Page 30 of The Knitting Club at Wagtail Ridge

‘I think Vicki would never forgive me if she couldn’t come back. As for me—’

‘Do come back, Matt. It would be great to have you.’ As she spoke the words, Bree realised how much she meant them. She was really looking forward to seeing him again.

‘I’ll try.’

‘On a similar subject …’ Bree wasn’t going to leave it there. ‘I did promise Vicki could come by and see the alpacas. I meant it. When would you like to come?’

‘Are you sure it’s not too much trouble?’

‘Not at all. In fact, I’m starting to think about inviting the school to visit, so it would be good to practise on the two of you.’

‘If you’re sure …’

‘Yes. Now, when can you come?’

***

Two days later, Matt’s car appeared in Bree’s drive exactly on time. She was in the yards checking the herd when she saw it approaching. Slipping out the gate, she brushed off her jeans and her colourful tie-dyed T-shirt and picked up the coat she’d left hanging on a post while she worked. As usual when working with her animals, her capricious hair was caught back to keep it under control.

When Vicki emerged from the car, Bree was pleased to see she was also wearing jeans and a jacket. And strong walking shoes. All suitable attire for meeting the animals. She nodded. Matt was a good dad. And, she noticed as he walked towards her, he was looking rather cute today in his own version of farm wear; faded jeans and hiking boots and that fabulous smile.

‘Hello, Vicki. Matt.’

‘Oh, look, Daddy, look! There they are.’ Vicki’s squeal was accompanied by some eager jumping up and down and waving of arms in the direction of the paddocks.

‘I think you should say hello to Ms Johnston first. Otherwise she might think you’re being rude,’ Matt told her.

‘Sorry. Hello, Miss Johnston.’

‘Are you ready to meet the girls?’

‘Oh, yes, please.’

‘All right, then. The first thing you have to remember is not to scare them. No jumping up and down or sudden loud shouts.’

‘Yes, Miss Johnston.’

Vicki’s face was so serious and thoughtful, Bree had to bite her cheeks to stop from giggling. She looked at Matt and saw the laughter in his eyes. Pride too.

‘And always be gentle with them. Alpacas are gentle animals. And kind. So we have to be gentle and kind to them as well.’

Vicki nodded furiously.

‘All right then. Let’s go.’

Picking up a halter she’d draped over the fence, Bree led the way into the paddock where her mothers-to-be were chewing gently at the grass. As she’d expected, one immediately lifted her head and walked over, curious to see who was visiting. Bree slipped the halter over the alpaca’s elegant nose.

‘Vicki, I want you to meet Willow. She was the very first alpaca I bought.’

‘Can I touch her?’ The words were an awed whisper.

‘Yes, you can. Come and stand here, by me. You can stroke her neck like this.’

Vicki reached out and tentatively stroked Willow’s side. ‘She’s so soft.’

‘She’s what’s called a Suri alpaca. See how her coat is really long and silky?’

‘And it’s a pretty colour too.’ Gaining confidence, Vicki ran her hand joyfully over the light brown fleece. ‘And her eyes are so pretty. Daddy, look at her eyelashes. I wish mine were like that.’

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