The Dairy Farmer's Daughter

by Sarah Williams

  She liked the way he reacted to her touch. The spurs of electricity that sparked between them.

  She pulled Nutmeg up at the boundary gate and stretched to unlock it before manoeuvring the horse through and closing it again behind her. Boyd's property, although not as big as Emerald Hills, had a lovely little creek on it that she enjoyed riding along. Boyd had always let her come and go as she liked as long as she followed country ethics and kept gates shut and didn't scare the cows.

  She patted Nutmeg's silky brown neck. Nutmeg had seen her through her angsty teenage years, her crushes and first loves. Her passion for animals had never wavered. That's why living in the city had been so hard. No animals to stroke and confide in.

  As she approached the house, she spotted two men sitting on the deck—the butterflies of blossoming attraction returned. She waved at Fred, who she had known all her whole life, but it was his companion she was really interested in seeing again.

  Justin was dressed like a farmer in thick woollen socks, baggy denims and a fleecy sweater. He stood and walked over to her.

  "Morning," she called brightly.

  He put his hands on his hips, and she drank him in, all long and lean and man. "Did you ride all this way?"

  She nodded. “It's not that far really and Nutmeg needed the exercise." She dismounted gracefully and held the reins.

  He looked warily at the animal.

  "You can pat her. She won't bite."

  He extended a careful hand and gently rubbed the horse’s forelock. Nutmeg snorted in appreciation.

  "Nice outfit." Freya gestured at his clothes.

  "I was helping out in the milking shed this morning."

  She smiled widely. "Say no more. Been there, done that." She caught his gaze for a heart-stopping second before he looked away and motioned to the house.

  "Can I offer you a coffee? I have fresh milk this morning."

  If she wasn't mistaken, his chest might have puffed out just a little. "If it's fresh then I can't turn it down." She tired Nutmeg to a fence post then they walked over to Fred.

  She gave the old manager a brief hug. "I didn't get a chance to talk to you yesterday. I saw you at the service and wanted to come and say hi."

  Fred looked away, his cheeks pink. "I couldn't stay long. Lots to do here." Emotion thickened his voice.

  Justin shuffled behind her, and she moved slightly to include him in the conversation. "Fred's been here for what, twenty-something years?" She patted Fred's hand.

  "That's right. In fact, I even remember you." Fred nodded at Justin. "I started working here when you had just learned to walk."

  "I bet you have some stories to tell about this one," Freya said and gently bumped against Justin.

  Fred gave a throaty laugh.

  "I'll get you that coffee." Justin smiled at her.

  "I'll help you."

  He opened the door for Freya to walk past him.

  As they waited for the kettle to boil, Freya leaned on the kitchen table and spoke in a quiet voice, "You know, it was Fred who found Boyd."

  Justin paused, hand halfway to the cupboard. "I hadn't even realised. Is he okay?"

  Freya shrugged. "Seems to be. He's always been a pretty resilient fellow."

  Justin seemed to consider his next words carefully. "If Fred and Boyd were such good friends, why didn't Fred do the eulogy?"

  Freya glanced over her shoulder to make sure the manager didn't hear them gossiping about him. "Fred is very reserved; he likes to keep to himself. I saw him at the back of the church during the service, and then he left as soon as it was over."

  Justin nodded in reply but didn't ask anything else about him. When the coffee was ready, they went back outside and chatted easily. Fred explained the day-to-day goings on at the farm as well as stock numbers, employees' roles, and what maintenance was required.

  Freya offered Justin her family's help, should he need it.

  "So, I'm not sure what you plan on doing," Fred said turning to Justin, "but I'm happy to stay on as long as you need me. I've worked here for so long I can't imagine being anywhere else."

  Freya watched a softness come over Justin's eyes.

  "I do understand that and want to do what's best for everyone. For me, it would be better to sell. You understand my life is in Brisbane. Running a dairy farm is not something I know anything about."

  "You could always lease it out," Fred said hopefully.

  Justin nodded and stared into his cup as though it held all the answers. "I know, and that is something I’m considering. Mark Montgomery has already shown interest. I'm still thinking about it."

  Freya's mood brightened; at least he hadn't made any serious decisions.

  Fred stood and stretched his arms over his head. "Well, that's smoko over. Better get back to work." He shook Justin's hand and gave Freya a wave. "See you later."

  Freya and Justin watched him walk away towards the milking shed stop.

  "So, what are your plans for today?" Freya turned her attention back to Justin.

  "I'm waiting for the washing machine to finish so I can get changed and head to Brisbane." He looked down at his work clothes. "I can't go back like this."

  Freya reached across and smoothed the fabric across his chest feeling just briefly his heart pound under her touch. "I don't know. This could be a good look on you."

  His face broke into a smile, opening up and bewitching her with its warmth.

  A kookaburra screeched overhead, and together they looked towards the old gum trees, their branches bare of leaves. Behind her, Nutmeg whickered as if hurrying her mistress on.

  "It's a shame you can't stay any longer." The corner of her mouth twitched. She tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "Don't you want to go through your dad's things before you leave?"

  Justin looked at the old house. "I don't think there's anything here I’ll want."

