Finding Love Down Under

by Jay, Donna

  A few minutes later, hair still damp from the shower, Zoe stepped through the large double doors. She took one look at her brother sitting in the padded deckchair and pointed her finger at him. “Ryan! Where are your manners?”

  Looking sheepish, Ryan stood. “Wanna seat?”

  Even though Claire appreciated the offer, she couldn’t think of anything worse. “Thanks, sweetie. But no thanks. I’ve been sitting for hours. I need to stretch my legs.”

  While Zoe chatted to her family, Claire listened with one ear and took in her surroundings. Bright yellow and purple potted flowers livened up the dark stained wooden deck. The backyard was huge, the lawn perfectly manicured.

  The warmth of Zoe’s breath tickled Claire’s neck when she spoke into her ear. “You okay?”

  “Absolutely.” Claire slung an arm across Zoe’s shoulders and planted a sloppy kiss on her cheek, before remembering where they were. With her heart thudding in her chest, Claire glanced around nervously. Ryan had his back to her, holding out a baking dish for his father. Zoe’s mom smiled in approval, then closed her eyes and turned her face up to the sun.

  Tension drained out of Claire’s shoulders and she swallowed the last of her beer. “Where’s the rubbish bin?” she asked, shaking her empty. Three heads turned in her direction. “Garbage,” she amended.

  “Here, I’ll take it.” Ryan crossed the deck, the heavenly scent of grilled food wafting off the tray in his hands. He stuck his elbow out like a wing. Claire slipped her empty can in the gap and he sandwiched it in between his arm and lanky body.

  Mr Anderson flipped the lid on the cooler. “Another?” He held out a can of beer dripping with melted ice.

  Zoe narrowed her eyes. “Dad, are you trying to get my girlfriend drunk so you can interrogate her?”

  Enjoying the friendly banter, Claire played along. “He doesn’t need to give away his good beer for me to dish the dirt.”

  Val licked her lips as if she could taste gossip in the air. “Oh, do tell?” With her gaze still fixed on Zoe and Claire, she held her empty glass out to the side. Her husband dutifully topped up the glass without so much as a please or thank you exchanged between them.

  Having no intention of discussing the finer points of her relationship, Claire opened the can of beer, took a swig, and changed the topic. “You have a gorgeous deck, Mr Anderson.”

  Right at that moment, Ryan stepped back outside. He clutched his ribs and burst out laughing. Mr Anderson went pale. Zoe snorted. The last person Claire’s gaze landed on was Zoe’s mother.

  Val rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, dear. They’re being juvenile. I knew what you meant.”

  At a loss, Claire turned to Zoe and shrugged a silent, “What did I say?”

  Still giggling, Zoe cupped her hand around her mouth and whispered into Claire’s ear. “It sounded like you just told my dad he’s got a gorgeous dick.”

  Embarrassed beyond belief, heat flooded Claire’s cheeks. She rolled the cold can of beer across her forehead not knowing where to look.

  Like some kind of divine intervention, a buzzer dinged inside.

  Val tapped her fingernails on the side of her glass. All heads turned in her direction. “Garlic bread’s ready. Meat won’t stay warm forever.” She stood. “Let’s eat.”

  ***

  The next two weeks flew by in a flurry of activity. Their last evening in Canada arrived in next to no time. Nerves and excitement fluttered low in Claire’s belly thinking about the night ahead.

  Two nights earlier, Val and Brad had informed Claire and Zoe they’d booked a table for the two of them at the Calgary Tower as a farewell gift. With the help of Zoe’s parents, Claire had a few tricks up her sleeve Zoe was blissfully unaware of.

  Big brown eyes appraised Claire critically as she took one last look in the mirror. She’d had her hair trimmed before they’d left New Zealand. The length tickled her shoulders and framed her face. Her fringe - why they were referred to as bangs in Canada she had no clue - was cut in a blunt line just above her eyebrows. When she turned to exit the room, she jumped, taken by surprise.

  Zoe pulled up short. “Hey, there you are.”

  Claire felt Zoe’s gaze like a caress as it raked over her body, drinking in the figure hugging black dress Claire had stowed away in the hopes of a night like tonight.

