He shook his head. ‘That’s okay. Tough game, though. I’m bloody sore today.’
‘That other ruckman was a monster,’ Tony said.
‘Tell me about it. And he kept sinking the knee in every bloody time he jumped.’
‘You didn’t back down, though.’
‘Not in my nature to. Couldn’t let him have that over me, no matter how much it hurt.’ He chuckled. ‘And I didn’t want to cop stick from my teammates.’
Tony shook his head as he laughed. ‘I’d give anything to be twenty-eight again.’
‘You and me both,’ said Mum with a giggle. ‘It’d make keeping this place running easier.’
Anders knew it was said light-heartedly with no shaming or blame whatsoever, but a surge of guilt struck his heart. He should be helping them out more because young blood and enthusiasm were what this farm needed. Not that his mum and Tony ever pushed it onto him; but there was always an unstated hope he’d take over.
He pushed his guilt down. ‘What can I help with?’
‘You can set the table.’
Before long, the table was set, breakfast was dished up, and they took a seat around the small kitchen table. His stomach rumbled as he eyed the crisp bacon, scrambled eggs, mushrooms and tomato.
‘I can hear your stomach from here,’ Mum said. ‘Dig in.’
‘So how’s Jager going?’ Tony asked as he layered farm fresh butter onto toast. ‘He had a good game yesterday.’
‘He did. Kicked four goals and two behinds. He’s a big asset.’
‘How’s his mother?’ Mum asked. In a small town like this, the population less than a thousand, everyone knew everyone in some way. But Mum and Tony had run in different circles to Mrs Mitchell. Mum had always sensed Mrs Mitchell wanted more than this town, which was a strong contradiction to how Mum felt about it.
Mrs Mitchell was so glamorous and a little too eccentric to be truly accepted in Wattle Valley.
‘No change, as far as I’ve been told.’
‘I only ask because I ran into Neve yesterday at the game.’
He put his knife and fork down. ‘Oh, she was there?’
Mum nodded. ‘She sat with us for a while. A lovely, lovely girl. So beautiful like her mother. A face full of make-up, though. I don’t understand why young girls insist on covering their youth with expensive cosmetics. She hardly needs it.’
Defensiveness sat behind his rib cage. ‘It’s her job. She’s a make-up artist.’
Mum rolled her eyes. ‘Hardly a reason to plaster your face every day. It was a football game, not a bloody wedding. Anyway, it’s neither here nor there. I shouldn’t be tough on her. The burden of responsibility for Robyn must be enormous. It breaks my heart, that’s all.’
‘So, how was Neve?’ he asked as nonchalantly as possible, not able to meet his mum’s eyes.
‘She seemed well. Said you and her were partners at Wil’s wedding next week.’
‘Emily thought it best to pair us up as we know each other already.’
‘Makes sense,’ Tony said.
‘I think you two will look gorgeous together. I can’t wait to see you in your suit. You know, I didn’t have high hopes that Wil would meet anyone on that reality dating show. But he proved all of us wrong. I’ve never seen him happier.’
‘Maybe I should go on one,’ Anders suggested, tongue in cheek.
‘You wouldn’t bloody dare,’ Mum barked with a twisted expression of horror on her face.
Anders laughed. ‘No, I really wouldn’t.’ But, after his dismal track record with relationships, it was looking more and more of an attractive option.
Sure, he was only twenty-eight, but he expected he’d have settled down by now and even started a family.
Tess was his first ever serious relationship. They’d known each other while at school but didn’t start dating until he was nineteen. When he was twenty-three and had just landed his new role with the AFL, she went on a tour around Europe. He wasn’t able to take time off work yet, so he couldn’t join her.
When she came back, something had changed between them, as though, while away, she had realised this small-town boy wasn’t what she wanted anymore. Not long after coming home, she ended up moving to London to work.
Then came Yasmine, who he met barely three months after Tess left. She was new to town after being employed by a local radio station. They had a great time together for the next two years until she accepted a job at a commercial radio station in Melbourne. It took barely six months for the long-distance mode to break down the feelings that were once so strong.
