“I might stay here if that’s okay,” Rick says, looking to Sarah for permission.
“Great,” she says, “I can make us another cuppa and we can talk more about the horse riding options around here.”
We leave Rick and Sarah already deep in conversation, but I’ve no doubt Rick was trying to give Axel and me some time alone.Yep, I definitely like this guy.
We step out into the brilliant afternoon sunshine. The sprawling rows of vines stretch out before us as we walk down the well-worn path. I point out the orchard and the veggie gardens, the chicken coop, and the barn. I point to where my cottage is behind the main homestead. “That’s my place. It’s got two bedrooms and everything I need but I eat most of my meals with John and Sarah. It doesn’t make sense to cook for one and I like the company.”
“You don’t want to live there in the main house?”
I chuckle. “God no. This way we all have our privacy when we need it. Plus, they’ve got the kids so it’s not exactly peaceful. I love to escape to my own space.”
“Best of both worlds, huh?”
“Exactly.”
“Where is John?” Axel asks.
“He’s had to go into town. He’ll be back around dinner time. I’d love for you to meet him.”
“I’d like that too.”
As we venture deeper into the vineyard, he asks questions about the work I do. Our hands brush together as we walk and I’m in my element. I try to see it from Axel’s point of view—the vines and paddocks, dam and the tree-lined creek, the mountains in the distance, and a blue sky that stretches forever. The sun warms our backs and the earthy scent of the vineyards envelopes us. A cockatoo screeches overhead.
“It’s beautiful out here,” he remarks. “I see why you love it so much.”
I smile. “It’s my favourite place in the world. There’s something about being out here, surrounded by nature, that just puts everything into perspective. All my worries seem to melt away.”
“I can see why.”
I touch his arm and he stops walking to look at me. “You know you and Rick are welcome to stay here if you want. We have plenty of room.”
“Stay here?”
“Yeah, but you would probably rather stay in a hotel or one of the resorts nearby. That’s if you’re even planning to stay in the area.”
Axel smiles as he shakes his head. “To be honest I had no plans beyond getting out of the city. I’d like to stay but only if you’re sure. We wouldn’t want to impose.”
“You could never impose,” I say, squeezing his hand gently. “I want you here. I want to be here for you, and for Rick, in whatever way you need.”
Acoupleofdayslater, I find myself sitting beside the creek with Axel, our feet dangling in the cool, crystal-clear water. I lean back, my hands sinking into the soft grass, and let out a contented sigh. It’s been amazing having Axel here.
Axel turns to me and smiles. “This place is incredible. I can’t remember the last time I felt so at peace.”
“It has a way of doing that to people. There’s something magical about being surrounded by nature, not a care in the world.”
As if hearing my words, a dragonfly skims across the water and lands on a small plant at the water’s edge.
“If only you could bottle this feeling,” Axel says with a sigh.
I throw a rock into the water and watch the ripples fan out before looking at Axel. “Hey, I’ve been thinking about Rick and how this place might be good for him.”
He nods. “Itisgood for him. He’s been struggling for so long, trying to find his place in the world. It’s nice to see him relaxing and having fun. I don’t think you’re ever going to get your dogs back, if Rick has his way.”
“What if…” I hesitate for a moment, wondering if what I’m going to offer is overstepping the bounds. “What if Rick stays here for a few months, working on the farm? It could give him a chance to find his footing.”
Axel’s eyes widen. “You’d be willing to do that? Have Rick live and work here?”
I nod. “Of course. Everyone deserves a second chance, and I have a feeling the farm could be just what he needs.”
