As he was led away, his security men followed, looking helpless. One was using his phone, no doubt calling a barrister.
A moment of hush, followed by shocked murmurs. Family members stopped recording.
‘So Danny’s dead at last. Poor Danny.’ Elly let out a hurting cry. ‘Did you hear him? Talking of Danny’s death like it was an inconvenience to his plans. Poor Danny … he wasn’t worth anything to anyone, except to the mother he barely knew.’
Adam pulled her close. ‘I know, but you couldn’t have saved him, Elle. He’d have lived forever in a padded cell. This way is best. It’s all over now. The nightmare’s over. Danny’s at rest. Spencer can’t hurt or abuse him or you again. You’re free at last.’
‘I–I …’ She looked up at him in strange, desperate grief as members of the police waited to interview them, the security guards and passers-by still filming. Suddenly, she turned to Rick. ‘Where’s Lorena? What’s he done to her?’
Rick said quietly, ‘I’ll call her, sis.’ Rick walked off, dialling. Moments later he was talking, his face sad, words consoling, but he gave Elly the thumbs-up. Lorena was at least alive, but Adam felt Elly shaking in his arms. ‘Poor Lorena…’
He kissed her forehead. ‘I know.’
‘She has no one now,’ she whispered.
Knowing she’d need to do something about the poor woman, he murmured, ‘We’ll help her, Elle. We’ll see she gets a good life.’
She sighed and rested her head on his shoulder for a moment. ‘Poor Lorena. Poor Danny.’
‘I know—but it was inevitable, love. Do you remember that poor run-over wombat we found on the road near Grandpa’s farm? We had to have it put down.’ She nodded. ‘Danny was too sick to save. If he was a dog we’d have put him out of his misery years ago.’ He pulled back to gaze reassuringly into her eyes. ‘Don’t let his death haunt you, Elle. The nightmare’s over now. It’s time to focus on living. Your life and dreams can all come true. All of them.’ He smiled, tracing her mouth with his finger. ‘And that includes me—if you still want me.’
Elly gave him an unreadable look, and wrenched out of his arms, turning to her grandmother. ‘Nana? Are you okay?’
Rick was back, and supporting their grandmother. Dot Larkins gave Elly a shaky smile. ‘Nice fella,’ she remarked, in grand understatement. ‘Glad no relation to that man is the father of my great-grandchildren, Janie.’
Elly laughed through her tears, causing a bout of hiccups. Everyone laughed, breaking the odd tension hovering in the air.
Dot looked at Adam, having to crane her neck to meet his eyes. ‘Daresay you don’t want my advice, but here it is: marry the girl, take her home and have your babies before any other nutcase gets funny ideas about her.’
Adam grinned. ‘Great advice, Mrs Larkins—but we already got married.’
Dot Larkins sniffed, much as Aunty Hat had done. ‘Not in front of me, you didn’t—and call me Nana.’
Moved, he kissed the old woman’s cheek. ‘Can you set up a quick wedding, Nana? I’ve got a licence ready.’
Dot nodded briskly, her eyes shining with approval. ‘Good boy. This weekend?’
‘Whatever you and Elly want. If my family can make it, great, if they can’t, they already saw me get married once.’
The pretty girl piped up. ‘First take on bridesmaid, Janie—uh, Elly.’
‘I’m getting married? I don’t remember anyone asking me,’ she remarked casually.
Hearing the challenge in her voice, Adam grimaced. ‘Come on, Elle …’
A haughty stare. Oh yeah, she was determined not to make it easy for him. ‘So you’re doing the right thing—the Jepson thing—for the babies … even if it means taking me on?’
‘Come on, Elle,’ he said again, desperate and embarrassed. ‘Why else would I be here but for you? You know I’ve been looking for you since I left hospital. You’ve been the one avoiding me for months. I only found out you were pregnant when I got here.’
A brow lifted. ‘So?’
The family crowded around. Smothered laughs and whispers filled the air.
He glanced around, and grimaced. ‘You want the whole hog, don’t you?’
Her mouth pursed and her eyes narrowed. ‘Bones, teeth and all, babe.’
