Page 58 of The Knitting Club at Wagtail Ridge

Rose could have listened to Mike talk all night. His voice was deep and calm and beautiful. She wondered if he could sing. That could wait. Right now she was happy with his arm around her, one hand holding hers, and his voice in her ears talking about a life she would not have imagined until Bree had brought her into this strange new world. A world that involved camelids and a motherless little girl; women who brought cakes and goodwill to a knitting club and this man who seemed to fit into this world—and hers—with ease.

Their peace was finally interrupted by a crowd of people coming out of the hall.

‘The dance can’t be over yet.’ Mike glanced at his watch.

‘No. It’s just the kids leaving. Apparently they’re all having a sleepover so their parents can stay on.’

‘Speaking of which, do you want to go dance some more?’

‘I think I do.’

Mike stood up and took her hands in his as she got to her feet. ‘Rose. I hope this isn’t too much to ask and you don’t have to answer now, but when we are done dancing, I would like to drive you home. I would like to kiss you goodnight outside your front door. And then tomorrow, I would like to ring you and ask you out on a proper date.’

‘Oh …’

‘You don’t have to answer now. We can go and dance some more while you think about it.’

‘Yes.’

Mike hesitated. ‘Was that yes to dancing or …’

‘Yes to driving me home.’

‘And the rest?’

‘Don’t get too sure of yourself. But I think there’s a good chance of a yes on those as well.’

Mike’s smile would have put a Christmas tree to shame. He kept holding her hand as they walked back inside the hall. As she looked for Bree to tell her that she had arranged a new lift home at the end of the evening, Rose caught a glimpse of Matt and Bree coming back into the hall. Vicki was not with them. They turned towards the dance floor, their heads close together as they talked. Perhaps this evening held a pleasant surprise for her granddaughter too.

***

Matt could not remember when he had last been out this late. His watch was telling him it was after ten o’clock. The evening had flown in a blur of music and laughter. There had been food and drink too, but mostly this evening had been about the smile on Bree’s face, the sparkle in her eyes and the feel of her in his arms as they had danced together. He’d barely spoken to anyone else since Vicki had left with the other kids for their sleepover. For the first time since Kim’s diagnosis, he’d felt genuinely happy and really alive.

On the stage, the band finished a set with a flourish and the dancers applauded loudly as they struggled to catch their breath.

‘Thank you. Thank you.’ The band leader bowed deeply. ‘We’re going to take a quick break and replenish our beer supplies. See you soon.’

As the applause faded, the crowd swayed towards the bar.

‘I promised to help in the kitchen,’ Bree said. ‘Any chance you could get me a drink and bring it in?’

‘Sure. What do you want?’

‘Water. Or something soft. I’m driving.’

He was still holding her hand from the dance. He didn’t want to let it go, but as he did, her fingers trailed through his and his heart jumped.

It didn’t take long to procure two bottles of water at the bar, where the library fund jar was looking pleasingly full. The people of Wagtail Ridge didn’t have a lot of money, but they were a generous lot. When he joined Bree in the kitchen, Rose and Mike were also there. Mike was wielding a dishcloth like a professional, while the two women did their stuff with tea towels. The pile of clean dishes on the side bench was growing rapidly. Despite the work, the three of them were laughing and the feeling in the room was more like a home than a community event.

‘Do you have another of those tea towels? I’m happy to help,’ Matt offered.

‘You could take over, mate, if you don’t mind.’ Mike lifted his arms out of the sink and shook the water off. ‘I was just thinking it was time to take Rose home. If you’re ready to go?’ This last was directed at Rose, who discarded her tea towel with something that Matt might almost call a girly blush.

‘I am.’

Mike dropped his arm casually around Rose’s shoulder. ‘’Night.’

As they left, Matt took the vacated place at the sink. ‘How do you feel about that?’ He spoke casually and avoided looking at Bree, instead plunging his hands into the warm, soapy water.

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