for wedding plan details from Hewitt while Tanner chuckled at another Jelly Bean story from Hugh.
Saul nodded every so often. He’d shot several glances to where Ella sat with Fliss, Cressy and Neve and had missed half of both conversations. Tonight Ella was radiant. He wasn’t sure if it was the colour of the blue-green dress that made her skin look flawless and brought out the honey-blonde highlights in her hair, or just that he was so hooked she could have been wearing scrubs and he wouldn’t have been able to look away.
As he snuck another glance, he saw he wasn’t the only one finding her irresistible. Her dress might pass the fingertip test but the silky material would have to reach the floor to completely hide the shapely length of her tanned legs. At least Joe hadn’t put in an appearance. While many looks were being cast her way, no one had approached to bother her. If they did, he already knew he’d have a hard time remaining in his seat.
The reality was that he had no claim on Ella. They were worlds away from being a couple. Her tension when she’d woken in his bed that morning, the way she’d checked her scar was covered and her need to label what they had as friends with benefits all reinforced he had to tread carefully. She wasn’t ready for more than what she offered.
The dreams he’d thought he’d lost, of someone to grow old with and of having a family, may now have flickered into life but he couldn’t lose Ella by rushing things. It wasn’t yet possible to speak the words that for the first time he knew to be true. What he’d felt for Trish didn’t compare to the depths or intensity of his love for Ella.
Tanner again laughed and Saul refocused on the group around him. He made a conscious decision to not look at Ella. Any more sideways glances and their secret benefits wouldn’t be so secret. He tuned in to Hewitt and Denham’s conversation. Hewitt was still resisting Denham’s efforts to find out what Fliss had planned for their wedding.
‘As much as I’d like to say more, Fliss has all but made me sign an official wedding secrets act,’ Hewitt said with a grin.
Denham’s attention never left Hewitt as he finished his steak. ‘Something’s up. I can feel it in my bones.’
‘All you feel are your bones complaining that you didn’t listen to the medical advice I gave you,’ Fliss said as she
joined them. Hewitt moved over on the bench and they shared a smile as she sat and he put an arm around her.
Saul chuckled. He’d been on the American pro-rodeo circuit with Denham at the time he’d been running from his demons and Fliss had been trying to keep him in one piece. ‘I remember those phone calls. Is it too late to say that they usually took place when Denham was already out the hospital door pretending he was still inside.’
Fliss’s no-nonsense stare pinned her soon-to-be brother-in-law. ‘No, it’s not.’
Denham’s grin turned sheepish. ‘I didn’t lie … I just might have been a little economical about saying where I actually was.’
Fliss glanced at Saul. ‘If you were with him, there’d have at least been one voice of reason.’
Saul grinned at the compliment. ‘Thank you.’
Denham raised his eyebrows in mock outrage. ‘Hang on. At least I went to hospital. The only time Saul voluntarily set foot in there was to pick me up.’
This time Saul felt the full force of Fliss’s intent hazel gaze. He shifted in his seat hoping Fliss didn’t hear the creak of his own bones complaining. ‘I did go … I just don’t ever remember how I got there.’
Fliss glanced between the two of them. ‘You two … if either of you ever turn up in my emergency department I’m keeping you for at least a week.’
Denham and Saul didn’t join in with the surrounding laughter, instead they exchanged a look that said they’d rather dance with Edna.
When the conversation moved on, Saul came to his feet. The talk about hospitals made him yearn for fresh air. The last time he’d been inside a hushed sterile corridor was when Caleb had been born. But while the memory still pained him, it didn’t cause him the sadness it once had. One day he now felt he would be able to return to Wyoming to see him and Adam.
Denham also stood. They took their paper plates over to the row of recycling bins before swapping the classroom for the floodlit playground. Clusters of people were congregated around the restored windmills so they headed to a far corner where a windmill stood in a pool of light with no one else around.
Saul studied the neat circle of blades that was such an iconic image of rural life. While living in Wyoming, whenever he’d seen a windmill it had always reminded him of home.
When he felt Denham’s attention on him he rubbed at his jaw. ‘You haven’t stared at me so much since I said I was marrying Trish.’
‘Just like then I’m trying to work out what’s really going on with you.’
‘I didn’t think there was anything going on back then, but now I have no idea where my head was at. Marrying Trish was a big mistake.’
‘For the record, Trish would never have made you happy. Everything was always about her.’
‘I used to make excuses … she lost her mother so young, she’s never had to think about anyone else … but I ran out of reasons.’ Then, after only a short pause, he told Denham what had happened between Trish and Jamie and how the baby he’d loved hadn’t been his son.
Denham remained silent until the end, when he clasped Saul’s shoulder. ‘I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. Cressy won’t mind me telling you … we’re having a girl and every time I feel her kick it makes my knees go weak. I already love her with all that I have and if anything happened to her or Cressy …’
Saul nodded as Denham cleared his throat. His own throat felt raw. ‘For a couple of tough bull riders, who knew we’d be such emotional wrecks.’
‘I thought Cressy was the only one whose emotions were supposed to be all over the place.’ Denham stopped to frown. ‘Speaking of bull riders, Jamie was always bad news. He came from old money and didn’t think he had to get his hands dirty like the rest of us.’
‘He has to now.’
Silence fell between them as they studied the windmill. Saul again sensed Denham staring at him before his low voice sounded. ‘It was great to see you looking relaxed over dinner.’
