Chapter 38
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
N athan walked through the gate at South Haven for what could be the last time. The landscaped gardens were now complete as of two weeks ago, and would only require casual maintenance here and there, which any gardener could do. New opportunities awaited him, and he was excited to see which path his life led him on next.
‘Hey, mate, how’s things?’ Lacie’s brother Chris welcomed him and offered him a drink in a plastic flute with… he took a sip… lemonade.
‘Good. Thanks, man. Yourself?’
‘Yeah good. Come on in and enjoy the best party of the year!’ He smiled. He certainly looked less stressed than he remembered. Maybe he had more than lemonade in his flute.
Nathan walked along the pathway, towards the barbeque area he had created, admiring the plants and blooms he had planted and nurtured, and merged in with the small crowd, some he recognised, others he didn’t. ‘Gloria, nice to see you!’ He gave the lady a peck on the cheek. ‘I look forward to doing your autumn garden refresh on the first of next month.’
‘Can’t wait. And most importantly, would you like me to serve scones, lemon poppyseed cake, or chocolate slice?’
‘Hmm,’ Nathan said, stroking his jaw with his thumb and forefinger. ‘Let’s go for the chocolate slice this time.’
‘Deal.’ She gave a nod. ‘Oh, and I’d like you to meet my friend Nancy Dillinger… Nancy this is Nathan, the chap who does the videos online.’
‘Oh my, you’re the famous Nature Nathan!’
Nathan hooked the handle of the gift bag he was holding onto his left little finger as he held his flute, and held out his free hand to Nancy. She shook it with more enthusiasm than he expected for a lady of a certain age, her spindly fingers bony and slightly out of shape. ‘I love your videos, and I was inspired to meet Gloria after watching your interview. We’re now the best of friends.’ She grinned.
‘That’s made my day,’ he said. ‘Thank you so much.’
He left the ladies to admire the flowers and waved to Matt and Sophia who were chatting to Penny’s husband, Steve, then caught the eye of Penny and her kids who she was trying to wrangle and keep from climbing onto one of the tall trees. ‘Not while we have guests!’ she said. Jessie skipped off towards Ellie, and he waved to get her attention.
‘Hi!’ Ellie came up and gave him a hug. ‘Thank you for my surprise on the step a couple of weeks ago, I’m going to miss our weekly talks out back if you’re not here so often.’
‘It’s been great. And I’m glad you liked the pine-cone dude I made.’
‘He is awesome, love the black beanie and his googly eyes. I’m guessing it wasn’t something you found in the garden though, like all the other “step surprises”.’
‘Haha, no. I did have to make an extra effort for that one.’
‘I’ll always remember the heart shape made out of pebbles you left for me when I got out of hospital way back when. Meant so much to me.’
He hugged her again. ‘You’re doing great. I’m proud of you.’
She smiled. ‘Hey, you haven’t had an official tour of Lacie’s salon yet, have you? We finished decorating last week. Come!’ She grasped his elbow and led him to the most beautiful woman in the garden; her bright floral dress billowing, and strawberry-blonde waves wafting in the breeze, pink highlights back again.
‘Hello there,’ he said.
‘Hi, so glad you could make it.’ She gave him a brief hug and took the present from him with thanks, placing it on the nearby gift table. It was a child’s windchime, made with natural materials including wood and bamboo, that produced a soothing melodic sound. She probably couldn’t play with it but it could hang in her room and she could listen to the sounds.
‘Happy birthday, Elliana,’ he said, giving the girl a light pat on her arm.
‘She’s very excited by all the attention, as you can see!’ Lacie said, as Elliana chewed on the collar of her dress and looked up at the trees. ‘A true nature girl, she is, absolutely loves being out here.’
‘Shall we show Nathan a sneak peek inside the salon?’ Ellie asked. ‘Now that he’s finished with all the external design work?’
‘Yes, come have a look.’
Martha came over and welcomed Nathan. ‘Let me hold my gorgeous granddaughter while you take a tour,’ she said, lifting the baby from her mother’s arms.
Jessie ran over when they reached the separate gate to the private yard that housed the cottage. ‘Can I visit the salon too?’ she enquired.
‘Of course.’ Lacie held her niece’s hand and they walked to the front door. A bright wooden hand-painted sign above the door read: In Bloom.
‘I love the name you chose,’ he said.
‘Yes, it pays homage to my love of flowers, and represents each client feeling like their best blooming self,’ she replied with a smile.
They walked through the white and pale pink painted weatherboard cottage with subtle yellow and fuchsia accents, which Lacie said was based on the colours of the Love and Peace rose. Inside, a reception desk stood against the side wall, a vase of mixed flowers on display – gerberas, carnations, daffodils, and lush green leaves.
‘I got these for the photoshoot we did a few days ago. The website is looking fab now with all the photos of the salon and the rooms.’
‘When do you open?’
‘Valentine’s Day.’ She smiled.
‘Everything looks amazing. Different to your Chicago salon from what I remember from the photos.’
She nodded. ‘Yes, that had richer colours and was more glam, this is more organic and lighter, airier and colourful.’