He groaned, and looked at the avid faces surrounding them. He blew out a sigh. It was obvious no one would give them space right now. The whole debacle would be on social media by tonight—but no way would Elly take that as an excuse. Thinking of their crazy history, all she’d been through, she deserved no less than his abject embarrassment, and a hell of a lot more.
He closed his eyes and nodded. Here it went: the whole hog, bones, teeth and all.
‘I came for you, Elly. I’ve loved you since I was fifteen, and everyone knew it but me.’ He hesitated, then added, ‘Even Sharon knew if I was near you much longer, I’d have worked it out. She spent the whole nine years not just trying to keep me from you, but trying to make me something I wasn’t. It was never like that with you, and she knew it.’ He nuzzled her cheek, feeling the tender little purr in response. ‘When I’m with you, there’s no expectation, just happiness. Don’t leave me, Elle. Don’t condemn me to the living death I existed in before you came back to me. I love you. I need you. Marry me.’ He trailed a line of feather-light kisses to her mouth.
‘What about Zoe?’ she asked quietly.
He chuckled. ‘Here’s her opinion.’ He pulled out his phone, turned on the camera, and pressed Play. Zoe’s face filled the screen until they could see up her nose. Elly laughed.
‘Annelly, you gotta come home. You said you wanted to come wif us. Don’t you wanna be somebody’s mummy?’ The wistfulness in his daughter’s voice brought a lump to his throat, even though he’d already heard it. ‘You can be my mummy, Annelly, and we’ll have pizza and make pea-boats all the time!’
After a few moments, she sniffed and bit her lip, frowning hard at him. ‘It’s not me crying. It’s the pregnancy. Your children—all three of them—are making me emotional.’ She wiped her eyes, staring at him in odd defiance. Flooded with tenderness, he smiled at her. She lifted her chin. ‘You did love Sharon.’
With a soft laugh, he nodded. ‘You know me so well. Yeah, I did love her for a little while, with a boy’s first intense love. It was like a dream, the sort of feeling that should have been a nice memory after I married the right woman.’ He grinned. ‘When she became a woman, that is.’
She remained silent, waiting for the rest of his public declaration with a little smile.
He touched her face. ‘You know the rest. It was always you, and everyone knew it but me. Part of me must have always known I loved you. That’s why I felt so guilty and confused when you came back into my life.’ He drew in a breath, then went down on one knee before the laughing crowd, red-faced but grinning. ‘Jane Ann Elly-May Larkins, please marry me. I know Africa needs doctors, but I need you. I want the life we talked about—the pilot’s licence, the plane, the clinic in Macks Lake. I want to work beside you, with you day and night. I want to spend my life with you, and our kids.’
From his pocket he withdrew a box. ‘This is Grandma’s engagement ring, to match the wedding ring I gave you. Please wear it, not because you’re becoming a Jepson, but because you love me. Because you want to marry me.’
‘Stupid hormones,’ she complained, wiping her eyes before putting out her left hand. He noticed it still bore his ring. ‘And what if I say I’m committed to working overseas?’
‘Then we’ll come with you,’ he declared without hesitation, sliding the ring on.
She gasped. ‘Adam, it’s a war zone. We can’t take Zoe there!’
‘Then we can’t take our babies there, either.’ From where he knelt, he smoothed a hand over her belly. ‘Your basic idea’s great, so let’s just change the geography. You can change destination, can’t you? Are you contracted to this scheme?’
‘No. They didn’t give me a contract because of my pregnancy. They�
�ll have a contract waiting for me when I get there, but it’s only a month-to-month thing, in case of medical problems in the pregnancy, or if I want to give birth in Australia.’
‘So pick another place you’ll be useful, just minus the war.’
‘You’d come with me, just like that?’ she whispered, staring at him as if he was a mirage. ‘You’d give up your life, your home and job, just to be with me?’
‘Absolutely.’ He got to his feet, and took her hands in his. ‘I’m not letting you out of my sight again, woman. You’re too dangerous on the loose—and so am I, it seems. I reckon we’d better get married quick before any other infatuated psychos decide we’re their perfect match.’
Caught off guard, she laughed—and then, face softly radiant, she stepped to him, hands barely touching his arms. Wonder and joy in her fingers. He did the same, laying his forehead on hers, breathing her in. Shampoo, powder and forever love. Inevitability. Elly.
