“Come on, Mum. Let’s go and see if there’s still some of that delicious leg ham left. We can make a sandwich and I’ll get you a ginger beer. You’ll feel better in no time.”
With one last flash of defiance in her eyes, Ruby took Penny’s hand and hobbled with her towards the food tables, with Henry following behind them. Penny felt strangely calm. She’d feared a conflict would happen, but now that it had, found it wasn’t so bad. They’d all survived and there was a certain amount of satisfaction in her mother taking the opportunity to speak her mind, something she’d probably never done before.
Penny found a plate and began piling it with food for her mother. Ruby caught her gaze and Penny began to giggle. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn’t help it. The sight of her petite, elderly mother, calling June Clements a hussy was too much to bear.
“You really let them have it, Mum.”
Ruby laughed, her cheeks red. “Well, everything I said was true.”
“You should’ve seen the look on June’s face. She was fuming.”
They both laughed heartily then, until neither one of them had any laughter left inside.
“I’ve been wanting to say those things for so long. It feels good to get it out of my system.” Ruby raised a hand to her chest. “I’m lighter somehow.”
“That’s great, Mum.” Penny wound an arm around her mother’s slight shoulders. “But please, no mud wrestling today. That’s where I draw the line.”
The rest of the party flew by, and Penny managed to keep her family on their best behaviour. Her parents avoided June and Betsy. Her brother, Rob, made amends with their mother. Rowan manned the barbecue and kept all the guests well stocked with rissoles and sausages to eat. The sun continued to shine, even as clouds gathered and darkened on the horizon. The water sparkled blue and clear. The yacht was constantly crowded with swimmers and sunbathers. Penny made small talk, ensured everyone felt welcome, handed out drinks, topped up cups, and ferried plates of food to fill all those bellies.
Finally, after her family and Rowan’s left, she collapsed in a chair with a sigh. The adrenaline quickly faded from her system, and she was exhausted. Rowan sat beside her, his chef’s hat crooked and his apron smeared with grease.
“That was intense,” he said.
She laughed tiredly. “It went well though, apart from that one fight. Don’t you think?”
“It was great.” He leaned over to kiss her cheek. “You did a fantastic job, honey. Everyone had a lovely time.”
“Thanks for all the cooking you did.”
“My pleasure.” He grinned. “It gave me something to do.”
She yawned. “I could sleep right here in this spot.”
“I’ll start packing up the chairs.”
“Be right with you,” Penny said without moving an inch.
He laughed and wandered off to join Rob and Aidan, who were already stacking chairs into the back of Aidan’s ute.
Taya covered the remnants of the coleslaw with a lid. “The potato salad is completely gone. I think someone might’ve even licked the bowl. And we didn’t even have to resort to using it as a weapon.”
Penny giggled. “Thanks for bringing it. Your salads are always a hit.”
“You’re very welcome. I’m glad I could contribute in some way.” She sat beside them, leaving the salads on the table. “I can’t believe you’re finally getting married.”
“I know—it’s surreal. All these years, I honestly thought I’d missed the boat, that it was never going to happen. And I was okay with that. I’d come to terms with it a long time ago. I didn’t expect to find love now, and certainly not with Rowan Clements.” She chuckled. “Isn’t it funny, the twists and turns life can take?”
“I know what you mean,” Taya replied. “I couldn’t have imagined selling the inn.”
“How do you feel about it now that the dust has settled?”
“Like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders and the entire world is open to me. I could do anything, live anywhere, change careers… I’m overwhelmed by possibility.” She shrugged. “I’ve applied for a new job within the company.”
“Doing what?”
“I’d be travelling around to resort locations, helping new resorts get established, ensuring older resorts are well maintained and fit our brand image. I’d also be mentoring local women into management positions.”
“Wow. That sounds perfect for you.” Penny straightened. “Will you get it? I’m sure you will. It’s your father’s company.”
