The Outback Governess

by Sarah Williams

  The children were very funny and each had a bright, bubbly personality. Her mind spun with possibilities of how to encourage their learning and creativity. Scotty was fond of dinosaurs and told her all about the marine fossils that had been dug up in the area. She made a note to look this up and make a project out of it. As well as ballet, Brooke liked anything girly, including rainbows, unicorns, singing, and Dora the Explorer. At nine, Layla was on the verge of her tween years. She liked sport and motorbikes, but also had a weakness for make-up and boy bands.

  Paige smiled with relief. These were good kids with lots of potential. This would be a great experience for all of them. She would help them to learn all sorts of interesting things and was sure she would learn a lot from them and this outback experience that had only just begun.

  Chapter Two

  The smell of diesel enveloped him. It was ingrained in his clothes and had seeped into his skin. His nails were embedded with black shadows he could not scrub away, no matter how much he tried. Over ten years in this industry would do that to a man.

  Logan was used to it now. The smell didn't bother him anymore. It was part of his life when he was working at the mine. When he was at back at the station his fingers would twitch for a spanner or another tool and he would seek out tractors and machinery to fix.

  He was an expert at repairing diesel machines. He understood their intricate operating system. There was always a reason why something wasn't working. Machines were so much easier to fix than people. People were complicated. They couldn't have a gear box replaced or an oil change and go out again, good as new.

  He turned the last screw and did a final check everything was as it should be before sliding out from under the enormous orange digger. The screeching sound of a welder being used drowned out all the other workshop noises. There were several machines and parts in the workshop. He had become an expert on huge dump trucks and prime movers. The enormous size of some of the machines still surprised him at times.

  His workmates were all cleaning up and putting tools away. Their twelve-hour shift was almost over and his stomach rumbled for a feed. Logan stretched his shoulders and back out. He wasn't the eighteen-year-old boy he had been when he started this job over a decade ago. It was still physically demanding and mentally draining, but he loved it.

  The shrill ring of the bell sounded and all work noises were replaced by men’s chatter.

  "Did you finish the digger?" His boss, Jeremy, nodded towards the machine he had been repairing.

  Logan nodded as he washed his hands in the filthy old sink. "Yep. It's good to go back out."

  "Cheers. Thought that would take at least another day." Jeremy slapped him on the back. "Appreciate your hard work."

  Logan followed his mates out of the workshop and, after gathering his bag he boarded the bus back to their accommodation in town. The fly-in fly-out miners were housed in basic, comfortable rooms. Logan made his way to his own small room where he changed out of his blue work pants, and yellow, hi-vis shirt. He showered, shaved and dressed in jeans and a T-shirt.

  He knew the men would be heading to the dining room for dinner or hitting the gym first. Instead he walked out into the warm October air and found his old Land cruiser in the car park. Despite the air-conditioning running flat out, the sun-broiled interior seemed to take forever to cool down. He was one of the few workers who drove in instead of flying. On his week off he drove the seven hours back to his family's cattle station near Hughenden in Flinders Shire. That was a long, lonely drive he never looked forward to. He wondered if he could make up an excuse not to go home when this week was over. He could stay in town and enjoy himself rather than endure the noise and chaos that awaited him. His kids were just so loud and demanding. Fortunately, he still had a few more days in Mt Isa, so he headed towards town instead to enjoy himself.

  Lights glittered under a dark night sky and the iconic smelter stacks stood sentinel over the small town and the thousands of people who called Mt Isa home. Logan parked the ute in front of his favourite pub and made his way inside. The pokie rooms were bustling with regulars, slipping cards into slots of machines, hoping to jackpot and win some of their money back. Logan didn't gamble. He worked hard for his pay check and had more important things to spend it on than a punt. He found his regular bar stool and waited for Jack, the bartender, to serve him. It was still early. The miners would come in after dinner. Some local men were standing in the bar area enjoying their beers and each other's company. The restaurant side of the establishment would be filling up with families coming in for the 'kids eat free' promotion. He and Fiona had brought the kids in for dinner sometimes. Back when they still lived in Mt Isa.

