He sat beside her. 'Hey. How about I rustle up a meal for us? It's almost seven.'
She nodded, and while he rummaged around in the kitchen, she went into the lounge room, turned on the television and sat down. She glanced about the room imagining her parents in this room with Benjamin and herself sitting on the floor.
'Here you go. I'm not sure if you felt like a drink, but it might settle you down a little.'
She reached up, took the long stemmed glass from his hand, and swallowed a mouthful of wine before placing the glass on the coffee table.
The lounge beside her indented.
'I thought you were doing dinner.'
'I am. It's cooking on slow. Shouldn't be too long.'
He placed his stubby bottle on the coffee table next to her wine, and turned toward her.
'Hell, Zoe. You don't look good. What if I run you a warm bath? Perhaps that may relax you.'
He reached out, and ran his hand in circular movements over her back.
'Sounds good. What about dinner?'
'I'll finish cooking it and we can reheat it later. It's only spaghetti bolognaise.'
'Hmm. Sounds nice. I don't mind spag bol from time to time.'
'Good. It's all settled. I'll run your bath and be back soon.'
Zoe heard the tap water sluicing into the tub, heard his footsteps above and let out a deep sigh. The sooner she knew who started the fire when her parents were alive the better she could deal with everything. Her mind wandered through a dark curtain of thoughts. She sifted through every incident she could recall, but still she didn't find an answer.
She picked up her wine, and took a few steps only to notice Jordan was crossing the lounge room toward her.
'Almost ready. I'll walk you up.'
'Thanks. I think I can manage though.'
'I want to make sure.'
She shot him a look, and took the first step. When they arrived beside the bathroom door, she hesitated.
'I found a bottle I gather is bubble bath. It's over there on the edge of the tub.'
Her lips thinned. 'It is. Thanks.'
'If you need anything just holla.'
Zoe waited until she heard him take the stairs, and closed the door. She walked over toward the bathtub, placed her wine glass on the edge of the bath and poured some bubble bath under the streaming tap water. When the water almost reached the top, she turned off the taps and undressed, allowing her clothes to fall to the floor.
One foot in, and she jerked it back. The water was warmer than she'd ever had it, and she tried again, feeling the warmth soak through her foot. Inching in a bit at a time until her legs, then her torso adjusted to the temperature, she allowed her body to sink lower until her head was the only part of her body exposed.
She reached out for her wine, and sipped its contents, replacing it after a few sips. Easing her body back, she stretched her legs out, and rested her head on a hand towel. The warmth of the bubble-invigorated water relaxed her muscles, easing the tension knotting around her neck and she closed her eyes, breathing easily.
'Hey, you okay?'
Her eyes snapped open. 'Um...yes. all good.'
'I wanted to make sure.'
Her lips thinned. 'You can come in Jordan. I'm covered.'
The door squeaked, and opened and she glanced up.
'Are you sure?'
'You've seen it all before. Why not?'
He moved in, sat on the edge of the tub. 'That's what I figured.'
Zoe watched his eyes as they roamed downwards over her exposed legs and then back again to her face.
'Want to join me?'
And he did.
Stripping off as quickly as possible, he eased into the water while she sat upright.
'It's not really built for two, but I think we'll manage.' He lost his footing, and grabbed the side of the bath.
Zoe let out a giggle.
'It's not funny. What have you got in that stuff?'
Zoe wriggled forward, closer to him while he placed his feet either side of her. He reached out, slipped his hands around her waist and drew her closer. His lips connected with hers, slowly, passionately, until they entwined in each other's bodies, experiencing the most intimate of touches she'd ever received.
Zoe broke the kiss, breathless, wide-eyed and out of control, before Jordan moved in again this time lifting her over onto him against his chest as he leaned back.
Murmurs filled the bathroom, the candlelight flickered over two bodies in unison, while hearts pumped with anticipation.
'Oh baby. I love you. I love you so much. In fact I have loved you all the days of my life.'
Zoe responded, moved her lips over his, reached around his neck and slithered over his body, joining the two. She gasped, jerked her head back and met his delirious eyes.