‘I chose this wall print,’ Ellie said, leading him into one of the beauty rooms with flower-shaped wall sconces and titled The Rose Room.
On the wall was a photo of a calming nature scene and a quote from Vincent van Gogh: If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.
He nodded in understanding. ‘I love it. And the salon is beautiful, well done.’
‘The flowers you planted in pots either side of the entrance really give it a welcoming vibe,’ Lacie said. ‘And the stepping stones leading around the side of the cottage to the back garden for clients to sip their post-pampering teas are such a unique addition to the space. I’m going to love working here three days a week, though I’m going to miss being with my girl twenty-four seven.’ She led him into the second room, The Tulip Room, which was equally as beautiful, even the bathroom and storage room were decorated perfectly with a floral theme.
‘I love this chair,’ Jessie said, plonking herself on the pale pink curved armchair that looked like tulip petals embracing her.
‘Will you be offering men’s services too?’ he enquired.
‘Of course. Everyone is welcome.’ She smiled. ‘In need of some pampering?’ She eyed him with a curious glance he hadn’t seen for quite a while.
‘Hmm, maybe.’ He returned her curious glance with one of his own.
‘C’mon, you two,’ Ellie said. ‘We better get back to the party.’ He thought he saw some kind of questioning exchange between Ellie and Lacie but couldn’t be sure.
They walked out the door and Lacie leaned towards him and whispered, ‘Thank you for the flower jars.’
Nathan smiled and offered a nod. He had forgotten until she’d mentioned it. He’d asked Martha permission to visit and sneak round the side of the house yesterday to place them on the table when Lacie had been out for a walk to the park.
Jessie jumped on the first few stepping stones next to the cottage, then turned around and looked at her aunt suddenly. ‘Oh, I just remembered something!’
‘What is it, Jess?’
‘Remember when Nathan made us that new firepit millions of years ago and we all made wishes and threw them in?’
Nathan laughed, and recalled he’d made one too.
‘Yes,’ Lacie said, tipping her head back as though recalling her wish too.
‘Mine came true! I forgot to remember and then I forgot that I forgot.’
‘What was it?’ Lacie crouched to her niece’s height.
‘I wished that you would come back and live in Tarrin’s Bay again.’ She hugged Lacie, and Lacie’s eyes became glossy.
‘Oh, sweetie, that’s so nice of you to wish that. Thank you.’ She stroked Jessie’s hair and squeezed her tight. ‘Mine came true too. I wished for my baby to be healthy and happy.’
Nathan smiled, still amazed she had known about the baby right when they’d met.
‘I wished to feel happier one day,’ Ellie said. ‘And I definitely do.’
Lacie draped an arm around her sister.
‘What about yours, Nathan?’ Jessie asked.
He pondered this. It had partly come true, but he was yet to see if it would come to full bloom. But technically, he had found what he’d wished for, even though a year ago he may have thought otherwise. ‘I think it has actually, but it’s a secret.’ He winked, then pointed to the white gazebo he had erected in the back garden, which they could see the top of over the fence and hedging. ‘Do you think it’s time for birthday cake soon?’
‘Is it, Aunty Lacie?’ Jessie jumped up and down on the spot.
‘I reckon we can have the cake now before my bub needs to have her nap, then all the guests can eat lunch. No harm in doing things out of order!’
‘Nature knows best,’ he said.
They returned to the party and Martha helped gather everyone around the gazebo. Lacie stood behind the table with the double-decker flower-shaped cake, holding Elliana who was still gazing upwards. Once they lit the candles, the girl focused intently on them and tried to reach down to grab them, but her mother held her back, as everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’. Lacie modelled to her daughter how to blow out the candles, and although she made the right shape with her mouth, Lacie blew them out for her.
I wonder if she’s made a second wish , Nathan thought.
After Lacie had cut the cake and placed a few small morsels into Elliana’s mouth, Chris went up to the gazebo and gave her a hug. He whispered something in her ear and she nodded. He stood tall and proud and said, ‘If I can have your attention, please.’
Everyone went quiet and he spoke again. ‘I want to say how proud we are of Lacie having survived her first year of motherhood. She’s done an amazing job, and we’re glad to have another little Appleby in the family.’ He pecked both Lacie and Elliana on the cheek. ‘And on that note, I’d like to announce that there will be another little Appleby joining the family as well.’ He gestured for Melina to step up to the gazebo stage. She obliged but her face was glowing pink. ‘Some of you may know we’ve been going through IVF for over a year now. We were just about ready to call it quits, but we got lucky. And we’ve received the all clear at the twelve-week ultrasound and blood test. We are having a boy!’
Nathan smiled wide with happiness for the couple and clapped. By the looks of things, Lacie and Martha had already known, but it was news to the others, as they called out ‘congratulations’ and cheered, and Penny had tears in her eyes. He understood now that many preferred to wait until they were more confident of the baby’s health before telling anyone, even those close to them.
