Family Farm

by Palmer, Fiona

  ‘Well, you’ve hardly been around now, have you?’

  ‘Guess not. I’ll text you and tell you how much fun I’m having.’

  ‘Yeah, cheers for that.’ Blake checked his watch. ‘Don’t you think it’s about time you got on your big green horse and hightailed it back to work?’

  ‘Gonna let me finish my bloody brekkie? Christ, you’re just itching for us to finish so you can go see Dean.’

  Blake turned her towards the tractor and slapped her on the butt. ‘Off ya go now. I’ll see ya later.’

  She looked back. ‘Bring me some more food at lunchtime. Oh, and maybe some cake.’

  ‘Don’t push your bloody luck. No wonder I don’t like women. You’re a bunch of bossy buggers.’

  Izzy walked to the tractor and sat down in the large rim of the tyre to finish her breakfast and watched Blake wave before he climbed back into the ute and drove out of the paddock.

  Blake had just finished throwing his snacks bag into the front of Izzy’s ute when Will pulled up. ‘How you doing?’ he asked Will.

  ‘All right. Yourself? You heading home now?’ Will’s eyes were drilling into Blake as he tried to read his face for the answer he wanted.

  ‘Not quite. I’m taking over from Izzy so she can go to the engagement party tonight. Are you going?’

  ‘Yeah. I’ll show my face, I think.’

  Will was fidgeting and glancing at his watch. Blake could tell he didn’t really want to stay and chat. ‘It’s good that Izzy’s staying on the farm now. She’s ecstatic about it and I s’pose you are too?’

  Will ran his hand through his soft brown hair. ‘Oh, yeah. She’s a great girl. I’m glad she’s staying, for Bill’s sake,’ he added.

  Blake chuckled. ‘You don’t have to explain anything to me, mate. I can tell you care for her.’ Will looked very nervous, like he was worried about stepping on Blake’s toes. Blake put him out of his misery. ‘Don’t stress. Izzy and I are only friends and it will always stay like that. Trust me. I would have said something sooner but I haven’t had a chance to catch you alone.’

  ‘Huh?’

  The look on Will’s face was priceless. He really was a good-looking man. Blake knew what he had to do. He leaned back on the ute and sighed. ‘Believe me, she’s not my type.’ Will looked slightly offended at Blake’s words, as if they implied something was wrong with Izzy. ‘Don’t get me wrong, she’s a top chick, and if I liked women, she’d be my first pick, but I don’t.’ He saw the light bulb go on in Will’s head.

  Will rested his back on his ute and crossed his arms on his chest. ‘Why didn’t Izzy say something? I thought you two were together.’

  ‘Izzy’s not a gossip. She’d rather wait for me to say something when I’m ready. Being “out” is still a bit new for me, you see.’

  Will wasn’t smiling, but Blake could tell he wanted to – his eyes had lit up like a Christmas tree.

  ‘I take it this is good news?’ Blake didn’t wait for his answer. ‘I really wanted to tell you sooner, but you’ve been avoiding me like the plague.’

  ‘Sorry, I was a bit pissed, you know.’ Will clapped Blake on the shoulder by way of an apology.

  ‘You know you should tell her how you feel. Give her a chance to respond. A good friend once told me the same thing. I know she cares for you.’

  ‘She does? But why hasn’t she —’

  ‘Izzy may be as tough as old boot leather on the outside, but on the inside she’s as fragile as glass. She’s afraid of rocking the boat just in case she loses you as a friend, and I don’t think she could handle you rejecting her either.’ Blake studied Will and smiled. ‘Mate, it’s up to you to make the first move. She’s too darn scared.’

  Blake had said his piece. For now, anyway. He’d be around to try again if they needed a bigger nudge. He held out his hand to Will. ‘I’m off in a few days, so if I don’t see you, good luck.’

  ‘Yeah, see ya,’ Will replied slowly. ‘And thanks.’ He watched Blake get in the ute and drive away. Then, in a daze, he wandered off towards Bill’s house.

  46

  WEARING a singlet, shirt, jumper and jacket, Izzy was snuggled up ready for the party. It was already dark as she drove into Travis’s farm, heading for his shearing shed. She parked behind the nearest utes and stepped out into the cold. Digging her hands deep into her pockets, Izzy was thankful for the large fire roaring just outside the sliding door of the shed. She didn’t stop but kept going on inside to see Jess.