  "How do you know that if you haven't looked?" She let the words hang in the air as she stood and walked towards her horse. Then, with the ease of a woman who had been riding her entire life, she hoisted herself up into the saddle and took the reins.

  Justin walked over and looked up at her. His squint brought small wrinkles around his eyes. They made her heart thump in her chest.

  "I can't imagine why you'd want to hurry back to Brisbane when there is so much here you haven't seen. This is your birthright after all." She smiled brightly at him before turning and trotting Nutmeg away.

  She wanted him to stay, not just so he could find out who his father had been, but because she wanted the opportunity to get to know him better. Who knew? Maybe he was the breath of fresh air she had been waiting for.

  Justin stared at her departing silhouette. His gut churned, and his heart thumped against his ribs—the pull of longing trying to fool him into staying. He had to get out of this town before he got too attached to it, or her.

  Freya Montgomery made him feel things, want things he had never dared to want or feel before. Freya Montgomery struck him as the serious, forever type and he wasn't looking for anything serious.

  It hadn't worked out for his parents, after all. His mother had always loved living in the city, surrounded by friends and family. Barbara had moved to Maleny for love, but it hadn't been enough. She had always pined for the life and community she had always known.

  Of course, that had been a different time. Before Facebook and texting. Hell, before email. Now Justin could keep in touch with his nearest and dearest with a swipe of his finger. He also knew he could work from anywhere. His business was completely mobile and any face-to-face meetings could be done through online conferencing apps. He knew; he had created one himself.

  When he had told his half-brother and half-sister that he was inheriting Boyd's property, they had been excited for him, especially Felicity. Ever the romantic, she adored the idea of him owning a sprawling cattle property in the Hinterland. She was still in high school and contemplating university courses.

  "The University of T
he Sunshine Coast has a great reputation, and they offer loads of awesome courses." Had been one of the first things out of her mouth.

  His brother, Nick, was in tourism and had a lot of good things to say about the Sunshine Coast. "Noosa is practically up the road. Everyone loves Hastings Street for shopping and people-watching, not to mention the beaches up there. They rival the Gold Coast’s."

  Mum had been indifferent. "I'm sure things have changed. I know the Sunshine Coast is growing rapidly," she had said, her voice full of emotion and memory. "Boyd loved living up there and it suited him well."

  It may have suited his father, but a dairy farm? If working in the shed this morning had taught him anything, it was that dairying was hard, messy work and that he should leave it to the professionals. The people who knew what they were doing and enjoyed doing it.

  But he couldn't deny the pull he felt to the area. It had planted the seed of possibility which only grew each time he was met with the kindness of a local like Fred or Freya. Not to mention her family. Better people than Nina and Mark Montgomery he was sure he would never meet. No wonder their daughters had turned out so well.

  He took a deep breath of fresh country air, and a powerful waft of manure hit his nostrils. He fanned the smell away with his hand and turned towards the house.

  Stopping in the kitchen, he cleaned the coffee cups and put them away, then made his way through the house. Maybe he should take the time to go through his father’s things. Maybe he would find out why Boyd had never bothered to keep in touch. He must have been curious as to how his only child had turned out.

  Money had been deposited into Barbara's bank account every week until Justin turned eighteen. When Barbara had married her second husband, Geoff, three years after returning to the city, she had diverted the funds to an account set up for Justin. It had been Geoff's idea. He was an architect and earned a good salary. He wanted to support all his family, even his stepson. The money had been put to good use, going towards his university costs.

  Even though Boyd hadn't known it, he had helped Justin become the man he was today.

  As Justin transferred his washing into the dryer and turned the dial, he felt his phone buzzing. It was Stephen Webster wanting to know if Justin was still in town.

  "I am actually. I have to hang out here for another"—he glanced at the dryer—"ninety-two minutes."

  "Good, because Mark Montgomery called and has officially expressed interest in leasing the farm. I've just emailed you the financials. I really think it's a good deal, at least until we can find a buyer."

  Justin scratched his chin. The Montgomerys were good people; they knew what they were doing. Hell, they had built themselves an empire. He agreed to look the information over and get back to the lawyer.

  Maybe he didn't have to cut ties with the town straight away. At least if he leased the farm out, he would have a reason to visit again and check in with the Montgomerys. He would also get to see Freya.

  He wouldn't mind doing that.

  Four hours, three cups of coffee, and a headache later, Justin had finished looking over the calculations. He had always prided himself on being good with numbers and maths but given the circumstances, he wanted a second opinion, so had emailed everything off to his accountant in the city to look over.

  He glanced at his watch; it was after midday, and he was starving. He pulled out his phone to see if there were any cafes closer than those on the main street. Of course, there was, Emerald Hills. His neighbours’—Freya's family's café. Since Greer was the chef, he knew it would be a guaranteed good feed. He collected his wallet and keys and headed to the car.

  The drive over was pretty in the daylight, with towering macadamia nut trees lining the road and the verdant green grass under them. Marking the entrance was a big sign which welcomed him to Emerald Hills Farm, Factory, and Café.

  He parked, made his way to the entrance, and opened the door to find a very busy dining room with families and couples enjoying delicious-smelling food and the lively atmosphere.