‘I’m so happy for you guys,’ Lacie said, then turned to the crowd. ‘It’s time to feed this little one her milk and put her to bed, but I’ll see you for lunch once she’s settled. Thanks so much, everyone!’
She stepped off the gazebo and after a few hugs, she wandered around to the front of the house. Nathan chatted to a few people, received compliments on the garden design, and gradually made his way to the side gate. He hesitated a moment, then went through to the front of the house and waited at the door for Lacie to come out.
Lacie kissed Elliana gently on the forehead then placed her in the cot. She waited a moment at the door to make sure she stayed settled, and popped the baby monitor into her pocket. Satisfied, she scurried down the hallway and through the kitchen, and on reaching the entryway she stopped. ‘Oh, hi,’ she said, Nathan standing at the door.
‘Hi. Sorry to surprise you, I was just hoping to catch you alone for a few minutes.’
‘Sure, what is it?’ she asked, gesturing for him to come inside.
They stood in the entry way and he took her hands in his. The warmth as enticing as soft sand on a summer’s day. ‘I have a couple of work opportunities I’m considering,’ he revealed.
‘Oh?’
‘One is over the next six to nine months, being part of the garden landscaping team at the new resort that’s being built up in the hills.’
‘Oh yes, I saw the construction plans online, it’ll be an amazing place and bring lots of tourism.’
‘I’ve been offered the position and I need to decide soon. It won’t be long term, but they will have maintenance roles part time afterwards, so I could work there as well as continue my local casual jobs and my YouTube videos. But I’ve also been offered another job, a full-time position starting in six weeks doing gardening, walking track construction, tour groups, and general maintenance at a beautiful rainforest I visited a while back.’
‘Wow, that sounds amazing, a bit different to the usual backyard makeovers,’ she mused.
‘True. But it’s in Queensland. Gold Coast hinterland.’
Her heart dropped. ‘Oh.’
‘I don’t know what to do,’ he said, his eyes searching hers for answers.
She took a breath and her heart rose, filling with peace and acceptance. ‘They both sound great, and you’d be awesome at either, but… you should do what excites you. Do what your heart wants the most.’
He held her gaze, and, his voice filled with authentic intent, said, ‘What my heart wants most is you.’
Her breath caught in her throat, and her heartbeat intensified. She kept holding his gaze as he spoke again.
‘If there’s any hint left of what you felt before, what we had before, then tell me now and I’ll take the job in the hills and be with you. But if there’s any hesitation, if you’re not sure, or too much time has passed and it’d spoil our friendship, then tell me that and I’ll move on to Queensland.’ He grasped her hands more tightly, as though tensely awaiting a verdict on his future.
‘Nathan, I…’ she began, her heart and mind in conflict. ‘I don’t want to be responsible for making this decision for you. It should be yours to make. Don’t let me hold you back from what you want, if you want the rainforest job then go for it.’ She said the right words but what she really wanted to say was ‘don’t go’.
He smiled. ‘Lacie, as I said, I want you. But if it isn’t mutual, then I’ll go. I’m not making this decision without you. I don’t want to be far away from you again if we both want the same thing. But if you’ve moved on in your heart, please tell me so that I know. I’ll be okay.’
Was he really, finally, declaring his feelings for her, despite the trouble she’d caused him? She knew what her heart wanted too, but if he made the wrong choice on her account, would he regret it?
She glanced towards the kitchen, towards the dining room where he’d shared their Christmas in July family reunion, and smiled at the memories. He had somehow become part of not only her life, but her whole family’s life. She couldn’t imagine not having him in it. She would be okay if he left, but she would be much more than okay if he stayed.
‘You really want to base this decision around me?’
He nodded. ‘You first, job second.’
In that case… ‘Then stay.’ She gripped his arms. ‘Nathan, I never stopped having feelings for you. I meant it back when I was apologising and I said that talking to you was like talking to my best friend. And what I also wanted to say was that it felt like… like I was talking to my soulmate.’ She smiled and her heart fluttered with eager anticipation on what was starting to unfold between them, finally.
His eyes became soft and it was as though they were smiling too. ‘I know exactly what you mean. I know without a doubt that you are my soulmate, and I don’t want to live another day without you.’ He slid his arms around her waist.
‘Let’s do this,’ she said. ‘No secrets, no fears. I’m ready.’
‘Me too.’ He leaned closer to her.
‘Oh wait,’ she said, placing her finger on his lips that were about to kiss her. ‘What was your firepit wish?’
‘To find a woman I could trust.’
She stiffened slightly, her past mistake weighing on her mind, but he only held her more closely.
‘And I know without a doubt, that I’ve found her.’ He leaned his forehead on hers a moment, and long-held regret seeped out of her body for good. ‘Now, can I finally kiss you? I’ve waited about eighteen months for another kiss, you know.’
‘Hey, I waited too,’ she said.
‘Then let’s make it worth the wait, for both of us.’ He slowly inched his lips closer to hers until they touched, light as a feather at first, then he grasped her face with his hands and invited her lips to his with pure hunger and intensity. Her insides melted in a state of bliss. If this moment lasted forever, it too, would not be long enough.
THE END