The Road Home (23 page)

NOAH showed Lara out to the old shearers’ quarters. It was a square building with three rooms, two single beds in each, and a small kitchen and shower.

‘Mandy’s already made up your beds. Sis, you’re in this one. Trent and Jack are up the end,’ Noah said, pointing.

‘Oh, so your other guests get hotels in town and we get the leftovers?’ Lara laughed.

‘Yep. You’re the wedding party. Gotta stay nice and close. Amanda has her grandparents staying with us so this is all we could offer.’

Lara motioned to the calendar on the wall with naked girls on it. ‘This yours?’ She raised an eyebrow.

‘Don’t worry. It’s nothing you haven’t seen before. Anyhow, chuck your bags down and we’ll go grab some lunch. I don’t know about you, but I’m hungrier than a bikini model.’

That night Lara headed over to the old house for a few champagnes to kick off the celebrations, and to go over the plans and finer details with Amanda.

‘Is this it?’ Lara asked, looking from Amanda to her sister and her mother. ‘Not much of a hens’ night, Mandy.’

Amanda shrugged. ‘I know. Lame, right? But with everything going on with Noah, I just wasn’t in the mood for a real party so this will just have to be it. Besides, I think this is nice.’ She bumped Lara’s shoulder with her own. ‘As long as I can spend some time with you. It’ll be good to sit and talk.’

‘I agree. It’s been a mad few weeks. Here, let me get you a big glass. Sit down, relax.’ Lara stepped away and yelled out. ‘Who’s got the toilet paper? Time to make Mandy her dress, ladies!’

It was about ten when she got back to the quarters, where Jack, Trent, Noah and his other groomsman, Alex, a mate from Ag school, were enjoying a few quiet beers.

‘Hey, sis. Wanna beer?’

‘I might pass, thanks. My bed’s calling for me.’

‘Yeah, well, we should probably do the same soon,’ said Jack, glancing at Noah, who looked like going to bed was the last thing on his mind. ‘You have a wedding tomorrow, remember?’

Noah frowned. ‘You’re no fun, Jack.’ But he got up anyway and put his empty bottles in the bin. ‘I guess you’re right. I’m practically a married man, hey!’

Lara shook her head at her brother. It seemed like just the other day that they were kids punching each other and calling each other names. ‘’Night, Noah. ’Night, boys.’

‘See ya, sis.’

In the kitchen she passed Trent, who was getting a cold bit of pizza out of the fridge.

‘Hey, you,’ he said. ‘Enjoy your girlie evening?’

‘I sure did. And how was yours? Tell the boys about your trip to court?’

Trent looked sheepish. ‘Yeah. Well, some of it, anyway. I left out the part about it being on Erindale.’

She nodded and held his arm. ‘Probably best. I’m off to bed. See ya tomorrow.’

‘Okay.’

Trent reached out and gave her a hug, like it was the most natural thing in the world. Maybe it was prompted by his few beers, or maybe it was just the moment. But it felt nice, like they understood that they would never be more than friends.

‘Excuse me,’ said Jack as he tried to get to the fridge.

Lara felt his gaze burn her. She read what Jack was thinking, as he glanced between them both. She felt like running and hiding. ‘’Night, guys,’ she said again, blushing, and made a hasty retreat.

A few hours later, Lara was still tossing and turning in the small single bed. It was too soft, but that wasn’t even half the reason why she couldn’t sleep. Jack was just on the other side of the wall. The way he’d come running down here to help Noah was remarkably sweet and endearing. It actually made her feel small. Why hadn’t she done the same thing? For a man who didn’t show much emotion, Jack had shown bucketloads through his actions, just by being here. He’d proven that he had it where it counted. She’d accused
him of being a crap friend, when really he was a great one. And the things she’d ranted and raved at him over the farm agreement now made her face burn with shame. What must he think of her? She couldn’t close her eyes without picturing him: his dark hair, smouldering eyes and those arms. Throwing back her covers in despair, Lara began navigating her way to the toilet through the dark. Until her outstretched hand hit something solid.

‘Ouch.’

For a second the world swam around her as she felt disorientated … until she realised she was touching bare flesh. And it certainly wasn’t Noah’s scrawny figure, or Trent’s. No, this hard body was familiar and it aroused her senses as no other man could.

‘Are you okay? Sorry, I was just getting a drink,’ said Jack, his hushed voice reverberating up her spine as if he’d shouted.

