Page 102 of Stockman's Sandstorm

‘Sure. Look, I’ve been planning with Bree to do something special for you—’

‘You have?’ She blinked, her brusque mood instantly vanishing.

‘Yeah, but Bree said I had to ask you first so she could start planning it. So tonight, you and me will go on a date, outback style? Yes?’

Her shy smile came with a really sweet nod. He tenderly stroked her hair and kissed her forehead.

‘Good. It’s a date. And then we can pick up where we left off last night as dessert.’ He dragged her close to his chest, snaking his arms around her. ‘Or we can go back to bed now and get a head start.’ His nose nuzzled her slender neck, her hair like silk against his cheek. ‘Hmm, you smell good.’

‘Daddy?’ Mason stumbled out of his room, rubbing his sleepy eyes.

‘G’day, little man.’ Ash crouched down, and the boy ran into his arms. It melted his heart, and the soft smile from Harper made it all worth it.

‘Here, Mason.’ Harper passed him his special kiddie’s cup.

‘I’ll go see Bree first, then I’ll make an appearance at the office.’ No doubt to cop a dressing down from Major Ryder.

Sarge barked. It was deep.

‘Oi, it’s the Coppers!’ Dex’s whistle sliced through the air.

Ash, still carrying Mason on his chest, went to meet the police car pulling up near the house.

‘Nice of you to show up,’ grumbled Dex at the bottom of the front steps, as Cap and Ryder strode over from the sheds.

‘I was asleep with my son.’

‘Sure you weren’t busy with the nanny?’ Dex sneered at Harper standing by the door.

Ash glowered at Dex. ‘Back off, Dex. I was with Mason. He had a nightmare last night, probably about the snake, so I was with him. Besides, it’s none of your business who I decide to be with or not.’ He may have said it to Dex, but he made sure Cap and Ryder heard him, too.

Ash was a grown man. He didn’t need their permission for who he could and couldn’t be with. If he wanted to be with Harper, then he would be.

‘Fellas.’ Porter slid on his police cap as he climbed out of the paddy wagon.

‘What brings you here, Porter?’ Ryder asked.

‘Welfare check.’

‘Has it been twenty-eight days?’ Ash raked fingers through his hair, trying to remember his daily tally. ‘Wait, we still have ten more days.’

‘Counting much?’ Dex scowled at Ash.

‘Ash is right. But I’m here over an anonymous tip that the boy was in trouble. Something about a snake?’ Porter tilted his head and took a long, hard look at the boy Ash held against his chest.

‘Who from?’ Ash asked.

Porter shrugged. ‘I did say anonymous, right?’

‘The boy is fine,’ said Ryder in his brusque tone. ‘There was a snake at the back by the old washing machine. Cap’s nanny dog was bitten protecting the boy. And before you ask, I’ve ordered a new machine, including the materials to screen off the laundry area so it never happens again.’

‘And the nanny,’ Dex started, pointing at Harper hovering by the front steps.

‘Her name is Harper.’ Ash frowned at Dex.

‘The boy’s nanny,’ said Dex with determination, ‘has got us kitted out with antivenene medicine not only for humans but also for the dogs. She’s also put child safety locks on the doors to childproof the house, and a fire blanket and all this other first-aid stuff.’

‘You’re welcome to check the house, Porter, to see for yourself,’ said Cap. ‘We can show you the nanny dog and her wound.’

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