'Hi. Special occasion?'
'It's always a special occasion with you Zoe, always.'
She smiled, and after she locked the front door and turned, he placed his hand at the small of her back and as they walked to the car, he whispered, 'You look beautiful.'
'Thank you.'
He opened the passenger door. 'Over the back matey,' Jordan called to Luke who scrambled over immediately on his father's request.
'Hello Zoe,' Luke said.
She sat in the car and turned. 'Hello to you too. Clip up your seatbelt. What have you been up to Luke?'
'My friend at school is Sally. Dad. Zoe should meet Sally. They're both girls.'
Zoe faced the front of the car and grinned. As she flicked her gaze to Jordan, he shot her a wink and her heart tilted.
'Yeah, matie. They're both girls,' he said, taking a glance at his son in the rear vision mirror.
Luke chatted non-stop on the way into town and Zoe thought it fascinating at how intelligent he was for a six-year-old child.
When they pulled up, Luke was out of the car and waiting on the footpath while she unclipped her seatbelt. She opened the door, and Jordan held out his hand. Reaching up, their hands joined and he helped her out onto the footpath.
Jordan was considerate, handsome and intelligent. Her life seemed to be a dream and she made a mental note to try harder where Luke was concerned. She was a lot older now, and although she carried around a load of guilt, it didn't mean she'd allow it to surface again. After all, she wasn't the one that started the fire. She wasn't the guilty party, just as Jordan had stated.
They sat at a table where they had view of the street through wide glassed in windows. Jordan disappeared to the meal counter to place their order, and while they waited Luke didn't stop asking questions. He was inquisitive as well as a chatterbox.
'Are you going to marry my dad one day? He said he knew you when you were little and that you were friends just like me and Sally.'
'We don't know what the future holds, but we are really good friends.'
'Like me and Sally, but I don't kiss her. That's grownup stuff.'
'Yes, it is. Sounds like Sally is a lucky girl.'
Luke beamed, and Jordan arrived in time as Zoe wondered what Luke's next question would be.
'In time I see.' He placed the drinks on the table. 'You asking too many questions again, Luke?'
Zoe interrupted. 'If you don't ask questions you never learn. Isn't that true Luke?'
'Yup.' He nodded.
Jordan grinned. 'Whose side are you on?'
Luke jumped to his feet. 'Dad...Dad can I go over and see Peter and Mitchell? They're over there, at the table over there.'
His father looked over to where he was pointing. 'Okay. But don't go anywhere else.'
'Thanks.' His chair almost toppled as he turned and rushed off.
'Anything for a bit of quiet time with you. Sorry about that.'
'He's just a kid. It's okay.'
He moved a glass of chardonnay in front of her. 'I hope you like it.'
'I'm sure I will.' She picked it up, took a sip. 'Nice.' She smiled and put the glass on the table.
'I wanted to ask you about the sergeant. What have you heard?'
'I haven't found out anything. I'll call in and see him.'
Zoe frowned. 'Um...when I was in Tamworth the other day...well my aunt and William found me.'
'They what? Hell, why didn't you say something?'
'This is the first time I've seen you in two days aside from this afternoon when I saw you briefly.'
'You do have a mobile, and a land line.'
'Ha ha, funny. Anyhow, they were pretty nasty. They didn't do anything wrong, except William carried a handgun. He let me know he had it. But that's as far as it went. My aunt accused me of sending the police to her property asking questions. Naturally I denied it. Oh she also said she wanted some of my inheritance that it was owed to her.'
'Hell, Zoe. Why didn't you give me a call?'
'It wasn't that bad, but they put me on edge for a while. They aren't good people Jordan. There's no telling what they'll do.'
'Or what they've done. I want to make a call. Will you be okay for a few moments?'
'Yes.'
'Can you keep an eye on Luke?'
Zoe swallowed. 'Um. Okay.'
'Thanks.' He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
While Jordan was gone for the second time, the pub was beginning to fill with customers. She recognised only a few faces, but after fifteen years it was a wonder she recognised anyone.
