Page 13 of The Dairy Farmer's Daughter

Freya offered Justin her family's help, should he need it.

"So, I'm not sure what you plan on doing," Fred said turning to Justin, "but I'm happy to stay on as long as you need me. I've worked here for so long I can't imagine being anywhere else."

Freya watched a softness come over Justin's eyes.

"I do understand that and want to do what's best for everyone. For me, it would be better to sell. You understand my life is in Brisbane. Running a dairy farm is not something I know anything about."

"You could always lease it out," Fred said hopefully.

Justin nodded and stared into his cup as though it held all the answers. "I know, and that is something I’m considering. Mark Montgomery has already shown interest. I'm still thinking about it."

Freya's mood brightened; at least he hadn't made any serious decisions.

Fred stood and stretched his arms over his head. "Well, that's smoko over. Better get back to work." He shook Justin's hand and gave Freya a wave. "See you later."

Freya and Justin watched him walk away towards the milking shed stop.

"So, what are your plans for today?" Freya turned her attention back to Justin.

"I'm waiting for the washing machine to finish so I can get changed and head to Brisbane." He looked down at his work clothes. "I can't go back like this."

Freya reached across and smoothed the fabric across his chest feeling just briefly his heart pound under her touch. "I don't know. This could be a good look on you."

His face broke into a smile, opening up and bewitching her with its warmth.

A kookaburra screeched overhead, and together they looked towards the old gum trees, their branches bare of leaves. Behind her, Nutmeg whickered as if hurrying her mistress on.

"It's a shame you can't stay any longer." The corner of her mouth twitched. She tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "Don't you want to go through your dad's things before you leave?"

Justin looked at the old house. "I don't think there's anything here I’ll want."

"How do you know that if you haven't looked?" She let the words hang in the air as she stood and walked towards her horse. Then, with the ease of a woman who had been riding her entire life, she hoisted herself up into the saddle and took the reins.

Justin walked over and looked up at her. His squint brought small wrinkles around his eyes. They made her heart thump in her chest.

"I can't imagine why you'd want to hurry back to Brisbane when there is so much here you haven't seen. This is your birthright after all." She smiled brightly at him before turning and trotting Nutmeg away.

She wanted him to stay, not just so he could find out who his father had been, but because she wanted the opportunity to get to know him better. Who knew? Maybe he was the breath of fresh air she had been waiting for.

Justin stared at her departing silhouette. His gut churned, and his heart thumped against his ribs—the pull of longing trying to fool him into staying. He had to get out of this town before he got too attached to it, or her.

Freya Montgomery made him feel things, want things he had never dared to want or feel before. Freya Montgomery struck him as the serious, forever type and he wasn't looking for anything serious.

It hadn't worked out for his parents, after all. His mother had always loved living in the city, surrounded by friends and family. Barbara had moved to Maleny for love, but it hadn't been enough. She had always pined for the life and community she had always known.

Of course, that had been a different time. Before Facebook and texting. Hell, before email. Now Justin could keep in touch with his nearest and dearest with a swipe of his finger. He also knew he could work from anywhere. His business was completely mobile and any face-to-face meetings could be done through online conferencing apps. He knew; he had created one himself.

When he had told his half-brother and half-sister that he was inheriting Boyd's property, they had been excited for him, especially Felicity. Ever the romantic, she adored the idea of him owning a sprawling cattle property in the Hinterland. She was still in high school and contemplating university courses.

"The University of The Sunshine Coast has a great reputation, and they offer loads of awesome courses."Had been one of the first things out of her mouth.

His brother, Nick, was in tourism and had a lot of good things to say about the Sunshine Coast. "Noosa is practically up the road. Everyone loves Hastings Street for shopping and people-watching, not to mention the beaches up there. They rival the Gold Coast’s."

Mum had been indifferent."I'm sure things have changed. I know the Sunshine Coast is growing rapidly,"she had said, her voice full of emotion and memory."Boyd loved living up there and it suited him well."

It may have suited his father, but a dairy farm? If working in the shed this morning had taught him anything, it was that dairying was hard, messy work and that he should leave it to the professionals. The people who knew what they were doing and enjoyed doing it.

But he couldn't deny the pull he felt to the area. It had planted the seed of possibility which only grew each time he was met with the kindness of a local like Fred or Freya. Not to mention her family. Better people than Nina and Mark Montgomery he was sure he would never meet. No wonder their daughters had turned out so well.

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