Return to Riversleigh

by Anne Ashby

  She couldn’t hide her smile at Luke’s blank expression.

  “Bring that coffee table from your lounge and put it over in the corner.” She waved a hand. “She can bring her toys in here.” Her eyebrows rose as she challenged him. “Let’s face it—she’s not going to disturb us with her chatter, is she?”

  Shannon frowned at her dithering boss. He had no idea how to interact with children.

  “She’s not a doll, Luke.” She shook her head at him. “She’s a little person. She’d probably enjoy it if you spent some time with her, talked with her.”

  Luke opened his mouth—to argue Shannon guessed. She leaped back in before he had any chance. “There’s a difference between talking to a child and talking with a child, Luke. It might be worth you giving that a try seeing you’re stuck with them this week.”

  She sent him a pitying look. “Oh hell.” She jumped to her feet. “I’ll bring the table, you go and find her. Tell her she’s going to spend time with you at your work. That will be a real treat because Marcia’s told both children they mustn’t disturb you while you’re working.”

  She was already halfway to the door. “Ask her what toys she’d like to play with. And then crown it off by inviting her to go for a ride on your horse later on.”

  Shannon was working on the computer some time later when a bemused Luke arrived laden with an armload of toys and the little girl.

  Shannon wheeled her chair over next to Amy. “Good morning, Amy.” Her smile wasn’t answered but she kept it in place anyway. “Are you going to spend today at Uncle’s work?”

  After a hesitant glance up at the looming uncle, Amy gave a nervous little nod.

  “We’ll be able to get to know each other a little better.” Shannon eased her chair back to her desk rather than overwhelm the child. “I’ve seen you playing with Thomas, but you don’t visit him. You can come to his house sometimes if you want.”

  Shannon smiled as she watched the normally self-assured Luke setting up a play area for his niece. Out of his comfort zone, he fumbled to pick up the delicate dolls’ accessories which spilled out of his arms onto the floor. He carefully laid a piece of blanket, which she assumed was Amy’s cuddly, within easy reach.

  “How’s that, is that all you need?”

  He got a tiny smile accompanying Amy’s nod.

  “You can play on the tablet for a little while after morning tea, and then when it’s a little warmer, we’re going for a ride. Would you enjoy that?”

  Luke’s sudden movement caught Shannon by surprise. He’d swung around to face the window, but she saw enough of his expression to guess he’d been gob-smacked by the brilliance of Amy’s smile.

  Her attention returned to her computer screen. If Shannon hadn’t known of the imminent arrival of Marcia’s grandchild, she would have suspected the older woman of orchestrating this, forcing Luke and the children closer together. Had she decided it was time for a relationship to grow? Shannon smiled.

  It had only been a couple of hours since their car departed, and already things had changed.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Luke had never noticed the tap-tap-tap of Shannon’s keyboard before, but this morning its noise was irritating the hell out of him. When Shannon printed out a bunch of work his insides tightened into an even firmer knot.

  He jumped to his feet, only to sink back onto his chair when there was an audible gasp and a frightened stare from the corner. Achieving anything productive today was impossible. His gaze kept flicking across to the little girl who now returned to silent play in the corner. Such quietness isn’t natural, is it?

  His fingers tapped against his desk in time with Shannon’s continued typing. Shannon didn’t appear affected by Amy’s presence. Luke had caught a couple of smiles she’d thrown Amy’s way, and had been surprised to see one of them tentatively returned.

  Oh hell, what’s the point? Accept this week as a write-off. Short of hiring a nanny—and he’d been unsuccessful down that track weeks ago—there’s little else I can do.

  Perhaps Marcia’s thinking wasn’t too far off center. Amy was a happy-enough kid with Marcia and Rod. If I could crack the bubble she surrounds herself with and… And what?

  Luke wasn’t sure he wanted to think that far ahead. He needed more from these kids. And they needed an awful lot more from him. All he had to do was figure out how to achieve a better relationship.