  “Oh, babe, you’re gorgeous.”

  “You like?” Claire twirled in a circle, feeling like she was on a pedestal.

  “I love it…and you.” Zoe replied, her voice low and husky. “If my parents weren’t home I’d drop to my knees and show you how much.”

  Love and lust heated Claire’s blood, just before a bout of nerves hit her. “Hold that thought. We need to get a move along or we’ll be late for our reservation.”

  “That’s why I came looking for you.” Zoe held out her hand. “Let’s go and see who drew the short straw to drive us there.”

  A huge grin exploded on Claire’s face before she could stop it. Fortunately, Zoe thought the smile was all for her, and returned one in kind.

  A groan escaped Zoe when her gaze landed on her parents. Her dad tipped his beer in their direction and her mother took a sip of wine.

  “Have you forgotten we need a ride?” Zoe scowled. “Forget it.” She flung her arms in the air. “I’ll call a cab.”

  Val raised a pencil thin eyebrow. “Relax, darling.”

  All eyes turned to the double glass doors. Claire’s heart skipped a beat when a sleek black limousine pulled up and parked in front of the house. Zoe’s mouth hung open but no words came out.

  Trying to ignore the fact Zoe’s parents were watching her, Claire held out her arm like a gentlewoman. “Come, my princess. Our chariot awaits.”

  A tear slid down Zoe’s cheek. When Zoe looped their arms together, smiling up at her with glassy eyes, Claire bit back the emotion that threatened to overwhelm her. In her peripheral vision, she saw Val run a finger under her eye.

  Despite the trip in the limousine being a hit, by the time they sat down to order, Claire’s stomach was in knots. The revolving restaurant didn’t help matters. It made her feel nauseous. Or perhaps that was from the adrenaline and emotion flooding her system. Everything seemed surreal; the limo ride, the big city, and most of all the gorgeous woman sitting opposite her. Her soul mate.

  A waitress stopped by and placed a bottle of champagne on the table.

  Zoe eyed Claire suspiciously. “Did you phone ahead?” she asked at the same time as she plucked up the cold bottle and half-filled their glasses, pouring Claire’s first.

  “I did,” Claire admitted. She placed her elbows on the table, rested her chin on her hands, and gazed into Zoe’s eyes.

  A family of four walked past their table. The father carrying an adorable wee girl dressed in pink. The mother tugging on the hand of a toddler trying to escape her grasp.

  Claire and Zoe did a sideways glance, then looked back at each other with a knowing smile. The unspoken words in Zoe’s eyes, that could be us one day , filled Claire’s heart with joy.

  After taking a sip of champagne, which only made Claire’s throat drier, she reached across the table and took Zoe’s hands in her own.

  Zoe’s chilly fingers from holding her glass were a stark contrast to the warmth in her eyes. “The night couldn’t be more perfect, Claire, yet you seem distracted. If there’s something on your mind, I’m all ears.”

  Certain she wouldn’t relax until she got what she had to say off her chest, Claire took a calming breath. “You know I love you, right?”

  The smile Claire loved so much lit up Zoe’s features. “Of course.”

  Caught up in Zoe’s beauty, Claire lost her train of thought and fell silent.

  Zoe sat back and folded her arms, her posture stiff as if bracing herself for bad news. “I’m sensing a but .”

  The words Claire had rehearsed over and over, abandoned her. Fiddling with her clutch purse, she shot a nervous glance at Zoe. “You’re right. There is a
but.” Claire’s pulse raced. “But, it’s not enough.”

  Worry lines crinkled Zoe’s forehead.

  Shutting out everything around them, Claire dropped to her knees. “It’s not enough that you know how much I love you. I want the world to know.” She unfolded her shaky hand and popped the lid on a small velvet box. “Zoe Anderson, will you do me the honour of being my wife?” Something akin to a concrete mixer took up residence in Claire’s stomach, churning and churning while she anxiously awaited a reply.

  Time seemed to freeze, along with the expression on Zoe’s face. Then, her eyes grew wide, her lips kicked up, and her mouth opened. “Yes.” Tears ran down her cheeks. “Yes, yes, yes. A thousand times yes.” In perfect unison, they jumped to their feet and wrapped their arms around each other. Lips met, all-consuming love flowing from one to the other.

