Outback Heart

by Palmer, Fiona

  ‘I agree. It was beautiful. You did wonderfully, Indi,’ said Maddie before crouching down to talk to the child whose chubby little hand was in hers. ‘What is it, Hayden?’

  ‘Where’s Cooper?’ he asked. He looked so cute in his little black pants and shirt. Maddie always dressed the twins the same.

  ‘Cooper’s with Daddy. Shall we find them?’

  Hayden nodded his head, his blond curls shaking. ‘Okay,’ he said.

  Maddie gave them a tired-mother smile. ‘I’ll catch up with you at the cemetery,’ she said. Maddie hugged them both, touched Tegan’s belly and kissed Lizzy before slowly walking Hayden outside to find his twin.

  Indi felt a hand on her shoulder. ‘You know, Mrs Mitchell, I had a horrible feeling while listening to that speech that you were talking at my funeral.’ Indi turned around and stepped into Troy’s embrace, careful not to wake Lizzy. ‘You did good up there, Indi,’ he whispered.

  ‘Thanks. You know, what I said is true for us too. Every moment with you is a blessing and I will never regret being with you.’ Indi rested her head against his chest, the sound of his heart strong. She smiled down at Lizzy, who had dozed off despite all the noise. ‘Where were you?’ she asked Troy, stepping back. Indi was well aware that right now Tegan was hurting, and because she couldn’t hold the man she loved it made it all the harder for her to see others who could. Indi reached out for her hand and pulled her close. She would not leave her best friend alone.

  ‘Sorry. Ty needed to go to the toilet. Our son has the worst timing ever. He found Cooper and the two of them are running around the trees,’ said Troy.

  Tegan laughed. ‘Oh, Ty so takes after Jasper in that department. His timing’s never been great.’

  ‘Yeah, look how long it took him to ask you out.’ A year after Tegan broke up with Jaffa, Jasper finally got up the nerve. Tegan had been waiting long enough.

  Indi felt her chest constrict as she remembered Jasper playing with Ty and Lizzy. He loved being with Ty and the twins so much and couldn’t wait to be a dad himself one day. He’d spend hours trying to teach them to kick a football or just playing with Matchbox cars in the sandpit.

  As Indi glanced at Tegan’s huge belly she felt so many questions burning inside her. Why Jasper? Why now? He would have been a wonderful father. He had been so excited about the baby, had already built it a crib and turned Indi’s old room into a nursery.

  Tegan was tugging on her hand and when Indi glanced up Tegan had that knowing smile, as if she knew exactly what she was thinking.

  ‘We’ll be fine, Indi. I’m just so happy to have a part of Jasper with me. Our child will grow up knowing everything about his dad, how wonderful he was. We will make it.’ Tegan sniffed back her tears.

  ‘You’ll never be alone. Not with us crazy mob around. And I mean the whole of Hyden when I say that.’ Indi smiled at her sister-in-law.

  Troy put his hand on Tegan’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. ‘She certainly didn’t mean me. I’m not crazy.’ He winked at Indi, before wrapping his arm around Tegan.

  ‘Hey, Tegan,’ Pat said. ‘Beautiful speech. You too, sis.’ Pat’s eyes were hidden behind his sunglasses but she could see his cheeks were puffy. ‘Troy?’ said Pat, nodding his head in the direction of the coffin.

  ‘Yep. Let’s go,’ said Troy, following Pat. They were joined by Allan and James. The four of them carried Jasper’s coffin down the church aisle, lined on both sides by the Hyden–Karlgarin footy team.

  Indi and Tegan were about to follow when the strangest sight appeared in the doorway.

  ‘Kingy?’ said Indi. He stood before them with his hair cut and beard trimmed. He’d showered and was dressed up in an old suit. Indi muttered, ‘Well, I’ll be damned.’

  ‘I’m so sorry. Such a shock when I heard. I don’t know much about aneurisms but I’m sure there was nothing anyone could have done.’ Kingy reached out and touched their arms. ‘I’m sorry. He was a top bloke. Always had time for me, stopping for a chat. I’ll never forget him.’

  Kingy smiled and shuffled away. Indi had fresh tears blurring her eyes. As she glanced at Tegan she realised she was the same. ‘He’s right, you know. There was nothing we could have done.’

  ‘If only I’d pushed him harder to go to the doctor for his headaches.’

  Indi pointed her finger at Tegan. ‘Do not ever think that again. We could all blame ourselves for not pushing Jasper, but none of us were to know. He wouldn’t want you feeling responsible. He’d want you to move on and make a great life for you and your child.’ She put her hand on Tegan’s belly. ‘You know I’m right.’

  Tegan smiled. ‘Jasper was right: you are a bit bossy.’ Then Tegan laughed. ‘Oh, was Kingy really in a suit?’

  Indi chuckled. ‘It was so sweet of him to come.’

