“Old Marg could do the job, but it will take a bit of work for that to happen.”
“Old Marg?”
“That’s her name.”
Raven liked to see how his face was beginning to come alive. “That’s a good name for a printer from the 1900s. I could help you restore it if you like.”
Brumbie paused, rubbing his prickly chin from the beard growth. “You know, this could work. I’m going to have to live in town now, and I don’t want to. But this, finally getting to bring life back to Old Marg could be a good hobby for me.”
“Good.”
“You know what? I’ve got a few other old machines in that bloody shed.”
“Now you’ve got the time, looks like you’re going to be very busy.”
He smiled at her. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For the great suggestion to…” He shrugged his shoulders. His eyes went watery. “Just thank you.”
“My pleasure, and you know I’m completely serious about using Old Marg and printing cards. I don’t know if I’ll make any money.”
“Money is overrated.” He winked at her. “I’ll have you helping me. You know, Ben’s a very lucky man.”
Raven giggled. It felt good not to be so heavy with worry. “I’m pretty lucky to have him, I think.”
“Raven,” Janette yelled out her name sharply.
Panic rose inside of Raven, and she turned to see Ben’s mom hurrying toward her.
“The fire...”
Raven held her breath.No.
“It’s all fine… they’ve given us the all-clear to go home.”
Home. Raven smiled as a tear slid down her cheek. She could finally go home.
Ben drove his ute along the driveway, the sight of his home, more comforting than he ever remembered. They had done it. All of them worked hard to keep the flames from destroying his farm and keeping his alpacas safe. But it wasn’t without loss. Or damage. The fire had come close to their home, marked by the burned areas, some only a few yards from the house. One of the wheat paddocks was lost in the fire, the valuable grain burned and scattered to ash instead.
He parked the ute and was happy to see that the shed was still standing and hadn’t been destroyed. He got out and was given a hero’s welcome by Snipper jumping on him, tail wagging over excitedly. He patted him, glad his dog was safe. He just had to see Raven. He reeked of sweat and smoke, but he wanted to take her in his arms and simply hold her.
Ben knew just where to find her.
He strode down to the alpacas. There she was, leaning on the fence, watching them. He smiled to himself. She wore shorts and a shirt, hair blowing in the warm afternoon light breeze. The sight of her in the light of the setting sun was the only comfort he needed.
Raven suddenly turned around. She smiled, her eyes lit up with relief. “Ben.”
He rushed toward her, scooped her into his arms, and spun her around.
“It’s over?” she asked.
He kissed her hard on the lips, enjoying every bit of finally being about to do so.
Ben nodded, placing her on the ground. They might’ve lost a crop, and money was going to be super tight for the next year, maybe even two years. He didn’t care. All that mattered was that he could hold Raven in his arms.
Tuesday, December 24th
