by Smith, Wendy
When he’s gone, I lean over my wastepaper basket and dry heave.
What just happened?
* * *
I head out toward my car. There are sprinkles of rain, and I turn my face to the sky to curse the dark clouds overhead. They don’t help my mood.
“Are you okay?” Becky’s just got to her car, and she looks at me with concern all over her face.
I don’t even know what to say.
“I’m always here to talk if you need to. Owen—”
“It’s nothing to do with Owen,” I snap, but I don’t mean to.
She frowns. “Okay. Sorry I asked.”
“It’s okay, Becky, and I’m sorry I snapped. It’s just that—”
“If you’re feeling better tomorrow, we’ll talk.” She starts her car and backs out of her park. I sigh as she disappears into the distance and open my car door.
Turning the key in the ignition, the engine splutters. That’s it. It doesn’t start. There’s nothing but a sick noise, and I slam the steering wheel in exasperation. “Damn it.”
The only thing I need now is Nathan Webster to show up and offer to help me. As it is, I don’t know what to do about his proposition.
Grabbing my phone out of my bag, I call Owen. I’m stressed and tired, and I just need him.
“Ginny?”
“Hey. My car died in the car park at school. Is now a good time? Would you be able to come and pick me up?”
“Of course. You okay? You sound stressed.”
“I’ll be happier when you get here.”
“No problem. I’ll give Adam a call. He can take a look at the car.”
“Thanks, Owen.”
“Love you, Gin.”
I smile. Knowing how special those words are coming from him, I can’t help it.
“Love you too.”
20
Owen
There’s something wrong.
Ginny hasn’t said as much, but she’s giving me one-word answers, and her head’s turned to look out the window.
It’s just not her.
We’re halfway back to my place, and I’m taking my time as the rain is torrential. Twenty minutes ago, it was spitting. Now, the rain falls in large, heavy drops that pummel the roof of the car.
“What’s wrong?”
She sighs. “I just have a lot going on, and I need to work out what to do about it.”
“Is it us? Have I done something wrong?”
She turns her tear-stained face to me, her eyes filling with horror. “No. Owen. What we have is perfect.”
“You’re crying. Something’s going on with you, and I need to know what it is so I can fix it.”
Ginny shakes her head. “You can’t fix it.”
I place my hand on her knee. “I can try. If it makes you sad, it needs to be taken care of. I don’t want those beautiful eyes full of tears.” I smile. “There’s still some time before I have to pick up Ava from day care, so let’s get some time alone.”
“Why do you always say the right things at the right time?” She says the words between sobs. I’m still none the wiser, but I’ll be damned if I ever see her this upset again. I need to get to the bottom of this.
I pull into my driveway, and we run into the house. We’ll both need a change of clothing after this. At least Ginny has some clothes at my place. I still have to go and get Ava from day care, but there’s something I need to take care of first.
“Come here.” I grab Ginny’s arm and pull her toward the sofa. With her in my arms, she’s protected, safe. There’s nothing in the world that can beat me when I’m with her. “Tell me what’s happened.”
She nods.
And then she tells me.
* * *
She’s on the couch, wrapped in a blanket and holding the big mug of hot chocolate I just made her.
I pace the living room, anger making my blood boil at the thought of that man being anywhere near her. How many others have there been over the years? Ginny, my Ginny, being harassed. She’s an angel.
“Owen, sit down.”
I fist my hands and flex. “I’m so angry. I knew the day of Cara and Ryan’s funeral something was up with your reaction to him, and I just thought it was because he was your boss. And then I let it go when you told me it was nothing.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispers.
Letting out a loud breath, I sit on the couch and take the cup from her hand, placing it on the table. “I’m sure you thought it would go away.”
“I’ve lived here for three years. He’s been here so long I thought people would believe him over me. Plus, today’s the first day he’s really tried something.”
Reaching up, I stroke her face, pushing her hair behind her ear. “You’ve done wonders for the kids you’ve taught. I’ve seen that with Max. It counts for a lot, Ginny. The world needs soft-hearted people like you, even if there are monsters out there who will try to take advantage.” Taking her hand in mine, I press my lips to it. “I’ve got to go and slay a monster.”
Her eyes wide. “Owen.”
“You’re my girl, and no one pulls that shit on you.”
“What are you going to do?”
I smile. “Pretty sure Mrs Webster will have something to say about this. She and I go way back.”
Ginny’s face blanches, and I don’t need her to tell me what she’s thinking.
“No, I didn’t sleep with her. But a lot of people in this town are regular visitors to my bakery. Her included.”
“Please don’t hurt her.”
I lean over, and give Ginny a lingering kiss. The easiest thing in the world would be to stay. This whole thing is screwing up the limited time we have alone together. But some things are more important. Taking care of this problem is a biggie.
“You’re amazing. I hope I’m making you realise that. You’re scared and hurt, and all you’re worrying about is someone else’s feelings.” I kiss her again. “But let me tell you what I know. There is nothing in the world I won’t do to protect you. That’s what love is, and with you I finally worked that out.”
