Page 46 of Stockman's Sandstorm

‘You’re an Aussie girl working in Belgium. And when I met you, you were on your own driving on an outback road. Very few people have the guts to do that, but you did.’

She blinked at the realisation.

‘This adventure will be special, I can promise you that. It’s a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life, because going on an outback cattle muster, it’s the stuff people dream about. So, what do you say, Harper? Are you in?’

Twenty

The next morning, the brothers were back at the table that lived on the corner of the front verandah. Ash sat opposite Dex, with Ryder and Cap seated on either end as they worked on their plans for the upcoming muster.

Waiting for his turn to report in, Ash sipped on his morning coffee, admiring another pink sunrise chasing away the straggling stars of the night. Dex reported on his jobs of collecting horses and stockfeed, then he was going to help Ryder fix the front gate and set up the real security cameras. Cap was doing the dogs and the stable, then helping set up the real security cameras. Then it was Ash’s turn …

‘The poles are up for the fake cameras. I had to wait for the cement to settle overnight. And, before you ask, I checked on the troughs while doing the rounds.’

‘Good.’ Ryder nodded.

Yet it irked Ash, as if he’d been patted on the head like he was a boy. Why couldn’t they give him something decent to do? ‘I’m not putting up the fake cameras yet.’

‘Why not?’ Dex’s typical scowl deepened behind his coffee cup.

‘I’m leaving it to the last moment, so they don’t deteriorate too fast with the weather—especially while we’re away. Unless the new cameras show up …’ He glanced at the head honcho commanding the end of the table.

‘The cameras won’t be here for at least six to eight weeks, minimum.’ Ryder scrolled through his tablet’s screen, sipping on his coffee.

‘What is that?’ Cap pointed his coffee cup in the direction of the sheds.

They all craned around in their seats to spot a bright yellow van puttering towards them. It was such a bright lemon colour it’d have to glow in the dark.

‘Is that a Kombi van?’ Dex wiped his nose as if he’d smelled something rotten, while Ryder arched an eyebrow.

Cap grinned. ‘I’ve never seen a yellow Kombi van before. Not one with all-terrain four-wheel-drive tyres either.’

It was like the vintage van had been dragged into the modern world with some slick-looking rims, chrome detailing, and dark tinted windows.

It pulled up at the porch steps, where Bree hopped out from the driver’s side. This time she wore no work pants, or long leather vest, with that black skull cap that barely contained her curls. Bree was in a summer dress that showed off her curves and her generous cleavage.

‘Figures that the Kombi belongs to the potion-brewing hippy you are,’ called out Dex, tilting his head at Bree. Even Ryder, the man colder than a snake, was watching her with keen interest.

‘Dex …’ Bree walked up the steps, her hair like a fiery halo, but her green eyes sparkled. ‘Shoot, punch or maim anyone today?’

Dex frowned at her.

‘Don’t worry, stormcloud, the day is still young.’

Ash chuckled with Cap at the rarity of someone putting Dex in his place.

‘Can we help you, Bree?’ Ryder asked.

‘I’m looking for Harper.’ She knocked on the glass door before pushing it open. ‘Hello, Harper?’

‘BWEEEEEEEEEE. Bwee. Bwee. Bwee.’ Mason’s little feet pounded down the corridor before he leaped into Bree’s welcoming arms.

‘Well, hello, little man.’

Ash frowned, with a stab of jealousy hitting his chest.

‘Has that kid ever greeted anyone else like that?’ muttered Cap to his brothers, who all shook their heads.

It only made Ash frown deeper. ‘Not me.’ The father! No, wait. How many days did Ash have left for that welfare check?

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