  The shed was decked out with a large table covered with dips and biscuits and a small pile of presents, and heaps of chairs, which were mostly occupied by oldies. Trav and Jess had strung up some large coloured lights to brighten the dark space but they did nothing to hide the strong smell of sheep. She noticed a bathtub full of ice and beer against the wall and went and helped herself. Jess came running up to her and gave her a hug.

  ‘It’s so good to see you again, Izzy. I’m glad you could make it.’

  ‘Congratulations, Jess. I can’t believe it.’

  ‘Me either. Come and sit. We can talk for a few minutes before I go do the rounds. I must catch up with the grandparents before they head off early. I’m sorry about your dad. How’s he going?’

  ‘Coming along, making small improvements but they say he should recover fully. I can’t wait to get him back out on the farm in the fresh air – do him the world of good. But anyway, tell me about the wedding. Have you set a date?’

  ‘We’re thinking a September wedding and that’s about as far as we’ve got. Plenty of time to work out the other details. Just make sure you don’t go nickin’ off again. I can’t have you missing my wedding.’

  ‘Don’t worry, Jess. I’ll be around and I’ll throw you the best hen’s night ever.’

  The cold beer went down nicely as she sat chatting with Jess, all the while her eyes scanning for Will. Blake had said he was coming but she still couldn’t see him. Somehow, the party didn’t seem very exciting without him, and after Jess went to circulate, the stuffiness of the shed got the better of her. Izzy headed out into the crisp night air, relishing its freshness. The flickering fire soon beckoned her and she joined the other blokes in beanies and jackets under the black starry sky. She got chatting to Travis for a while but it wasn’t until he went to find them some more beers that she finally spotted Will. He was leaning up against the shed wall in the dark, and if the glow of the fire hadn’t reached his face, she would have missed him completely. But he hadn’t missed her. His eyes were watching her intently. She raised her beer in a wave. He didn’t acknowledge it. Instead he just kept staring. He was wearing a large jacket over a jumper with a hoodie. One hand was shoved down deep into the pockets of his jeans. He had her pulse racing just seeing him all dark in the shadows with his vibrant blues still watching her.

  Travis came back and handed her the beer. ‘Cheers,’ he said, clinking his bottle with hers.

  She was glad she’d rugged up. She’d brought her beanie too, just in case it got colder.

  ‘Thanks, Trav. Hey, I’ll catch up with you later.’ Izzy nodded and made her way behind the dark bodies that lined the fire’s edge. The entire time she could feel Will’s eyes set on her. It took a moment for her own eyes to adjust away from the flames, but she didn’t need to see clearly to know where his body stood.

  ‘Hey, Will. I was wondering if you’d turned up.’ He didn’t reply. Was he still giving her the cold shoulder? ‘You know Dad’s been talking more and more, and from what I can gather, you had something to do with his change of heart. I don’t know what you said, but thanks. God, I seem to be thanking you a lot lately. You’ve done so much for our family, and I really appreciate it. I am indebted to you forever. Well, at least for a week.’ She tried some humour to see if he’d react.

  ‘No biggie,’ he said quietly.

  ‘Holy shit, he speaks.’ Will laughed at her attempt to faint on the ground, while keeping her beer upright and not spilling a drop. As she stood back up sh
e said, ‘You know, it’s good to hear you laugh. You’ve been a bit distant and I was worried you had the shits with me. I’ve felt the coldness of your shoulder a few times.’ Will wasn’t looking so deadpan now.

  ‘Sorry. I’ve had a few things on my mind, but it’s all sorted now.’

  ‘Good, because I was missing the old Will. Now that I’m back for good, we’re going to be in each other’s pockets, and I can’t have you shitty at me —’

  ‘Izzy, I’m in love with you.’

  ‘— or walking around in a strop all the time. It just wouldn’t be … What did you say?’ Izzy finally caught on. ‘How much have you had to drink, Will Timmins?’ He must be off his trolley, she thought. Either that or he just wanted to shut her up. ‘What did you just say, Will?’ she asked again.

  She must have looked pretty confused because in the next breath he’d caressed her cheek with his cold hands and said, ‘I’m in love with you, kiddo. Can’t believe I didn’t tell you sooner.’

