"It's a big social event round here."
Meghan chewed on the inside of her cheek. When it came to socialising, her anxiety rose. She had a habit of keeping to herself. Jodie was the outgoing one. Being friends with her meant Meghan could hide in the shadows and wait until her trust had been earned.
"Okay, I’ll come." She grinned. "If you tell me how you got that scar." She remembered the jagged line on his chest and her stomach clenched as visions of him, half naked returned from her memory.
The smile faded, and his eyes clouded. She saw the vulnerability he kept so well hidden. "Just an occupational hazard when you work with cattle. Dad had a busted knee after being knocked over by a bull."
She could gauge his expression. Honesty was as much a part of him as his well-worn Akubra. He didn't want to concern her with his medical history. No doubt this wasn't the only scar on his body. Lachie had plenty. War wounds he called them.
Jasper tossed his head, snatching at the bit. Darcy leant over and murmured in his ear while stroking his neck.
An unfamiliar restlessness tugged within her. Darcy shared a special relationship with his horse. He trusted Jasper with his life. Meghan didn't trust anyone that way. She loved Jodie and Lachie. But she didn't share everything with them. Not many people could be trusted that way.
Chapter 6
The Julia Creek Campdraft was an annual event that pulled crowds from near and far. When they arrived, McIntyre Park was already jam-packed with enthusiastic spectators decked out in their best western-style shirts, boots and wide brimmed hats.
Meghan readjusted her Akubra as she watched Lachie and Darcy set up a makeshift yard for Darcy's horse, Jasper.
Harriet took Meghan’s hand. "Come, I'll show you around and introduce you to some people." Meghan followed her gratefully. She hated feeling unnecessary while people had work to do.
The women made their way past makeshift campsites where families and friends huddled on picnic blankets or on the backs of trucks that had been parked there since before sunrise. Meghan gazed admiringly at the stockmen, graziers, ringers, station hands and their partners. They had taken the time out from their busy lives, burdened by the never-ending drought, to come, possibly hundreds of kilometres to this event.
She pulled her Akubra lower, feeling like a phony in her blue jeans, purple blouse and dirty boots. She had purposely avoided any type of sparkly belt buckle, and grinned when she saw two tall blonde girls pass her. Their glitzy buckles threaded through too-tight denim jeans.
Harriet stopped more frequently to chat to people as they approached the circling grandstands. After fifty-five years in the district, both at Brigadier Station, and before that on her father's property, she knew all the locals and event regulars. Everyone greeted Harriet McGuire with respect and admiration. In turn, she proudly introduced her friends to her soon-to-be daughter-in-law.
"Congratulations. Lachlan is finally settling down!" one woman gushed. "He and my daughter, Eve, went out for a few months’ years ago. I had wondered if they would tie the knot. But now she's married with two littlies and lives up north."
Darcy was right about his brother. Lachie had dated most of the girls from local stations. Nothing serious and there were no hard feelings, but it seemed he did have a reputation as a player.
"Is Lachie the only heartbreaker in the family? What about Noah and Darcy?" she asked Harriet as they walked along.
"Noah has been with Jade since he left school and most of that time they've been in New Zealand. Darcy has had a couple of girlfriends, but no one stuck. I hope he meets someone one day."
"He's handsome enough. I thought girls would be lining up."
"Not anymore. Now we better head to the arena. Darcy's round will be starting soon."
Harriet and Meghan found spots leaning against the wooden rails of the fence so they could have the best view. Lachie joined them, and they watched as one at a time a stockman on a horse would cut a beast from a small herd then they had forty seconds to manoeuvre it around a figure eight and get it through the gate.
"They get marked on the best control of the beast, riding skills, speed and being able to complete the course in time," Harriet pointed out the obstacles. "They have to show the horse’s speed and agility. Darcy spends hours on Jasper training him specifically for campdrafting."
"Is it dangerous?" Meghan rested her head against her hand.
