“I don’t think I could stop even if I wanted to.”
“Is it because I’ve still got it?”
I shrugged. “That might have something to do with it.”
He turned in his seat and pulled me towards him.
My eyes widened. “Shouldn’t you be flying the plane?”
“It’s on autopilot.”
His lips found mine. He kissed me slow and with purpose.
When he pulled back my worries ran slow, like they were wading through a snowdrift. But my heart—my heart was certain.
The Landcruiser travelledthrough the big front gates of the farm. The sky was the muted, faded blue of late afternoon. Thegolden hour was upon us, and the land was bathed in warm light. Everything looked the same—the fences, the buildings, the bare brown paddocks still waiting for rain, the horses eating their dinner.
But everything felt different.
Dan parked under my carport. He turned the engine off, and for a second, we just sat there, letting the peace settle. A faint smile lifted his lips, like he was keeping some secret to himself. Except his love wasn’t a secret anymore.
My heart fluttered.
We climbed out and Dan grabbed my bag from the back before taking hold of my hand. Gosh, I didn’t think I’d ever tire of feeling the strength and comfort in his touch.
Taylor stopped her ute on the road behind us. She must have been out on the afternoon feed run. She stepped out and watched us, her mouth curling into a smirk.
“Well, look who made it through the storm.” Her brown eyes were full of mischief.
I giggled. “We rode the storm out perfectly fine.”
Dan nudged me in the side as he choked on his laughter.
Taylor turned and watched Isabelle pull up in the other ute. She must have been on the watch for us to return.
She went to stand by her mother. “Please tell me I’m going to get paid for my whole two weeks of work experience?” Then she glanced at our hands and an impish grin erupted on her face. “Did you get married?”
Dan made a low sound in his throat. “That escalated quickly.”
“We were gone for four days!” I exclaimed.
“Yeah, so?” Isabelle replied.
Taylor raised her eyebrows. “You’re glowing. And Dan’s walking like someone who got a whole lot more than sleep.”
It was my turn to choke. “Taylor.”
Dan straightened his back and puffed his chest out. “Am I walking like a stallion?” He curled his lip, imitating a stallion displaying a flehmen response.
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t encourage them.”
Taylor nodded at Isabelle. “I think that translates to you’re getting paid.”
Dan shrugged. “That depends.”
“On what?”
He grinned. “If your grandmother confirms it.”
