“What are you cooking us for dinner, Nolan?” Lucy asked.
“Beef stew, mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Apple crumble and yoghurt for dessert.”
Lucy wrinkled her nose. Jasmine’s expression duplicated Lucy’s.
“Sounds great,” Susan said. “Let me know if you need a hand.”
The cameraman entered the lounge, his camera on his shoulder. “I need to record the girl’s initial impressions of their day and the farm.”
“I’ll be in the kitchen,” Nolan said.
Susan followed the scent of beef stew and sauntered into the large kitchen, scanning it with interest. Nothing fancy, the scarred counters bore evidence of hard use, but the place appeared clean. Her estimation of Nolan rose. Not the stereotypical bachelor.
“You might as well set me to work,” she said. “I can set the table or peel potatoes.” She rounded the wooden dining table at the far end of the kitchen and halted at the island counter where Nolan stood.
“Feel up to peeling apples?”
“I can go one better and make the entire crumble if you want. I don’t peel my apples. It’s much quicker my way.”
Outside, rain spilled from the sky, the splatter amplified by the iron roof. Susan peered out the kitchen window and shivered. “They were lucky with the gala.”
“Yeah. Can I leave you to do that? I’d better light the fire in here and the lounge before it gets too cold. That way we’ll have plenty of hot water.”
Susan nodded, and Nolan left his pile of potatoes and apples on the counter. Susan got to work and started on the apples, quartering and coring them before hunting through the cupboard for a grater. In the pantry, she located spices, flour and oats to make her crumble topping and quickly assembled the dessert ready to go into the oven.
Her phone beeped again. A text from Christina asking about her day. Susan fired off a quick reply, promising to email soon.
Nolan wasn’t back yet, so she started peeling the potatoes. She peeled a dozen, figuring if they didn’t eat all the mash, they could make something with the leftovers.
Nolan stomped back into the kitchen, his arms laden with kindling and small logs. A gust of icy air followed him through the rear door. A crash of thunder made Susan jump, and she glanced out the window in time to see a flicker of lightning. Another thunderous crash boomed almost immediately.
A whimper sounded at the open door. Nolan cursed softly, shot her a swift glance. “Sorry. I’ll take the dog back to his kennel.”
“He’s terrified,” Susan said. “Is that the one you adopted?”
“Yeah. I’ve been letting him sleep inside.”
“Set up his bed where he can see us, and maybe he’ll calm down.”
“Thanks, but hasn’t learned his manners. Once he settles, he’ll want to play.”
“He’s a puppy. You need to cut him some slack.”
Nolan grinned, a wide, honest smile that showed hints of Tyler, and disappeared outside. They hadn’t inherited that smile from their mother.
“Susan.” The cameraman appeared in the kitchen. “Oh good. I’ll film you here for a change of scenery. Can you cook?”
“Yes, my mother taught me and my sisters when we were young. I enjoy cooking, but I don’t get much time these days.”
“What do you think of Nolan’s house and Clare? Could you live here?”
“I’m not sure,” Susan said, going for honesty. “I’ve spent most of my life in Auckland. I enjoyed the gala day, and what I’ve seen of the farm and the surrounding countryside is beautiful. I guess, what I’m saying is I’ll need more time before I come to a decision. It is a big change.” And she wasn’t sure she wanted to deal with the wicked witch of Clare on a daily basis. “When I applied to be on the show, I didn’t have any doubts. Things have changed.”
“What sort of things?”
“I’ve found my niche. I like who I am and where I am in my life.” She paused, shrugged, trying to marshal her thoughts. “I’m happy,” she said finally.
“What about a man? Wasn’t that the whole point of the reality show?” the cameraman asked.
