“Thanks, Chels.The army did help me.”
She acknowledged the hurt that she hadn’t been able to help him and let it slide away.
“What about you?”Ethan asked.“You’ve got new siblings since we saw each other last.”
“They’re hardly new,” she said.“I was at university staying on campus when they were born.They’re great, but I didn’t have time to go home very often and Ezra never warmed to me.I don’t think he likes the reminder Mum had another life before him.”She’d been happy for her mother.Ezra doted on her and she hadn’t had to work.She’d enjoyed being able to stay home and watch her new babies grow.
“It must have been rough, feeling like you weren’t welcomed.”His voice was low, and understanding shone in his eyes.
Of course he would understand.He’d lived with so many foster families over the years.“Mum always welcomed me, and the kids were pleased to see me.I was happy Mum found someone who loved her so much.”She shrugged.“I was so used to moving from rental to rental every couple of years that it wasn’t a big deal.”
Chelsea glanced around the house.She’d spent every school holiday here, because her mum couldn’t afford childcare.In winter she’d explored the house with its dusty attic and myriad boxes and cases.She and Aunt Maggie would play cards, or checkers, or bake something to keep them warm.Lilydale had been her real home.She couldn’t remember why she hadn’t made the time to visit Aunt Maggie more regularly.
Sadness slid through her, so she stood and collected their dishes, pushing away the memories.“I’m going to review the garden against my plan.Do you want to come?”
“Sure.”That easy agreement again.As a teenager his agreement had been quick, as if not wanting to give someone a reason to be unhappy with him.He hadn’t trusted they wouldn’t turn on him and kick him out.
She picked up her tablet and went outside.On the way over to the cabins, she made notes about what needed to be done to garden beds or plants.
The cabin gutters needed cleaning before they had guests, and the garden beds outside needed weeding, but aside from that, and maybe a quick pressure wash of the outside, the cabins looked good.She unlocked the door to the first cabin and then screwed up her nose as a waft of mustiness enveloped her.
The light switch clicked as she turned it on and she scanned the main room; a cosy couch for two, a kitchen nook and a table that looked out over the garden.The walls were a pale cream and the kitchen cabinets were of a yellowing pine.Not modern, but still in good condition.She opened the window to let in some fresh air and then checked the bathroom and bedroom.
The smoky looking tiles were from the nineties, which was when the cabins had been built, but it would cost too much to replace them.It would have to go on a later to-do list, after Lilydale started making money again.
She turned on the tap, letting the water flow to flush the pipes while she checked the shower and toilet.The shower head had spray coming out at every angle due to a calcium build up so she added options for a cleaner or a replacement to her list.
“It looks pretty good,” Ethan said.“Just a clean and airing.”
Chelsea nodded in agreement.“I’ll clean it today ready for the lawnmower man.”
She opened the rest of the windows and made a note to buy some tea and coffee supplies for the kitchen and a couple of candles or air fresheners to rid the rooms of the mustiness.
Then they went to the other two cottages, which were larger, made for families.They were in a similar condition and would be ready for renting as soon as the garden had been tamed.She’d take new photos and design a website.Aunt Maggie had only ever advertised through the council’s site, which listed accommodation.
As they made their way through the garden, Ethan made suggestions.“We’re out of fire season, so we should be able to have a bonfire with all the plant material we cut down.”
“Yeah.”She remembered sitting around a large bonfire, toasting marshmallows when she was younger.It had been a nice reward for all their hard work.
“I can service the equipment when I do Elsie,” Ethan said as they reached the larger shed.It held a four-wheel motorbike, ride-on lawnmower, and other edging and trimming equipment.“Engines might be gummed up from sitting for so long.”
“Thanks.”Engines were not her forte.
They both moved to leave the shed and bumped into each other.Ethan held her arms to steady her as she stumbled, his hands firm.She glanced up at him.“Sorry.”
He stared at her, gaze intense, and her breath caught in her throat.It was the same expression he’d had before he’d kissed her for the first time.Her heart rejoiced, but her head shouted no.She stepped away.He’d broken her heart once.She wasn’t letting him do it a second time.They could be friends, but nothing more.
She cleared her throat.“Let’s continue.”She hurried further into the garden.
***
Ethan stared after Chelsea as he willed his heart rate to slow.Holding her in his arms felt so right, but he couldn’t let himself get feelings for her again.He’d be back in the army at the end of the month and heading off to whichever hotspot he was needed in.
All she’d ever wanted was a stable storybook family, with a partner who was always there for her.He couldn’t guarantee that.He wasn’t someone she could rely on every day.He’d never been able to offer her the stability she craved.
Mila’s voice in his head scolded him, telling him he shouldn’t decide for Chelsea.But he was too late.Chelsea didn’t want him now.
He rubbed his chest.