While Denham hadn’t said Ella’s name, Saul knew exactly what Denham meant. He hadn’t only looked relaxed, but also distracted.
‘That new thing we spoke about … while it now does feel like a good thing, I’m not so sure it is for everyone involved.’
‘It is a good thing, for both of you. And like any good thing it will be worth the wait.’
Before Saul could reply, a text came in on his phone. He answered Ella’s message asking if he was still there. Her reply was instant and queried whether he’d like to come and see Violet. Gemma had flown home yesterday so Ella wanted to check in on her.
Two more texts and they’d arranged for Ella to message when she was leaving. He’d then meet her in the car park. The entire time he typed, Denham smirked.
When he was finished, Denham gave his back a hearty slap. ‘I think my days of telling you to lighten up are over.’
Saul only shook his head as together they returned inside. Edna’s birthday cake had been cut and as Ella approached to hand him and Denham a piece he made sure he didn’t hold her gaze for too long. Her fingers brushed his as she passed him his plate. She then went to collect more slices to offer around.
Saul and Denham drifted over to sit with Finn, Bethany and Mac near the tea and coffee table. The conversation soon turned to the upcoming rugby season. Finn’s tall tales about his rugby field exploits ensured that their laughter never faded. When Saul’s phone vibrated in his pocket, he slipped it free. Ella had texted that she was leaving. He waited a few minutes before saying his goodbyes. He hadn’t made it halfway along the hallway when boots sounded behind him. He turned to see Noel.
‘Still walking fast, I see,’ the older man said, tone mild.
Saul slowed. ‘Not fast enough for some.’
Noel’s lips twitched but he didn’t smile as he looked past him in the direction Ella would have taken.
‘Noel … I promised Ella she’d always be safe with me.’
Noel’s cool gaze assessed him. ‘Did you now?’
‘I did.’
‘For an old bull rider with a bison farm to run you don’t only walk fast you also know the right things to say.’ Noel gave him a nod. ‘You’d better get moving then, she’ll be waiting. Tell Ella to bring you out sometime. I’d like to hear about this bison farm of yours.’
As the older man turned away, a smile warmed his eyes.
Saul continued on outside and past the school bell that had been yarn-bombed in crocheted blue squares. Blonde hair glimmered from over near the first row of cars as headlights lit up the car park. When Ella saw him she pointed in the direction of Violet’s. He gave her a wave to say he understood she’d meet him there. Unlike the previous time they’d been in the car park together, tonight it wasn’t at all private.
He waited in his F-truck until he was sure she’d reached her four-wheel drive before driving away. Once at Violet’s he didn’t have long to wait. Ella arrived and parked behind him where the glow from the streetlight dimmed.
He left the driver’s seat and hadn’t taken more than three strides before Ella was in his arms. He kissed her like it had been twelve days and not twelve hours since he’d held her. She kissed him back as though he’d been on her mind for every minute of those twelve hours.
When they broke apart, speaking was impossible. He rested his forehead on hers and waited for the harshness of their breathing to ease. But even when he had caught his breath, he stayed silent. Telling Ella how much he’d missed her, let alone how much he loved her, wasn’t an option.
She pulled away with a smile before smoothing her hair into place. ‘There’s a reason why I only wore a light lipstick tonight.’
He stole another kiss that only meant she needed to run a hand over her hair for a second time. Then, fingers linked, they walked along the garden path. It was only after he’d knocked on Violet’s door that she slipped her hand free and took a step away.
The door slowly swung open. ‘Hello there, you two.’ Violet stepped away from the door, leaning on her walking sti
ck. ‘I’ll put the kettle on and you can tell me about the party and museum opening.’ She turned, her eyes twinkling. ‘And a tip for the future … when cars pull up outside and there’s a delay until a door knock there’s usually only one explanation.’
Ella’s soft laugh didn’t contain any embarrassment. ‘I’ll remember that for when I have teenagers.’
Saul didn’t immediately follow as Ella walked inside. Her comment gave him hope she did see herself with someone one day.
While Violet and Ella were busy in the kitchen, he collected the latest boxes that Violet had sorted through and that needed to go to Ella’s car. When she handed him the keys she gave him a quick kiss when Violet’s back was turned.
Once they were all seated at the small table, Saul reassured Violet that Duke was doing well before Ella filled Violet in on Edna’s surprise and what rural items were in the windmill museum. Behind her thick glasses, Violet’s gaze drew dreamy when she reminisced about the open cab tractor her father used to drive.
Whenever mention was made of Libby, Violet’s expression possessed a new serenity. She appeared to be making peace with the information they’d discovered and the answers, as painful as they’d been, as to why Libby had left. The questions she’d had about what had happened to her youngest child no longer seemed to overwhelm her.
Conscious of Violet becoming tired, Saul carried their empty teacups into the kitchen. He washed them before Violet could notice.
When he returned to the living room, Ella sent him a quick look. ‘Violet has something to tell us.’
Violet nodded but waited until he was seated before speaking. ‘It’s time … to let Libby go.’
The surprise widening Ella’s eyes would have to mirror his own.
Ella leaned forward to take her hand. ‘Violet?’
‘If Libby were still alive, she’d have come home. And if there was a child … Libby would have made sure that they too would have found their way back to us.’ Violet’s words emerged subdued but strong. ‘Please pack up Libby’s room just like you have the rest of the house.’
The Boundary Fence (A Woodlea Novel, #7) Page 25