That was nine months ago now. He had to admit, he had been hesitant to jump into anything new. Getting through a break up wasn’t for the fainthearted. But the last month or so, his hesitations had lessened. He was ready.
They finished breakfast and Anders helped clean up while Tony headed out to complete the day’s farm duties.
Before Anders left to drive home, Mum gave him a Tupperware container filled with food.
‘What’s this?’ he asked.
‘It’s for Don. I want you to drop it off for him on the way home.’
He took the dish and kissed Mum on the cheek. ‘No worries. I’ll see you later.’
Once home, he parked in his drive and walked up to Don’s. The day was freezing cold and all he wanted to do was have a long, hot shower and not move for a few hours. He knocked on Don’s front door.
‘Anders,’ Don said with a grin as he opened the door. Warmth and the scent of wood smoke drifted out.
‘Hi, Don. I won’t keep you long. Mum made you a meal that she wanted me to drop in.’
‘Come in. Have a cup of tea.’
As much as he wanted that shower, he couldn’t say no. He followed Don down the hall. ‘Forgive me if I stink. I helped Mum and Tony out in the dairy, and I haven’t had a chance to shower yet.’
‘Believe me, at this age, I barely smell anything anymore. You could have bathed in cow shit and I’d be none the wiser.’
Anders laughed.
‘Go put that in the fridge for me, will you? And I’ll get you a cup of tea.’
‘I can make the tea,’ Anders said. ‘You take a seat.’
Don’s house was pokey, much like many of the original houses in the area—small homes were easier to keep warm in the winter months. The carpets were threadbare and the paint on the walls was worn, but it was otherwise tidy and clean.
They made it to the living room—a square space with an original fireplace, embers smouldering in the hearth, and fitted out with decades-old leather chairs and a boxy TV.
Anders did a double take when he noticed out the corner of his eye someone sitting on the lounge.
His eyes widened and he grinned. ‘Neve.’
‘Hi, Anders.’
She was stunning, dressed in a pair of tight jeans, cowboy boots that came up to her mid-shin, and a brown leather jacket. Her blue eyes shone from the small flames in the fireplace.
‘You two obviously know each other,’ Don said. ‘Dating, aren’t you?’
Anders shook his head quickly. Neve was doing the same. ‘Just friends.’
‘Oh, I thought because you two were together when I had my fall—’ he waved his hand, ‘—anyway, never mind.’
‘I was jogging past his house when I saw your dog …’ Neve said.
‘And she freaked out and barged inside to get away from him …’ Anders continued.
‘Anders was completely naked and I saw everything, but it was nothing, it was an accident, you know?’
Don’s eyebrows arched. ‘Yeah, sure, I know how it is. Naked, you say? How unfortunate.’
Neve nodded and smiled as though satisfied with that response.
Anders knew better—the old sod was making fun of them, quite obvious from the suppressed smirk.
Was the fireplace too hot in here? It was a small house after all. ‘I’ll put this in the fridge, shall I?’ He strode away to the kitchen, put the dish in the fridge,
and flicked the jug on to boil. ‘Everyone right for drinks?’ he called out.
‘We’re fine, thanks,’ came Neve’s voice.
Cup of tea in his hand, he met Don and Neve in the living room and sank down onto the spare seat beside Neve.
‘I dropped a meal off for Don too,’ she said.
Anders faced Don and smiled. ‘That should keep you fed for a few nights at least.’
‘I’m very appreciative.’
Anders remembered then that he smelled like a literal beast. Inconspicuously, he shifted a little further away from Neve and sniffed at his jumper.
‘I ran into your mum and dad at football,’ she said.
Anders sipped his tea a little too deeply and it burnt his throat. He did his best not to wince as his mouth was all but scolded. ‘Yes, they mentioned that. I didn’t realise you were there.’
‘I wanted to watch Jager play.’
‘I didn’t see you after the match. I would have come and said hello.’ Would he have? He had never done that before unless he bumped into her in passing.
He glanced at Don from the corner of his eye. He was watching their exchange with amused interest.
