Some people got the hint and began talking about making a move. Others needed Jimmy’s groups’ encouragement and Amy stacking the chairs ready for them to be picked up later, but within the hour they waved away the last of the guests.
Cheryl and Lindsay had done most of the dishes and Amy finished the last few as the siblings, Matt, Sam and Lara walked in. Ed sat at the table with a groan. “Anyone want tea?”
“No!” Georgie and Darcy chimed. “I think the past week has put me off tea for life,” Georgie declared.
“Is it too early for beer?” Ed asked.
“How about Dad’s whiskey?” Brandon suggested.
“We all deserve a shot,” Darcy agreed. He left the room and a few minutes later returned with a whiskey bottle. Georgie got out the smaller glasses and Darcy poured.
“What about me?” Lara asked.
“You can have a can of soft drink,” Darcy said.
She perked up and got it out of the fridge. When she returned, Darcy pulled her onto his lap. “How are you going, pumpkin?”
She buried her head into his neck. “OK.”
“Is there anything you want to do this afternoon?”
She peeked out at the others. “Would Granny and Grandfather be upset if we went for a swim?”
The day had definitely been heating up.
The others smiled. “A swim sounds wonderful,” Georgie declared.
“I should check the sheep,” Matt said.
“They were fine this morning,” Darcy answered. “We could all do with something relaxing after the week we’ve had.”
“You should come, Matt,” Georgie said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“All right.”
Everyone went to get ready. Amy stayed. Perhaps she could put together a picnic for them. She hadn’t seen them eat much at the funeral.
“You joining us?” Brandon’s voice made her turn. He stood at the outside door.
“Someone should stay here, monitor things.”
“No one’s going to visit this afternoon. They were at the funeral.”
“What about Stonefish?”
His eyes narrowed. “They wouldn’t dare today. Besides even if they did, you shouldn’t be here alone.” He glanced over her shoulder. “We’ll lock the doors, and the camp guests will be around.”
The idea of floating in the clear blue bay sounded luxurious. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“You wouldn’t be. Without you, today would have been a lot harder for all of us.”
“I was going to pack a picnic for you to take.”
“We can do that together when we’re all ready.” He moved inside and tugged her hand. “Come on.”
She ignored the thrill that went through her. “All right.” He kept her hand in his as they walked over to the shearers’ quarters.
She wasn’t sure what was happening between them, but today she wouldn’t question it.
