Chapter 6
Harper spent the better part of the afternoon in the hub of Stanthorpe, wandering the centre of town, browsing boutiques and stopping at shopfront windows along the main strip to check out the real estate and businesses for sale. Even the country town hadn’t been immune to the price hikes. The town had grown since she’d last been, but it still retained the homely country feel. People knew each other, they stopped and chatted to people they ran into. Sure, there were still the boisterous teens, the grumpy individuals who hated life and didn’t like anyone getting in their way, but on the whole, it was the country town she remembered. She allowed herself the moment of nostalgia. That was all it was. She was going home as soon as the formalities were over. It was for the best, for everyone.
‘Harper?’
She turned when she heard her name.
‘Oh my God, the rumour mill is true. You are in town.’ Lisa came towards her and embraced her in an enormous hug. Harper returned it.
‘Lisa, how are you?’ Harper said when they pulled apart. ‘How long has it been? Six years?’
‘At least. What have you been up to? How does it feel to be back?’
‘Just in town for a few days.’
‘Tough time for the family. The vineyard got a beating last week. It’s miraculous that the vines survived.’
‘They’re wearing it well.’ She wasn’t sure what Lisa meant by the family doing it tough, but she didn’t ask.
‘Always do. You McGregor’s,’ Lisa said. ‘As you can see, this place is probably much the same as when you left it.’
‘Some things are, others not so much.’
‘Hey, are you free? Did you want to grab a coffee?’
‘You know what, that sounds like a superb idea,’ Harper said using it as an excuse to stay away from the family vineyard a little longer.
They satdown at a small coffee shop that Harper hadn’t remembered being there when she left. It looked hip, and the menu offered as many varieties of coffees as it did pastries. Although tempted, she ignored the food and only grabbed a coffee. Georgia was cooking up a storm and she didn’t want to ruin her appetite.
‘It’s good to see you,’ Harper said. ‘I’m sorry I haven’t kept in touch. I guess the years got away from me.’
Lisa smiled. ‘Life is like that sometimes.’
Harper hadn’t stayed in touch with anyone, and her and Lisa weren’t exactly close friends.
‘So, how about you? What have you been up to? Any potential suitors? How’s the business? Last time I was here, you were setting up your own salon?’
‘I did that. It’s working for itself. I just make sure the wheels keep turning. We have a couple of staff who handle all the labour, and I recently hired a junior to help with the admin and clean-up duties. Nowadays, I’m only in the salon a few hours a day, and occasionally fill in if one of the hairdressers is sick or on leave.’
‘That’s fantastic,’ Harper said. ‘So now you’re a woman of leisure.’
Lisa laughed. ‘I wouldn’t say that. There are a few projects I’m working on that are keeping me busy, but I don’t want to say anything yet.’
‘Fair enough,’ Harper said. ‘But truly, that is fantastic. I’m thrilled for you.’
‘Thanks,’ Lisa said. ‘And how about you, any special someone out there? Business launches? Travel plans? You are the one with the big city life?’
She thought she heard a tinge of spite in Lisa’s tone, but immediately brushed it off. ‘No one special, no.’
‘Work keeping you that busy?’
‘Something like that.’ Harper checked the time. ‘Oh shoot, I have to go. Georgia is preparing a family dinner. I should help her out.’
‘All the family?’
‘Yes. You and Zoe must still catch up?’
When they were kids, it was Zoe that Lisa hung out with. Harper occasionally tagged along, but she never felt close to Lisa, quite the opposite. She sensed an unease, especially when Brookes had been around.
‘It’s been a while. It would be good to see her too.’
‘Why don’t you pop by? Georgia always cooks enough to feed an army and I’m sure the family would love to see you. Dessert is always delicious. Come by for that.’
Lisa grinned. ‘Perfect. I’d love that.’
After the catch upwith Lisa, Harper wandered along the main strip of shops, occasionally popping into one for a browse, before she purchased a bunch of multicoloured gerberas for Georgia and called a taxi. She felt bad for staying in town so long, but she needed some breathing space and to get her bearings for tonight. Sure, she’d seen Leo, but there were the rest of her siblings, too. And she wasn’t sure of the sort of reception she’d get. So once again, as the car was pulling up towards the house, she had the uncomfortable butterflies floating in her stomach.
