The Outback Governess

by Sarah Williams

  While they waited for their meals, she encouraged conversation between Logan and Layla. After a slow start, she finally started opening up about how she was going in school and what subjects she enjoyed.

  "Tell your Dad about the history project." Paige suggested.

  "Well, I have to choose a period from the past and explain how life was different." She said. "So, I chose early settlement in Hughenden, when they farmed sheep."

  Paige sat back as their conversation broadened to include early farming methods, foods they would have eaten and bush poetry. It was only when the meals were delivered that they stopped discussing the past.

  As usual, Scotty slowly picked at his food and avoided anything red. It meant no tomato sauce on his chips, but he seemed happy to compromise and avoid the dreaded colour.

  Sugared up with an ice cream dessert the kids were jumping around and chatting quickly as they left the pub.

  "Why don't I take them to the playground over there while you get the groceries?" Paige pointed to the fenced in playground with plenty of trees for shade.

  Logan rubbed his chin. "It would be easier than shopping with all of them. Thanks."

  She smiled knowingly at him and started rounding up the kids.

  "Can I come with you? I know all the brands Nana likes." Layla grabbed her father's arm and tugged on it.

  "That would be great, kiddo. Thanks." He smiled down at her. Paige saw the pure, innocent love that can only exist between a father and daughter pass between them.

  They headed off to the local supermarket and Paige ushered Scotty and Brooke to the playground.

  Scotty happily played alone in the sandpit so Paige was free to push Brooke on the swings.

  Another woman and child were also playing and soon met up with them on the monkey bars.

  "Are these Ruth's grandchildren?" The woman was in her early thirties with dark hair and a friendly face.

  "Yes, they are." Paige smiled, knowing all about small town gossip and how quickly news spread. "I'm their govie, Paige."

  "I'm Mel. Our kids are in the same school of the air class."

  Paige glanced at the little boy playing with Brooke. "Oh yes. Peter."

  Heidi nodded and smiled. "You have done such a great job with them. Especially Scotty."

  Paige looked at her young charge, still happily digging in the sand. "He is a very bright little boy."

  "Do you have another job lined up for next term? Because I would love to talk to you about coming to our house. We only have two kids but my oldest is really struggling."

  Surprised, Paige frowned. "I haven't really thought about it."

  "Oh, I just presumed with Logan's fiancée moving down from Mt Isa, she would take over their schooling," Mel said.

  Paige froze. "Logan's fiancée?"

  "Jess. She's Mary Whittaker's cousin's daughter. I heard she was moving in. It will be nice for Ruth to have another set of hands when she and Hugh come back." Mel kept on talking but Paige didn't hear it. Her head was spinning.

  Logan had a fiancée?

  He hadn't mentioned her at all. Did Ruth and Hugh know? Did the kids? Surely, they would have spoken of her? How had this been kept from her for two months?

  He had kissed her. And all this time he had been engaged?

  Disappointment and something else bubbled up in her. The kids were getting a stepmother. That was something to be grateful for at least.

  She watched as Brooke sat in the sandpit next to her brother and started to dig a hole next to him.

  Paige hoped this new stepmother would love the kids as her own and put their needs above her own. They were so amazing and they deserved a happy life. So did their father. And if this woman, Jess, made him happy, then she was happy for him. For all of them.

  Chapter Ten

  Over the next week Logan watched as the clouds began to build. It was the beginning of the wet season, but the region had already endured a five-year drought and forecasters were hesitantly optimistic of rain.

  Each day the sky taunted all the thirsty animals and the parched country below. Starting mid-morning, the clouds would start forming and by mid-afternoon the sky would be full of fluffy grey clouds. But no amount of wishing or praying skywards would persuade it to release even a single drop of moisture.

  Logan distracted himself from the weather by donning his grease-stained work clothes and throwing himself into even the tedious drought jobs despite the unrelenting heat. His experience with mine work contributed to his skill set back here on the farm, saving his father the cost of a mechanic.

  He had just finished oiling up the tractor when he heard the wheels of the ute rattle over the cattle grate at the entrance of the station. The dogs danced around the vehicle, yapping a welcome--or a warning—to the unknown vehicle.

  Logan wasn't expecting any deliveries and it was too early for the mail run. He wiped his hands on a rag as he walked toward the car. It was too small and modern for a local but his frown turned to a smile as he watched his mother climb out of the driver's side.

  His pace quickened. "What are you doing here?"

  Ruth turned and held her arms out to her son. "We had enough of the sea and crowds and the doctor gave the okay to come home."

  Logan hugged his mother, relieved to finally have all his family home again.

  "Looks like rain." Hugh's deep voice was full of hope as he climbed out of the low car.

  Logan let go of his mother and jogged around to help his father.

  "I can do it." Hugh held up a stubborn hand. "The rental company didn't have any utes, so we had to make do with this little thing."

  "It made the journey." Ruth opened the boot to reveal bags of shopping. "We picked up a few things while we were in Townsville."

  "I'm glad you're back. You look better, Dad."

  Hugh was looking healthier and refreshed and Logan knew the rest had been sorely needed.

