“That’s why I’ve bought the unit. It’s part of my plan to get out of the way of being an excuse for her to stop you from moving in.”
“You don’t have to move out on account of me.” He ran his hand through his hair.
He’d never really thought that Claire would have to move out if he came to Acacia Plains to live. He wasn’t sure how Dusty was going to take this news when she got back either. His stomach churned with worry that she would blame him for Claire moving out.
“I do.” She leaned over the kitchen table and patted him on the arm. “I want you as a son-in-law, you know, and I do know my daughter.”
Blaise wasn’t sure what to say about all of this. Claire seemed to have a bit more of an idea of what was going on with Dusty than he’d thought possible.
“She just needs a little push.”
“I don’t think Dusty likes being pushed.”
“No. But doesn’t mean they’re not good for her. Now, are you going to help me get a few things moved in?”
“It won’t be the same not having you around here.”
“I’ll come visit.”
Blaise chuckled. “How are we going to keep this a secret?”
“She’s going to be too busy over the next few days getting the harvest finished.”
“You’ve thought about this too much.”
“I have.” Claire looked proud of her efforts.
“Then I’m in.”
Dusty fought against the urge to speed down the driveway of Acacia Plains. The last part of the trip with Aaron had been in awkward silence, but she didn’t care. He’d done the neighborly thing to help, but his true nature still showed its ugly self.
She’d spent the last few hours worrying about Blaise, and if he were even going to be around. She deliberately hadn’t called or messaged him. They needed to speak in person. It had been hard to resist contacting him. What helped keep her steady in her decision was that she didn’t want Aaron to overhear the conversation or read a text message. The last half hour felt like forever as she sped toward Acacia Plains.
Dusty hoped that Blaise would be there, so they could talk.
She parked the ute at the back of the house.
“You can go home now. Thanks for your help.” She paused. “You get that I will never choose you.”
Aaron glared at her then gave a slight nod of his head.
“Don’t bloody forget it.”
Dusty opened the driver’s door and got out. Ted rushed up to greet her, jumping up so his paws rested on her hips.
“Hey, boy, you been looking after the place.” She gave him a big, long scratch behind his ears.
“About time you got home.”
She looked up and smiled at Blaise walking toward her.
“Blaise.” She rushed to him, and embraced his body, glad that he opened his arms to receive her. He felt good in her arms. Against her. She nestled into the base of his neck for a moment, enjoying how they reconnected too easily despite all that had been forcing them apart.
She had to make things clear to him.
So, she pulled away, and looked him square in the eyes. “Nothing happened. I want you to know that. And know that it is true.”
He nodded.