When the taxi pulled into the drive and stopped at the house, her gaze quickly shifted around for any unfamiliar cars. There were none. Her car stood where she’d left it yesterday, and Georgia’s Mustang was parked in the garage.
Harper paid the driver and got out. She still had an hour before dinner. Enough time to get ready and help. If all went well, she’d be driving home tomorrow at dawn, and that gave her some comfort.
‘Georgia, that smells delicious.’ Harper walked into the kitchen where Georgia was standing at the bench in her floral apron putting together an apple pie.
She hugged her aunt, kissed her on the cheek, and gave her the flowers.
‘They’re beautiful, love. There’s a long vase in the living room.’
Harper found the vase and filled it up with water before putting the blooms in it. ‘What can I do to help?’
‘Go get freshened up. Leo had to pop out to get something. The rest will be here shortly.’
Fifteen minutes later, when Harper was showered and dressed in fresh clothes, her only other spare set, she thought she heard voices coming from the kitchen.
Her stomach did a flip.
She wasn’t sure how long she stood there waiting, but she realised she was being ridiculous. It was just dinner. One dinner; one evening. Then she was out of there.
When Harper entered the dining area, Brookes was setting the table. Plates, forks, knives, and spoons, all in their correct formations just like Georgia liked them.
‘Hello Brookes,’ Harper said.
He looked up because he must not have heard her come in. ‘Harper.’ He gave a nod, then returned to putting down the knives and forks on each side of the plate.
What had she expected? That he would come running to her, embrace her, and forget the fact that she had left? Of course not. Okay, maybe a part of her thought that he’d moved on far enough not to care.
‘How have you been?’
‘Can’t complain.’
She heard a bark from outside. Harper looked behind her. A German Shepherd sat on the porch, his tongue hanging out, as he stared at her. She went to the dog and patted him on the back, then scratched his ears.
‘Is he yours?’
‘Yep.’
‘What’s his name?’
‘Rover.’
‘Hey Rover,’ she scratched him some more. ‘Aren’t you gorgeous?’
‘Takes after his master.’
‘I see you haven’t lost your sense of humour.’
Harper stood up. The dog looked disappointed, but resigned to the fact that the scratches were over and trotted back to the porch to lie down.
‘Dinner is ready. Where is everyone?’ Georgia’s voice boomed through the living area stopping whatever Harper wanted to say next.
‘I can hear a car pulling up now,’ Harper said, walking to the window.
A few moments later, the passenger side doors on each side opened, and Tyler and Zoe got out. She hadn’t seen her siblings in over six years, and the thought brought an ache to her chest.
Zoe’s hair was longer than she had used to wear it. Gone was the crew cut she had fancied straight out of high school, and in its place were long blonde locks that looked like they were a hairdresser’s dream.
Tyler looked tall and straight, with a crew cut that made him look much older, and he wore a crisp shirt that looked like it had just come out from under an iron. It must have been the instilled army habits.
‘Well, well, look what the cat dragged in,’ Tyler said as he entered the door grinning from ear to ear.
All of a sudden, Harper felt her feet lift off the ground as Tyler lifted her up in an embrace.
‘Good to see you too, Tyler,’ she said when he finally put her back down.
‘Have you shrunk in the last six years?’
‘No, but you’ve lost a hair or two.’
He grazed his hand along his head. ‘Touché.’
‘Hey Zoe,’ Harper said when her sister walked through the door.
‘Harper.’
There was a slight nod from her sister, but the tone of her voice said it all. Expecting anything more would have been selfish. So Harper smiled, but didn’t push to get any closer.
Leo followed but said nothing as he made it through the doorway and straight for the kitchen with a box of wine.