"Not if you know what you're doing." Lachie shuffled beside her.
"Next competitor is Darcy McGuire from Brigadier Station," The MC announced over the crackling speaker. Entranced by his easy grace and fluid motions, Meghan watched Darcy mount his horse and enter the ring. Attentively he stalked the mob observing which cow would give him the best resistance. With a beast chosen, he moved as an extension of his horse steering Jasper to show their ability. Once through the first gate, Darcy never lost control of the cow and skilfully directed it around the course. Meghan joined the cheering crowd as he moved it through the final gate in near record time. Graciously, he tipped his hat in appreciation, his eyes locking on Meghan’s. Her breath caught in her throat transfixed by his attention. He smiled proudly before leading his horse out.
"He'll be through to the second round for sure," Lachie’s warm breath was at her ear, pulling her from her reverie. "That cow was never getting away.”
"I'm surprised you're not in there," she nudged him teasingly.
"I'm not a big fan of horses to be honest. I prefer power over horse power."
"Noah used to campdraft with Darcy," Harriet offered. "They were so competitive. He likes his rodeos now. Apparently, he’s quite good on the bucking horses."
"You must miss him. Do you see him often?" Meghan wondered about the elusive third son.
"No, unfortunately. He came back briefly when Daniel died but not again since. I keep meaning to plan a trip, but I don't even have a passport."
"Maybe he'll come for the wedding," Meghan suggested hopefully. Harriet shrugged.
Again, Lachie leant in so his mother wouldn’t hear him. "Don’t get your hopes up. Noah and I don't get on too well. Childish argument he hasn't gotten over. Besides, he likes his sheep in Otago now."
Meghan raised her eyebrows and was about to ask for more information when, from the corner of her eye, she saw Darcy approaching.
Water bottle in hand, he strode purposefully toward them.
"Congratulations, darling." Harriet hugged him. "That was a great ride."
"Thanks Mum." He returned the brief embrace.
"Excuse me, I have CWA business to attend to." Harriet winked and walked away.
"Well done, Mate." Lachie slapped Darcy's shoulder briefly. "Now, I need to talk to a man about a truck." He lifted a hand in a wave and scurried off.
Meghan sighed as Lachie disappeared into the crowd. He was starting to make a habit of leaving her on her own.
Darcy placed a hand on her arm. "He's serious. We need a new truck, and that would bore you to death."
She smiled and turned her focus back to Darcy, conscious of the heat radiating on her skin where he had touched her. "Your riding was incredible. Well done."
"Thanks. I almost lost it at one point, but Jasper pulled it back."
"Well, if it helps I didn’t notice that. You were amazing." Her face grew hot as she stumbled over her words. "You make it look really effortless."
"Thanks," he smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the edges. "Want a burger?"
In response, her stomach growled loudly. It was hours since they'd eaten.
"Yes, please."
Darcy led the way to the barbeques that were sending delicious aroma of beef steaks, sausages and onions into the air.
"Two steak burgers and cokes," Darcy ordered and paid before she could reach for her wallet.
"Best steak burgers in Queensland," he said, digging his hand in his pockets and leaning against the table.
Meghan fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, suddenly nervous in his presence. "How lon
g have you been campdrafting?"
"I was eight when I started competing." The burgers and drinks were handed over, and they found an empty table nearby to eat at.
"Eight is a bit young, isn’t it?"
"I’d already been riding for a while by then. I’ll stop when I don’t enjoy it anymore." He bit into his burger, barbeque sauce dripping down his fingers.
Self-consciously, Meghan wiped at her face between bites with a serviette. "So, it’s a big sport?"
"After racing, it's the biggest horse sport in Australia. It's even getting popular in America."
"What do you get if you win?"
"The payouts are pretty good, especially in the bigger competitions down south. But it's an expensive sport. Cost of entry fees, horse floats, vet bills, tack and equipment all add up. Not to mention the time I have to spend training and away from the station."