  Jack placed a schooner glass filled with cold, frothy beer on the bar mat in front of Logan. He was here almost every night so Jack knew what he drank without needing to ask.

  "How are you, Jack?" Logan asked the older man. Jack was about his father's age and knew everyone in town and in the mines. It paid to keep on his good side if you didn't want rumours started about something you said or did while at the pub. Logan didn't have anything to be ashamed of, but he liked Jack and they always had interesting conversations.

  Jack nodded at him. "You still working on that digger?"

  Logan drank deeply from his glass, appreciating the bitter, cold liquid as it cooled his throat. "Just finished it this arvo. Good as new now."

  From the corner of his eye he saw her. Long, blonde hair caressing her bare shoulders. He swivelled his chair around so Jess could put her arms around him. Her kiss was passionate and full of desire. His need for her flared at the press of her body.

  "Miss me?" she asked like a seductress.

  "Of course." He stroked her hair and gazed into her dark brown eyes. At twenty-two she still had perfect skin and a body to match. She could easily be a model, but she had been born and raised in ‘The Isa’ and wasn't interested in big city life.

  Logan had met Jess two years ago when she had started working the bar here. Fiona had not long passed away and Jess was especially kind to him. After a year of flirting he had finally asked her out, and expected her to say no. After all, he was ten years older than her and had a lifetime of baggage at home. But she had taken a chance on him and they were still going strong.

  Logan knew he was in good shape, physical work would do that to a man. He still had a headful of jet black hair and Jess always told him he was hot. Mt Isa may be a small town but the men still outnumbered the women. She could have had her pick of eligible, attractive men, not to mention well-off. The long hours and remote location was compensated by a six figure or more a year salary. It was the biggest motivation for workers here, especially with all the health risks associated with mining.

  Mt Isa was Logan's second home. It had been since he had finished school and moved out to do his apprenticeship. Until two years ago he had lived in town permanently. But that had all changed after Fiona had gotten sick.

  Logan looked around him. The pub was filling up and the noise of boisterous men was increasing.

  "Do you want the usual?" Jess leaned in close and whispered in his ear. It caused the familiar need to rise in him.

  He kissed her hungrily in response. "Can I have you for dessert?"

  A wide smile crossed her smooth, youthful face. "Of course. Better save room."

  She flitted away to put in his dinner order and Logan turned his attention back to his beer. After a long slug, he retrieved his mobile from his jeans pocket. There were three missed calls. Shit, he'd forgotten to call home. He looked at the clock on the mobile screen. It was past eight p.m. Layla would still be up but she might be busy with his parents. No, he would call tomorrow and speak to them all.

  Guilt trickled down his spine. He would make it up to them on Saturday when he got back to the station. Maybe he'd take the kids fishing or something and give his parents a break.

  Fiona had been the love of his life. They had met and married early in life and been happy for man
y years. She was a wonderful mother, completely devoted to their three children. When Logan had returned home from work he had seen them at their best. Fed, clean and ready for bed. After cuddles and a story, they were asleep. Then he would leave for work before they woke up. Now, Fiona was gone and his kids lived with his parents. For one week Logan would be home and witness every tantrum and argument his children had, and the constant struggles and exhaustion parenthood had to offer. It didn’t take long for him to be eager for the long drive back to Mt Isa for another week of long hours, hard work, but, blissfully, no children with their demands and grubby fingers, and faces so like their mother's. He understood why some people would think he was a bad father. But without his salary, they would have nowhere to live.

  The Flinders Shire was in drought and Currawilla would have gone under by now had Logan not been putting his wage back into it. These were hard, trying times and the global financial crisis, on top of the long dry years weren’t making lives easy in the outback. Not that life on the land was ever easy.