Lara wanted to say she was fine but nothing would come out. Instead, her heart thumped in her chest as his scent intoxicated her mind. Jack’s hands were low on her waist, not so much holding her up but gently caressing. Oh, how she liked the feel of it.

‘What happened to your red silk slip?’ he teased.

She could smell the lingering alcohol on his breath. It was surprisingly alluring. She was mute with wanting and needed to get away from him before she couldn’t control her actions. She was embarrassed. What must he think of her? Quickly she drew away her hand.

‘I’m sorry,’ she managed at last.

‘Lara, I know this probably isn’t the right time, but I just wanted to clear the air.’

‘No need, Jack. Noah explained about the agreement. It’s me
who should say sorry.’ She gathered up what balls of steel she could find. ‘And I am sorry, for all those harsh things I said. Heat of the moment, you understand.’

She felt his hand along her arm, tracing up to her shoulder and then on to caress her cheek. His hand was warm but made her shiver all the same.

‘What you said was the truth. No one has ever spoken so frankly to me before. And I hadn’t been a very good friend to Noah. It killed me that I didn’t even know what had been happening under my nose. I should have known.’

She tried to concentrate on his words as his thumb ran over her cheek.

‘And I’m sorry I’ve been such an arrogant pig. It’s true I didn’t like a city chick coming to run a farm that I’d hoped to buy. I was mad as hell. It was like the situation at home all over again. I was also pushing you away after I’d been hurt by my ex. I’d had enough pain and loss. See, I thought you’d leave, go back to the city, but as I watched you struggle and fight so damn hard to run that place, something inside me changed. You turned into this wild beauty, busting your arse to do it alone and never once asking for help, even when you bogged that auger.’ His lips were so close she felt his breath.

‘You saw that?’

‘Yeah, I saw that. The more I wanted to hate you for taking something from me, the more I realised that it wasn’t mine in the first place. You were born to be on Erindale. You belong there and you have so much determination, just like your mum. You, Miss Lara Turner, are captivating.’

And then she felt his lips on hers. So softly, like the gentle wings of a butterfly. She wanted to taste him again. Their intimate time together had been lingering in her memory for weeks now. Opening her mouth, she found what she’d been searching for and clung to him. It was pure heaven, like falling into a gentle whirlpool. Everything was spinning around her as she lost all control of her senses. Which way was up? Where was she again?

A snore echoed out from the rooms, startling them both. The moment was gone as Jack stepped back. ‘Go and get some sleep. We can talk tomorrow.’ He kissed her cheek as she inhaled his scent, so masculinely Jack. Then he was gone and she’d forgotten why she was out of bed in the first place.

LARA sat back on the garden chair and admired the fairy lights through the trees and over the marquee. The sun had not long set, and she’d come out here especially to watch it sink. Gold, glittery rays had filled the sky as if to purposely complement the magic of the day.

The weather had stayed fine for the wedding and the day had gone off without a hitch. The sun had come out, even though it was still cool, and you could hear the cattle and sheep in nearby paddocks. A slight breeze had flicked around the girls’ dresses, making the light catch the material and giving different depths to the gold.

Noah had blinked rapidly when he’d seen Amanda, and she’d cried openly, dabbing her tears with a white hanky. He’d stuttered through his vows but had loudly said ‘I do’. The large tree in the corner of the garden was shedding its yellow and orange leaves. Like confetti, they’d flitted down in the breeze. And they’d all laughed when Jack couldn’t remember which pocket he’d put the rings in.

Lara had also wanted some time to herself, as her mind had
been filled with thoughts of her parents and her own fantasy wedding. Her dad would never give her away. Lara already knew that would be Noah’s job.

‘What ya doing over here, sis?’ said Noah as he walked towards her in his charcoal-grey suit. He sat next to her and they looked like a matching set, with her gold strapless dress and his shimmering gold tie. Amanda had made Lara wear her hair out, and they’d brushed it till it shone like the colour of milky honey.

‘Enjoying the quiet?’ she said.

‘Hmm. That’s what I came for. I love Trish dearly, but she can talk the hind leg off a donkey.’ He chuckled, and nudged her gently with his shoulder. ‘You know, you scrub up all right for a farmer. You look so much like Mum with your hair out like that.’ His voice lost all its playfulness as he touched a strip of her hair.