'Well, a lady all alone. Mind if I take a seat?'
The tall man with sandy hair dropped onto the chair beside her and Zoe flicked a glance out through the window trying to spot Jordan. She couldn't and drew in a deep irritated breath. She straightened her back, and sat forward as though she was ready to pounce from her seat.
'Where have you been all my life beautiful?'
She cringed at the ancient pick up line.
'I'm waiting for my husband, if you don't mind.'
'No ring, no husband. That's been used over and over. Tell me, what's your name?'
'It's Zoe.'
'Nice name.' She tried to inch away from him, but he moved closer. How about I buy you a drink, then we can well, get to know each other...better?'
If he didn't stop soon Zoe was going to let him have it.
He bent forward, tried for a kiss, and she ducked from his reach and pushed upwards to her feet. But he wouldn't give up. He put an arm around her waist the moment she looked over and spotted Jordan entering the pub.
For crying out loud. Jordan blinked and blinked again, as he watched some guy's arm around Zoe's waist and he slammed to a stop when she kneed him in the groin and he stumbled backwards. But the guy didn't take no for an answer, and Zoe...did he see right? She'd closed her fist and knocked him to the floor. Jordan could have sworn he felt the vibration of his fall underfoot.
The crowd applauded, and being the lady she is, she quietly sat down and took a sip of wine as though nothing had happened. Jordan grinned and sauntered toward the table. He reached down and grabbed the man by the front of his shirt, and yanked him to his feet.
'That was just a taste. You come near her again and her old man will give you triple of what you got.' Jordan shoved him aside, watched him wobble toward the door, before reverting his attention to Zoe.
'God, Zoe. Are you okay?'
'Sorry to make a spectacle of us, but he wouldn't take no for an answer.'
'You did the right thing. Although, I won't be leaving you like that again. You surprised me. You know how to take care of yourself.'
'Mr Patterson taught me a lot. As I said, they were the parents I didn't have. I don't know what I would have done without them.' She grinned.
'I'd like to meet the Pattersons one day.'
'I'd like you too.' She smiled before he turned scanning the crowd.
'Where's Luke?'
Zoe glanced over to where she last saw Luke and no one was at the table. She stood, her gaze searching the faces in the crowd. 'I'm sorry. He was at the table last time I saw him,' she said.
Oh God no. Her heartbeat rattled her insides. In all the commotion, she'd forgotten about Luke. Jordan grabbed her arm. 'Come with me.' They searched through the thickening crowd for at least ten minutes until they heard a call.
'Dad. Dad, I'm hungry.'
She straightened her spine, and glanced about, frantic to find Luke.
'What in the hell.'
Jordan had spotted him, and she sighed with relief, although her heartbeat remained on the run.
'Where did you go?'
'To the toilet. I had to go Dad. You were on the phone and I didn't want to ask a girl.'
Jordan ruffled his hair. 'It's okay matie. My fault,' he said on a relieved breath. 'You could have asked Zoe to walk over there with you. She could have waited outside.'
Luke shrugged.
Their meal
s were ready. 'I'll get this,' said Jordan, 'but I'll be keeping my eye on both of you. Don't leave the table. Either of you.'
Luke looked at his dad, then to Zoe. 'Are you in trouble too?'
Zoe chuckled. 'No. I don't think so, and you're not in trouble either. Have a drink while your father gets our dinner.'
The moment Jordan asked where Luke had disappeared to, her heart had leapt to her throat and stayed there. It proved she wasn't any good with kids. What if something terrible had happened to Luke?
Chapter Seventeen
Zoe poured the hot coffee into a mug, turned and sat on one of the dining room chairs. She pressed her fingers to her forehead as images of her little brother flashed in her mind. Screams, words and more images jolted her into awareness.
A candle flickering in the darkness, wavering as a slight breeze passed through the house. Zoe couldn't distinguish if it was a dream, or reality. She needed fresh air.