  They chatted over farm business as Logan took in the shopping and Ruth made cups of tea.

  "How are the kids? Is Paige working out?" Ruth asked as they finally sat down for afternoon smoko.

  "They're doing really well. They work until three so they should be over soon." Logan sipped his tea.

  "And Paige?" His mother's gaze narrowed on him.

  "She's great. The kids love her. Scotty has really come along with his work too."

  Ruth and Hugh exchanged a look. Logan was about to ask them what it meant when the door burst open.

  "You're home." Brooke flung her arms around her grandfather and Layla hugged her nana. "I missed you."

  Scotty stood next to his father and reached for a biscuit on the table.

  "I hear you've been too busy to miss us." Hugh smiled fondly at his grandchildren. "Did you really visit my old friend, Mutt, without me?"

  Scotty blasted into a descriptive retelling of their visit to the museum as his grandparents listened attentively and the girls chewed on biscuits.

  Logan turned to the window where he could see the schoolhouse. Paige must still be tiding up. She was so devoted to her work and the children's education. She had been amazing these past few weeks, helping him with their routines and making meals. They owed her so much. He wondered what he could do for her to show her their appreciation.

  "Dad!" Brooke's voice pulled him back to reality. "Can we show them the ponies?"

  "Yes, of course." Logan said and finished off the last of his tea. "Just wait until you see these kids on horseback. Regular little cowboys."

  "And girls." Brooke and Layla corrected at the same time, and then laughed at themselves. From the corner of his eye he watched his parents exchange a knowing look and the hint of a smile.

  Paige watched the kids prance around on their ponies from the safety of her donga. They needed family time together to make memories, and she wasn't part of their family.

  The creeping realisation that she wished she was, hit her. She loved those kids. She couldn't love them more if they were her own. Hugh and
Ruth were wonderful people. And Logan. Well, her feelings for Logan were more complicated.

  Perhaps if they had met under different circumstances and he wasn't her boss. She couldn't deny she felt more than just friendship for him. But the circumstances were what they were and he was already in a relationship. She would not interfere with that and risk doing anything to hurt the family. They had already been through enough.

  The family settled into a pleasant, happy routine now that everyone was back under the one roof, happy and healthy. Hugh stayed close to the house and let Logan continue running the station. Logan and his father worked well as a team and he was starting to enjoy being on the land again, working with cattle and horses instead of greasy machinery and work-toughened men.

  With less than a month until Christmas, Ruth and the children started decorating the house. Obediently, Logan cut a tree and hoisted it into position, ready for decorating.

  "I'm so glad you’re here this year," Brooke said, kissing her father on the cheek before sitting down to the evening meal.

  Paige sent him a questioning look. "Aren't you always with them for the holiday?"

  Logan looked intently at his plate.

  Ruth turned to her with a sombre expression. "Logan hasn't had a Christmas with us since Fiona…Well, since they moved in."

  "Oh." Paige raised her eyebrows.

  "Their mother always made a big deal of Christmas," Hugh explained from her other side. "Presents, a big meal and a special plum pudding with coins inside."

  The kids looked over at the adults at the mention of pudding.

  "Dessert?" Brooke asked hopefully.

  "Yes, actually." Ruth started stacking plates. I think we have some jelly and ice-cream for some well-behaved little kids."

  The children gathered up the remaining dishes and followed their grandmother to the kitchen.

  Hugh turned to Paige, emotion clouding his eyes. "What a transformation since you came. How is their school work coming along?"

  Logan was still smiling from the heartfelt words his grandfather had just given. His father only praised when he felt it was truly deserved.

  "They're still further behind than I would like. The school term is up next week and they still have a few assessments to catch up on."

  "Do they have to finish next week?" Hugh asked, "I mean, you run the classes can you keep going a bit longer?"

  Paige thought about it. "I guess I could, except for the on-air lessons. But it's all catch up and revision anyway."

  "When are you going home? Is there enough time?" Logan wriggled in his seat. The idea of her leaving at all causing him to panic.

  "I promised my family I'd be home by Christmas Eve but I haven't booked by flights yet."

  "You are welcome to stay here for Christmas." Ruth said returning with bowls of jelly and vanilla ice-cream.

  "I'd love too, but I already promised my family." She smiled apologetically

  "What is Christmas like? With your family?" Layla asked.

  Paige smiled, her face lighting up as she remembered her loved ones back home. "We have it every year at my Nona's house. That's grandmother in Italian. All the aunts, uncles and cousins come and we eat pasta, antipasto and pastries. My Nona is an amazing cook and we all eat too much and fall asleep, afterwards. Then we go outside and play together."

  Layla grinned dreamily. "Sounds fantastic."

  Scotty finished his dessert and looked up. "Mum used to read us that book, ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’."

  "I love that book. In fact, I have a copy of it in the school room." Her voice lowered as though she was telling him a secret.

  Scotty's back straightened. "Will you read it to us tonight?"

  The girls joined in with, "Yes please," and "Would you?"

  Paige looked at the adults around the table, her gaze finding Logan's. Silently asking permission to do something sacred between the children and their mother. He nodded and smiled. "Fiona would have loved that."

