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Around eight-thirty, even more people arrived. The hotel was now seriously crowded—well over two hundred people, maybe pushing three hundred. The noise was incredible, the energy infectious.

Amelia spotted Margaret, Jennifer, Harriet, and Hazel sitting in the corner at a table, watching everything that was happening.

‘Don’t look now,’ Amelia said quietly to Jake, ‘but we’re being observed.’

Jake followed her gaze, then shrugged. ‘Let them observe. We’re not doing anything wrong.’

At nine o’clock, the band stopped playing. Brian climbed onto the small stage, microphone in hand, grinning broadly.

‘Alright, settle down, you lot!’ he called. The noise dropped to a manageable level. ‘Time for my annual speech, and you all know what I’m going to say because I say it every year!’

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

‘Welcome to the Creek Hotel’s Meet and Mingle!’ Brian continued. ‘For those of you new to the outback social season—and I see lots of new faces tonight—this is where it all begins. The parties, the races, the balls, the rodeos. But most importantly, this is where you meet people. Where ringers coming off stations meet teachers fresh from the city. Where travellers passing through meet locals who’ve been here forever. Where the magic happens.’

More laughter, some knowing cheers.

‘Now, I’ve been doing this event for fifteen years,’ Brian said. ‘And in that time, I’ve seen something remarkable. At least ten people—the ones I know about anyway— have come through Garnet Creek planning to move on within a week. Every single one of them met someone at this event. Every single one of them is still here—married, settled, and part of our community. So I’m going to make my traditional prediction: some of you planning to move on next week? You’re not leaving. You’re going to fall in love. You’re going to stay. And next year you’re going to be locals telling this same story to the next batch of newcomers.’

The crowd erupted in cheers and laughter.

‘I also want to give special thanks to our friends working on the Royal Hotel project,’ Brian continued, gesturing to where the workers were scattered through the crowd. ‘Over twenty workers from stations, the gem fields, and distant shores, coming together to save a piece of Garnet Creek’s history. You’re exactly what this town needs. You’re bringing energy, life, and hope. I’m getting close to retirement and winding down the Creek Hotel, and I know the Royal is going to be a beauty. Thank you.’

The applause was genuine and loud. Amelia felt tears prick her eyes. Across the room, she saw Harriet clapping enthusiastically. Even Hazel was nodding approval.

Margaret sat stone-faced, arms crossed.

‘Now get back to dancing, folks!’ Brian commanded. ‘We’ve got live music until midnight, and the food’s coming out shortly. Find your partners, make some connections, and remember—this is the outback. We do love differently out here. We do it bigger, more honest, with less pretence. So, if you feel something tonight, don’t ignore it. Don’t be shy. Life’s too short and distances too great to waste time being cautious. Take chances. Fall in love. Stay. Let our town grow again.’

The band launched immediately into Don’t Change by INXS—an iconic rock song perfect for the mood. The dance floor filled.

And suddenly, Davo was there, pulling Amelia to her feet. ‘Come on, can’t sit out the best song!’

Before she could protest, she was on the dance floor with Davo, the nurse, Sophie, Jill, Bec, Mick, Charlotte, and a dozen others, all dancing in a chaotic group that was more enthusiasm than technique.

The song transitioned into another, then another. Amelia danced with Davo, then Mick, then Tom, then several ringers whose names she didn’t catch. She was laughing, breathless, happier than she’d been in months.

And then the band slowed down again. The Horses by Daryl Braithwaite began, the achingly beautiful ballad filling the room.

‘May I?’ Jake's voice beside her.

Amelia turned to find him waiting, hand extended, that distance completely abandoned.

‘You may,’ she said, taking his hand.

This time when they danced, there was no pretence. Jake pulled her close, both arms around her waist. Amelia wrapped her arms around his neck. They swayed together, bodies pressed close, the rest of the room fading away again.

‘Everyone’s definitely watching now,’ Jake murmured.

‘Still don’t care,’ Amelia said.

‘Good. Neither do I.’

They danced through the entire song, neither speaking, just holding each other.

When the song ended, Jake didn’t immediately release her.

‘Come outside with me?’ he asked quietly. ‘I need to talk to you. Properly.’