She smiled. “All right.”
His kiss sent tingles right down to her toes. “I’ll follow you into town.”
A few minutes later she was on the road, with the man who’d captured her heart behind her.
***
When Faith arrived home, she found her mother sitting in the lounge room alone. “Mum, what are you doing here?”
“I live here,” her mother said with a smile.
“Where’s Dad?”
“He’s out on the boat.” Before Faith could ask her next question, her mother added, “I told him you would be home at eight so he would leave.”
Faith sank down on the couch next to her. “Is everything all right?”
“I’m tired of being coddled,” she said. “I need time to myself,bymyself. Your father doesn’t understand that.”
“He’s scared, Mum.”
“Yes, but it doesn’t change matters.” She gripped Faith’s hand and the wrinkles in her hand and the slight shake reminded Faith her mother wasn’t getting any younger. “You need to help me convince your father it’s time to retire.”
Surprise made her blink. “Dad always said he’d work until he died.”
Her mother scowled. “He came home last night and said he’d had enough of the boat and he wanted to sell the business. He’s decided a café in town will be easier and more lucrative.”
Faith groaned. “He never learns.”
“He’s got itchy feet,” she agreed. “Never was one to settle for long. But I want to spend more time with him. My stroke made me aware of how little time we have left. I want to sell everything and buy a caravan, join the grey nomad brigade.”
Concern filled Faith. “Are you mobile enough, Mum? Caravans are pretty small.”
“I’m fine,” she insisted. “Can’t you see how happy your father would be? We could move on to the next place when the desire struck, he’d get to yarn with new people every day and if he had the urge, he could sell things from the van.”
Her mother had a point. The freedom to move on when he had the urge would appeal to his gypsy soul. “What do you need me to do?”
They brainstormed ideas and after lunch while her mother napped, Faith got out her laptop and sent the letter to Stonefish. Step one done. She expected them to ignore the letter completely, so she prepared the details for a claim to the ACCC. Again, it was a long shot. She doubted the Stokes would see the money again, which left the option of a public relations attack on the company. They weren’t playing fair, so neither should she. But it felt good to be doing law work, considering her words and argument.
When her mother woke, she joined Faith at the table and began researching caravans. It was lovely to see her mother enthusiastic about something again. Since the stroke she had been full of determination and grit and it was a side Faith had never seen.
Finally, Milly closed her laptop lid. “I’m going to be dreaming about caravans.”
Faith grinned. “Find any you liked?”
“Too many,” she said. “I don’t know how I’ll choose.” She tried to stand and struggled to push back her chair. Faith rose to help, and Milly waved her away. “I’m fine. I need to do these things myself. You’re not always going to be here.” She stood and switched on the oven. “We should discuss that. What will you do after I’ve convinced your father to retire?”
Faith shifted. “I’m not sure yet.”
“Don’t think I’m not grateful for you coming up here to care for me. I won’t ever be able to repay you.”
“I don’t need payment, Mum. You needed me.”
She nodded. “I did. Will you be able to slot right back in with your law firm?”
Should she talk to her mother about her ideas? “I’m not certain I want to move back to the city.”
Milly raised her eyebrows. “Why not? You love your house and job.”
