Page 106 of Stockman's Stormcloud

‘It’s not my skill set. And I’m already busy running a small business while watching over Charlie.’

The idea was intriguing and something she’d never thought of. But she did love taking photos, with the aim of becoming a professional photographer, who focused on the amazing outback and its courageous people.

‘If we were to interview Charlie, what’s your reason?’

‘Do I have to have one? Because I know Charlie would talk your ears off with all of the stories he has to tell.’

Sophie narrowed her eyes at the redhead. ‘No, I meant what’s your angle? Because you seem to have an angle for everything.’

‘Finally, someone sees it besides Ryder. He sees everything.’

‘Except your gin still.’

‘What still?’

They both grinned.

‘Ryder knew I had one, he just didn’t know where it was.’ Bree even smiled differently to herself, but just for a moment. ‘So, what do you want for your future, Sophie?’

‘I don’t know. I’d lost everything before I came out here, that now I’m too scared to plan too far into the future.’ It was enough to put her off from committing to anything long term.

‘And you have every right to be that way.’

‘Really?’ She didn’t expect that out of the redhead.

‘It’s your life.’ Bree gave a casual shrug. ‘But you do have someone who wants to share their days and nights with you. And he’s someone who is incredibly loyal as a friend and an excellent father.’

Sophie slapped her hand over her heart. ‘Is Dex afather?’

‘No. But he’ll be a good father, one of those rare ones who’ll want to be involved in their upbringing. Dex would be the type of father who’ll be there to teach them things, make their lunches, take them to school and all of their sports practices.’

‘How do you know that?’

‘Because Dex took sole custody of a young boy for over a year,when his ex went into rehab.’

‘Dex told me about her.’

‘And did he tell you that you’ve been the only girlfriend he’s had since then?’

Sophie nodded.

‘So, to be brutally blunt—which is what I’m known for—Dex has finally found a home. He wants to settle down, and he is ready to settle down, and he’s hoping to do that with you.’

‘I told him I’m not ready.’

‘Good. Keeps them on their toes so they don’t get lazy.’ Bree cheekily grinned, even playfully nudging Sophie’s arm. ‘You just have to work out what you want for yourself.’

‘That’s harder than you know.’

‘It is hard, because I do know. But I bet you’ve been so busy running from your problems, you haven’t allowed yourself to ask that question.’ Bree rummaged through her large leather handbag, which Dex called her witchy sack, then pulled out some string she cut with a pocketknife. ‘Give me your hand.’

‘Why?’

‘It’s the closest thing I have to braiding you a friendship bracelet, okay?’

‘Seriously? It’s a piece of ugly string.’

‘I’m so sorry I left my jeweller’s kit back at the blacksmith shed, where I keep all my gold, diamonds and faux rubies.’ She tied the string around Sophie’s wrist.

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