They kissed again and when he pulled away to search her eyes one last time, the look was heavy with meaning. With barely a nod of her head, his eyes darkened even further and a slow smile spread across his face. There was no doubt he wanted her too.
He laid her gently on the bed and slowly lifted his shirt over his head before dropping it on the floor. Mackenzie reached out and traced her finger down the center of his bare chest. His skin was smooth and beautiful, tanned and toned – exactly as she remembered from the waterfall pool.
He shuddered at her gentle touch before crushing her to his chest.
“Oh Kenzie.”
Chapter 28
Mackenzie fell in love with the property the moment her car bounced over the cattle grid at the front gate and crunched down the yellow gravel driveway. In the passenger seat Nellie pricked up her ears and craned her neck to follow some sheep running along the fence line. Blue agapanthus in full bloom lined the drive beneath towering lemon-scented gums.
The driveway ended in a large circle and Mackenzie pulled up in front of the small farmhouse surrounded by a white-painted post and rail fence. Two red-brick chimneys poked out of an iron roof, promising cozy wood fires in winter. The house looked recently painted too. Gunmetal gray weatherboards wrapped around the house, interspersed with white-painted trim around the windows and guttering. The front door was a magnificent fire-engine red and adorned with a dark green Christmas wreath.
The house, called Cooinda, meant “happy place,” and it was clear it had indeed lived up to its name for Kate and Joel. Joel had moved in after they married earlier that year, and even though it was only a rental property, they’d made their mark. Everything about it screamed “welcome home.”
Mackenzie was glad she’d taken Nathan and Kate’s word for how beautiful the property was. The change of contracts was done, putting the lease of the house into Mackenzie’s name without her having ever seen the house herself. Nathan said it would suit her perfectly and he was right. She really was going to have to learn to trust him.
Stepping out of the car, she inhaled, filling her lungs with fresh air. She pulled the band on her ponytail tighter and ran her hands down the front of her jeans. Why was she so nervous? Beside her Nellie whimpered, her whole body quivering with excitement. Mackenzie clipped the lead to her collar and she bounded out of the car. Pushing open the gate, Mackenzie walked up the narrow front path through a pretty cottage-style garden. She lifted the brass knocker and let it fall once.
It opened almost immediately.
“Welcome!” Kate greeted Mackenzie with a big hug. “And this must be Nellie. Let her off the lead and she can go and find Baxter. He’s outside somewhere.” Baxter was Kate’s own border collie.
A dog barked in the distance and Nellie’s ears pricked up. Baxter tore around the side of the house and skidded to a stop. The two dogs circled each other for a few seconds.
Kate laughed. “I love how dogs do that – sniff each other’s backsides and decide they’re best friends.”
Mackenzie watched them race off, the white tips of their tails high in the air. “Will they be okay? I wouldn’t want Nellie chasing sheep or anything.”
“Baxter won’t go far. By the time we’ve grabbed a cuppa they’ll probably be chewing on old bones in the backyard.”
Mackenzie followed Kate inside, watching how easily Kate moved. Her friend looked impeccable as usual, dressed in a loose floral shirt, which was so fashionable it momentarily made Mackenzie wish she’d taken more care with the casual clothes she was wearing.
“You’re looking amazing,” Mackenzie said when they sat down at the kitchen table. She wasn’t lying. Pregnancy suited Kate. Her blue eyes sparkled and her skin was smooth and clear. Even her blonde hair shone.
Kate placed a protective hand on her belly, rubbing gently. “I love being pregnant, especially now I’ve stopped throwing up.”
“That must have been horrendous.”
“You have no idea. Anyway, I don’t want to think about it now it’s over. Coffee? Tea?”
“Tea please.”
Kate bustled around the small kitchen, pulling mugs out of a cupboard and flicking the switch on the kettle. Mackenzie noted the empty cupboards and boxes everywhere. Kate was clearly as organized as ever and well on her way to packing up the house.
“The guys should be here soon,” Kate said.