‘I had an appointment booked with a client, so I had to leave straight after.’
He nodded, had another sip of tea, making sure he didn’t gulp it this time. It was still too hot against his lips.
‘You played really well. Your centre clearances were vital to you guys winning.’
Warmth flushed his neck and cheeks, and he wanted to drown his face in his scalding tea. What was he, twelve years old? ‘Thanks.’
She smiled. ‘Ah, anyway, Don. I won’t keep you any longer,’ she said, standing. ‘I’m really glad to see you out of hospital and doing well.’
‘Thanks for stopping by. No need to wait until I’ve knocked myself out to do so.’
‘I won’t. I hope you enjoy the curried sausages. They’re Mum’s recipe, so fingers crossed I’ve done her justice.’
‘I’m sure they’ll be wonderful.’
Don tensed his hands on the armrest, ready to stand, but Neve waved at him to stay put. ‘I can find my own way out. Have a good afternoon. See you next weekend, Anders.’
She gave a short wave and strode away. When the front door closed, Don looked at him with a teasing grin. ‘I may not be able to smell, but I can still see. And I could see from three miles away that you are very fond of that young woman.’
Anders leant back against the couch, his shoulders sagging. ‘Don, I think you may be right about that.’
Chapter 7
Neve stepped through the church doors at the head of the long aisle decorated with flowers. Rows of pews filled with people adorned in lovely dresses and suits bordered the long stretch of carpet towards the altar.
Xanthi, the matron of honour, strode down the aisle first, the centrepiece for every guest’s focus. After a well-timed gap, Neve began her ascent, wearing a long mauve vintage dress and holding a bouquet of peonies (early bloomers imported from Western Australia).
Wil awaited his bride, his torso held high, chin angled with pride. He wore a vintage suit and suspenders, which fit his enormous frame well. A white cowboy hat, the very same that made millions of viewers of Catch Me a Cowboy swoon, sat atop his head. Anticipation shaped his handsome face.
But the groom wasn’t where Neve’s attention flittered. No, her focus was on Anders—tall, upright and so deliciously broad in his matching vintage suit. His dark hair was combed back in a sleek retro twenties style.
His strong square jaw was cleanly shaven. Under the church lighting and amidst the streams of colourful daylight coming through the lead-glass windows, his hazel eyes blazed.
She tried not to look at him, but she couldn’t help herself. He watched her too, and it was as though they were captivated by one another.
Maybe it was the emotion of the day, the magic of a wedding, or that they all were dressed in their very best, but Anders was making her breathless and full with desire. At the end of the aisle, she smiled at him. He grinned back, dimples flashing.
She was taking her position with the other bridesmaids when there was a collective gasp and all the heads in the pews turned.
The bride had entered the room.
Emily stood dressed in an enchanting white vintage dress, close fitting and simple. On her feet, she wore white cowboy boots that came to her mid-shin and were studded with glittering diamantes.
The exaltation on Wil’s face, the shiny tears in his deep blue eyes, as he watched his beautiful bride walk towards him, music filling the room, was enchanting.
Neve looked out over all the guests and stopped when she found Emily’s mum. Tears of joy filled her eyes. Her grin was unfaltering as Emily’s dad kissed his daughter’s cheek and gave her away to Wil.
A deep throbbing pang filled Neve’s chest. She tried to ignore what that painful heat was saying, but the more she evaded it, the stronger it became. A tight achiness worked up her throat. Tears pricked.
When it came time for Neve to get married, she wouldn’t have any parents watching on. A deep surge of loneliness moved through muscle and bone, hollowing her out.
She searched for her brother, needing that one connection to the life she used to have when her mum was well. Jager was already watching her, a frown on his face. He mouthed, ‘You’ve got this’.
Neve drew a deep, steadying breath in and wiped the tears that had fallen onto her cheeks. I’ve got this. I’ve got this.
The ceremony began with the pastor welcoming everyone in attendance. Neve turned her focus to the bride and groom and allowed herself to be wrapped up in the occasion and admire the love that pulsed so strongly between Wil and Emily throughout the entire ceremony.
