Page 39 of Stockman's Showdown

‘Both Charlie and Monet have warned me that Leviathan Creek gets big and it’s notorious for flash flooding. You remember Leviathan? It’s where I picked up your car where you got that lift into town with Bree, in the Kombi van you said you’d never get into.’ Ryder grinned at Dex, who scowled.

‘The monstrosity that Bree had lacquered into my wall.’

Ryder chuckled. Only Bree would take a photo of the one and only vehicle his rev-head brother hated and use it as wallpaper to cover an entire wall in Dex’s house. That woman knew exactly what she was doing, always stirring up his brother in their game.

‘I’ve told Sophie to cover that picture of the Kombi with something else. Wish I hadn’t. Every night there’s over a hundred photos she wants me to look at.’

‘How long do you think it’ll be before Sophie stops playing paparazzi?’ It was irritating.

‘Listen, brother.’ Dex stopped and faced Ryder. ‘Sophie is just so excited over everything, and I don’t want her to stop doing what she loves. In such a short time, I’ve seen how much she’s improved. But Sophie is also sorry for what she did on the muster, and for getting into everyone’s face with her camera. I know Harper and Mia told Sophie, on their ride back to the homestead yesterday. And well, Bree threatened to punch her out, just like you threatened to destroy her camera. Do you hate Sophie?’

Ryder shrugged. ‘No, she’s just annoying.’

‘Bree said the same thing.’

Which would have to be one of the rare times Bree and Ryder agreed on anything.

‘Bree reckons the only thing she has in common with Sophie is me.’

‘That’s true.’ Ryder patted his brother’s shoulder and held it for a moment. ‘I only want to see you happy.’

‘Sophie makes me happy.’

‘I know that.’ It’s why he put up with the blonde and her camera.

‘Enough about my love life, how’s yours going?’

‘Hmph.’ Ryder frowned as they continued walking across the homestead, as the buzz of the red plane grew closer with Monet preparing to land.

‘What’s going on between you and Bree?’

‘Nothing.’

Dex tilted his head at Ryder. ‘You sure?’

Ryder said nothing, as per usual.

‘I know you like her.’

As if he’d share how deeply he cared for Bree with Dex.

‘Brother, I should warn you, Bree doesn’t like anyone.’

‘Yes, she does. Bree loves Charlie. She’s nice to Harper and Mia, even Cap and his dogs. She spoils Mason, and you are like a brother to her. As for me…’ He sighed, hooking his thumbs into the belt loops of his jeans as they stood on the side of the track to watch the plane make its descent. ‘All we do is argue.’

‘It’s almost the same as how you used to argue with me until we made our peace.’ This time it was Dex’s turn to pat his shoulder.

But Ryder didn’t think Bree would accept the type of peace he was willing to offer her.

Last night had been his first time sharing dinner with Bree and Charlie. The only other time they were seated at the sametable was when her ex-husband Finn and Marcus, the local police sergeant, sat between them as they worked out a way to catch the cattle rustlers. She’d never fully forgiven him for accusing her of being a cattle thief. He couldn’t really blame her for that.

The red plane dangled as if by a piece of invisible string getting lower and lower, to then softly land on the red soil. The propellers created a dust storm that brushed against their skin like sandpaper. As the little red plane whizzed past, its wingspan took up the full width of the driveway, then raced down the length of the driveway, before it slowed down enough to turn and taxi towards them.

The engine silenced, and the twin propellers became still. The plane’s door opened and out jumped Monet in her workboots, denim shorts and white workman’s singlet. Her blonde pixie haircut ruffled in the wind, wearing her aviator shades that made her look effortlessly cool. ‘You won’t believe what your mongrel neighbour just did.’

‘Hello to you too, Monet.’ Dex gave her a hug. ‘Jeez, I remember when you were this—Nah, you never did grow, eh?’

‘Leave off.’ She playfully shoved Dex aside and nodded at Ryder. ‘Hey, Ryder. How come you never age?’

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