Ginny flings her arms around my neck. “When we started this, I didn’t know what would happen. I’m so glad I took the chance.”
For a moment, I breathe her in. I never thought it was possible to love someone this much.
My whole life, I’ve been scarred. I’ll never forget that moment as a twelve-year-old, not understanding why my dad was kissing someone else. He loved my mum, didn’t he? It left me so confused for so long, but with Ginny there is no confusion.
She lets go, cupping my face and looking into my eyes. “You’re everything to me, Owen.”
I’m too choked up to speak at first. Everything I feel is in her eyes. “I feel the same way, sweetheart. It’s not one of our nights, but I don’t want you going home alone tonight. Stay here. I’m going to do what I can to protect you.”
“I know,” she whispers.
With a final kiss, I head towards the door, turning as I get there.
“I’ll grab Ava on the way home. I love you, Ginny.”
“Love you too.”
* * *
I take a deep breath before raising my hand to knock on Kelly Webster’s door.
She’s a regular customer, and a nice person. I hate to lay this on her, but if this has happened to anyone else, she needs to know. I have enough respect for her to tell her the truth.
The Websters never had any children, and maybe that’s why I’m not so fazed by telling her. With Ava in my life, I can’t imagine what a breakup with Ginny would mean to her. It’s my job to protect her from anything like that.
I tap the door, and Kelly smiles as she opens it.
“Owen Campbell. What a pleasant surprise.
“I need to talk to you.”
“Oh?” Her eyebrows dip in concern, and my stomach twists into a knot. But I’m determined to see this through. She needs to know. “Come in.”
She leads me into their living room.
It’s a cosy little place, and there are pictures on the mantel of her and Nathan. If it wasn’t for Ginny back home, I’d leave and let her live out the rest of her life without knowing. But I can’t do that.
I sit on the couch where she indicates.
“Would you like a coffee? Tea?”
I shake my head. “Thank you, but I’d really just like to talk.”
She sits beside me.
Taking a deep breath, I focus on her. “Well, it’s like this. Ginny’s been invited to a conference for special needs children after the work she’s done with Max.”
Kelly nods. “Nathan’s been talking about it. Sounds like a big deal.”
“It is. For Ginny, anyway.” I swallow. “See, the thing is that Nathan’s told Ginny he only wants to book one hotel room for the two of them.”
Her expression tightens.
“I don’t want to hurt you. Ginny’s such a sweetheart. She’s been uncomfortable for a while, but didn’t want to rock the boat with the kids she looks after, and—”
She sighs. “I’ve heard rumours. Just didn’t want to believe them. Let me deal with this.”
“I’m so sorry, Kelly. I just need to do what I can to protect my girl.”
Her lips twitch. “Never thought I’d see the day when you had a girl to protect. There are plenty of rumours about you, too.”
“I wish I could put a stop to them.”
She nods. “You’re a good man. If people don’t understand that, it’s on them, not you.”
The door opens, and Nathan Webster strolls in. He fixes his gaze on me.
“I’ll see myself out. Kelly.” I nod toward Nathan. “Nathan.”
I leave the house with a smile on my face. There’s no way I’d want to be in Nathan Webster’s shoes right now. His wife has always come across as tough as nails.
Ginny’s safety is my number-one priority, and now I know she’ll be out of danger.
She’s all that matters.
* * *
On the way home, I stop at day care to pick up Ava.
At the sight of me, she runs from the other side of the room, launching herself into my arms. I hold her tight, kissing her temple. “Ready to go home, sweet pea?”
She nods.
“Did you have a good day?”
Linda walks toward me, a smile on her face. “We had a great day. She’s doing so well, Owen. I’m sure that’s all down to you and the great care you’re taking of her.”
“We’re trying to take care of each other. Aren’t we, Ava?”
Ava wraps her arms around my neck and squishes her face against mine.
“I think she’s almost back to how she was before …”
I nod. “That’s the goal. Make her a happy little girl who feels safe. No more crazy stuff. See you tomorrow.”
Plucking her bag from the peg, I turn and walk us back out toward the car.
“Owen?” Ava says.
“Yes?”
“Can I have a gingerbread man when we get home?
Home. My heart warms at the word. “Sure thing. Although I think you need to cut back on how many you’re eating. You might turn into a gingerbread man.”
Ava giggles, and it fills my heart.
Things are coming right.
* * *
Sleep doesn’t come easy.
Despite my conversation with Kelly Webster, I still worry about Ginny. She’s had concerns about her career with this. Could I have made things worse?
No. Worse would have been her feeling pressured enough to go to that conference and share a room with Nathan.
Whatever happens, she’s got me.
Rolling over, I study her features. Despite the night light I bought her, Ava still prefers it if the hall light’s on, and it means I have enough light to take in Ginny. She’s so at peace now, far from the stress of earlier today.
I love her so much.
It’s nearly two when I get out of bed and head to the kitchen. Baking soothes my soul, and if I can’t sleep, I might as well try and tire myself out.