This was Darcy’s passion – she could see it in his eyes. He belonged on horseback, working with these animals. This is what made him happy.
It was rare that everything went well in the arena. You never knew what attitude or temperament the beasts were in, and you didn't get much time to choose which one to push through. Darcy watched his fellow competitors cut grumpy bovines who seemed to know all the tricks. Time and time again the judge cracked the whip on them, indicating they were disqualified.
Luck was on his side today. Darcy made it through his second run with another high score. He wasn't in the lead, but anything could happen. He would have to wait to hear if he made it into the final round tonight.
In the meantime, he was keeping Meghan company. She seemed happy to stay at his side and watch the action from the stands. She asked lots of intelligent questions and that shouldn't have surprised him. She was a vet nurse so she knew a fair amount about animals and their instincts.
"Campdrafting horses have to have natural instincts. They have to want to do this. Breeding is important but it's also a lot of hard work. I've been training Jasper since he was a foal. I broke him and have trained him almost every day since," he said.
"No wonder you don't have a girlfriend – you're in love with your horse." Her cheeky grin pulled him from his serious thoughts.
"Jasper is very loyal and devoted to me. What more could a guy want?" He joked back.
Meghan motioned to the people around them. "Seriously, why don't you date? There are still plenty of single girls here."
Darcy looked at the familiar women around them. Lachie had dated most of them at some point or another. So, even if he was looking to meet a woman he wasn't sure he wanted to be compared to his older brother.
"Nah," he turned his gaze blankly to the centre ring. "All the good ones are taken by now."
She nudged him with her shoulder. "Careful. You'll turn into the guy version of a crazy cat lady."
"I prefer dogs," he quipped back with a playful grin.
The atmosphere was electric, the anticipation high, as the final riders competed. They were all good, and it was hard for Meghan to understand why some riders got higher points than others. She may be prejudiced, but Darcy was the best rider she had seen all day and Jasper was the most amazing horse she had ever seen in action.
The pair leaned against the cold metal of the holding pens waiting for the results to be tallied. Anticipation flooded through her while Darcy stood casually composed beside her. Occasionally, people would approach to congratulate him on his first two rides. Politely he would thank them and introduce Meghan to his various friends and neighbours.
Finally, the results were announced and Darcy's shoulders sagged in relief as his name was called.
"Yes!" she hooted, and jumped up and down. "I knew you'd make it."
A slow grin tugged at the corner of his mouth and his eyes crinkled at the corners setting her heart rate fluttering. "Glad you were certain. I didn't think I had a hope in hell."
"Seriously? You were a shoe-in. I won't be surprised if you win today."
Her excitement was palpable as they went back to Jasper's holding paddock and readied him for the final draft. Meghan stroked his neck and congratulated the horse on his previous performances. "One more ride, Jasper. You got this." She ran her fingers over his black mane which was cut short, about two inches long, and it spiked against her fingers. The smells of dust and horse feed lingered.
After saddling Jasper up, they returned to the waiting bay. It wasn't long before it was Darcy's turn. Meghan stretched up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Good luck."
Darcy responded with a smile as butterflies fluttered in her stomach.
He launched himself easily into the saddle. Turning to her he winked. "Don't forget your camera."
She held it up showing she was prepared. Maybe Harriet would frame a photo if she took one good enough. It could go up on the wall in the living room. She would feel like a true part of the family then.
Meghan returned to the stands and found a spot with a good view point of Darcy. Through her camera lens, she took a continuous stream of photos.
Darcy had selected a stubborner cow this time, and it took longer to get him through the first gate. On the obstacle course, he and Jasper controlled the animal skilfully, and the crowd roared when he finished with another high score.
As Darcy was waving to the crowd, Lachie sidled up beside her.
"How'd he go?"
She smelt the strong odour of lager on his breath as his words slurred. "You didn't watch?"
"Was busy catching up with some mates." He put his arms around Meghan's waist and nibbled at her neck. "Fancy a shag in my swag?"