  Jess had started dropping hints about coming home with him sometime soon. He didn't want to blend his two worlds. Not yet. Their relationship wasn't serious enough yet. Even though she had often told him how much she adored children, he didn't think she could handle his three. No, things were fine the way they were right now.

  Nothing needed to change.

  "Anyone here?" Logan called into the seemingly empty house a few days later. He glanced at his watch. It was early afternoon; his mother and the kids should be working on their school work. His father would probably be in the shed or somewhere else on the station.

  He headed to his bedroom and dumped his duffel bag on his queen-sized bed. The floral doona cover reminded him of Fiona and a stab of pain jabbed through his heart. He missed her witty sense of humour and gentle warmth. This doona cover was bright and cheerful in contrast to the heart-wrenching sadness he felt when he thought of her.

  He shut the door on his memories and the knowledge he’d had a perfect life for a sweet but very brief time.

  He inspected the other rooms. To his surprise his children’s room was immaculately clean and tidy. The beds were neatly made, the walls were free of crayon drawings, even the mirror above the dresser was sparkling. It was the first time in years that he could see the carpeted floor, free of his children's toys and clothes.

  Venturing outside, he walked around the house. There was a freshly planted vegetable patch by the Hills Hoist clothes line. His mother had let her veggie patch go when the children had moved in, she must have decided to start it back up. Good on her, he thought with a smile, wondering if the kids had been allowed to help.

  A slight breeze blew hot air over his face and brought with it the sound of children's laughter. He looked toward the trees in the distance. There was a dam there where the kids like to swim.

  He wandered in that direction, sweat pooling on his brow from the dry heat. Through the trees he spotted Layla as she did a cannonball into the water. Brooke clapped enthusiastically at her sister's effort.

  He stood behind the trees for a moment watching them. He didn't have a clear view through the bush but the strong smell of eucalyptus reminded him of his own childhood summers spent at the same waterhole splashing around with his friends. Those had been so carefree and happy. Before responsibility and obligations took over his life.

  Scotty gingerly stepped into the water and started dog paddling into the middle. He didn't usually like water. The noise and sensation would often overwhelm him. Today he seemed happy and relaxed. A pair of arms came around his son’s middle. Logan frowned and leaned closer to see who is was.

  The slender pale arms were not those of either of his parents. The woman who held Scotty was in waist-high water facing away from him. Wet, dark hair covered her shoulders. Who was this stranger swimming with his kids? His parents hadn't told him they were expecting anyone.

  He moved out of the bushes, dry twigs crunching under his heavy footsteps. "Afternoon."

  The stranger turned and gazed at him with wide hazel eyes and delicate features. His breath caught for a moment as he was struck by her simple, natural beauty.

  "Logan." His mother's voice had him turning in her direction.

  "Mum." He frowned as his gaze shifted between the two women.

  Layla and Brooke splashed excitedly upon seeing him.

  "Dad, watch this." Layla executed a perfect forward roll under water and came back up with a hopeful grin.

  "Good job," he called to his daughter. Had she grown in the last week?

  Ruth walked over to him and touched his elbow. "Come over here."

  "Who is that woman?" His voice was quiet with just a hint of annoyance.

  "Her name is Paige. She's a special needs teacher from Victoria."

  "What—"

  "If you answered your phone, you would know that we hired her to help with the kids. They're way behind in their schoolwork and your father and I just can't manage everything on our own." Ruth was using her don't-mess-with-me voice. Logan knew it well and was surprised it still sent chills up his spine. Like he was a young boy once again being told off for not tidying his room.

  "When did she get here?"

  "A couple of days ago. She's already made a huge difference. Don't you dare do anything to annoy her. We need her."

  "You should have told me you were struggling. I would have helped."

  "We did tell you."

  Logan pushed his hands deep into his pockets. "How much is she costing?"

  If he was honest with himself he had known his parents were struggling. They always seemed so tired and on edge. He realised that, unlike himself, they didn't get a break from the kids. When he returned to the mine they continued to care for and raise his children. Full time, nonstop. It was no wonder they had called in a governess.