  The waitress approached him and asked if he had a booking. When he said no, she frowned and looked down at the thick book full of pencil marks and highlights. Just as he was about to turn and leave, since there weren't any empty tables that he could see, he heard Nina's familiar voice call out to him across the room. She greeted him with a friendly hug and enthusiasm to rival her daughter.

  "Are you here for lunch?" she asked. "Freya didn't say anything."

  "I was supposed to be driving home by now, but I've been held up, so thought I'd come for a bite to eat." He motioned across the room. "I didn't realise bookings were required."

  "You've caught us on a busy day," she said with a smile. "Come with me and I'll make sure you have a meal." She walked him past the counter, which displayed a fine selection of soft and hard cheeses with a sign saying they’d been proudly made on the premises with Emerald Hills milk.

  She walked him through a 'no entry' door and down a corridor with offices and meeting rooms leading off it. She opened another door and they stepped out onto a veranda where a large table for six was unoccupied.

  "This is the staff area, but I'll make an exception for you." She pulled out a chair for him. "Now tell me what you'd like to eat. Greer can make just about anything."

  He sat on the cushioned, wooden chair and smiled. "What do you recommend?"

  "Well, there's all the usual fare like sandwiches and salads, burgers and pasta. But today's special is Greer's famous seafood chowder. She serves it in a cob loaf, and it's something amazing."

  Justin felt his mouth water. He was always a sucker for anything seafood, and a chowder would be perfect on a cool day like this. "That sounds delicious. Thank you."

  "And something to drink? Perhaps a wine? I have a nice white that goes beautifully with seafood."

  Justin took a moment to consider his plans for the rest of the day. It was Friday, after all. No hurry to head back to the city. Especially when he knew traffic would be a nightmare. He nodded. "Why not? Sounds good."

  Nina smiled broadly. "Excellent. Let me put your order through. Is everything else okay? Do you need anything?"

  He shook his head, and she left him to enjoy the view. In front of him, cattle grazed in on the gently rolling green hills.

  He leaned back into the comfortable outdoor chair and let the cool air envelop him. He already felt better. Lighter. As long as the accountant okayed the deal, the Montgomerys would take over the lease of Boyd's farm and he could get back to the city. Everyone would be happy and able to get on with their lives.

  "Couldn't stay away, could you?"

  He looked up to see Freya's beautiful face looking back at him.

  He smiled. She made him want to smile. A lot. "No. I'm still here. And, since your mum is bringing me out a glass of wine, I don't expect to be driving back to Brisbane tonight."

  Freya pulled out the chair next to him and sat down. "Staying another night then? Sounds like we're growing on you after all."

  "Seems like it. Every time I try to leave, I find a reason to stay."

  She looked at him in such a way that he wanted to bare his soul. To tell her everything about himself and to learn everything about her. And she made him hot. Hot, hard, and messy-brained. Also, a little bit hopeful that he might have a future here after all.

  "Do you mind if I eat with you? I'm on my break."

  "I'd like that. But you better order your own chowder. I heard it's amazing."

  She laughed, and he enjoyed the sound more than he wanted to admit.

  After a delicious lunch of chowder and wine, Freya was feeling a little tipsy. The alcohol, the company, and the scenery made for an appealing combination. She and Justin had chatted for hours, discussing everything from their childhood experiences, to hobbies and work. Both being tech heads, they had discussed which software they preferred and what apps would be trending in the future. It had been such a lovely couple of hours—she found herself disappointed it had to
end, and even more disappointed that he still planned to leave. He seemed hesitant, however, so she thought up ways to keep him around a little bit longer.

  "Why don't you let me show you around Emerald Hills? I'll give you the grand tour?"

  He caught her gaze, and for a heart-stopping second Freya thought he could read her mind. "I'd love that," he agreed.

  She led him to the animal farm where they patted the sheep, calves, chickens, and pigs, all the while laughing and giggling like children.

  "That's the milking shed"—she pointed out—"but I think you've already seen inside one of those."

  He stood beside her. Close. "Can't say I'm in a huge hurry to see another one anytime soon."

  "Let's go to the factory then." She took a step ahead, and then paused and placed her hand on his arm. "You do eat cheese, right?"

  "That all depends on the cheese and on the company."

  Freya giggled and walked her fingers up his muscled arm. "That sounds like a challenge."

  She let her hand slide down his arm and curl around his fingers. His eyes deepened, but he didn't remove his hand.

  Inside the factory, they walked around the viewing platform where they were separated from the machinery by glass panelling. She explained the manufacturing process of the cheese and yogurt as best as she could remember, having only guided the tour groups a handful of times. But she was surprised how interested Justin seemed to be in everything she said and showed him.

  "I had no idea there was so much involved."

  Freya pointed to a wall of photos and newspaper articles. which were framed and on display on the back wall.

  "My Uncle Bill started the factory. It was his dream." She gazed proudly at the picture of her father, Bill, and their parents when they were much younger.

  Justin leaned in closer. "I can see the resemblance."

  "You stay here and read all about dairying in Maleny while I go get the cheese."

  He nodded, still intently reading the articles.