Seconds later Mackenzie heard the barking of the dogs and the sound of a car pulling up. “Sounds like that’s them now,” she said. Her pulse raced as thousands of butterflies took flight in her stomach. She couldn’t wait to see Nathan. It had only been a few days since he’d left her in Willandara, but she’d missed him so much.
It was a few minutes before they came inside. Mackenzie heard the door open and close. The sound of the dogs’ nails clipping on the pine floorboards was heard before Joel commanded them to slow down. The dogs ignored his instruction, bursting into the kitchen followed by Joel and then Nathan. Kate held open the back door and shooed both dogs straight outside again.
The moment he saw her sitting there, a massive grin lit Nathan’s face. Her heart did a strange little flip-flop and her eyes locked with his. She was unable to look away. She wanted to run and leap into his arms, yet somehow she managed to stand and walk slowly and steadily toward him. He looked so good. The khaki pants and a striped polo top fitted him to perfection, hugging his toned torso.
“Kenzie.” He pulled her into a tight hug then released her long enough to plant a passionate kiss on her lips. “I’ve missed you.”
“It’s only been three days,” she giggled.
“Three days is too long,” he whispered.
The air sizzled with so much expectation Mackenzie was surprised Kate and Joel hadn’t noticed it.
She laughed. “Just as well we decided a long-distance relationship was never going to work.”
“Yes, you were right about that.” His face became serious. “You look tired,” he said. “Are you sure you’re okay with moving here and starting work so soon? Maybe it would have been better to leave it until next year.”
“I’m fine,” she replied.
He ran his finger lightly across the lines that creased her forehead as though trying to smooth away the tiredness he saw. Mackenzie closed her eyes, savoring the feel of his cool fingers across her brow. She turned her head sideways and allowed him to cup her cheek with his hand. His thumb stroked her face and when she opened her eyes again she found herself gazing into the depths of his.
His lips touched hers again, this time more tentatively. Shivers coursed through her body and she responded. He pressed deeper, but moved slowly, as though he was trying desperately to control himself. She knew exactly how he felt. If they had the house to themselves there was no telling where they’d be right now, but it wasn’t standing in the middle of the kitchen.
She ran her fingers through his short hair, pulling him closer as he trailed kisses down her neck. Her whole body was on fire, tingling with anticipation. Had it only been three days since they’d first made love?
“Do you two need a room?”
As if reading her mind Joel’s voice stopped them both in their tracks and they broke apart.
Kate laughed. “Break it up you two or you’re going to set the place on fire.”
“Sorry,” Mackenzie replied, stepping back, filled with embarrassment.
“Don’t be,” Kate said, touching Mackenzie’s arm. “I couldn’t be happier that you two are together. You make such a great couple.”
“Thanks sis,” Nathan said. His face was as flushed as hers.
“You might want to fix your hair though,” Kate said with a teasing laugh, giving Mackenzie a wink, “if Mum and Dad were to show up now they would know what you two have been up to.”
Mackenzie quickly smoothed back stray strands.
“I’m joking,” Kate said, giving Mackenzie a tight hug. “Now, how about that cuppa and then I’ll show you which bedroom is yours and
you can unpack.”
*
Mackenzie woke early to the sound of magpies warbling outside her new bedroom window. She threw back the cotton sheet, too excited to stay in bed any longer. Glancing at her alarm clock she was surprised that it wasn’t even six o’clock, yet the eastern sky was already glowing a deep orange. It was going to be another beautiful hot day. Her first shift didn’t start until seven and it was only a fifteen-minute drive, so she had plenty of time to get ready. Maybe she’d sit outside, have breakfast, and watch the sun come up.
She stepped over the two squeaky floorboards she’d discovered the night before, careful not to disturb Joel and Kate who were having a much needed sleep-in. In the lounge room she pulled the heavy cream-colored drapes back and winced at the clatter of wooden curtain rings across the rail. The brilliant sunlight streaming into the room almost blinded her but she didn’t care. She would love waking up in this house.