  Mindful of Shannon’s little snippet of advice, he glanced at his watch. Too early for morning tea but surely there was a perk or two to being the boss. He could decide they were having a break any time he wanted to. Like right now.

  “Has Aunt Marcia left some biscuits or cakes for us somewhere?” he mused aloud, his gaze on the ceiling. “My tummy is rumbling something fierce.” For added effect he rubbed his stomach. “Shannon, do you know where Marcia might have left us some biscuits?”

  He lowered his gaze to see an approving twinkle in her eyes. “No sorry, I haven’t got a clue.”

  The little mouse playing in the corner disappeared before Luke could rise from his chair.

  Luke smiled. “I guess she might know.”

  “You’d better hurry in case the cake tins are in a high cupboard.”

  “It’s fine,” Luke threw over his shoulder as he ambled after his niece. “They’re under the bench.”

  Luke wasn’t completely sure, but he thought he heard a murmur of approval as he left the office. A glance over his shoulder showed Shannon had returned to typing.

  “Wow.” Luke pretended shock at his niece dragging tin after tin from a cupboard onto the floor in the kitchen. “I didn’t know there were this many cake tins. Shall we see what’s in them all?” He winked at Amy. “Then we can both choose something for our morning tea.”

  Luke sank down onto his haunches and helped Amy pry the lids off. Soon they were surrounded by a variety of baking.

  “I bags this one.” He pointed to a tray of fruit cake. “Which one tastes best?” Warmth ran through him as he watched his niece dither. Her tongue poked out the corner of her mouth. Fingers reached forward only to retreat as another delicacy took her eye.

  She’s such a pretty, wee thing. With those huge eyes she’ll grow into a beauty for sure.

  With a suddenness that thrust him back onto his butt, he saw into the future. One day he’d be dealing with all that comes with girls growing up. Hell—his blood chilled—boys pursuing her, calling to take her out. His stomach rolled as a sour tanginess rose into his mouth.

  Amy’s final choice of a biscuit dragged Luke’s thoughts away from his retribution plans if any joker ever hurt her. He shook his head to dispel the notion lest she pick up on the murderous vibes running through him.

  He inhaled and slowly released a deep breath. Mercifully Amy’s gaze remained glued on the goodies before them. “You choose something for Shannon while I get us a plate.”

  Instead of the instant coffee they would normally grab while they were busy, there was plenty of time for an espresso this morning. I’m not doing much else. But the annoyance hanging onto him since Marcia announced her and Rod’s departure changed. Instead a sense of purpose washed over him. He’d use this week getting to know the kids better.

  Amy gave a squeal of surprise when he picked her up and plonked her onto the bench close—but not too close—to the coffee machine. He grinned at her bulging eyes as he placed three cups and saucers down before he prepared the coffee.

  While she made no response, he continued to chatter to her the whole time, explaining what he was doing and why. Her gaze glued to him encouraged his efforts.

  Shortly, he followed Amy back into the office carrying a tray with assorted cakes and biscuits and their drinks—two cappuccinos and, in exactly the same type of cup, a fluffy made from the leftover steamed milk for Amy. Shifting his office chair beside Shannon’s desk and inviting Amy to sit up beside them, he sank into the arm chair while gaining some kudos with both the females present.

  After the
ir coffee he took his leave and strode outside. Though it was still chilly, the air was dry. If Shannon was right, and Amy would enjoy a ride, at least he could bundle her up in warm clothes without having to worry about rain. Halfway across the yard he realized Amy had followed him.

  “Go back inside, Amy.”

  The light vanished from the girl’s face before she turned and ran back to the house. He rubbed at the seam in his jeans as his throat thickened. He couldn’t lose what little headway he’d made this morning. “I’ll be back in a minute,” he called, not knowing for sure whether she would hear him. “I’m just saddling Gypsy, then we’re going for that ride.”

  He caught and saddled his horse faster than he ever had before and was almost trotting himself as he led it back toward the house. Inside, he found Amy curled up in a ball on the armchair in the office, her cuddly clutched to her chest. She wouldn’t look his way.