She stood and walked outside onto the front veranda, down onto the footpath that led around the house. She hesitated beside the gardens. Even the weeds were dead, crying out for moisture. How could she consider gardening when guilt carved up her heart? The incident at the pub only heightened her inability to care for a child. She gave herself a shake, mentally as well as physically.
It didn't matter what she thought or what she did. If she continued her relationship with Jordan, there was a chance that their love would deepen, most likely into permanency. Isn't that what she had wanted, to have a family, to love and be loved? If so, that meant being a step-mum to Luke. She almost laughed. How could she ever think of having children? Her insides froze and she shivered, although the heat of the sun bit into her arms.
As she strolled around toward the front of the house, Jordan's vehicle pulled up beside the gate. He stepped out, waved a hand in the air.
'Hey Zoe. How's it going?'
Zoe forced a grin to her face. 'Yeah good, thanks.'
A shudder of attraction wavered through her body. When he stopped beside her his aftershave sent that wave at express speed straight to her heart.
'Hey, what's up? You've been mighty quiet since the night at the pub.'
She twisted her hands in front of her. 'It's nothing. I'm not feeling too good lately. I might be coming down with a bug or something.'
'Do you need a hand to do anything?'
A grin touched her lips, and her gaze met his. 'No thanks. Everything is under control. I'll soon have to think about cattle, and get this place up and running. Next week's my deadline.'
'If you ever need a hand don't forget I'm here.'
'Thanks.'
'Um. I've organised a do. I hope you don't mind?'
She shot him a horrified glance. 'What?'
'I've organised a welcome home party. It should have happened a while back. Jade thinks it's a great idea. It's this Saturday night at my joint.'
Zoe trembled. The last party she could remember having was when she turned twelve. 'I'm not sure Jordan. I don't know what to say.'
'You don't have to say anything. I'll pick you up at five Saturday arvo.'
'You said that Jade thinks it's a good idea. Who's going?'
She wandered to the front step, and eased down. Jordan followed and sat next to her. He reached out and placed a hand over the top of her palm. 'Everyone.'
'You've got to be kidding?'
'Well everyone I've asked.'
'Oh.' Zoe stared out past the fence line to the trees in the distance.
'It'll be fun. Mum's helping, and so is Jade.'
'I don't want people going to too much trouble.'
'Why not? Everyone in Munna thinks highly of you.'
She turned to look at him. 'Okay then. You've talked me into it. But I've never had a party, so what do I do?'
He jerked his head back. 'Never? Not even a birthday party? Hang on. I went to one of your parties.'
'I should have said I've never had a party since I was thirteen.'
'If that's the case, this party will be all your birthday parties rolled into one huge one, and a welcoming home party.'
She grinned, and dropped her shoulders as he picked up a lock of hair and tucked it behind her ear. Then, unexpectedly his lips pressed lightly over her cheek.
Shivers tripped over her skin, and as she looked into his eyes, his lips roamed over hers and she responded before he broke from the kiss.
'I'd never get sick of kissing you.'
She chuckled. 'You said that when we kissed once when I was twelve.'
'I have to make up for lost time.'
***
Zoe gazed at the line-up of cars.
'Everyone is here, so be prepared.'
A hand rested over the top of her leg. She looked at Jordan.
'It's okay. They're friends. We're pleased you've returned to Munna. It's a celebration.'
'I don't know what I'm going to say.' She pressed her hands down over her skirt.
'You look beautiful.'
Zoe didn't feel beautiful. It had taken yonks to find something she'd feel comfortable in. She'd chosen a soft, floral skirt to her ankles, and teamed it with a lilac sleeveless top.
'Smile and you'll do well. I forgot to tell you. Mum and Dad can't make it.'
Zoe stilled. 'Why? Is something wrong?'
'Mum's not feeling too good and Dad doesn't want to leave her.'
'I don't blame him. I hope it's not serious.'
'She said something about a virus. She didn't want to spread it round.'
'What a shame. I was looking forward to meeting your parents, after being here for so long and especially when they live only thirty minutes away.'
'You'll meet them soon enough.'
