Chapter Eleven #2
A gurgling laugh echoed from the adjacent lounge room, where Lily lay on her soft blanket.
Zara groaned playfully, untangling herself from Jay before heading to collect her youngest. Entering the room, she saw Lily’s chubby legs kicking excitedly as she reached for a plush dolphin toy dangling just out of reach from a portable mobile, her bright blue eyes sparkling with curiosity as she explored her surroundings with fearless delight.
Zara knelt and feathered kisses all over her daughter’s face. ‘Oh, my little Lily bug, what’s all this excitement about?’ she chuckled as Lily cooed in response, her tiny hands grasping towards her hair as she gave a delighted squeal.
Having napped on the couch, almost-three-year-old Amy stirred then smiled for the entirety of the world — twenty-two months older than Lily, she was forever the adoring, protective, sometimes jealous older sister.
Her laughter filled the room as she jumped off the couch then ran over to join them, her bright eyes sparkling with mischief.
Plopping down on the floor next to her mother and sister, Amy reached out to gently stroke Lily’s soft cheek. ‘You’re so silly, Lily bug,’ she giggled, planting a sloppy kiss on her sister’s forehead.
Amy offered Lily a toy with a patient smile, her eyes shining with the empathy inherited from Zara as she watched Lily grasp the plush giraffe triumphantly.
Zara marvelled at how the bond between them grew stronger with each shared giggle and protective embrace as she watched Lily roll over for the very first time, then lift her head victoriously.
‘Oh my gosh, Lily, you clever girl.’ Her heart swelled with pride at her daughter’s milestone. ‘Jay, come quickly, you have to see this!’
Jay speedily emerged from the kitchen, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Lily’s accomplishment. He knelt down beside them, his expression a mix of pride and wonder as he watched their youngest daughter roll over again, her chubby cheeks flushed with exertion.
‘Looks like our little Lily bug is ready for some big adventures,’ Jay chuckled, his gaze full of love as he observed his two daughters. ‘Just like her dad, way up in the sky.’
‘Ha, yes, looks like it,’ Zara replied with a playful roll of her eyes. ‘And let’s hope she has a bit of her mum’s caution too.’ She scooped Lily up, cradling her close, and adorable laughter filled the room like a joyous melody.
Amy clapped her hands together, her bright eyes brimming with excitement. ‘I want to go on adventures too, Daddy!’ she exclaimed, her tiny voice filled with determination.
Jay chuckled, ruffling Amy’s dark, curly locks affectionately. ‘Oh, you will, my darling girl. You and Lily will have the grandest adventures, I just know it.’
Zara smiled at the scene before her, feeling her heart swell with tenderness for her family.
And as the days rolled on and they unpacked more of their dreams, filling each room with their love, she could almost hear the echoes of their future laughter and late-night heart-to-hearts, that would extend well into the final days of her life.
And it was in these quiet moments that she felt the wonderful embrace of the years ahead, knowing that with every book placed on a shelf and every blanket tucked around a restless sleeper they were building more than just a home — they were creating a Maverick legacy to pass on to their girls.
Just like the resurrected ceramic plate that she and Jay still displayed in pride of place, above the fireplace.
Almost two weeks later, as the afternoon sun spilled through the open window, casting long shadows across the wooden floors and bathing the room in a warm honey glow, Zara finally felt as if they’d unpacked the entirety of their life into their new home.
Inhaling deeply as she relished the sensation of freedom that came with that, she welcomed the crisp freshness of the early winter countryside into her lungs as she enjoyed the great outdoors.
Walking beside Jay on the winding path that led through a lush array of verdant greens, their vibrant hues punctuated by pockets of sunlight filtering through leafy canopies, each step sent a symphony of light and shadow dancing beneath their feet.
With Lily nestled securely in a front carrier against her chest and Amy’s small hand clasped in Jay’s, she and her family journeyed in harmonious silence.
The stillness was broken only by the gentle sounds of nature surrounding them — the soft rustling of leaves, the distant call of birds, and the murmur of a trickling creek up ahead.
As they approached the water’s edge, Lily’s curious blue eyes widened with wonder.
Making babbling sounds, she reached out her tiny hand towards the sparkling ripples, completely captivated by the play of light upon the moving water’s surface.