  Luke’s shoulders slumped as he turned a beseeching look at Shannon. She gave an encouraging smile and a little wave which meant…who knew what?

  “If you can just give me another ten minutes, Luke, I’ll be finished up here.” Now he understood her wink. “If you and Amy get ready, I can catch you up.”

  “Don’t be too long or we’ll go without you.” He winked at his niece. “Let’s find your hat and coat, Amy. Gypsy is waiting for us.”

  Both he and Shannon chuckled as Amy disappeared after bowling into Luke. “Did she think I’d changed my mind?”

  “Probably.” Shannon put a hand on his arm as he turned to follow Amy. “Kids have long memories, Luke. Be straight with them, even at Amy’s age. They remember promises. If you always follow through with what you promise, you’ll be more than halfway there.”

  Something made Luke pause. “Thanks, Shannon. That’s astute. It’s well worth remembering”—he gripped the hand holding his arm before adding—“for both of us.”

  Shannon’s face flamed before growing deathly pale as his hint took hold. He didn’t know the exact problem between herself and her son, but he’d guessed something was very wrong with their relationship, too.

  ****

  Luke didn’t mind admitting Shannon had been right. The days in sole charge of the kids, especially when school broke up for the spring holidays, wasn’t as difficult as he had imagined. He met Marcia’s hesitant telephoned query about staying with her new granddaughter just a few days longer without dread.

  He insisted Shannon take some time off, also. She and Thomas had disappeared, leaving Luke and his two charges alone together.

  Instead of dreading the time, much to his surprise, Luke discovered he was enjoying himself. Their days morphed into times not too different from Luke’s previous days. Whatever he needed to do, they just did together.

  They tended the sheep each day until Rod’s return, they rode around the prepared tracks, they searched for sites for his next adventure, and on wet days the kids enjoyed helping him experiment with baking, something way outside Luke’s comfort zone.

  While these tasks may have gone more quickly had he been on his own, Luke was encouraged by the apparent warmth growing between him and the two kids. Tomorrow they’d begin helping Rod with tailing the lambs. A retired neighbor who’d been on hand to help with the actual lambing wasn’t around now, so it would be all hands on deck.

  “Thomas is back!” Jake leapt up from the dinner table and tore outside, Amy just seconds behind them. Luke followed, finding himself as eager as the kids to welcome the others home. He arrived near Shannon’s car in time to see the sour expression on Thomas’s face turn into a delighted grin as the kids dived on him as soon as he exited the car.

  Puzzled, Luke’s gaze focused on their reunion. Thomas appeared as happy to see Jake and Amy as they were to see him. What a weird kid. Luke couldn’t make him out. He always acted contrary and yet now Jake and Amy were hanging off him.

  Don’t they reckon kids tune into people’s vibes? They must see something different about Shannon’s son than either he or, he suspected, Shannon saw.

  As Thomas spied him watching, the boy’s head dipped and he shrugged the others aside before stomping inside.

  “Did you forget your bag?” Luke called after him. His call was ignored.

  Luke wandered around to open Shannon’s door. By the dejected droop of her shoulders, he guessed their few days’ holiday had not been a great success.

  “Welcome home.” He held out a hand to her.

  She hesitated, but then with a weary smile, she clasped his fingers as she alighted. “Hi.”

  “You look tired.”

  Shannon shrugged, refusing to meet his gaze.

  He stepped closer, slipping a finger under her chin. “Didn’t it go well?” His gut tightened as a suspicion of tears welled up in her eyes.

  She bit her lip and blinked furiously.

  “Where did you end up going?” he asked, pretending not to notice her struggle.

  “We spent a couple of nights with Johnny in Invercargill, then we drove around the Catlins. I wanted to show Thomas some of the sights.”

  Luke struggled to keep his face blank. No wonder the poor kid looked bored out of his tree. “That probably wasn’t a very exciting area for a teenage boy to visit.”

  “I discovered that, thank you.” Shannon’s voice hardened as she stalked past Luke. “He pointed that out every five minutes for the last three days.”