A fragrant pine Christmas tree stood in the corner of the room, the tip bent over where it touched the ceiling. It was so tall they couldn’t even place a star on the top, but like the rest of Joel and Kate’s home, it was decorated perfectly with matching baubles and bows. Mackenzie felt a stab of embarrassment at the small plastic tree her family had growing up. It had always been erected on the first of December every year and took up the same position in the lounge room for as long as Mackenzie could remember.
An hour later Mackenzie was in her scrubs and on her way to work. At least she wasn’t filled with the same sense of trepidation as when she’d started work in the emergency department in Iron Ridge. Even with less than three months’ experience, she felt prepared for work in a bigger department.
In the staff room a blonde woman flopped into the seat beside her and smiled widely at Mackenzie, displaying a gap between her front teeth. “Welcome to the Base. I’m Lily Donaldson. First day?”
Mackenzie looked at the girl at her side. She had classically pretty features and wore her long, sun-bleached hair pulled into a high ponytail, which swung as she spoke. Long lashes – they had to be extensions – framed the most vivid green eyes Mackenzie had ever seen and a slash of bright red lipstick covered her full lips. She appeared out of place in her scrubs as if she would be more at ease parading down a European catwalk in stilettos.
“Yeah, hi. I’m Mackenzie Jones.”
“Where are you from?” Lily asked.
“Originally from Sydney, but I was working over in the Pilbara. I only moved to Birrangulla last week.”
“Welcome. You’ll find it pretty quiet here after Sydney, I reckon.”
“I worked in ICU in Sydney, not ED.”
“Oh, of course!” Lily’s face lit up as though just realizing. “You’re Kate O’Connor’s friend. We’ve heard all about you.”
Mackenzie hoped that was a good thing.
“You’re going out with Kate’s brother Nathan,” Lily went on.
By now, others had tuned into the conversation. Not difficult given the room was small and Lily’s voice carried easily in the early morning quiet. A few people smiled in their direction and mouthed their welcomes. Mackenzie smiled back shyly. She didn’t like being the center of attention. A man walked in and the room went quiet.
“That’s Ben, the acting unit manager,” Lily whispered. “I say ‘acting’ because I reckon that’s what he thinks this job is all about. He had a non-speaking role on All Saints once and ever since then he’s had stars in his eyes.”
Ben’s eyes zeroed in on Mackenzie before including the rest of them. “Everyone, please make Mackenzie Jones welcome. She’s spent the last three months working in a busy emergency department in Western Australia so I’m sure she’ll fit in well here. Lily, I’ve buddied you two up today, so can you please show Mackenzie around?”
Lily nodded while Mackenzie gave another awkward smile.
“Righto everyone, go and have a great shift. It’s not too manic at the moment.”
The next hour and a half flew as Mackenzie had a stress-free tour of the department. It was the complete opposite to her first shift in Iron Ridge, and she found herself being eased gently into the new role.
It only took a few days to settle into the rhythm of the hectic department and make new friends, especially with Lily, with whom she clicked immediately. Outside of work she enjoyed spending time with Kate and getting to know Joel. She was also getting to know Kate’s sister-in-law Emma, who was contemplating becoming a nurse and had a million burning questions.
After the funeral, Nathan returned to Birrangulla where he was kept busy helping Joel at Eagle’s Ridge and working part-time at the Bean Counter, Joel’s café in town. He applied for two teaching positions, one at a high school in Orange and the other in a boarding school in Birrangulla. He was very keen on the local position, not just because it was only ten minutes down the road, but because the school offered him the opportunity to get involved with agricultural studies, something he had developed an interest in, thanks to his work with Joel on the farm.
As flat out as he was, he still managed to find time to call out to see her every day, and their relationship was flourishing. As soon as Kate and Joel moved to Eagle’s Ridge Nathan planned to move in with her. His parents were regular visitors too. They welcomed Mackenzie into their family with open arms and hearts and for the first time ever, Mackenzie felt like she belonged.