  Tegan and Indi began to file out of the church behind the mourners.

  Indi smiled up into the clear blue sky, so huge, picturing Jasper with their mum, and for a moment Indi was a little envious that Jasper got to be with her. They would take care of each other.

  Indi understood. You lose people in life – that’s the way it goes – but it’s how you move on and remember them that counts, and Indi really wanted to make it count. Kissing her sleeping daughter, she turned back to join the slow-moving crowd and continue on her journey.

  Joshua Kane Joyce

  ‘Yoda’

  JOSH was born a perfect healthy baby on 3 July 1985. He was raised on ‘Glensarsfield’, the family farm, near Kukerin, a small rural community in Western Australia. He grew up alongside his younger brother and sister.

  He attended primary school at Kukerin and in 1998 started boarding at Aquinas College in Perth.

  A year later, in September 1999, Josh was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy. His heart weakened steadily. In October 2000, Josh underwent life-saving surgery and a device known as a Heart Mate was inserted. The device was only temporary and a heart transplant would be the only option for Josh. Just over three months later this young man was back in his school uniform determined to get on with life and get back to school and his mates.

  Within a few short weeks, on 22 February 2001, Josh was back in hospital receiving the most wonderful gift of life, a new heart.

  Josh resumed his life, intent on really living it. After school he enrolled in Uni and graduated with a Bachelor of Agribusiness. Josh, however, did not see fit to be at his own graduation ceremony. He instead opted for his certificate to be posted, as it was far more important that he get home to the farm, onto the header, and on with harvest.

  From Uni he was accepted in the Westpac Graduate Program in Ballarat, which led to employment at the Westpac Banks in Esperance and Lake Grace. But there was an obvious yearning to get back to the family farm.

  Josh’s return to ‘Glensarsfield’ in some ways was perhaps the most significant part of his life. It was back in Kukerin that Josh was able to fulfil dreams, be content and achieve his sporting milestones. He was an accomplished golfer and loved his cricket.

  The Joyce family shared an incredible journey with Royal Perth and they will be forever grateful for the love and commitment that was shown to their Josh.

  Most importantly, how blessed we all were to share Josh’s life over the last ten years. We witnessed a boy grow into a man and this was because of the generosity of one person and that person’s family. This life-giving gift was never taken for granted, it was treasured. To the donor family, Ronni, Colin, Ashleigh and Kalan are extremely grateful and forever indebted.

  Because of what we know, and the importance of how it affects us, we ask that you please give serious consideration to organ donation.

  Taken from Josh’s eulogy. Written and spoken by Josh’s godfather, Tom Pearce.

  Acknowledgements

  This book is a work of fiction, yet I’ve based it in the real town of Hyden, which is just up the road from me. I love using real towns to show what we have in rural Western Australia.

  Writing a book is
never a solo effort. Many thanks go to my friends and family who are always there to lend a hand (or an ear). My in-laws, Leanne and Michael Dunphy, thanks for your help. To Granny and Poppy Bob Palmer and my parents, thanks for having the kids when I need to run off for an event. Also thanks to Jane Abbott, Jacinta and Colin Holmes, and Catherine and Craig Mayfield for your reading and input. Big thanks to Grant Medlen (& Trish) for my profile photos. To Rebecca South and Brodie Simmons, thanks for the proofreading. To the Karlgarin–Hyden hockey girls, thanks for being awesome and the reason I venture out during winter. Also, as promised, thanks to Cint, Missy, Robbo, Ren, Kaz, Snowy, Janeo, Kel, Jen, Mandy, Chloe, Heather, Simo, Nic and Bev. You rock, see you next year at CW.

  To Ali Watts, thank you for being not just my publisher but also my sounding board. You offer guidance and manage to bring out the best in my writing. Your input is so highly valued and I treasure our working relationship. Thanks to Caro Cooper for your wonderful edits, working with you is so easy. To Heidi McCourt, Laura Thomas and the rest of the Penguin team who help put this book together, thank you so much.

  Troy’s story came about after the passing of Josh, who was well know throughout our wider community. When I read his eulogy in the local Lakes Link News, I knew this would be my next story.

  I approached Josh’s parents, Ronni and Colin, sharing my ideas for this story, and they were so open and giving right from the beginning. Not even a year had gone since his passing and yet they proudly shared his life with me. I will forever be grateful. I am donating part of the proceeds of this book to Transplant Australia to help people like the Joyce family. Donate Life. www.donatelife.gov.au

  Thanks to my own wonderful family, especially my mum, Sue, who is always there to support me in any way. I appreciate you and love you to bits.

  And lastly to those who already have my heart and are taking such good care of it, Darryl, Mackenzie and Blake. I love you. Thanks for being so amazing.

  Please think about becoming an organ donor. I certainly will be when the time comes. I love how one life can save another.