On the bench is a bag of gluten-free flour. I bought it to experiment and try some new recipes. If Ginny needs it, there’ll be other people who do, surely. Maybe the first time I tried selling it, it was ahead of the trend. Regardless, I’ll make something for her.
Measuring out the ingredients, I tip my dough onto the floured board I bought for the occasion. I don’t know how this will turn out, but it’ll be worth it for the look on her face.
“What are you doing?” Ginny’s voice comes from behind me.
“Making gluten-free bread.” I turn to look at her as she steps into the room.
She runs her fingers through her long, brown hair. “It’s two in the morning.”
“I couldn’t sleep. This is what I do when I can’t sleep.” Kneading the dough, I shape it under my hands.
She slips her arms around my waist and kisses my shoulder. “Come back to bed. Why can’t you sleep? What’s wrong?”
I heave a breath. “Everything. Nothing.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m worried that I’ve made things worse for you with the way I handled Nathan. And I worry about Ava. What am I doing, Ginny? What happens if I do something wrong?”
She lets go of me and moves to my side. I turn my head to look at her.
“How do you think other parents work it out? Parenting is trial and error. You’re trying your best for that little girl, and you’re doing an amazing job. Stop second-guessing yourself.”
I sigh. “I can’t help it.”
“And as for me, I’m just glad I told you about it.”
“I can’t believe you hadn’t told anyone here. Especially me.”
She runs her hand down my back. “He didn’t make any real move until he suggested the shared motel room. Oh, there was innuendo, and sometimes the way he looked at me made me uncomfortable. But I doubted myself. And you did nothing wrong. You took care of me.”
I let go of the bread and turn to her. My hands are caked with gluten-free flour, but she takes them in hers.
“I love you, Owen. Once I thought maybe this whole Nathan thing was me imagining things, and I thought about leaving town just to get away from the situation. But nothing would drag me from this place now. Not with you and now Ava to love.”
Cupping her face, I press my lips to hers. Her mouth opens a little, enough for me to run my tongue over her own. I lose it when her breathing quickens. “Maybe we should go back to bed.”
She shakes her head. “You’ve got bread to finish.”
“I’ll leave it to rise and bake it in the morning.” I drop my hands, and smile at the spots of flour on her cheeks. “Come here.”
Pulling her in front of me, I pick up her hands and place them on the bread.
“What are you doing?” She laughs.
“You can finish kneading the bread.”
She squeezes the dough, and I slip my hands between hers and show her what to do.
“Did you always want to be a baker?” she asks.
“Always. Baking was something Mum and I used to do together, and I loved every second of it.” I pause. Mum hasn’t done any baking for a long time. I doubt she’ll do any more. “I loved being able to use my hands, and it wasn’t just about the food. It was about the art.”
I nuzzle Ginny’s neck as she keeps kneading. Placing my hands on her hips, I press myself against her.
“How much is too much?” she asks.
“Never enough,” I murmur, having lost interest in the bread. I’m far more interested in her skin.
“Owen.” She laughs.
“It’s fine.” I reach around her and shape the dough into a loaf, placing it on a nearby tray.
“So that’ll be ready to go in the morning?”
“It doesn’t need that much time, but once I go back to bed with you, I’m not getting up again.”
She slips her arms around my neck. “Thank you.”
“What for?�
��
“For baking me bread. For loving me the way I love you.”
“You know, that offer is always open for you to move in.”
Ginny pulls me in for a kiss. “Soon,” she whispers.
“Better be soon. You’re busting my balls when you’re not here.”
She giggles.
We leave a trail of flour all the way back to the bedroom, and I don’t care in the slightest.
I only wish she’d stay every night.
21
Ginny
Jessica Turfrey’s waiting for me in my classroom when Owen drops me off in the morning. She’s the deputy principal, and my stomach clenches at the sight of her.
“Ginny.” She smiles.
“Hi, Jessica. How’s it going?”
She clasps her hands together. “Nathan Webster resigned last night. I’ll be the acting principal.”
I nod, and wonder how much she knows.
“Becky Lane is going to be acting deputy principal until the board makes its appointments, but I’m certain they’ll take my recommendations with everything being such short notice. So, with that in mind, I wondered if you were interested in the role of senior school team leader.”
My stomach flips. “Me?”
“Everyone loves you, Ginny.” She takes a big breath. “I had a call from Kelly Webster last night telling me what happened. For years, there have been whispers about Nathan, and there was something not quite right, but there wasn’t any proof.”
I burst into tears. Owen believes in me. He never once questioned my story, and he’s always on my side. Maybe I didn’t give anyone else enough credit.
“Oh no.” Jessica slips her arms around me, and I cry on her shoulder.
“I didn’t know if anyone would believe me.”
She gapes. “Why wouldn’t we?”
“He’s been here for so long, and I didn’t know if it’d be taken seriously.”
Jessica smiles. “Sounds to me like you’ve got a good man who went into battle for you. And I’m sorry you didn’t feel like you could come to me. I would have listened.”