After a few moments of awkward chit-chat, Georgia called from the kitchen that dinner was ready, and everyone bustled to the dining table. Harper waited until they all sat down before choosing her spot. It was a mistake because she ended up sitting right opposite Brookes, who had made himself scarce when her siblings arrived. Now they were all seated at the table — her brothers and sister were chatting away while Georgia and Brookes were ingrained in deep conversation, their heads leaned in towards each other. Each one of them looked comfortable, and she felt like the odd one out. She was a stranger in a home that used to be hers, and as she observed their natural ease with one another, she realised that a part of her had missed this.
‘So Harper, how long are you planning on staying?’ Zoe asked as she put her fork down on to her plate and grabbed a napkin to dab to her lips.
Harper swallowed the wine and left her hand sitting on the glass flute. ‘Tomorrow.’
‘In and out.’
‘I know where I’m not wanted.’
‘Now hold on for a second. No one asked you to leave. You did that on your own accord,’ Leo said.
‘That’s enough,’ Georgia cut in. ‘You will not speak to one another in that tone.’
‘Maybe I should go. Georgia, save me some of the dessert for tomorrow,’ Brookes said, standing up.
‘Sit down,’ Georgia said. ‘No one is going anywhere.’ She turned to Leo. ‘Grab another bottle for the table. We have much to discuss.’
Leo did as he was told.
‘Georgia,’ Brookes started.
She put her hand out to stop him. ‘What we’re about to discuss involves you too, Brookes.’
‘Aunt Georgia, you’re being very cryptic.’
She sat silently for a moment, took a sip of her wine, keeping it to her lips for a moment longer than necessary, as if she was savouring not only the taste but also the aroma before speaking, ‘The last time we were in a room together it was over six years ago. I was much younger, had more energy to deal with everything. But much has changed. You have all changed.’
‘What is going on?’ Zoe said, the concern in her voice growing with each word.
Georgia shook her head. ‘I am old. Old enough to know better, old enough to tell you that all this bickering between siblings has to stop. There is nothing in this world that is reason enough for any of you to be spiteful to each other.’
‘Did we come for a lecture?’
Georgia raised an eyebrow. ‘Zoe, I suggest you reframe your tone.’
‘No one is being spiteful, Aunt Georgia. After six years, we haven’t even gotten an apology.’ Zoe said.
‘Apology?’ Harper noticed her own voice rising. ‘What am I supposed to apologise for? Leaving? Having my own life? Doing what was best for me?’
‘It’s all about you, isn’t it? It doesn’t matter who gets hurt in the process.’
‘The two of you need to stop this,’ Georgia said. ‘What’s important is that we are all here together now.’
Harper noticed Zoe roll her eyes. Brookes looked uncomfortable in his seat, but Georgia wasn’t letting him leave the table. Leo was back with two bottles of wine, standing in the corner waiting for the action to end, while Tyler looked entertained by the conversation. Harper wished she had stayed put. Coming back was a bad idea. She wasn’t expecting a warm reception from her sister, or any of them, really.
‘She’s going to leave as soon as the formalities are over.’
‘I have a life, Zoe. Not everyone wants to stay put forever.’
‘A life? Is that what you call it?’
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘Nothing, nothing at all.’ Zoe grabbed her fork and started eating again.
‘Leo, why don’t you refill everyone’s glasses? I hate for excellent wine to go to waste.’
‘Let me clear the table,’ Brookes said.
‘Sit. I know you’re looking for a way out. Now is not the time. Brookes, this involves you as much as everyone else.’
‘What’s really going on? We’ve all gathered here. You’ve even got Princess Harper to drive three hours in the middle of the night,’ Zoe said.
Georgia smiled, but it was one of those tired smiles. Harper knew the dynamics must have been exhausting for her, and Zoe was being unfair. Not that she had ever expected her sister to take her side or even understand her decision to move. They didn’t have to understand. She had done what felt right at the time.
Leo poured more wine into everyone’s glasses. Harper glanced at Brookes without lingering. He was looking towards Georgia, waiting for her to speak. So were Tyler and Zoe. It was only when Leo returned to his seat that Georgia spoke again.
