Page 46 of The Dairy Farmer's Daughter

"I fell in love." He shrugged.

Barbara leaned her head to the side. "I think you should come into the kitchen and tell me all about it."

He followed her to the rear of the house, past the open dining and living areas where his family celebrated every milestone and major holiday.

In the kitchen, with its sparkling surfaces and gleaming appliances, Barbara prepared two cups of coffee, and sat down next to him at the counter. "Who is she?"

"Freya Montgomery. Nina Montgomery's youngest daughter."

Barbara smiled. "I always liked Nina. I wish I had tried harder to fit in; I think she and I could have been great friends."

He wondered if there was more to the story. "Why didn't you stay with Dad? Really?"

She sighed. "After you were born, I suffered from depression. Postnatal depression is what we call it now, but back then I thought I was going crazy. You were never a good sleeper, and I would be up with you most of the night. Boyd was busy all day and needed his sleep, and after a while, I just couldn't cope."

Justin gulped down the emotion he felt—pain at having caused his mother's suffering. "So you left?"

"I hadn't had a good night's sleep in over four years. I was snappy and irritable. Boyd agreed I should take you to Brisbane and have a holiday. I could let my family help me, teach me how to look after you properly, and take you to a paediatrician." Her voice held such regret and sorrow. "A week turned into a month. I was finally getting help, and sleep, and I was scared that if I went back to Maleny it would all be for nothing. I felt like I was ruining Boyd's life. So I decided to stay in Brisbane. I called your father and told him. He didn't sound surprised. He said he had set up a bank account, and would pay as much as he could into it each week."

Justin sagged against the counter. "Just like that?"

"At the time, I didn't understand it. But since he passed, I've been thinking about it again, and I wonder if he thought he was causing the problems—if he thought he was the reason you couldn't sleep, and I was being so horrible. I don't think we'll ever know the truth, but Boyd was certainly sensitive."

It made sense why he hadn't sought out another relationship, or even close friendships, apart from Fred.

"I don't want to be like him, Mum," Justin said as his vision blurred with tears. "I want friends, a family, and to be with the woman I love."

She hugged him to her. "There is nothing more important in the world than love. I would trade everything I have for you and our family.

Justin squeezed his eyes shut.

"Now, tell me about Freya," his mother said. "Why are you here, and not up there with her?"

CHAPTER 20

Freya leaned back in her chair and watched as her latest video downloaded. She stretched her arms behind her. Sleep had been evading her most of the week. It was at night when memories of Justin came back to taunt her. She would toss and turn, trying to push him from her mind. But he was always there.

She turned her attention back to Facebook, where a video of yesterday's busload of schoolchildren was uploading. Their happy laughter and enthusiastic questions had helped to brighten her mood, at least for the morning. She had interviewed a few of the more charismatic six-year-olds, asking what part of the tour they’d liked the most, and what flavour yogurt they’d enjoyed. Then she had edited it into a movie.

Greer had watched the children with longing in her eyes. Her sister wanted nothing more than to be a mother; it was why she had moved back to Maleny. She would be an amazing parent, and her children would be so loved and well-treated. They'd be surrounded by family and friends, in this community that she invested in every day.

While the video downloaded, Freya scrolled down the screen before stopping abruptly on the photo of her and Justin. Herstomach clenched, but she refused to look away. She would have to overcome this sooner or later.

She had snapped the selfie during the factory tour. He looked so content and happy. Just like she had been—the perfect couple.

Her finger hovered over the delete button. If only she could delete him from her life as easily as she could delete him from her Facebook page.

The comments below drew her attention.

What a beautiful couple you make.

Thrilled to see you so happy.

Can't wait to meet him.

There were lots of emojis and love hearts too. She considered posting a comment, letting people know that they had broken up. She didn't want to hear or read his name mentioned ever again.

She appreciated that people wanted her to be happy.

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