Page 10 of The Dairy Farmer's Daughter

"Everything in the salad is organic and homegrown," Mark explained as he served himself a healthy portion. "We're very health-conscious in this family. Even if we don't always want to be."

"Don't worry, Dad, I made your favourite dessert." Greer winked at him.

Mark looked at her hopefully. "Sticky date pudding?"

Greer nodded.

Freya placed her hand over Justin's and, despite having a mouthful of food, moaned in delight. "Greer's sticky-date pudding is the talk of the town," she explained when she had finally swallowed.

Justin grinned back. "I can't wait. This all looks and smells amazing."

It surprised Justin how at home he felt with the Montgomerys. There were no expectations on him, nor did they try to press him to make a decision about the farm. They chatted easily about his life in Brisbane and their lives in Maleny. When Boyd's name was brought up, they didn't try to make him out asany type of a martyr. He was who he was, and they had accepted Boyd just as they were accepting Justin.

Justin couldn't help looking at Freya. There was not a trace of make-up on her face. Her skin appeared smooth, soft, and radiant. His fingers itched to touch her.

Over dessert, Nina regaled them with stories from the farm—the adventures Freya, Greer, and their various friends and relatives had experienced in their childhood. They’d spent long summer days roaming over the green countryside playing imaginary games, camping by the dam, water-skiing behind the boat, and learning to stand-up paddleboard.

Justin grinned at the picture Nina painted. He could easily imagine a young, sun-bronzed Freya with wild blonde hair blowing in the wind as she ran after a young calf, or leaped, bareback onto her favourite pony.

The Montgomery girls had been raised to climb trees and explore nature, and now had a deep respect and appreciation for all the world had to offer.

When dessert and coffee was finished, Justin sighed contentedly. "Thank you for dinner. That sticky-date pudding really was delicious."

Greer smiled appreciatively as she cleared his plates. "Any excuse to make it. It's my favourite too."

Freya helped her sister to clear the table, and Justin stood to help but she stilled his movement with a warm hand on his arm. "No, you’re the guest. Just relax."

"Will you meet with Fred tomorrow?" Mark asked him.

"Fred?"

"The farm manager. He was Boyd's right-hand man. He's been running the place since ..."

Justin nodded. "Yes. I'll find him in the morning and have a chat."

"Fred's a good worker. You can rely on him, and we're here if you need anything," Nina said, her voice reassuring.

"Thank you. I appreciate your kindness," Justin said. "I better get going." He stood and said his goodbyes.

"I'll walk you out." Freya led him to the front door and down to his car.

The cool winter air bit at his cheeks and he gazed up at the cloudless sky, only to be startled by the million sparkling stars of the Milky Way.

"Wow."

"Incredible, aren’t they?" she murmured, and he could feel her warmth against his arm. "So clear and so close."

He looked back at Freya, her face shining in the glow of the house lights.

"Thanks for coming," she said softly.

"Thanks for inviting me," he breathed. "Your mum is one of a kind."

Her eyes glittered, and a sly smile tilted the corner of her mouth. "She sure is."

He sank his hands into his pockets. "You're a lot like her."

Freya bumped against him. "I'm hoping that's a compliment."

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