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‘Mmm?’

‘I need you to know something.’

She pulled back enough to look at him. ‘What?’

‘When this project is done,’ Jake said, his voice serious, ‘I’m going to ask you properly. No more dancing around it, no more professional distance. I’m going to tell you exactly how I feel and see if you feel the same.’

‘I already know how I feel,’ Amelia said softly.

‘So do I,’ Jake said. ‘But we’re doing this right. We’re waiting. We’re being patient. And when the time comes—’

‘When the time comes.’ Amelia smiled. ‘Yes.’

Jake smiled, slow and devastating. ‘Good to know.’

The song ended. They stayed close for a moment longer, then reluctantly stepped apart as a faster song started.

‘Want a drink?’ Jake offered.

‘Please.’

They made their way to the bar where Brian was holding court, serving drinks and clearly keeping track of every interaction in the room.

‘Well, well,’ he said, grinning at them.

‘We’re not—’ Amelia started.

‘Love, I’ve been running this pub for fifteen years,’ Brian interrupted. ‘I know chemistry when I see it. And you two have been broadcasting chemistry since you walked in. Two Bundy and Cokes?’

‘Actually, I’ll have a lemon, lime and bitters,’ Amelia said. ‘I want to remember tonight.’

‘Smart girl,’ Brian approved, mixing the drinks. ‘You’re both staying for my speech, right? Around nine, I do my traditional welcome.’

‘Wouldn’t miss it,’ Jake said.

They found seats on the verandah again, drinks in hand, watching the party unfold. Inside, the dancing had become more energetic. Mick had found Charlotte, and they were in deep conversation in a corner, completely oblivious to the noise around them. Davo was twirling Emma around on the dance floor.

‘Brian was right,’ Amelia said. ‘People really are getting together here. I haven’t been to anything like this before.’

‘Look at Mick and Charlotte. They haven’t stopped talking for an hour,’ Jake said.

‘She’s perfect for him,’ Amelia observed. ‘He’s all energy and charm, she’s quiet and thoughtful. They balance each other.’

‘Like we do,’ Jake said quietly.

Amelia looked at him. ‘Do we? Balance each other?’

‘I think so,’ Jake said. ‘You make me less rigid. I make you more focused. You see possibilities, I see practical steps. Together we’re good.’

‘That’s—’ Amelia paused, emotion catching in her throat. ‘That’s a really nice thing to say.’

‘It’s true,’ Jake said simply.

A commotion at the door drew their attention. A group of new arrivals—more ringers, still dusty from travel, clearly having driven straight from a station without stopping to clean up. They were greeted with cheers, pulled immediately to the bar, and absorbed into the party.

‘That’s what he meant,’ Amelia said, watching. ‘About people travelling hours for this. Those guys probably drove three hours just to be here.’

‘It’s important,’ Jake said. ‘In remote areas, social connections are everything. These events aren’t just parties—they’re how communities survive. How people meet partners, make friends, and feel connected to something after the remoteness.’