The Shearer's Wife
Page 28
Zara looked up at him, her hand going up to cover his. ‘I know,’ she answered simply. Turning her head, she looked at Dave, who had sat down next to Kim. ‘Thank you.’
He nodded. ‘All in a day’s work!’
Lynda jumped up. ‘I’ve got something for you,’ she said, before going to her bag. She drew out a photograph and handed the frame to Zara. ‘Maybe seeing them every day will help.’
Reaching out, Zara felt goosebumps prickle her skin as she looked at her brother’s smiling face and then at her dad’s. They both looked back at her from the creek on Rowberry Glen. Her dad was in the driver’s seat of his old ute and Will was on the back.
She traced the outlines of their faces and swallowed hard. Helen had made her sit with the uncomfortable feeling of grief for a few minutes earlier that day, so now she recognised the feeling and understood it was okay to feel this way. To feel the emptiness and sadness. In time, it would lessen. Talking would help too and never forgetting them. But right now, she felt like she had two men who were protecting her from a higher realm.
‘It’s beautiful. Thanks, Mum,’ Zara said, setting the picture gently on the table. ‘I’m so glad you’re all here. Thank you for caring so much about me—I’m sure there were times when you wondered what was going on, but now we know. Getting better will take time, but I’m up for the challenge if you guys are alongside me.’
Jack raised his beer, toasting her. ‘We wouldn’t be anywhere else.’
‘Hear, hear,’ Dave and James said together as Kim leaned over and squeezed her hand.
‘Of course we are.’
Zara’s phone buzzed.
Just got your article on the granny story, and I’m happy to admit I was wrong. Now get on with the politician story please. Lachie.
Acknowledgements
The biggest thank yous and love go to:
Everyone from A&U, but mostly Tom, Annette, Christa and Sarah. Laura, looking forward to working with you on this book.
Gaby Naher, from Left Bank Literary.
DB.
Rochelle and Hayden. Rocket and Jack.
Carolyn, Heather, Robyn, Kelly (even though you don’t read), Lauren and Graham, Ewin, Jan and Pete, Chrissy, Bev, Lee and Paul and Al.
Mum, Dad, Nicholas, Ellie, Elijah and Chloe.
Tanya.
Everyone who reads these books.
As always, it’s hard to find the words to thank everyone. You have my heart and I have yours.
I know our world has changed so much since I wrote to you all last. I’m wishing you health and safety and hope you find a little bit of escapism within these pages—written when life was normal.