They climbed from his four-wheeler, and she reached down adjusting a strap on her silver and black sandals.
'I don't know how you walk in them.'
'They're not that high. Besides, it almost brings me up to your level.'
'Don't bet on that.' He grinned, looked down his nose at her.
Zoe glanced up. 'Well, almost.' Laughter left her lips.
As they walked toward the front door, Jordan took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She took comfort in knowing Jordan was there for her.
'I would like to tell everyone we're an item. Meaning that we are together.'
'I thought everyone knew we were seeing each other, in a round-about sort of way.'
Jordan shot her a wink, and they walked through the front door. The wide-open lounge room, kitchen and dining room filled with people. Even her view through the back door revealed more guests.
A shiver of uncertainty wound through her, but the moment Jade popped her head out from the crowd, the tension stored in her shoulders drained away.
'About time, we were going to send a search party out for you.'
'Funny, sis. What do you want to drink, Zoe?'
'A chardonnay thanks, that is if you have one.'
'Sure do. Jade. Do you want a drink as well?' He briefly flicked his gaze to her empty hands.
'Yeah. The same thanks.'
'I won't be long.'
A small child walked up to Jade, and clung to her jean-clad leg.
'Oh, this here is Katie.'
The little girl stared at Zoe.
'Hello Katie. How old are you?'
She pushed a mop of blonde curly hair from her eyes, and peeked at Zoe. 'I'm four years old.'
'Wow. You are a big girl for four.'
A sudden rush behind Jade and a small boy skidded to a stop almost knocking them over.
'This here is Adam.'
'Hi Adam. And let me guess. You're probably seven years old.'
'Nar. I'm six.'
'Well you look seven or eight.'
The children didn't take their gaze from Zoe.
'They're lovely children, Jade.'
'A bit wild at times, but they're good kids.'
'They didn't inherit their hair colour from you.'
'Tony, their fa
ther, has sandy blonde hair. He's here tonight.'
'Jordan told me he's in the process of buying the hardware store. Good news.'
'Yeah. I'll finally have a husband that'll be home.'
Zoe glanced up and a man in his early thirties took long strides toward them.
'This is Zoe Montgomery. Zoe, my husband Tony.'
'I've heard a lot about you. Good to meet you.'
'Likewise, Tony.'
Tony leaned in, gave her a kiss on the cheek. 'Jade hadn't stopped talking about you when you first arrived in town. She's a bit of a matchmaker.'
'Tony.'
'It's true.' He chuckled, and Jade prodded him in the shoulder.
While Zoe spoke to Jade and Tony, interruptions were frequent. She recalled some of the names, but not the faces.
'Well here she is.'
Zoe turned. An elderly woman, with an up-do of blonde grey hair, nails painted as deep and dark as the red earth surrounding Munna, approached. A plain blue dress, belted over her wide midline, twisted to either side as she walked.
They made eye contact. 'Um.'
'It's Mrs Moore. She knew your mum.'
'Don't tell me you don't recognise me? It's so nice to see you. Why, the community went berserk the night you disappeared. And to imagine you were with some aunt the entire time.'
'Um, yes. I was.'
'Sounds as though she wasn't a good person. You've been away for far too long.'
It was the beginning of a long drawn out night. After a few hours into the party, Zoe realised these people were her friends, her family. Most offered support, and offered to help her with the property until she got on her feet. Zoe smiled as she sat on the arm of a lounge clinging to an empty glass.
Mark and Samantha approached her. Mark carried a small bundle in his arms. Zoe's mouth formed a circle.
'How's it going Zoe?' Mark said.
'Hi Zoe.'
'I'm glad you two could make it. Jordan didn't tell me...your baby.'
'Zoe, we would like you to meet Charles. We call him Charlie.'
Zoe peered at the sleeping child. 'He's lovely. Congratulations. How old is he?'
'Just on two weeks, so we can't stay long,' Mark said.
'I understand.' Zoe looked at Sam. 'How are you going Sam, especially with the new baby?'
Outback Flames: Australian Rural Romantic Suspense Page 16
