by Valerie Parv
Damn, but this independence thing of hers was going to be tough to respect, when his every instinct urged him to guard her with his life.
There was one thing he could give her. “Crocodiles only feed once or twice a week. The one that took Eddy won’t be interested in us for a few days.”
She nodded in appreciation of his attempt. “Let’s get this over with.”
He read the river carefully, watching the movement of debris on the water, before choosing where he judged the current to be weakest.
Reaching shore was still a battle, made more nightmarish by knowing what might lurk beneath them. Blake helped her fight the current but could do nothing about the fear except stay close to her, knowing that by swimming close together, they made a more formidable target and reduced the risk of an attack.
By the time they reached the mud flats, she could barely drag herself ashore but she staggered to higher ground with him before collapsing. He had never loved or admired her more.
Words were all he had the strength to offer. “I love you, Jo.”
She lifted her head. “I love you, too.” Then she laughed huskily.
The warm sound thrilled him. “Now what?”
“In all the best love stories, this would be the moment when we throw ourselves into each other’s arms and make passionate love.”
“We’ll take a rain check,” he promised. “But not for long. I like the feel of you in my arms too much.”
“About as much as I like being there,” she assured him.
“I never thought I’d find a woman like you.”
“One who swims crocodile-infested rivers and fights off bad guys?” she asked.
He summoned the energy to roll closer, draping an arm across her. “Not to mention looking sensational in a wet T-shirt.”
His mouth found hers and Jo gave herself up to the joy of being alive and being loved. Coming close to losing both today, she knew she would never take such blessings for granted again.
He let her take as long as she needed to recover and then helped her to her feet. He didn’t have to tell her that Eddy’s death would have to be reported to the police and an investigation started. She shrank from going over the events again and again for the authorities, but recognized the necessity. And Blake would be with her.
They would be there for each other for the rest of their lives, she knew, her spirits starting to lift.
On the way to the cars, she stumbled and he took her hand, reinforcing the thought. “If we can survive a day like today, we can survive anything,” she said as much to herself as to him.
His grip tightened. “Survival is for wimps. Together, you and I are going to live and thrive, and take the world by storm.”
She remembered something she’d said to him before in jest. Now she said in all sincerity, “My hero.”
He was and always would be, she knew. Today, she had learned perhaps the most valuable lesson of her life. It wasn’t a weakness to need someone, as long as the feeling was mutual.
Of that, she had not the slightest doubt.
Epilogue
“What do you like best about the Kimberley so far, Lauren?”
The young woman looked thoughtful. “I like Perth better, Mr. Logan. But the kangaroos are nice, and the colored birds are pretty.”
Des grinned. “I appreciate an honest woman. Would you like anything else to eat or drink, Lauren or Adam?”
“No thank you,” they chorused and smiled at each other.
Enjoying coffee on the homestead veranda after dinner had become a pleasant routine during Lauren’s and Adam’s visit to Diamond Downs. Jo had proposed the trip to celebrate the ending of the threat to their group home. Jo’s editor had kept her word and pleaded their case with her developer husband. Ron Prentiss agreed immediately. Anything to keep his gorgeous wife and her new relatives happy, he’d said.
Jo’s concern that her friend might find the Kimberley frightening had proved unfounded, although she suspected Adam’s presence had a lot to do with the changes in Lauren. Attentive and gentlemanly, he was good for her.
He encouraged Lauren to take risks within her capabilities, making Jo wonder if she should have done more over the years. When it came to her friend, she’d been the overprotective one, Jo thought, sneaking a glance at Blake. At least they’d put that issue to bed now. Was it almost two weeks since Eddy was taken by the crocodile? It felt like years.
Blake was deep in conversation with Ryan Smith, the last of the Logan foster family for Jo to meet. To support the family while Eddy’s death was investigated, Ryan had flown in the day before from Broome. By now, Jo had stopped looking for family resemblances between the boys, but she was starting to recognize the shared core of strength and decency that was Des’s legacy to them all.
Ryan was as tall as the other men, but leaner although no less muscular. His red hair was a distinction among his foster brothers. Jo had liked him at first sight, and also hadn’t missed the chemistry vibrating between him and Judy Logan. According to Judy, Ryan had spent the least amount of time with the Logans and had had the most difficulty adjusting, although she hadn’t gone into details. Judy also hadn’t mentioned that she was attracted to Ryan, but Jo sensed it immediately, perhaps because of her own heightened feelings for Blake.
With Cade, they were discussing the discovery of the site where Jack Logan’s canoe had washed up. A map was spread between them, and Blake’s finger stabbed it as he made a point. It was a shame he couldn’t get back to the Bowen and trace it to its conjunction with the underground creek. Somewhere in between lay a fortune in diamonds.
But he’d neglected his crocodile park for too long because of her, she thought with a twinge of conscience. He hadn’t done anything he hadn’t wanted to do—she knew him well enough now to be certain. But the breeding ponds at Sawtooth Park had developed technical problems requiring urgent attention, and he’d had no choice but to go back to his work.
Not that the search for the mine would be neglected. Judy had assured them that she and Ryan would continue the quest. In fact, she’d insisted on it, saying it was time she did more to help.
An excuse to spend time with Ryan? Jo wondered. How well she understood the craving. She had moved with Blake into his rambling house at Sawtooth Park and, between his work and her writing, they spent every hour they could together. It was barely enough.
In two months, they would be married. Jo had suggested the date to give Judy and Ryan time to learn what they could before The Wet set in, knowing that their foster father’s security and well-being were the best wedding presents Blake could receive.
A commotion at the door heralded Judy bearing a huge cake.
Blake’s handsome features were reflected in the dancing candles. “What’s this for?”
“Karen Prentiss thinks the date your mother wrote on the birth notice she kept with her must be your real birthday. In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s today. So make a wish and blow out your candles.”
Looking uncomfortable with the attention, Blake was sporting about it. As he blew the candles out, his gaze met Jo’s across the cake. There was no need for Blake to wish for their happiness. Two people couldn’t possibly be happier than she and Blake, his tender gaze telling her more eloquently than words.
Her glance went to Ryan Smith, standing with his hand on Judy’s shoulder. Maybe part of the wish might be for them to work out their future as happily as her and Blake.
She didn’t have to ask what else Blake had wished for. She knew. For his foster father to have the heart transplant he needed to restore him to health, and for the mine to be found so Diamond Downs could remain in Logan hands. Although with The Wet Season fast approaching, Jo feared that was going to take a lot more than a wish.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-7359-1
LIVE TO TELL
Copyright © 2004 by Valerie Parv
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