With her heart bursting with love, Zara knelt far enough for Lily to feel the cool sensation as Jay crouched beside Amy.
She watched him teaching their eldest how to scoop up cool water in her hands and drink from them.
Amy’s cackling laughter carried all around them as she tried, but instead of drinking it, tipped most down her dress.
‘You’re such a goofball, Amy!’ Zara laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
Jay chuckled, shaking his head. ‘She definitely takes after you, Za,’ he teased, glancing over at her with a twinkle in his eye.
They continued on their exploration, following the meandering creek until it led them to a picturesque stretch of untainted landscape that separated their property from that of their far-flung neighbours, who they were yet to meet.
Here, wildflowers swayed gently in the breeze, creating a colourful picture of raw beauty.
Amy ran ahead, chasing after butterflies and picking flowers with careful deliberation, then she presented her mummy with a bouquet of purple and yellow blooms, chosen with love and offered with an earnest smile.
‘Thank you, sweetheart.’ Gratitude filled Zara’s heart as she accepted the gift from her girl. ‘They are the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen.’ She looked over at Jay and saw his tender smile mirrored in his eyes — those deep pools of blue that first drew her to him.
Holding the flowers to her nose, she sniffed as they continued their walk, pausing now and then to admire a bird soaring overhead or listen to the distant call of a hidden creature.
She and Jay both wanted their girls to understand how important it was to enjoy the little things in life.
And with each new discovery, Lily squirmed with excitement, eager to embrace the unknown, while Amy absorbed the wonders with a gleeful delight that reflected her nurturing soul.
It was only when the sun began to set, casting warm hues of coral and lavender across the sky, that they made their way back home, where the peace of the natural world still clung to their skin like dew.
Later that evening — after a dinner of homemade spaghetti that ended up all over the girls’ faces, followed by a bath, and a bedtime story that lulled both girls to sleep — Zara stood at her bedroom window and watched the moon glide gracefully across the night sky like a shimmering sentinel in the inky darkness.
Despite being miles away from the ocean now, she could still feel its presence, as if its timeless rhythm pulsed through her veins.
As she pondered the passing of time and the fleeting nature of memorable moments, she felt a familiar warmth behind her.
‘There you are, Zara Maverick,’ Jay whispered, his arms encircling her waist and pulling her closer. ‘I’ve been looking all over for you.’ His breath tickled her ear.
‘I’m glad you found me,’ Zara replied softly, placing her hands on top of Jay’s and feeling their fingers intertwine. ‘Our family, this enchanting place, it’s more than I ever could’ve imagined.’
‘Me too,’ Jay agreed with a lingering kiss to her neck.
Zara was just about to turn around and kiss her husband when a set of headlights caught her attention. With her fingers gripping the gauzy curtains, she watched an unfamiliar car approaching. Jay, sensing her shift in focus, joined her in contemplation, his warm hand finding the small of her back.
‘Looks like we’ve got some unexpected visitors,’ he said with barely contained bewilderment.
They watched as the car pulled to a stop, and two people stepped out — a man and a woman.
‘Ah,’ Jay breathed. ‘That’s our neighbours.
’ He caught her confused stare. ‘I met the husband in town last week, at the hardware store.’ He half shrugged.
‘He said he and his wife would pop in to say hi sometime, and I told him anytime is good for us.’ He grinned.
‘Looks like he took that literally, because,’ he glanced at his watch, ‘it’s almost six. ’
‘Bugger, I was just about to make mad passionate love to you before we rustled up some dinner.’ Zara knew her lips were pouting.
Jay’s charming smile made her want him all the more. ‘Raincheck?’
‘I suppose it will have to be.’ Her return smile was filled with sexy sass. ‘Should we invite them in for a cup of tea, or something stronger?’ she pondered aloud, her honey-brown eyes tracking the couple as they made their way down the pathway to their front verandah.
‘I reckon both and see what they say. Their reply will tell us a lot about them. Tea says conservative, wine says open-minded.’ Jay’s reply was accompanied by a wink.
His trademark grin never failed to make Zara’s heart swell. ‘Deal.’ She grabbed his hand and tugged him forward. ‘Let’s go make some new friends, shall we?’