‘Don’t ever leave me again,’ he whispered. ‘I’m not me without you.’
‘I know.’ Just standing there, breathing him in too.
‘So are we celebrating or not?’ Nana Larkins wanted to know.
He turned to her and smiled. ‘Get that wedding going, Nana.’
The old lady grinned. ‘Good boy.’
As if in unspoken agreement, both sides of the family moved a little apart from them.
‘I’ve quit the service, by the way,’ he murmured, fingers moving on her arms in delicate wonder. His woman, his wife at last. ‘You realise you’re marrying an unemployed person.’
‘So I’ll support you until you get your pilot’s licence, huh? Now I know why you came,’ she mock-complained. The fingers of one hand locked with his, holding on tight. She wouldn’t lose the fear of losing him for a long time. He didn’t mind. He had a lifetime to prove to her he wasn’t going anywhere.
‘I have long-service leave,’ he retorted, smiling. ‘God forbid any woman ever supports a Jepson!’
She laughed. ‘That sounds about right … Claudius.’
He grinned, thrilled to hear that stupid nickname once more. He’d be hearing it for the rest of his life—and nothing could make him a happier man. ‘Right. Aunty Hat and Nana Larkins have both decreed we get married again, in front of them, and they’re going to outgun us every time. Do you think Minyenbarra would come up here to do a second ceremony?’
She shrugged. ‘I don’t know. We can ask.’ But her smile was filled with approval and joy.
He nuzzled her cheek again. ‘I’d like that—but this time a fully legal ceremony, with me actually participating in the wedding.’
‘That’s the Jepson in you coming out again. Life with you will be so tame,’ she sighed.
He put his forehead back on hers, smiling into her upturned face. ‘Everyone thinks I’m insane, dumping an underpaid but well-respected job as a detective to become a bush pilot.’ He grinned. ‘A pilot for a pregnant doctor. Terrific job security!’
‘It’s an adventure, Claudius.’ Her eyes sparkled. ‘If we get the contract, we’ll set up base while we wait for the babies. Some of my mates from college might like to join in the challenge. If any others have kids, we could try each filling the job on a part-time basis.’
‘Mum’s offered to move to Macks Lake to be our babysitter so you can keep working, part time at least.’
Elly looked up, her eyes wide. ‘Aunt Susan—’
He closed her mouth with a gentle finger. ‘Always knew, and she’s ordered us to give her more grandchildren.’ He grinned. ‘She’ll be thrilled when we tell her about the twins. That’ll give her something to brag about with the whole clan.’
Elly frowned. ‘Are you sure? When the family finds out—’
‘Look around, Elle. I think you missed something in all the excitement.’ He turned her to face the crowd.
Slowly, as if noticing the others for the first time, she looked around. Eight Jepsons stood watching them. Aunt Bea, whose immaculate outfit hinted that she must have come from one of her society fundraisers. Aunt Ginny, wife of Uncle Fred the barrister, who always looked (and was) like a ship in full sail. His cousin Craig, a managing partner in a major Sydney accountancy firm. His cousins Jenny and Ben, who ran a busy florist business in Newtown; they must have closed it to come. And Uncle Mike, the retired state politician, and his wife, Adelaide, were here.
At the back stood his sister-in-law, Hannah, beside his sensible, respectable brother, Jared. Gentle, blonde Hannah, the girl next door, the one so ideal to Stephen Jepson’s tastes he’d found a clone of her for his second son to marry.
And, true to form, generous-hearted Hannah stepped out first. ‘Welcome home, Janie—and welcome back to the family,’ she said, affection in every syllable. ‘Jared and I hope you and Adam and Zoe will come to visit us at the farm soon. It hasn’t changed much since you lived there. We wanted it kept much the same as Grandma and Grandpa Jepson had it. We all have such happy memories of our childhood times there … and Rachel and Jake would love to play with their cousins.’
Elly smiled at her. ‘I’ve got good memories of living there, too, and I’m sure Zoe would love it.’ Her eyes met Adam’s, a wealth of tenderness in them. ‘Thank you, Hannah. But please, call me Elly.’
‘Elly,’ Hannah repeated, smiling. ‘It will take a little getting used to. Anyway, I was wondering … I believe you’re not religious?’
Frowning, Elly shook her head.