  MICHAEL JOSEPH

  Published by the Penguin Group

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  First published by Penguin Books Australia 2013

  Text copyright © Fiona Palmer 2013

  The moral right of the author has been asserted

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  Cover and text design by Laura Thomas © Penguin Group (Australia)

  Cover photographs: Woman: Mila Supinskaya/Shuttestock.com,

  landscape: Richard Fairless/Getty Images, sky: Serg64/Shutterstock.com

  Photograph on page i: Steve Waters/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images

  Photo on pages ii-iii: David Steele/Shutterstock.com

  penguin.com.au

  ISBN: 9780857971852

  ALSO BY FIONA PALMER

  CJ Wishart is a hardworking country girl with a heart of gold but a life that can be tough. Her job as a wool classer is back-breaking, her family life is a disaster and, after a string of dating debacles, she’s put men in the too-hard basket.

  When strong, handsome Lindsay arrives on the scene as their new shearer, CJ can’t help but take notice. They have an undeniable spark, but can she handle the complications and potential heartbreak of falling in love?

  With help from her friend and an endearing old farmer, CJ learns that when you stay true to yourself and open your heart, anything is possible.

  Set in the colourful world of the shearing sheds, this is a lively and uniquely Australian story of love overcoming adversity.

  ‘Heartfelt’

  WEEKEND GOLD COAST BULLETIN

  ‘A rollicking romance that will have readers cheering on the heroine and her good-looking beau.’

  WEEKLY TIMES

  Isabelle Simpson longs to take over the family farm, but her ailing father won’t give her a chance. The standoff between them threatens to tear the family apart. Handsome neighbor Will Timmins holds the secret to building bridges between them, if Izzy can forgive him his past.

  Izzy is forced to make a tough decision – sacrifice an exciting new romance or relinquish her lifelong dream? But then unexpected tragedy falls on the farm, and Izzy is thrown the greatest challenge of all.

  As she gathers with family and friends by the shade of the gum-tree tavern, confessions are made, long-held secrets are revealed and hearts are set free.

  ‘A good-old-fashioned love story.’

  SUNDAY MAIL BRISBANE

  ‘Palmer has produced a well-crafted novel with strong sense of time and place in which Australian country life is vividly drawn.’

  SOUND TELEGRAPH

  When your life is at a crossroads, how do you find the road home?

  Lara Turner has a boyfriend, a nice house in the city and a chance at a big promotion. So when her brother calls asking her to come home, she hesitates. Can she face the memories that inhabit the beloved place of her childhood? And how does she feel with the news it’s to be sold? Could she be the answer to saving the family farm?

  Jack Morgan has memories of his own to contend with. A falling out with his family and a bitter end to a past relationship have left a big chip on his shoulder. When his best mate’s beautiful sister arrives on the scene, he finds himself deeply conflicted.

  Lara and Jack have a powerful attraction but are constantly at odds. Will their love of the same land keep them apart, or grow into a love of a different kind?

  From the bestselling author of The Family Farm and Heart of Gold comes a heartwarming novel about finding your true place in the world, and the healing power of the land.

  ‘The Road Home is a heartwarming and enjoyable story . . . a well-written and engaging read.’

  BOOK‘D OUT

  ‘The Road Home is a great additional to your shelf if you love characters and beautiful Aussie landscapes.’

  THE AUSTRALIAN BOOKSHELF

  ‘The Road Home’s farming dilemmas, family conflict and personal struggles make for compelling reading.’

  COUNTRY NEWS

  ‘Fiona Palmer has again delivered a wonderful romance set in Australia’s outback.’

  TOOWOOMBA CHRONICLE

  Jonelle Baxter is a young woman in a man’s world - tough, hardworking motor mechanic from an idyllic country family. But lately things in her perfect life have been changing, and her w
orkshop isn’t the only the local business that’s struggling.

  Daniel Tyler is new in town, posted from the city to manage the comunity bank. As he tries to rein in the spiralling debts of Bundra, he uncovers all sorts of personal dramas and challenges.

  The last thing Jonny and Dan need is an unwanted attraction to each other. She has enough problems just keeping her livelihood going and he’s fighting pressures that stretch all the way to Perth. It’s going to take a good drop of rain to break the drought and bring change in love and in life.

  A moving and heart-warming story about the beauty that’s found in the blush, especially in the most trying of times.

  ‘I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the rural romance genre or who wants to experience a real sense of what it’s like to live (and love) in the outback.’

  GOOD READS

  ‘Fiona Palmer has well and truly earned her place as leading writer of one of Australia’s much-loved genres, rural romance.’

  COUNTRYMAN

  ‘One of my favourites among the recent offerings of rural romance. The writing is brilliant.’

  NEWSCASTLE HERALD

  ‘Palmer’s own passion for the land bleeds into story, her scenes are vivid and genuine, just as her characters are.’

  BOOK’D OUT