Page 122 of Stockman's Sandstorm

‘That leaves me to play daddy day care when you’re at work. Are you sure you want to work at the vet’s? And not the council office?’

‘I’m not going anywhere near any government offices. No more politics for me. And it’s only part-time, so I’ll still get my cooking lessons from Bree. We’re making regular lunch dates. Oh, and horse riding, lots of horse riding.’ Her smile was nothing compared to the inner joy threatening to burst from her chest, because Ash had given her a horse. A beautiful horse. ‘Did I say thank you for my horse.’

‘Many times. Have you got a name for your horse, yet?’

‘Shortbread.’ It suited the cream horse she’d ridden during her first muster, the horse she’d survived the sandstorm with. ‘Can we go riding now?’

‘We’ll do this lesson, first. By then Bree will have finished making us our hamper to take on our ride.’

‘Aww …’

‘Date night, baby.’ His kissed her nose. ‘You know, you don’t have to work. You could stay home.’

‘I like being in an office and having my independence. I want to put on make-up, be near shops, and hear my shoes on concrete at least once a week, or this city girl will go through withdrawals.’

‘You’re so weird. But you’re my kind of weird. But you in that tight office skirt, hmmm.’ His eyes, laced with hunger, slowly walked over her body in her muster clothes—boots, jeans, long-sleeved work shirt and hat.

No need for make-up or fancy dress for her date on this station.

‘Besides, poor Ryan needs the help sorting out his surgery. I’m doing up his website and I’m going to create an online campaign to help raise funds for all the animals he saves.’ She had so many ideas.

‘Don’t forget that promise you made me.’

‘To have a life outside of work.’ She grinned, looping her arms around his neck to lean against his chest. ‘Hell yeah, I’m good with that promise.’

‘Good.’ He kissed her nose.

‘So, why are we here? Cap has Mason for the afternoon, we should do something other than hang out in the shed.’

‘Because I want to give you a lesson.’ Ash juggled her car keys, pressed on the button and the Audi’s boot popped open, where he dragged out the tools.

‘A lesson about?’

‘Changing a car tyre. I’m not having some other bloke come to your rescue.’

‘Everyone knows that …’ She trailed off, biting her lip.

‘Go on, say it.’ He stood close, their noses nearly touching, daring her.

‘We’re a couple.’ She slid the toe of her shoe across the dirt. It was so new to her.

‘We’re family, Harper.’ He kissed her lips as if never tiring of kissing her. ‘Now, this is called a lug wrench, also known as a torque wrench …’ Ash patiently explained the name and purpose of each tool, as he showed her how to change a car tyre.

Nearby, Charlie and Dex worked on the Holden’s large engine. The vintage car they’d found in the Stoneys, was massive, and despite its rough condition it looked cool, like an old gangster’s car.

‘It’s a good skill to learn there, missy,’ called out Charlie, wiping greasy hands on an old rag. ‘Which reminds me to check out the toolbox for this beast. Did you order them tyres, Dex?’

‘Yep. Whitewalls to really make this thing look schmick. And the local mechanic can get us the paint—the original Brookmere Green—for the body.’

‘Where did they score that?’

‘Not sure. But we can use our brother’s spray booth out at Sandlot Station. Jonathan’s got all the spray guns and buffers to give it a professional paint job,’ said Dex. ‘He reckons he could sell this car for you today, as is.’

‘Nah, I’d like to keep this old girl in the family. My brother and I had some good times in this car.’ The lid of the boot creaked as he opened it to rummage around inside. ‘I’ll be buggered.’ Charlie dropped the old toolbox with a clang.

‘He’s not having a heart attack, is he?’ Ash whispered to Harper.

Harper approached. ‘Are you okay, Charlie?’

---