  "She's worth every cent. You be nice to her." His mother wagged a finger at him, silencing any further argument.

  They walked back to the dam. "Paige, this is Logan." Ruth called out.

  "Hi. It's nice to meet you." She waved to him as Brooke tried to climb on her back.

  He nodded and sent her a tight smile before sitting on the towel next to his mum and watching the children show off for him.

  He studied the new addition to the household. She was young and pale. That wouldn't last long. The North Queensland sun was unforgiving. Her skin would brown deeply despite sunscreen and wide brim hats. Snippets of her conversation with the children floated over. Her voice had a lyrical quality to it which made him wonder if she had taken singing lessons at some point.

  "I'm hungry," Scotty announced before turning and swimming back to shore.

  Paige looked at the other kids who declared they were also starving.

  "Okay. Let's go." Paige walked slowly out of the water and Logan watched as inch by inch her body was revealed. Her conservative blue bikini covered only a small portion of her skin. Droplets of water trailed over her bare midriff and legs.

  He watched appreciatively as she climbed out of the lake and wrapped herself in a towel. Logan bit his tongue. Jess had an amazing body. Tight, toned and curvy. Paige was small-chested and straight. But it worked on her, adding to the school teacher persona stereotype he was forming of her.

  Ruth ran after the kids who already had a head start back to the house. Paige and Logan picked up the remaining towels and walked back to the house together.

  "So, you're a governess?"

  "I'm a teacher. This is my first time doing the govie thing." She waved her free hand out at the countryside.

  He nodded. Fiona had never needed a governess. They had lived in town and had sent the kids to school in Mt Isa. She had always made all the arrangements for day-care and babysitters.

  "I guess we'll all figure this out together then."

  They made small talk about the weather on the short walk back. Logan felt awkward in her company, and vaguely like he was betraying Jess by being alone with another wom
an. Not that Jess had anything to worry about. He doubted he and Paige had anything in common except the kids and the station.

  His mobile buzzed in his pocket and he pulled it out. Jess's beautiful face appeared on the screen.

  "Excuse me," he murmured, turned and walked away a short distance while Paige continued to the house alone.

  "Hi, beautiful. I was just thinking about you." From the corner of his eye he watched Paige sweep her hair over one shoulder and wring the water from it. Droplets fell onto the parched earth below. He ignored the feeling that had slammed into his chest.

  "Logan? Did you hear me?" Jess's voice held a tone of impatience.

  "Sorry. I'm here. What did you say?" He tried to concentrate as Jess rattled off news from her day, but his thoughts remained with the new govie.

  Having her here might just be what his family needed.

  Chapter Three

  Logan was exactly what Paige had expected. Standoffish and abrupt. She had imagined him older. Maybe balding and overweight would have helped make him more likable. But from what she had seen he was not bald or overweight. In fact, he cut quite a figure in his blue jeans and T-shirt. His chin and cheeks were stubble-darkened as though it had been a few days between shaves. She also thought she had seen a small dimple in his chin, but couldn't be sure under the whiskers.

  She judged his age to be only a few years older than her - early thirties. With a nine-year-old child that meant he had married young. She wondered what the appeal of settling down so early had been.

  After high school Paige had taken a gap year to decide what she wanted to study. She had been attracted to nursing but after spending time teaching English to kids in India she had found her true calling. The switch to special needs education had come after a particularly challenging class. One of her students, Angela had Down Syndrome and needed a lot of extra attention. She had already been kept down two grades and was an easy target for the school bullies. Paige had finally won the battle for funding and a special needs assistant had been employed to sit with Angela and help her with her work. Paige had watched and learned as the assistant, Penny, coaxed the potential out of the young girl. By the end of the year she was reading at a higher level than anyone else in the class. Penny and Paige had formed a close friendship and still kept in touch.