'You better hurry. I may not be able to wait.'
She moved over him, drawing in his strength, his power, his love until they both lay sated.
'Oh God. I went to heaven. I think I'm still there.'
Zoe rested her head on his shoulder, and snuggled as the bubbles surrounded them.
'I love you.'
'Me too baby. Oh, I mean I love you too.' He grinned and pressed his lips to her forehead.
Chapter Twenty-One
The house phone blurted an urgent call, and didn't stop ringing until Zoe clutched it in her hands.
'Hello, Zoe Montgomery speaking.'
'Zoe, it's Sergeant McPherson. Andy.'
'Hello Sergeant. How's it going?'
'Good news. I rang Jordan earlier. Your aunt and William Shearer confessed. They coughed up. I knew they'd break.'
Zoe held a palm to her chest. 'I can't believe it. After all this time, she was the culprit.'
'That night the window was smashed by a rock, but they confessed to smashing it first. She said...I don't want to go into detail over the phone. But they tossed a Molotov cocktail through the window. There wasn't a candle alight. Even if there was, it was extinguished before your mother went to bed, well before the fire started.'
'Oh, Sergeant, this is such good news. A little upsetting, but good news. Jordan. How did he take it?'
'He's beside himself. He'll be cleared of the charges and paid compensation.'
Tears ran down Zoe's cheeks. 'After so long. After all the lies. Everything. I...I.'
'Are you okay?'
'No. Not really. It's...I don't know.' She shook her head.
'Jordan is on his way over.'
'Oh.' She glanced toward the lounge room windows.'
'Thank you. I um.'
'I'd like you and Jordan to come in. We have a bit of work to get through.'
'Definitely. When?'
'As soon as you are able.'
'Today. Is today suitable?'
'Yes. I'll let you go. As I said Jordan should be there shortly.'
'Thank you, Sergeant. Thank you.'
She replaced the receiver, and sighed. Jordan's name was cleared. She blinked back tears of happiness as she wondered why people went to such extremes.
The sound of Jordan's vehicle pulled up.
***
Making her way down the stairs, Zoe hesitated when she spotted the glow of headlights flicker over the lounge room window. She crossed the foyer and glanced out through the front window.
Jordan stepped out from an expensive looking car, and her breath took a backwards slide.
While he knocked on the door, she took the few steps and swung it open.
'Hi ya'.'
'Wow. Now that's different.' His gaze ran over her blue floral dress which stopped short of her knees.
She pressed a hand down on her thigh. 'I bought this one on my last trip to Tamworth. Thank heavens.'
'You look amazing.'
She cleared her throat. 'You don't look too bad yourself,' she said as she admired his clean dark jeans, teamed with a blue open collar shirt. His hair was freshly washed, and remained damp. She inhaled his masculine scent.
'Um...yes.' She smiled, turned to grab hold of the doorhandle, and closed the door behind her only to hesitate at the top of the steps looking up at the umbrella of diamonds.
'What a lovely night.'
'Yeah, not bad. After all the rain last week it's helped settle the aftermath of fires.'
He took hold of her hand and they walked toward the car. Stopping by the car, she paused while he opened the car door.
'Fancy car. Your truck would have been okay.'
'I thought I'd get this one out of the shed. It hasn't had a run for a while.'
'What is it?'
'It's a Jaguar.'
She admired the sporty, black exterior. 'Is it new?'
'It's two years old. At first it was a play toy and then the fad wore off. The truck’s more suitable out this way. The jag spends most of its days locked away.'
'Hi, Zoe.'
Zoe peered into the car. 'Hi Luke. How's it going?'
'Good. I get to play with my cousins tonight.'
'Lucky you.'
She slipped onto the cream leather seat, and inhaled the near new smell while she waited for Jordan to sit behind the wheel. She glanced over.
'I hope your mother doesn't mind?'
'Not at all. She's looking forward to seeing you.'
'Really.'
'Yes, really. They were pretty taken back when they couldn't turn up to your party. Mum insisted I bring you over for dinner.'