Vows exchanged, the newlyweds made their way down the aisle, hand in hand. The guests clapped and cheered and some dabbed their wet cheeks with tissues. Each bridesmaid lined up with a groomsman and followed behind the newlyweds, exactly like they’d practised at rehearsals.
‘You look beautiful today,’ Anders said, linking his arm with hers.
She held tight to all that hard strength beneath his suit jacket. The heat from his body flooded her with tingly warmth. ‘Thank you. You look great too.’
He grinned, deep dimples creasing his cheeks. His smile was big and generous and completely gorgeous—changed his entire face. How had she not seen it before?
She turned towards the guests and caught Jager’s eye. He was watching her with slightly narrowed eyes. She poked her tongue out at him and broke through his steely gaze because he laughed and inconspicuously flipped her off.
***
After general photos in the church lobby with a private photographer and by the Catch Me a Cowboy film crew, the bridal party were driven, each couple in their own vintage car, to the Parker Family Farm for more outdoor, scenic pictures.
Champagne in an ice bucket along with two crystal flutes awaited Neve and Anders in the backseat. In an enclosed space like this, Anders’ size was pronounced. His head almost skimmed the roof and his shoulders seemed to occupy all the space inside the car.
‘Drink?’ he asked.
‘Sure. Seems like the type of day to celebrate.’
He grinned as he handed her both flutes. The cork released with a soft pop into the palm of his hand. Anders poured the amber champagne and held his glass up. ‘Cheers.’
She chimed the crystal against his. ‘Cheers.’ She leant back in her seat as she had a sip of the fruity bubbly. ‘I’m so glad I was paired with you now.’
His brows rose. ‘Glad to hear it.’
‘Can you imagine how awkies it would be travelling with a stranger all the way out to the farm? I know we did the blind-artist night, but still, it wouldn’t be as fun.’
He smiled but only enough that his left dimple creased. ‘Imagine if you hated the person you were partnered with. This entire day would be some kind of hell.’
‘Oh god, yes. I don’t even want to thin
k about it.’ She lifted her glass in the air. ‘To great coupling, um … pairing, you know what I mean.’
He tipped his head back and laughed. ‘Here, here.’ Then he chimed his glass with hers and had a mouthful. ‘I’ve had a bad wedding experience like that.’
‘Oh, no. Really?’
‘I was best man for a good mate, and we all flew up to North Queensland for the wedding. The bridesmaid I was with was super shy. I didn’t know her at all, but by the end of the night—’ he grinned, ‘—I didn’t know her any better.’
Neve giggled.
‘She spoke no more than three words to me the entire day. Honestly, I tried. But it was awkward and my voice would drift off to a whisper then silence because she gave me zero indication she was even listening. I was starting to wonder if I stank or something. She ended up drinking too much and vomited all over my lap during the reception.’
‘Oh my god. That is horrendous.’
‘And the smell of vomit gives me raging headaches. So, head pounding, I had to take my pants off in the toilets and wash them in the sink. I had people coming in and looking at me as though I was some kind of moron standing there in my jocks, trying to dry my trousers under the hand dryer, which was never going to happen.’
Neve burst out laughing.
‘I had to go back out to the reception with completely soaked trousers, wet drops dripping into my shoes and I was leaving water marks on the chairs. I was too embarrassed to leave my seat because people thought I had some kind of bladder problem. So my partner gets a second wind after her vom session and starts kissing one of the other groomsmen like they are teenagers right beside me.’
Neve laughed so much her stomach ached. ‘I think I heard about that. Jager was there too?’
‘Yeah. He gave me so much stick because he was paired with this lovely, bubbly girl who was heaps of fun. I ended up going back to the hotel early.’
‘How horrible.’
‘When Wil asked me to be in his bridal party, I was honoured. Really I was. But my guts churned, thinking I was going to have to endure another night like that.’
‘The joys of weddings. Some are so much fun but most are boooooring.’
Meet Me in the Middle (Wattle Valley, #2) Page 5
