Page 22 of Stockman's Stowaway

‘Bree is here for Charlie. She’s said when Charlie goes, she’s going to pack up her yellow Kombi van and find the nearest international airport to fly out and sit on some beach in Tahiti that doesn’t have crocodiles, to drink gin and watch some ice hockey game.’

‘But their yard is like a home.’

‘To Charlie it is. I’m not sure how long Bree has lived here. She never stands still long enough for us to have a conversation thatlasts more than ten minutes. We’d hire Bree to be a stockwoman straight up. She’s highly skilled.’

‘And she’s a blacksmith.’

He nodded. ‘Bree’s a master brand maker. It’s a family trade she learned from Charlie. But you, too,’ he said, gently poking her arm, ‘have a unique set of skills this station desperately needs to help steer it towards a new future. If you want in?’ It was a big ask, and his biggest pitch ever to convince someone to take a job, but he was hoping it would help her heal. He knew that dogs liked to be useful, to be included, and working dogs were at their happiest when mustering. Would his job proposal be something that could help Mia?

‘I’ll do it.’

He blinked, unsure if he’d heard right. ‘You will? I don’t want you to do anything you don’t—’

‘I’d love to do this job. Seriously, this is major.’

‘You’re right, it is a lot of work.’

‘I’m not scared of getting dirty, but you bet your sweet sassy malassy I’ll have a crack.’ She gave an affirmative nod, rolling up her shirt sleeves as if ready to dig in today. ‘But I can’t sleep on Bree’s couch forever.’

‘I can help with that.’

‘How?’

‘There’s a spare room in the demountable, near me.’ But he hadn’t opened it in a while.

‘Sounds like the rooms you’d find at a mine site. How bad is it? Apparently, your brother Dex lives in a tent inside his shack? Is that true?’

‘Dex has his camp bed tucked inside his tent inside his lounge room. Don’t ask me why.’ Cap chuckled. ‘But if you don’t mind barking dogs, I can offer you a room near the kennels and that nursery.’ Yeah, he was laying it on thick, hoping to help her,which would help him and this station. It was a win-win all round.

‘I’d hate to put you out.’

‘No sweat, I’ve got the room. We could get Bree to check it out, she can then send Harper shopping for bedding and stuff. Harper likes to shop, and Bree’s great at knowing what people need and where to find stuff in the sheds. Sadly, you’ll be having meals up at the farmhouse and you’ll get added to our cooking rotation.’

‘I’m happy to chip in any way I can.’ She nodded eagerly; it was promising.

‘Do you want to get any gear from your place?’

Mia winced. Her joyous mood gone.

‘I’m sorry I said that.’Idiot!

‘It’s okay. There’s nothing I want there.’ She turned away, twisting her fingers. Mia’s change in mood was enough to have Willow nudging her leg.

‘Are you sure?’

She tenderly stroked the dog’s ears. ‘I’ve got my ID with me. The rest were just mining clothes.’

‘Were you a FIFO?’

‘Short-term contractor. Gavin was the FIFO, a diesel mechanic for mining machinery.’ She cleared her throat, crossing her arms tight over her chest. ‘He was renting a farmhouse with the prospect of looking to buy.’

‘And do what?’

‘Exactly what you’re doing here.’

Mia glanced over the wide field, her eyes became dreamy and soft, with a slight smile curving her luscious lips. She was a true natural beauty, with no make-up to hide her inner shine.

‘It was actually my dream. Mine.’

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