  Bedtime was made easier that night as the children were eager for their story so moved quickly through their bedtime routines. Logan found himself contemplatively sitting on the porch, the dark, starless night laid out in front of him.

  The pain he had felt at Fiona's death was becoming a dull throb. His heart was full of love for his children and parents and there was a spot there for Paige too. She was such an important member of the family now, he couldn't imagine her not being there, even for a few weeks over the holidays.

  Absently, he pulled his mobile from his pocket and turned it on to see a bunch of missed calls and messages from Jess.

  The pretty blonde from Mt Isa didn't belong in this world of dirt and dust. She was part of his other life. The life he thought he’d wanted. But now...

  He read her affectionate message. She missed him and wished he would come back.

  Would things be the same when he returned to work? Would he still be attracted to her? He couldn't help but compare her to Paige. Paige had the maturity and knowledge of an older woman and compassion Jess lacked.

  Jess was self-centred and young. She still believed the world owed her something. Was that the kind of woman he wanted to spend his life with? The role model for his children? The niggling doubt was getting stronger every day.

  His father's heavy footsteps had Logan quickly putting his phone back in his pocket before sending a reply.

  "That Paige is really something." Hugh sat down next to his son.

  Logan murmured in agreement. In the dark, he couldn't see Hugh's face, but he had the feeling there was a deeper meaning in those words.

  "The kids really love her. And Scotty, well, he's like a whole new kid."

  "She knows what she's doing that's for sure. I mean, she did train as a teacher." Logan stretched his arms above his head.

  "It's certainly an advantage for them having a governess and not relying on Ruth and me anymore. It was such a long time since we were in school we don't remember half the stuff."

  "Things have certainly changed. But Mum did okay with me when I did School of the Air."

  "Yes, but we had station hands back then and we weren't in drought either. She had more time and energy back in the day." Hugh's voice had become quieter and more reflective. "I might be the one recovering from a heart attack, but Ruth hasn't had it easy these last years. She wakes up sore and aching and barely stops moving throughout the day. She's already lived longer than anyone else in her family ever did and she's not even that old."

  Logan stared out into the dark night and mulled over what his father was saying. He had put too much on them when he moved the kids back. But now they were happy and settled.

  "We'll hire a station hand after Christmas and I'm sure Paige will come back next term." Logan couldn't see any reason why she wouldn't stay on. She fitted in so well and seemed to like it here.

  "Paige is important here. Don't do anything to scare her away."

  Logan turned at his father's words which seemed to be edged with warning.

  Chapter Eleven

  As Christmas drew closer the weather heated up and the clouds continued to threaten rain, but it never fell. The relentless heat was making everyone restless in class, so when they finally completed the last assignment everyone, including Paige, was relieved. To celebrate she took the children to the dam for a swim in the cool water.

  Layla and Scotty took turns swinging of the rope attached to a giant overhanging gum branch, while Paige and Brooke splashed around together in the shallower water. The heat of the late afternoon was oppressive and Paige enjoyed the feeling of the water on her skin.

  "Hello," Logan's timbre voice called from the edge of the dam and Paige turned to see him dressed only in swim shorts. His muscular, broad chest was covered in dark hair.

  Her face burned as she realised she was staring. "Come to join us?"

  He started to wade into the water and her eyes were drawn to his narrow waist and the trail of hair that lead down, below his shorts.
r />   She turned her head, hoping he hadn't noticed.

  Logan floated on the surface of the water, his eyes closed allowing Paige to study his peaceful face. He really was incredibly attractive. Heat spread throughout her body. She turned her attention back to the children.

  "Swim out to me," she called to Brooke as she practised her strokes.

  "Watch me, Daddy." Brooke dived into the water a few metres away and started splashing and kicking, turning her head to catch a breath.

  Paige watched her and as Brooke got closer, she stepped backwards. As she took a step her back collided with something tall and hard.

  Warm hands gently pressed against her upper arms and she spun around in Logan's embrace. His eyes were dark, his mouth open. She inhaled his rich, damp scent.

  "Did you see that?" Brooke asked tapping insistently on Logan's on the arm. Paige stepped back, turned and dived into the water. She re-emerged on the other side of the dam. Her heart thudded and she took deep breaths, willing it to slow down.

  The children surrounded Logan now, begging for piggyback rides and cannon balls. She couldn't help but smile at the way they interacted now. The children were no longer wary of their father when he indulged them and showed affection. Happily scooping them up one by one in his arms, kissing their cheeks and tickling their tummies.

  Suddenly thunder boomed overhead. Everyone scrambled out of the water as a familiar, pattering noise started.

  Away from the sheltering trees, Paige turned her face up to the darkened sky. The raindrops started slowly but increased until it was so loud she could barely hear the whoops and yells from the children.

  "Finally!" Logan bellowed "The rain's here!"

  Paige turned to him. He was grinning from ear to ear, pure joy shining from his face. Their eyes met. Suddenly he strode over and lifted her into his arms and spun her around.

  She closed her eyes, laughing and enjoying the feeling of his wet, half-naked body against hers, the earth spinning around her.