‘If you’d like it, I’ve made a clearing in the old orchard that might be nice for a family wedding, under that tree you loved …?’
Her teeth pressing down on her lip, Elly turned back to Adam. He smiled again. ‘I can’t think of a better place for us to marry.’
Hannah held out her arms, and Elly hugged her. Old times forgotten, the sister she should always have been. More healing.
Then Jared came forward and kissed her. ‘Welcome back to the family, Janie—uh, Elly.’ He winked at Adam. ‘Way to go, mate. It’s about time you got it right. We’ve only been waiting for this event the past three years!’
‘Yeah, yeah, I was always a bit slow.’ Adam grinned at his brother, drawing Elly close to him.
‘I’m best man, I hope.’
‘We’ll see. You have competition.’ He laughed, and motioned Rick forward. ‘This is my best mate and soon-to-be brother-inlaw, Rick.’
Jared lifted a brow. ‘You’re kidding! You found Janie’s long-lost brother?’
‘He found us.’
Jared shook his head, eyes wide. ‘He found you, and you’re best friends with him? You don’t do things by halves, mate. There’s a story in this, right?’
Adam laughed again. It seemed he’d never stop. ‘One you’ll hear after a few beers.’
Finally Aunt Ginny asked the question on all their minds. ‘So, is the wedding this weekend? Fred and I usually like prior notice—but of course family comes first.’ She pinched Adam’s cheek. ‘You have yourself a fine girl here, Adam. I always liked her. She’s got fire and guts and spirit. The family could do with a bit of that in the bloodline. My brother always was a bit foolish about things like that.’
Aunt Ginny’s bluntness was legendary in the family—and he blessed his aunt for saying the exact words Elly needed to hear. ‘The wedding’s this weekend, Aunt Ginny. I’m not waiting for anyone. Be there or be square.’
‘Well said.’ Aunt Ginny nodded and turned to Elly’s grandmother. ‘Mrs Larkins—Dot, is it?—I’m Ginny. It seems Adam and Janie have chosen the venue. Of course your family is welcome to stay at the farm from now until the wedding—there’s loads of room.’ She didn’t so much as glance at Jared and Hannah as she made the invitation. ‘Would you like to help with the catering, the flowers and so on?’
Dot Larkins gave the perfectly groomed woman a reluctant smile. ‘Seems they have—but I think I’ll be able to work out the rest.’
Dot’s grandchildren, who knew her irascible nature and love of control, bit back laughs and
grinned at each other. It would snow in the Barrier Reef before an outsider muscled in on any family function of Dot’s.
As the awkward greetings between the families continued, Elly turned back to Adam, and he saw the healing begin. Little Janie Larkins was finally a Jepson, with all the fierce loyalty the name entailed; and she was a Larkins, loved and accepted. As was Rick. She had her brother at last, and this time he’d be in her life every day. Full circle had come.
Elly’s distant cousin and close friend stepped forward. ‘You’re going to need nurses as well as doctors on shift at this new clinic, unless you want to have a breakdown. I’d love to work with you again, Elly, and I can’t think of a better way than treating our people on the Flying Doctor circuit.’
Adam put out a hand to her. ‘Hi. I’m Adam, and we’d love to have some more family along for the ride.’
She grinned, turning their joined hands to make a high five. ‘Hi, new cuz. I’m Kara, and I promise I won’t break in on any honeymoon you two might be planning. I know how to be tactful … when I put my mind to it. I can even babysit for you. I love kids. Has Macks Lake got many available men? I might finally find the love of my life.’
‘Kara’s as picky as me, and as determined,’ Elly murmured dreamily.
Kara grinned, unabashed. ‘A family trait, my dear.’ She slanted a slight glance to Adam’s left, a look of intense interest, then she turned away, biting her lip.
Rick turned to talk to the cops, but the stiffness of his back said there was a story to this. He’d have to ask Elly about it when they were alone at last.
‘Excuse me, Detective Sergeant Jepson, if we could speak to you and the lady now? We’ll need to take your statements.’
He waved the cops off. ‘I’ll bring her in later.’ He was glad he hadn’t yet put in his resignation. ‘My wife’s pregnant with twins. She needs a rest after what she’s just been through. She’s in shock.’
Beneath the Skin Page 34
