The Dairy Farmer’s Daughter (Heart of the Hinterland #1)

Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19

" H e might still agree to the lease," Mark said, as the family discussed the events over lasagne that night.

"Who in their right mind would lease out the dairy farm when they could make a lot of money from selling it?" Greer said.

"He's not just anybody. He has history here—family history," Nina said. "But it is his decision to make, and we have to trust him to make the right one."

"And if he does sell it, then we will have to make the best of the situation," said Mark, ever the optimist.

"That's right," Nina agreed, touching his hand lovingly.

Freya remained quiet, still mourning his loss, knowing in her heart she would never see him again.

"Now it's time to think ahead. We have to put this behind us and focus on other things." Nina said.

Greer slid her sister a sideways glance. Freya could think of nothing but the fact that the only man she had ever loved had just driven out of her life. She knew that for the next few days, as word spread, she would be approached by the townspeople with their pity and disappointment. Their well-meaning acts of kindness would only remind her that she had allowed herself to be vulnerable. How could she have been so stupid, when she knew it would probably end like this? She had been wrapped up in the moment and carried away. It had all been a dream. A wonderful, beautiful dream. Now, she had to return to reality, where she and her sister were still waiting for love to find them.

She tried not to feel the swell of sadness again, but it rose as steady as a tide in her chest. In time, it would be better, she told herself. In time, he would be just another detour on her path to real love .

Justin didn't want to be alone. One night in his cold apartment was enough. He wanted to be surrounded by people who loved him, who he could discuss his decision with, so he called his mum and asked if he could stay for a few days.

He pulled up in the driveway and knocked on the door.

Barbara opened it and, seeing him, pulled him into her arms. "What happened?"

"I fell in love." He shrugged.

Barbara leaned her head to the side. "I think you should come into the kitchen and tell me all about it."

He followed her to the rear of the house, past the open dining and living areas where his family celebrated every milestone and major holiday.

In the kitchen, with its sparkling surfaces and gleaming appliances, Barbara prepared two cups of coffee, and sat down next to him at the counter. "Who is she?"

"Freya Montgomery. Nina Montgomery's youngest daughter."

Barbara smiled. "I always liked Nina. I wish I had tried harder to fit in; I think she and I could have been great friends."

He wondered if there was more to the story. "Why didn't you stay with Dad? Really?"

She sighed. "After you were born, I suffered from depression. Postnatal depression is what we call it now, but back then I thought I was going crazy. You were never a good sleeper, and I would be up with you most of the night. Boyd was busy all day and needed his sleep, and after a while, I just couldn't cope."

Justin gulped down the emotion he felt—pain at having caused his mother's suffering. "So you left?"

"I hadn't had a good night's sleep in over four years. I was snappy and irritable. Boyd agreed I should take you to Brisbane and have a holiday. I could let my family help me, teach me how to look after you properly, and take you to a paediatrician." Her voice held such regret and sorrow. "A week turned into a month. I was finally getting help, and sleep, and I was scared that if I went back to Maleny it would all be for nothing. I felt like I was ruining Boyd's life. So I decided to stay in Brisbane. I called your father and told him. He didn't sound surprised. He said he had set up a bank account, and would pay as much as he could into it each week."

Justin sagged against the counter. "Just like that?"

"At the time, I didn't understand it. But since he passed, I've been thinking about it again, and I wonder if he thought he was causing the problems—if he thought he was the reason you couldn't sleep, and I was being so horrible. I don't think we'll ever know the truth, but Boyd was certainly sensitive."

It made sense why he hadn't sought out another relationship, or even close friendships, apart from Fred.

"I don't want to be like him, Mum," Justin said as his vision blurred with tears. "I want friends, a family, and to be with the woman I love."

She hugged him to her. "There is nothing more important in the world than love. I would trade everything I have for you and our family.

Justin squeezed his eyes shut.

"Now, tell me about Freya," his mother said. "Why are you here, and not up there with her?"