  Behind them, sounds of applause echoed throughout the restaurant.

  Zoe released Claire, did a cute wee bow, giggled and returned to her seat. Claire’s cheeks ached from the huge smile she couldn’t wipe off her face.

  “I can’t wait to tell Mom and Dad. I’m sure they’ll be over the moon.” Zoe picked up her glass and took a healthy swig.

  Claire didn’t want to spoil Zoe’s thunder so she didn’t reply. However, she underestimated how well Zoe could read her.

  “What aren’t you telling me?” Zoe fiddled with her engagement ring, which fitted perfectly thanks to Zoe’s mom.

  “They know.” Claire looked away, trying to conceal a smirk.

  All pouty lips and flushed skin, Zoe was adorable when she acted affronted.

  “Don’t get your knickers in a twist.” Claire slipped off her open-toed shoe and ran her foot up the inside of Zoe’s thigh.

  A coy smile tugged at the corner of Zoe’s mouth.

  Gooseflesh prickled under the sole of Claire’s foot as she skimmed it down Zoe’s other leg. Tramping down her unruly thoughts, Claire took Zoe’s hands in her own and gazed lovingly at her fiancée. “I asked your parents for your hand in marriage.”

  Admiration shone in Zoe’s eyes. “Wow.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “That must’ve been scary.”

  It had been absolutely bloody terrifying, something Claire had never done before and would never do again. The memory made her shudder.

  “That bad, eh?” Zoe chuckled.

  Swallowing a sip of Champagne, Claire nodded. “Yeah, I was shitting my pants.”

  Zoe’s giggles shook their table. “There’s the classy woman I love.”

  ***

  The following morning, after they bid Mrs Anderson and Ryan farewell, Mr Anderson drove them to the airport. As picturesque as Calgary was, Claire couldn’t wait to get home.

  As soon as Mr Anderson pulled into a parking spot in front of the terminal, they all climbed out and hauled their luggage out of the trunk.

  Standing beside the car, Mr Anderson beamed at his daughter. “See you early next year when I give you away. Or, um…” he stammered. “Will Claire be given to you?”

  Embarrassment tinged his cheeks. Zoe may have inherited her mother’s build but she had her father’s demure personality.

  He glanced at Claire then back to Zoe. “Sorry. I’m not sure how it works but it seems to me like Claire’s the man.”

  A blush rose up Zoe’s neck. “Oh my god, Dad. I can’t believe you just said that.”

  More than comfortable with her femininity and sexuality, Claire wasn’t the slightest bit offended.

  Before father and daughter could squirm anymore, Claire put them out of their misery. “It’s okay, Mr Anderson. The wedding will be a casual ceremony held at the vineyard.”

  They had plenty of time to figure out the finer details. However, after a night of passionate love making, they’d already agreed on this part. “Zoe and I will walk down the aisle side by side and be given away by our respective fathers.”

  Mr Anderson opened his arms and Zoe flew into her father’s embrace. Emotion welled up in Claire, envisioning her own father wrapping his arms around her when they delivered the news of their engagement to her parents.

  Mr Anderson kissed Zoe on the top of her head. “I’m so happy for you.” He stepped back looking every bit like the proud father of the bride-to-be.

  Dragging his glassy eyed gaze from Zoe, he extended a hand to Claire. “Take care of my girl.”

  The man was going to be her father-in-law, for goodness sake, not a casual acquaintance. Claire took the proffered hand, and gave it a sharp yank. The scent of spicy cologne wrapped around her at the same time as his arms. He patted her on the back. “You’re good people, Claire Evans.”

  Basking in the compliment, Claire stepped back and slung her carry-on bag over her shoulder. “Thank you for your hospitality. We’ll return it in seven months, along with some sunshine and confetti.”

  A beaming bride-to-be snaked her hand into Claire’s. “Let’s go home.” Zoe waved over her shoulder as they turned to leave. “See you in February, Dad.”

  THE END

  Want to read more about Zoe and Claire? Check out “A Special Gift ” available on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZGYKAK/ref