During the drive, Luke chatted about the fire, and about how Zoe took good care of him. Pride welled inside Jordan's heart. Although he'd heard the story many times, it summed up how fond Luke was of Zoe.
'Your father was the one to come to our rescue.'
'I told you he was a good firey,' Luke piped up.
'That he is, Luke.'
They slowed on their approach to the house. Zoe glanced about at the exquisite layout and drew in a silent, sharp breath. Twilight settled over white roses which adorned the driveway, and when they pulled up in the semicircular driveway, she opened the door, inhaling their scent.
Zoe stared at the white two-story home, with impressive gardens and expansive manicured lawns. She'd always driven past here on her way into town, but the trees lining the driveway and the many shrubs blocked all but the Colorbond roofing.
'Very impressive.'
'It's not as old as Montagreen. Montagreen has the history, this place hasn't.'
'Did you do all the carpentry?'
'Yeah, with Dad’s help. It's all renovated. The timber on the outside and the veranda is about two years old.'
'You're not bad for a jack of all trades.'
'Why do you say that?'
'You're a carpenter, a jackaroo, and a volunteer firefighter. What else don't I know about you?' She grinned, and tilted her chin into the air.
'You'll have to marry me to find out.' He shot her a wink and her insides did a sweet roll.
When she was about to step from the car Jordan reached over, and touched her arm. 'Hang on a minute.' He opened his door, scrambled out and rushed around to the passenger door, offering his hand.
Zoe shook her head, reached up and took his hand while she stepped out.
'Thank you.' She put her arm over his.
'Are you ready?'
His hand tightened over hers.
'Yes.'
'This should have happened ages ago.'
'Well, we've been busy haven't we?' She clicked her tongue and grinned.
Luke ran ahead of them as they walked up at least twelve steps, surrounded by garden statues, and fancy white columns that supported the veranda.
The double front door opened.
'Zoe. You made it.'
Zoe smiled with relief. 'Jade. It's so nice to see you again.'
'Mummy.'
The little girl held Jade's leg and stepped behind her when she spotted Zoe.
'Don't be like that Katie. This is Zoe. Remember I said she was coming over for dinner tonight?'
'Hello Katie. Remember me from the party at your Uncle Jordan's house?'
Katie hid her face behind her mother's leg. Jade laughed. 'She's not usually this shy. I think it's a sign that she likes you.'
Luke had already disappeared, and Jordan stood beside Zoe.
'Hey Katie, how's it going?'
Katie peeped around, and as soon as she spotted Jordan she scrambled from her mother into his arms. He picked her up and landed a kiss on her cheek.
'Where's Adam?'
Katie pointed, and Jordan walked through the house searching for the boys.
'It's really good to see you again, Zoe.'
'Same here. We've been a little busy.'
'Yeah. Tell me about it. The fires were horrific. It's going to take a while to get over it.'
'Jordan said they came close to your property.'
'Too close. But the boys were there and when the wind changed direction it was a godsend. I hear you had it pretty bad as well.'
'Yes. It was scary for a while. But it's all good now, especially with the recent rain.'
'Come on. Let's find Mum. I think she's still in the kitchen fussing. She's dying to see you again.'
Zoe braced herself as they headed into the kitchen. A woman in her fifties turned, wiping her hands on a handtowel. Zoe wished she’d dressed up more, noticing Jordan's mother dressed impeccably with grey pressed slacks and an ice blue blouse, which displayed a gold and black brooch.
'Zoe. My, you've grown into a beautiful young lady.' Helen's eyes filled with tears.
'I'm sorry I told myself I wasn't going to cry.' She flicked tears from her cheeks with an index finger.
'Thank you.'
'This is my mother, Helen, Zoe. Remember her?'
'It's nice to see you again, Helen. I have a vague memory of being here with my mother years ago.'
Helen took a few steps and hesitated to stare at Zoe, then she shook her head as though disbelieving Zoe was standing before her. 'It's remarkable finding out that you're okay. We were all worried.'