  “Maybe Queenstown and bungee jumping, jet boating, or white water rafting might have been more up his alley.”

  She scowled over her shoulder at him. “No way. He’s far too young.”

  “He’ll be thirteen next birthday, Shannon.” Luke kept his voice free of any suggested censure, but he’d touched that forbidden subject between them.

  Before she snapped his head off or headed indoors, he touched her arm. “Come and have a coffee.” Feeling her hesitation, he tacked on, “I can catch you up to date with what’s been happening around here.”

  Shannon’s glance toward the half-built reception shed revealed eagerness so he slipped an arm around her shoulders and edged her toward his doorway. “C’mon. Let’s have that coffee, and then we’ll go for a walk.” He nodded toward the building. “The kids will be fine.”

  Shannon looked over her shoulder. “You guys can go and visit with Thomas, if you want.”

  Off they tore, almost before the words were out of her mouth. She heard Thomas’s name being called as the kids disappeared inside the flat.

  “I know you’ve only been gone a few days, but things have taken off.” He gave Shannon the lowdown on their progress while he prepped the coffee.

  She appeared to have forgotten her despondency at her time away with Thomas by the time they hurried down the driveway together.

  Luke grinned at her excitement as she inspected what would soon be a massive trampoline park. He leaned against a support and laughed out loud, as she scrutinized the reception area in great detail.

  She ignored him as she rushed from one room to another. “I can’t believe how far this has come in these few days.”

  “A couple more weeks and you’ll have to start thinking about the furnishings.”

  Shannon laughed.

  Luke imagined her itching to do just that. She’d agreed to oversee the complete setting up of the building, thank goodness. They’d discussed the necessities, but worrying about the decorating details and aesthetics would have tested his patience just a little too much.

  In what would become the reception area, Shannon did a little skip and a twirl.

  Luke couldn’t help it, he laughed again as heat filled him. She is magnificent. The place had been dead without her around. “It’s good to have you home again, Shannon. I missed you.”

  Shannon stilled. Her eyes widened as she stared at him. Lips moved, but no sound escaped. As color crept into her cheeks, she turned aside.

  Luke caught her arm. “I mean that, Shannon. This is your home for as long as you want it to be. Your job will never b
e finished here. For however long you want to stay, there’ll always be a place for you.”

  He gave a little lopsided grin fearing he was getting in a little deeper than he’d intended. “And Thomas too, obviously.” His face burned. “I’m hoping you might enjoy running this side of the business because it’ll drive me spare.”

  Now it was his turn to look away. Hell, what have I done? Have my words given a clue to my feelings?

  He sucked in a deep breath. But I don’t know what my feelings for her are! I just know this last week has been flat without her around. “I’d better go and prepare the kids’ tea. Do you want to join us?”

  Shannon followed him as he left the construction area. “Ahh…no,” she mumbled. “Thanks though. Thomas and I should return to our routine.”

  Luke’s body slumped with a huge release of relief. He wasn’t sure what else might pop out of his mouth if they’d spent the evening together.

  Thank heavens he would be busy tomorrow, too busy to see Shannon, or to have to consider his every word. “We’ll be tailing lambs tomorrow, if you can believe I’m going to participate willingly in any farm work. If Thomas wanted to give us a hand—” He let the sentence hang. He didn’t expect Thomas to show up.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “I’ve rounded up enough sheep for one day. We can’t expect the kids to work a full day during school holidays,” Rod said as he joined Luke and the children for an early dinner prior to midday. “We’ll head off to begin the tailing after we eat.”

  Thomas had been hanging around with Jake and Amy in the morning, but Luke hadn’t expected him to sidle up to the quad bike in the yard when they were ready to head out.

  “Does your mother know where you are? Where you’re going?”

  Luke looked over toward the flat’s kitchen window and spied Shannon at the sink. He acknowledged her wave.

  “Jump on then. There’s plenty of work for everyone.”

  Hours later Luke’s impression of Shannon’s son had changed. The boy had worked tirelessly with Rod. Although initially uncertain what to do, he soon became an asset.