  Then his hot mouth was over hers and she felt the tingle rocket through her body. His hand wrapped itself around her waist and drew her closer. Hungrily she deepened the kiss. All the dreams became distant memories as they paled in comparison to this. Her hands instinctively rose up to his chest, trembling at the sensation it brought. Touching Will was way better than she’d remembered.

  Will pulled back, but only by an inch. His eyes were alive and the passion in them matched her own desires. Her mouth moved but no words came out.

  ‘What are you trying to say, Isabelle Simpson?’

  Izzy brushed back his fringe with her finger and then traced it down to his jaw and lightly across the top of his lips. ‘Just that it’s about bloody time.’ Eagerly she leaned into Will, kissed his neck up to his ear, and whispered, ‘I love you, too.’

  He quivered as he grabbed her bum and pulled her closer while she devoured his neck. Someone wolf whistled, bringing them back to reality, so they broke apart. Will clasped her hand and led her out the back into the dark. He struggled to walk properly as he practically dragged her to his ute. He needed a quiet private spot. He had tasted her and badly needed more. When he got to his ute he pushed her against the door and kissed her hard. Quickly he attacked her jacket and unzipped it before pulling up her assortment of clothes. He found her warm flesh and searched upwards until his fingers found more fabric. Lifting it up and out of the way, he released her silky skin into the palm of his hand and heard a groan. He wasn’t sure whether it was him or Izzy.

  Izzy opened her legs and let Will nestle in closer. The heat they were making was melting her insides. She felt for the door handle and yelped when something licked her hand.

  The light in the ute came on when she opened the door and Izzy had her answer. ‘Oh, Will. You’ve got a new puppy.’ With Will momentarily forgotten, Izzy picked up the most adorable kelpie puppy she’d ever seen. She had a beautiful brown coat with tan spots above her eyes and the cutest floppy ears. Her tiny little paws tried to climb her jumper as she reached up to lick Izzy’s face. ‘She’s gorgeous, Will. What’s her name?’

  ‘Well, she’s not really mine,’ Will said, and saw Izzy’s disappointment. ‘I actually got her for you. She’s yours.’ He shrugged, trying not to make a big deal out of his gesture. ‘Seeing as you weren’t home to name her, I decided to call her Gully. It just seemed to fit, don’t you think?’ Leaning over he kissed her tender lips again. ‘I picked her because she had a lot of spunk and she reminded me of you. I hope you like her. I figured you’re going to need a good sheepdog, seeing as you have the family farm to run now.’

  Words could not describe how deliriously happy Izzy felt. To think she had spent so many years hating him, and now she was completely gaga over the bloke. She had never known such a compassionate and generous man.

  ‘There is just one thing, though,’ said Will, his tone suddenly serious. ‘Gully is used to living at my place and I can’t bear the thought of her leaving, so you’re just gonna have to move in with us.’ Will flashed a devilish look filled with lust. ‘Don’t worry. I’ll make an honest woman of you,’ he said with a wink before grabbing the top of her jeans and pulling her hips close to his.

  Izzy shut the puppy back in the car and snuggled into Will’s hard body. ‘I’m counting on it,’ she sighed against his chest. Breathing deeply the scent of fresh clothes, soap and Will, Izzy was filled with a sense of being home.

  Will nuzzled into her neck eager to continue, but she pulled back. ‘And don’t you think I’m going to be chained to the sink. Oh, and you can wash your own socks too. I’ve smelt those feet.’

  Will laughed, picked her up and sat her on the bonnet of his ute. Wriggling between her thighs, he pulled her close. ‘Now, where were we?’

  47

  TEN MONTHS LATER

  GULLY rushed past Izzy’s legs and around the side of the verandah. It was early evening and the large yellow sun was making its descent, casting the earth in an orange glow. The floorboards groaned as Izzy followed her dog around the corner. Gully had already jumped up onto the old couch and was greeting Will. Will was rubbing her ears and patting her head, and in response Gully’s tail belted the edge of the couch. He smiled into her shiny brown eyes. ‘How ya going, girl?’

  ‘Oh, you know, so-so,’ said Izzy, appearing around the corner. Her blue singlet and shorts were covered in grease and dust and there was a lengthy gap where her long legs trailed down to her boots.

