Page 61 of Wings Above the Mallee

‘Lad, remember what Sophie gave up for you.Toyou. So that you can have this. You don’t get an opt-out clause. You’ve got Charlee, the farm, you’re fully invested in this community skatepark idea, and you’re pals with about half of Settlers Bridge now, thanks to the RAG. Which, let’s not forget, I roped you into.’ Sean was obviously trying for an upbeat note.

‘The farm?’ he said hopelessly. ‘That’s nothing to me. You’re the one who wants to play farmer.’

‘And what about this petting zoo you told me about? I know you. You’re scheming, you’re thinking of ways to help Charlee with it.’

‘Well, that won’t be going ahead now. Amelia’s not going to have anything to do with Charlee after this … debacle.’

‘Then maybe you need to step up. This—’ Sean followed him into the kitchen and jabbed a finger at the window ‘—this was part of Sophie’s gift to you.’

‘We bought it, Dad. You and me.’

‘No,Ichose it.Youbought it—with Sophie’s insurance money. And she’d taken out that insurance so you’d be looked after if anything happened to her. Ergo, Sophie’s gift.’

‘We both took out insurance,’ he argued pointlessly. It had been Sophie’s idea, though, and it was typical of her to be so organised. Although she refused to consider employment outside the home, she’d run their household like a drill sergeant. But considering the farm a gift from her … was that just another millstone around his neck? Another hurdle to stop him from ever moving on?

He almost choked. Moving on? He’d never thought that before. Never contemplated the notion, had no need to, because his life had ended when Sophie died. How dare he assume he was entitled to anything more thanexistence, when he had failed to fulfil Sophie’s dying wish. He hadn’t saved their daughter.

‘That’ll be Amelia,’ Sean said, ignoring his non-argument and going to the back door.

Heath had second-guessed his impulsive offer to accompany Amelia to the funeral more than a hundred times over the past few days. But as Sean ushered her into the kitchen, Heath had a rare moment of knowing he’d done the right thing.

This time, he was certain her face was devoid of makeup, no trace of artifice to hide behind. There was something sadly beautiful about her countenance. It was as though she’d worked through the grief that had ravaged her three days earlier and had moved on to acceptance. How was that even possible?

‘It’s really nice of you to come with me,’ she said by way of greeting.

He’d been thinking how awkward it was going to be, two strangers trapped in a light aircraft for however long it took to fly to Keith. ‘Just sorry I can’t offer to drive you there.’

‘Aye,’ Sean agreed. ‘I’d have taken you, but I’ve got an appointment today.’

Heath frowned. ‘You didn’t mention that one.’

‘Nope.’

It wasn’t like Sean to keep his tongue between his teeth. What was he hiding?

‘I prefer to fly,’ Amelia said. ‘Clears my head. One of the guys from the Keith field will meet us there and take us to the service. Besides, if we were driving, I’d have had to get Charlee out of bed an hour earlier.’

‘Charlee? She’s in the city.’

‘Was. Ethan brought her back last night to babysit the animals.’

‘She … contacted you?’

Charlee had stalked from the pub, angrily defiant in the face of Amelia’s tears, even though he’d recognised that she was devastated at letting her friend down. He also knew that she wouldn’t apologise—it wasn’t in her.

‘No. I called her on Saturday night.’ At his surprised look, Amelia continued: ‘She didn’t mean any harm, Heath. No point letting it fester.’

‘But this mistake isn’t something a “sorry” can fix.’

She shot him a wry grin. ‘I’m not sure “sorry” is in Charlee’s vocab, is it? But she shouldn’t be left alone with her guilt, so that’s the end of the matter.’

‘How can you just let it go? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m glad—and grateful—but …?’

She shrugged. ‘The world is a sad place. Charlee didn’t make it any more so, and she doesn’t deserve to be punished for that.’ Despite her words, the sheen of tears highlighted the gold in her eyes. ‘I knew I shouldn’t have let myself get close to Gavin. To anyone. That’s just a path to hurt.’

‘Or is it a path to life?’ Sean said.

The silence swirled around them as his father nodded and left.

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