Meghan squirmed out of his hold. "No. You’re drunk. Besides, I want to see if Darcy wins."
"Your loss." He said with a shrug.
Meghan watched him stumble away. What had come over him? In Townsville he was always attentive to her and rarely left her side. Here, in a completely new environment, he barely paid her any attention at all. Leaving his mother and brother to entertain her.
This was his stomping ground though, childhood friends and acquaintances he rarely saw. Of course, he would want to spend time with them and catch up on their news. Besides, she was in safe hands with Darcy. She was certainly enjoying herself more than if she was following Lachie around like a love-sick puppy. She had plenty to talk about with Darcy and they had reached a comfortable friendship. She was going to spend the rest of her life with Lachie, she would let him have a night out with his friends. She didn't want to be one of those wives who expected her husband to be by her side every night.
The announcement finally crackled through the speaker. Novice placings first, followed by the women's round. Then the one she was waiting for.
"Second place goes to Darcy McGuire." The gruff voice announced.
Meghan clapped loudly, disappointed Darcy hadn't won, but knowing he had tried hard and been up against some stiff competition. As he came out to receive his award, she snapped some photos. He waved to the crowd and smiled proudly at her. She lowered her camera and waved back, her eyes locked on his.
Darcy was pleased with his performance but relieved when it was over. He realised he was more nervous than usual knowing Meghan was in the audience. However, her support had made him more determined to do his best and Jasper had followed his lead perfectly.
From his vantage point in the stockyard, he had watched his brother stumble drunkenly through the crowd and talk to Meghan. He had hoped Lachie would behave with her here, but instead he did what he normally did at these social opportunities and used the chance to get drunk and act uncouth.
Darcy felt bad for her. This was all new to her and he wanted her to enjoy this event. It was always a highlight of the year for him. The atmosphere, the people, the music. He wanted to share it with her even if his brother didn't.
She hurried through the crowd and when she reached him, he was rewarded with her slight body pressed against his in a hug. "Well done."
He wrapped his arms around her and breathed in her scent. Du
st and horses and Meghan. A combination he found surprisingly alluring. Lachie didn't deserve this lovely woman.
Finally pulling away she looked up at him, "What will you do with your winnings?"
"It’ll go towards buying my own property someday." A property where he was the boss and he could do what he wanted. "Did you see Mum?"
Meghan scanned the crowd. "She was sitting with her friends. She'll be thrilled for you."
Together they washed and fed Jasper and settled him in for the night in the temporary yard next to their makeshift camp site. Darcy led the way to the noisy gathering which had formed near the canteen. Harriet waved to them from her chair, surrounded by her sister Beverly and other friends.
"Well done, Darcy, good job." She hugged him. "I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks, Mum." He smiled back. She was his biggest fan and he knew she would have been watching intently. She turned to Meghan. "I saw you in the stands enjoying yourself so I left you to it."
"I took lots of photos. Hopefully there are some good ones of Darcy."
Darcy spotted a couple of foldout chairs, and he pulled one out and offered it to Meghan before placing the other beside her. Harriet offered them both a cold drink from a cooler next to her filled with drinks and snacks. The older ladies were gossiping, and Meghan couldn’t follow along so Darcy, who was subjected to being his mother's sounding board, whispered the gossip so only Meghan could hear.
"Caroline moved back in with her parents…" Harriet said.
"Because her husband came home and found her in bed with a drover." Darcy whispered. "Now the husband has shacked up with the teacher."
"It's better than daytime TV." Meghan laughed.
"Gossipy lot here. Can't help knowing each other's business, though."
The band started playing, and Darcy spotted some friends he knew. He introduced Megan to the men, who consisted mostly of graziers’ sons. Over the buffet dinner, stories were told of other campdrafts and incidents that had occurred. The guys especially loved sharing Darcy's embarrassing moments in the ring.
The Brothers of Brigadier Station Page 5