'Thank you.'
Helen moved closer, leaned in and kissed Zoe on the cheek before throwing her arms around her to give her a tight hug.
She drew back. 'I'm sorry again. But your mother was my best friend. She was such a treasure.'
'Thank you.' Zoe's eyes filled with tears, and she willed them back to where they belonged. Why couldn't you be here mum, why?
'You've been through a lot these past years. Now I have a feeling everything will settle with your memory back. It must have been difficult for you.'
'It was. But now everything's good.'
'Enough about that Mum. You'll have her crying as well.'
'Oh I am sorry. So much for me putting on the water works.' She smiled.
'It's nice to hear how much my mother meant to the community. It appears everyone liked her.'
'Where's Dad, Mum?'
Helen waved a hand in the air. 'Oh, he's out back on the veranda with Tony. I saw Jordan head out there as well. Jade, can you pour a drink for Zoe please?' Helen looked over at Zoe. 'Why don't you girls take your drinks out back? We're having dinner on the veranda. It's such a beautiful evening.'
'Okay Mum. Are you sure you don't need a hand with anything more?'
'No thanks love. Everything is organised.'
Jade poured two white wines, turned and held one out.
'Here you go.'
Zoe took the glass, and took a sip.
'Come on. We'll go and see what the boys are up to.'
She followed Jade outdoors onto a wide veranda. Further down, a large timber table had been dressed with cutlery and condiments.
'There you are.'
'Well...well...well...It's about time. I thought this mystery girl was going to stay a mystery. It's lovely to see you again, Zoe, except you're all grown up.'
'Zoe. This is my Dad, Anthony.'
'It's nice to see you again. I have vague memories.'
'We hope in time
everything will settle into place for you.'
Zoe smiled. 'Thank you. I'm hoping as well.'
'Hi Zoe.'
Zoe looked over. 'Hello Tony. How have you been?'
'Not too bad now. I think we all are in the same predicament. Still getting over the fires.'
Zoe nodded. 'Yes. Let's hope they stay away.'
Zoe pulled out a chair next to Jade, but before she could sit, Jordan walked to her side.
'Hang on a sec,' he whispered, and shot her a wink. Hell, she loved his wink. It warmed her insides.
Helen walked toward the table with a platter of nibbles in one hand. She leaned over and placed it in the centre of the table. 'There you go. Dig in.'
'Thanks Mum.'
Zoe glanced at Jordan. Her nerves were doing giant somersaults in her stomach as she wondered about his family's reaction to their news.
'Before anyone gets comfortable. I have an announcement to make.'
His mother glanced at him, flicked her gaze to her husband and then back to Jordan.
'I hope it's good. These past years have been hard for us Jordan.'
'I know Mum. I appreciate everything this family has done for me. But Zoe has agreed to marry me.'
Tingles shot up Zoe's spine as she waited while her heart pumped through the long drawn out seconds. Everyone cheered, and smiled.
'Oh, congratulations sweetheart.' Jordan's mother took the few steps between them, stood on tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.
'I knew it. I knew it was coming. It's great news. Congratulations.' Jade swung her arms around her sister in law to be.
Celebrative congratulations went round. Jordan snagged Zoe's waist with his hand, and pulled her closer.
His mother's face beamed with delight, and his father’s voice held pride.
'We need to break out a good wine, champagne perhaps,' his father said, as he straightened his back, signalling he was indeed pleased with the outcome.
'Jade, your matchmaking skills worked for once.' Jordan glanced at his sister. She looked up and grinned with that cheeky pixie grin he'd known all his life.
'You two were matched long before I stepped in. You always said you were going to marry Zoe,' Jade said, as happiness bubbled in her words.
'I did, didn't I? It's finally come true.'
'I'm so happy for you both,' Jade chimed.
Zoe had finally returned home to a community she loved, and to a new family where she could grow and overcome anything. Her roots were here. She felt it in her bones, in the blood that flowed through her veins. She leaned against Jordan.
Outback Flames: Australian Rural Romantic Suspense Page 20