Lara took hold of his hand and gave it a squeeze as tears welled in her eyes. ‘They would have been so proud of you today, Noah. I’m sure they’re watching. I
know
they’re watching.’ She ruffled up his hair. ‘I’m so proud of you; you’re very handsome in your suit. Mum would have been bawling her eyes out.’ Lara attempted a smile through her tears. ‘I’m so happy everything has worked out for you. You deserve it.’

Noah grinned. ‘Yeah, well, I wouldn’t be as happy if you hadn’t taken over the farm. Think I would have lost a piece of my heart by selling Erindale. I know I said I never wanted to be stuck on that farm, but deep down it’s still the Turner place. It’s still our heritage and it’s where Mum and Dad lived, you know? Where we grew up.’

Lara rested her head on Noah’s shoulder and sighed. ‘That’s a bit how I felt too.’

‘Hey, there’s the Turners,’ said Jack, coming out of the darkness and into the soft light thrown from the spotlight off the shed behind them. There were no words to describe how good Jack looked in his suit, matching Noah’s. As best man he’d done his job well and had attracted more than his fair share of attention from the ladies. Hard to blame them when her own eyes kept flicking to him. Amanda’s sister, Lilly, was a hairdresser, and had trimmed his dark hair this morning. Somehow, it accentuated his strong jaw and piercing green eyes.

‘A certain Mrs Turner is looking for her wayward husband. Do you know where I can find him?’ Jack asked.

Noah leant across and kissed Lara on the cheek. ‘Love you, Lara,’ he said before squeezing her hand and getting up. ‘Better go see what the missus wants,’ he joked and headed to the marquee.

Jack stood before her, gazing down.

‘Is it all right if I comment on how breathtakingly gorgeous you look today?’

Lara shrugged and tried to hide her smile. ‘Probably.’

‘Do you mind if I sit?’

‘Knock yourself out,’ she said, scooting to the edge of the seat to give him plenty of room.

Lara smiled at Jack and he returned it whole-heartedly. ‘Finish seeding?’

‘Sort of. Still waiting on a part. Didn’t help having a few distractions.’

‘Trent?’

‘No. Well, yes, I guess, and Aaron chasing his money, and a brother running off the rails. Hopefully now life can move on much more simply.’

‘You’ve had a bit to deal with.’ Jack was staring into her eyes with concern and it made her body glow. ‘I can’t believe I ever underestimated you, Lara. For one hot-looking sheila you sure know how to handle the dirty, difficult stuff.’

‘I could say the same thing about you, Jack. And I must say, you scrub up all right in that suit. Very sexy.’

‘Sexy?’ His eyes sparkled with amusement.

‘Jack.’ She said it softly and reached for his hand. It seemed too perfect a moment to waste. She leant over to kiss him, and Jack put his hands in her hair. A second later he ended the kiss and sat back.

What had she done wrong? ‘Jack?’

‘I have to tell you something.’ He looked up, meeting her eyes. ‘I’m heading back to New Zealand.’

‘What? Why?’

‘My dad has had a stroke. I have to go back. I’m leaving right away – tomorrow, in fact. I need to see him, make my peace, like you said. And Matt needs my help on the farm.’

‘But … you’ll be back, right?’

He didn’t say the words she wanted to hear. Instead he shook his head slowly. ‘Dad may never be up to working the farm again.’

‘So that’s it? You just leave, for good?’ The news was torture. He was right here, eager to be with her – she could see it in his eyes – and yet he was leaving. The thought of never seeing Jack again was unbearable.

‘Hey, you two – it’s time to hit the dance floor!’ yelled Amanda from the marquee. ‘Get your butts over here now!’

‘Shall we?’ said Jack, getting up and holding out his elbow for Lara, an apologetic look in his eye.

They made their way towards Mandy. The gold sequins scattered across the bodice of her flowing white dress sparkled under the lights, making her look even more radiant. Gone was any trace of the farm girl, except for the white cowboy boots underneath.

‘Noah and I are up first, then you two, followed by Lilly and Alex, okay?’ said Amanda.

For some strange reason, Lilly hadn’t wanted to be the maid of honour – something about guys thinking she was married or too old. And she’d been more than happy to be paired with the handsome Alex.

‘No sweat. We’ll follow your lead,’ Jack said, while Lara was still trying to process the fact that he was leaving. The news had shattered her mood like a sledgehammer through six panes of glass. She was still struggling to pick up the pieces and put on her happy face.

They only had to wait by the dance floor for a minute as it was announced that the bride and groom would take their first dance together. The band began to play Aerosmith’s ‘Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’, and they stepped onto the temporary floor.