  Will looked up and smiled. The glow from the sun had turned her skin a shimmering gold. ‘Hey, gorgeous. How was your day?’

  Izzy sat down next to Will. Automatically he put his arm around her shoulders, his fingers absentmindedly stroking the tiny scar on her shoulder. She snuggled into his naked chest and felt his heartbeat against her cheek. ‘Okay. Dad’s dragged out all the bookwork and we’re slowly going through it. I’m loading it all onto the computer and Dad’s just completely lost. But I’m happy doing it. We went and did a few jobs after lunch and we’re gonna do the fence in the white dam paddock tomorrow and I’m sure we’ll butt heads occasionally. But of course, it’s nothing I can’t handle.’

  Will kissed her on her forehead. ‘That’s my girl. Want a beer?’

  ‘I thought you’d never ask.’

  Will handed over a cold stubbie, and Gully curled herself up between their feet. There was hardly a sound except for the crickets and a hiss as Izzy cracked open her beer.

  Will tapped his foot nervously against the floorboards. He’d been waiting for her to return all day, for there was an engagement ring burning a hole in his shorts and people hiding in his house. ‘Blake rang before. He said he’ll be down soon. He’s catching up with Dean and wants to drop in and see us.’

  ‘About time he came for a visit. Seeing as we were up there in January, when Chloe was born. With Simone and Mickey’s wedding, we’ll be back up there again in September. I hope they visit us before then too. What day is he coming?’

  Will smiled. ‘In a month, so in March some time.’ A blatant lie, for he knew damn well they were all hiding in the back room of the house, probably trying hard to keep Chloe from crying out and giving them away. They had their car parked in the bush on the other side of the house so as not to give the game away. He’d told them he was going to propose to Izzy and they were over the moon and insisted on coming down straightaway to celebrate. He couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when they came out after his signal.

  ‘Oh, that long,’ Izzy said sadly. Leaning forward, she gave Gully a splash of beer in her empty bowl. ‘Just enough to wet your chops and no more, okay?’

  Will smiled and said, ‘We can head up any time you want, kiddo, if you’re missing them that much.’

  ‘Go and get some more SAMM rams while we’re there, hey?’

  Will tilted her chin up and kissed her lips softly. ‘Ah, a woman after my own heart, always thinking of the farm. I just hope you think about me that much.’

  Izzy kissed him back and then ne
stled into his shoulder. ‘Heaps more.’ She took a sip from her beer and closed her eyes against the bright glare. She breathed him in and sighed. ‘This is just perfect.’

  The sun dipped further down towards the horizon and Will needed no better sign to reach into his pocket. He moved off the couch and knelt on the verandah, while Gully took the chance to lick him. He said the words quickly as his chest was in his throat and his blood pumped in his ears. ‘Izzy, you know I love you. Will you marry me?’ He held up the engagement ring – a thick gold band with three large diamonds set into it and clusters of smaller ones on the side. Will knew she wouldn’t want anything high and impractical – she was a working woman and, God, did he love that about her. He watched her face, which was dead serious, and his heart skipped a beat.

  ‘Took you bloody long enough, William.’

  Then she smiled and he felt like a floating cloud.

  ‘Is that a yes, kiddo?’ he asked as he knelt there holding out the ring with the sun setting behind them.

  ‘You bet your cute arse it is.’ Izzy held out her hand and let him slip it on her finger. ‘Now, get off the floor and come and kiss me!’

  Will stood up and whistled as loudly as he could as the excitement brewed up from his chest into his throat.

  Izzy heard the sound of feet clattering and doors opening and closing and looked up at Will. ‘You cheeky devil. Is that our parents in there waiting?’ Will just smiled and let her believe what she wanted. He held out his hand and pulled Izzy up before kissing her and spinning her around to face the onslaught of people.

  First was Blake with a ‘Howdy, stranger’. He was deeply tanned and had shaved his head, making him ruggedly handsome. He was followed by Simone, who had already lost whatever baby weight she’d gained and had her hair back in a necessary mum-style ponytail. ‘Surprise! I hope you’ve said yes!’ And finally Mickey holding Chloe, who was in the prettiest pink dress with matching headband and was cooing at her fingers. Will watched Izzy’s mouth drop and her face drain of colour. It took her twenty seconds before she could react.