Chapter 29
A week before Christmas two paramedics walked through the ambulance bay doors wheeling a man between them on their narrow stretcher. Mackenzie stared at the paramedic pushing the patient.
“That’s Liam!”
What was he doing in Birrangulla? Didn’t he work in Sydney?
Lily stared at her. “You know him?”
Mackenzie nodded.
Lily leaned over and whispered in Mackenzie’s ear. “You have to introduce me. He’s new and he’s hot.”
“He’s also Kate O’Connor’s brother-in-law,” Mackenzie whispered back. “Joel’s identical twin brother.”
Lily’s eyes widened and she clasped her hands to her chest. “Oh please, please, please tell me he has a cute Irish accent!”
“He does!” Mackenzie said with a chuckle. “Now put that out of your mind and let’s get on with our job.”
“Hey Liam,” she greeted him when he got closer.
“Mackenzie! Hi. Good to see you.” He smiled warmly. “When did you start here?”
“Just over a week ago.”
“Seriously? I didn’t know you’d moved to Birrangulla. When did you get back from the Pilbara?”
“About a month ago. My dad passed away actually.”
His face fell. “I’m sorry to hear that. Was it unexpected?”
“Yeah, he had a stroke and was doing okay and then had another stroke.” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “Anyway, who have you got for me here?”
Liam’s face changed and suddenly he was all business. “This is a forty-year-old man who has come off his bike today while out riding with a group of friends. He’ll tell you he’s a MAMIL.”
Mackenzie lifted the blanket slightly and hid a smirk. Yep, her next patient was definitely a Middle Aged Man In Lycra. The clothing did very little to hide the fact the man was very fit. His skintight top was unzipped to his waist, exposing a smooth, hairless chest.
“Head strike and possible loss of consciousness and he’s now suffering some mild amnesia. No other obvious injuries we can see,” Liam added.
“GCS?” Mackenzie asked. The GCS or Glasgow Coma Scale was an objective neurological scale used to record a person’s conscious state after a head injury.
“Hard to say for certain. He’s orientated to place, but not to time or person. He thinks it’s still twenty-ten and Julia Gillard is Prime Minister.”
“He’s collared now, but was he mobile at the scene?” Mackenzie asked.
“Yeah, he ambulated to the truck with us. Helmet’s damaged though so we collared him due to mechanism of injury.” The other para
medic handed Mackenzie the bike helmet. She inspected the front section, which had been snapped in half.
“And you said he’s got amnesia?”
“Yeah, he keeps asking what happened.”
At that moment, the man attempted to lift his head up from the stretcher to look at them. Everyone standing around him growled.
“Keep your head down, mate.”
“Don’t move.”
“Stay still.”
Mackenzie leaned over and smiled. “G’day, I’m Mackenzie. I’ll be your nurse this afternoon.”
“What happened?”
“You came off your bike. Do you remember?” He attempted to shake his head until she put a restraining hand on his shoulder. “You have to lie still, mate. We’ll get you moved across to the other bed now.”
While another nurse held his head, they transferred him from the ambulance stretcher to the narrow bed, rolling him so Mackenzie could cut off his clothing and inspect his back for any obvious injuries or deformities. She was happy to find nothing other than a few scrapes and grazes. It seemed his head had borne the impact of the fall.
When everyone had dispersed, Mackenzie began her full assessment.
“Can you tell me your name?”
“Yeah, it’s Alex. Alexander Thompson. With a P.”
“And can you tell me where you are?”
Alex stared at the ceiling for a few seconds, moving his eyes from side to side. He’d gotten the message he was supposed to lie still and keep his neck straight. “I guess I’m at the hospital.”
“Do you know which hospital?”
He screwed up his face, concentrating hard. “Um, Orange? Bathurst? Dubbo?”
“Close. You’re in the right state at least. You’re at the Birrangulla Base.”
“It hurts a bit here,” Alex said, indicating the lower left side of his abdomen.
“How bad is it?” she asked.
“Not too bad.”
“What about your head? Your neck? Does it hurt anywhere?”
Emergency Response Page 23