Noah and Amanda snuggled close, barely dancing, just holding each other as everyone whooped and cheered them on. Amanda threaded her arms through Noah’s jacket and rested her head on his chest as her dress swirled at their feet. They looked amazing together and for a moment Lara pictured herself and Jack dancing like that. Almost as one. Romantic notions for a guy she couldn’t have.

Jack grabbed Lara’s hand and pulled her towards the dance floor. ‘Come on. Did you know that I’m fluent in the chicken dance and the hucklebuck?’ he teased.

Horror filled Lara as she had visions of Jack breaking out in some wacky dance and treading on her feet. But she should have known better. The moment he swept her into his strong, safe arms, he had them gliding across the floor in style.

‘Wow. Where did you learn to dance?’ she asked, pushing his imminent departure from her mind.

‘I have two sisters and a persistent mother. What about you? You’re not too shabby yourself.’

‘I went to a few cabarets growing up and Dad would swing me around the dance floor. Mum had to fight me for him.’ She chuckled.

‘I’m not surprised.’ Jack’s eyes sucked her in and she felt the connection spark between them. It was like a fuse on a stick of dynamite – the seconds ticked by slowly, as they waited for the final bang.

‘Being near you is so hard,’ Lara murmured before realising she’d said it out loud.

Jack just held her close, as if making the most of their final moments. Lara feared she wouldn’t be able to hold herself together.

When the band finally wrapped up the song, Lara looked up at Jack. ‘Thanks for the dance. I have to go.’ She headed for the door, telling herself to slow down so she didn’t look like she was running from a burning building.

In the garden, she gasped in the fresh night air. She thought she was safe until a hand grabbed her arm and swung her around. She found herself only centimetres from Jack and his questioning gaze that was so full of passion.

‘Lara,’ he whispered huskily as he stroked her face. ‘Are you okay?’

What could she say to that?
Jack, you can’t leave when I think I love you. I’m going insane. The closer you are, the harder this gets.

She shrugged and nodded.

‘We can’t start something we can’t finish,’ he whispered.

They saw Trent coming towards them, and Jack dropped his hold on her arm.

‘Hey, Jack. Do you mind if I borrow your partner for the next dance?’ Trent asked.

Jack hesitated. ‘Be my guest,’ he said, waving her off.

She let Trent lead her into the tent, but glanced back at Jack at the last minute. He was sitting on the seat, elbows on his knees, hands on his face. He looked like she felt.

Lara sat back on the garden bench again, crossing her jean-clad legs and hugging her blue knitted jumper to her body to keep out the morning chill. It was the day after the wedding and the friends and family who’d stayed the night at Amanda’s parents’ house were enjoying a huge cooked breakfast. Bacon and sausages sizzled on the barbecue as everyone sat on the lawn or fold-out chairs to watch Noah and Amanda open their wedding presents.

Lara wouldn’t want presents. Just getting married would be enough. She could hardly imagine how wonderful it would feel to find someone to share her whole life with.

When it was time for Jack to leave, he did the rounds, hugging everyone and saying his goodbyes. Lara wanted to run and hide, but her heart wouldn’t let him go without a last hug, a last chance to be near him and enjoy that feeling of being close.

She joined Noah and Amanda as they walked him to the car. Noah had insisted on taking him to the airport. Jack chucked his bags into the boot and gave Noah the keys to his ute.

‘She’s all yours, mate. Take good care of her and don’t let Jimbo get fat.’

He turned to Lara and drew her into a hug. She held him tightly, savouring everything from his scent to the feel of his body to the beating of his heart. She couldn’t bring herself to pull away. He kissed her forehead and, for her ears alone, said, ‘I’ll never forget you.’

Before she could reply he was off shaking Trent’s hand. ‘Keep an eye on this one for us,’ he said reluctantly, nodding in Lara’s direction.

‘Will do. See ya, Jack. Don’t forget to come back and visit.’

‘Yeah. Let me know when the lake’s full again.’ They all knew that only happened every eight years or so.

As Noah drove Jack away, the others headed back inside to the festivities but Lara lingered near the driveway, watching the last of the dust from the car until it cleared in the morning light. She felt torn to shreds. Unable to face the crowd, she wandered down towards the paddock where the great Murray Grey cows stood. It was a stunning morning, bright light shining on the dark green growth all around. But it was all wasted on Lara.