‘I know it seems like an odd request to have you all here. But this is your home. It will always be a home for every one of you. Leo, Zoe, Tyler, Harper, Brookes.’ Her gaze stayed on Brookes for a moment. ‘You are a part of this family, Brookes. It might not be by blood, but through sweat, tears, love, and loyalty, you are a part of the McGregor’s, whether you like it or not.’
Harper watched her aunt as she spoke, still unsure of why they were all gathered in the house, but she didn’t interrupt her. When Georgia had something to say, people listened.
‘Last year, as you know, Hugh Mathers died in his sleep. Hugh made me the executor of his Will. We’d known each other for years, and he trusted me to ensure that his wishes after his death were met,’ she said. ‘It’s funny how society is more concerned with meeting the wishes of the dead than the living, but that is how our world works.’
She took a sip of wine. Everyone at the table followed suit.
‘What has that got to do with us?’ Tyler asked.
‘Patience, Tyler. I’m getting to that.’
He smiled meekly and leaned back in his chair.
Georgia continued, ‘As the executor of the Will, I have to make sure that his estate is distributed accordingly. Hugh didn’t have a big family, in fact, his family was this town and the people in it. Many thought he was quirky, some stayed away. But Hugh was like family, too. He would have done what was necessary to help every one of you, just like each of you had left a mark on him. Brookes, he was extremely fond of you. Always spoke with pride as if a father might of a son. You see, Hugh didn’t have children. After his wife died, he chose not to remarry. Some say it’s tragic, others romantic. He had one love, and he stayed true to her until his dying breath.
‘He was a good man. An honest man. Over the years, he had accumulated many assets. While it has taken much time to investigate the legalities of his Will, that has now concluded and his wishes can be executed.’ Georgia took another sip of wine, keeping the suspense running.
Harper remembered Hugh. He had always been friendly and polite. He worked odd jobs, helped in the community, and made wonderful wine. She remembered one New Year’s Eve, when he had caught her and a friend enjoying a bottle behind a barrel. They’d been just shy of seventeen. She had thought that they’d be in trouble without a doubt, but Hugh had given them a warning and they didn’t repeat the rebellion. He had said that if they had to hide it, it was wrong. He’d been right. She and her siblings had helped on his property on more than one occasion.
Georgia continued, ‘As the executor, I’d like to share with you that Hugh left a lot of what he owned to charity, but also to this family.’ Pausing, she turned to each of them as she spoke,
‘Leo, you have been given an investment property in Brisbane. It’s a small three-bedroom house on the outskirts of the city that is currently rented. It should provide a nice income stream and potential capital growth.
‘Zoe, you have been left with the florist shop in town. It has been under management, but the current employees are looking to relocate, so it will be up to you what happens next.
‘Tyler, Hugh left you with his stock portfolio. There’s a significant amount there that will provide you a nice income that should supplement what you earn with the army.’
Harper’s stomach turned. She was nervous about what was to come next, especially when Georgia glanced first at her, then at Brookes, then back to Harper.
‘Hugh had a massive property, the inn with the vineyard and cellar door,’ Georgia lifted the bottle. ‘This is from Hugh’s vineyard. Cheers to Hugh.’
They all lifted their glasses and sipped.
‘Hugh left the property, including the inn, cellar door, and the vineyard, to you Harper, and to you, Brookes.’
She saw Brookes’ jaw drop. She felt a shock go through her. Did she hear that right? No, there had to be some misunderstanding.
‘What do you mean Hugh left the property to Brookes and I?’ Harper asked.
‘Exactly what I said. The property now belongs to the two of you.’
‘As joint owners?’ Brookes asked.
‘Yes.’
‘I don’t get it,’ Harper said. ‘How is that going to work?’
She owned a vineyard with Brookes. It didn’t make any sense. For a moment, she thought she was going to wake up from a dream. But as she looked at her aunt and at her siblings, then finally at Brookes, she knew this wasn’t a dream. This was as real as it was going to get.
‘I’m just the executor, my dear.’
‘But why?’ Harper said. ‘Why Brookes and I? It’s crazy.’
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Everyone at the table turned.
‘I hope I’m not interrupting anything,’ Lisa said. ‘Harper told me to stop by.’