AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘Yeah, people don’t really move on that often in Bellethorpe. We must have been together at school?’
‘Do you remember me?’
‘No,’ he laughed. ‘I was a silly boy back then. I wouldn’t forget you now.’
Her heart did a funny little giddy-up.
The kids had taken them down to the banks of a gorgeous creek where the water flowed gently over rocks and boulders. A few other guests were relaxing and enjoying picnics in the shade.
‘Did your parents not like living in Bellethorpe?’
‘No, not at all. My father was offered a head teacher role interstate. It was a wonderful opportunity for him.’
‘I can’t imagine ever leaving Bellethorpe.’
They perched themselves on adjacent rocks. ‘Really?’ The tone of incredulity gave her away.
‘Yeah, boring, I guess. But it’s where I want to live. So why leave?’
‘It’s beautiful here, sure. But there’s a big wide world out there. I mean, I was thirteen when we moved. I didn’t want to go, but then I grew to love Hobart. It’s beautiful too. So, if you’ve never been anywhere else, there might be somewhere else you love just as much.’
She thought he didn’t hear her, as he went silent for a moment.
‘And your parents love Tassie?’
‘Yes. Plus, my brother, Charlie has settled there, it’s home for them now.’
‘And yet, you chose here. That’s a long way from your family.’
It wasn’t a question, but Noah clearly wanted more.
As she deliberated over what to say, Blake strode over with picnic blankets and baskets. He tied up Cupcake and Hotdog.
‘If you let them off, they’ll gobble up your lunch, okay? Leave them tied up until the food has been eaten. Promise?’
‘Yes, sir!’ Ish replied. A bolt of discomfort shot through Ava at the authoritarian reply Ish had been required to give his father and other male members of the household. It belonged in the past, in another time, not here.
Reminders of Henry were everywhere. And just like that she was transported to another warm summer’s day in an English park, not long after they were married. A picnic like this one, people lounging on blankets and children running around on the green space. Everyone in London was happy when the weather was nice. Her memory painted the moment as perfect until Henry had taken a call from home. That conversation was the first mention of his father’s illness, of a need for him to visit the city of his birth. Ava had shown the appropriate family concern, but nothing more. There had been nothing to worry about at that point. They lived and worked in London and had no intentions of leaving. Upon reflection, that was the beginning of the end.
Blake gave Ish a pat on the head. ‘Here’s a basket for a special young lady and gentleman.’ And he set them up on their own plaid rug and revealed the contents of their lunch.
Engrossed in watching the children, Ava hadn’t noticed Noah pour her a glass of wine. ‘This is the Estate’s signature wine.’ After he’d poured his own glass, he held it up and they clinked glasses. ‘It’s been really nice to meet you, Ava.’
Their eyes connected and her tummy fluttered like there were hundreds of birds in there.
Noah sipped his wine and the icy cold liquid raced too fast down his throat.
‘This place is glorious! The creek, the grounds, it would be magic to get married here!’ Ava blushed and Noah couldn’t take his eyes off her.
‘Tell me, what do you love about living here?’
Good diversion and he was thankful for it. Things were getting a little steamy. He tugged at the collar of his shirt. ‘My mother is here, she’s the only family I have. It’s lovely having her close by. But it’s a connection to the country, it’s where I’m always drawn to, where I always want to return to, where I always want to be.’
That reminded him, he really needed to work on his poetry some more. He’d neglected it of late.
‘Oh, that’s lovely. To feel that pull, that’s special. I didn’t realise how much I missed Australia until we returned. I’ve lived in a few places now, places that I’ve loved, but I’m looking for the place we can call home.’
She was? Had she told him where she came from? Obviously not Tassie, he remembered it was overseas. He couldn’t remember and wracked his brain. Ava was looking to settle in the country? Here in Bellethorpe? A myriad of emotions rushed through him at once.
