Emergency Response (23 page)

Hope flooded as tears threatened. He’d come because he wanted to be with her. She could scarcely believe it.

Nathan handed her a neatly folded cotton hankie and she blew her nose loudly. She probably looked a mess. Thank goodness for sunglasses. She rummaged inside her bag for them.

“You look beautiful, don’t worry.” He was reading her mind again. With one finger on her chin he tilted her head. “Just a little bit of mascara here.” He traced his fingers beneath her lower lashes and she trembled at his gentle touch.

He was back and she was never going to let him go.

By the time Nathan brought her a plate of food later that afternoon, people filled every corner of the house. And the women must have been cooking for days – there was so much food. She’d forgotten all about country hospitality. Strangers greeted her before circulating to each of her sisters. Everyone was polite and everyone had something nice to say about their dad. In the last couple of years it seemed Bill had fully immersed himself in the life of the small town. Mackenzie must have met more than two dozen people before they all started blurring together.

What seemed like hours later, she returned her empty plate to the kitchen. The small room was full of older women – members of the local church – chatting quietly as they finished cleaning up. One woman stepped forward, her eyes full of sympathy as she gathered Mackenzie’s hands in her own.

“We are so sorry for your loss, dear. If there’s anything we can do …”

Mackenzie smiled politely.

“Such a lovely man. So tragic he was on his own all these years.”

“You know he never loved another woman after your mother.”

Tears filled Mackenzie’s eyes. She knew the women meant well but their words were so painful.

Another woman touched Mackenzie on the arm. “We’ve put leftovers in the fridge for you, sweetheart. Your sisters have already taken some food home with them.”

“Thank you.” Mackenzie smiled warmly at them. “For everything.”

After hearing the front door click shut for the final time, she collapsed on the couch, kicking off her heels. She put her legs up over Nathan’s and he started to massage her aching feet. As he made slow, steady strokes, she closed her eyes and allowed the day’s tension to escape her body. Comfortable silence filled the space between them and Mackenzie concentrated on taking slow, deep breaths as her mind replayed the funeral service and burial. Everything had gone well.

“How are you feeling?” Nathan asked.

Mackenzie didn’t open her eyes. “Sad. Exhausted. Drained. Relieved too. It was a lovely day, if you know what I mean.”

“Yes, it was a lovely funeral,” Nathan agreed, still rubbing her feet. “Do you want to talk about it? Or are you just happy to sit?”

Mackenzie allowed the stillness between them to linger longer. After the busyness and noise of the day, the quiet was exactly what she needed.

“I don’t want to pressure you, Kenz. If you want me to leave, just say.” The rubbing stopped.

“I definitely don’t want you to go,” she said. Opening her eyes slightly she grinned at him. “And I don’t want you to stop massaging my feet either. That feels so good.”

He started running his hands over her legs again. “I’m glad.”

“You’re glad that it feels good?”

“I’m glad you don’t want me to leave,” he replied with a throaty chuckle.

The antique grandfather clock on the mantelpiece pealed eight times. The day had gone so quickly.

“I’m not even sure where to begin,” she said finally. “So much has happened in these last few weeks.”

“Did you get a chance to work things out with your dad?”

A small sigh escaped. “Yeah. We worked it out.”

Nathan shifted in his seat and she turned to face him. He stared intently at her. “How are things with you and your sisters? I met most of them this afternoon and they all seem lovely. Did you sort things with them too?”

Mackenzie opened her mouth to speak when there was a knock at the front door. She shot Nathan an apologetic look as she padded across the carpet to see who it was. When she opened the door she was surprised to see the minister standing there.

Mackenzie’s hands went to her mouth. “Oh gosh I am so sorry. I completely forgot! I assume this is Dad’s dog?”

The minister held a lead attached to a gorgeous little border collie with very sad eyes. He smiled warmly. “Yes, this is Nellie. Marlene Robbins said you knew I was looking after her.”

“Yes, of course. I meant to say something today but I forgot. Would you like to come in?”

“Thanks for the offer, but no, I won’t. It’s been a long day for you and I’m sure you’re tired. I just wanted to bring Nellie over in case you were planning on leaving tonight.”

Nathan joined her at the door and on seeing him the dog wagged her tail excitedly. Nathan stuck out his hand. “G’day, I’m Nathan.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Mackenzie said again. “Nathan, this is John, the minister who did Dad’s funeral today.”

“Good to meet you. That was a lovely service. You obviously knew Mackenzie’s dad very well.”

“Over the last two years, yes, we’d become good friends.”

Mackenzie stood at the door stroking the dog’s soft ears and running her hands over the dog’s coat. She was beautiful. The dog responded to Mackenzie’s touch by jumping up and squirming closer.

“Thanks for everything, John. For looking after Nellie. For caring for Dad. For the funeral.” Sudden tears prickled once more. Sensing her discomfort, Nellie butted her body against Mackenzie’s leg. She stroked the dog’s head, drawing strength from the action.

“She’s a good dog,” John said, leaning over and ruffling Nellie’s silky ears. “She’ll give you lots of love, that’s for sure.”

Mackenzie smiled sadly. “Then she’s just what I need.”

Once the minister left, Mackenzie joined Nathan back on the couch. She tucked her feet beneath her and snuggled into Nathan’s side as Nellie watched them intently with intelligent eyes. Patting her leg, Mackenzie called the dog over. She obeyed, and as Mackenzie stroked her fur, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Mackenzie and Nathan picked up their interrupted conversation. When Mackenzie told him she found out Bill wasn’t her father the night before he died, his mouth dropped open in surprise.

“You never knew?”

“I had no idea. I mean I often questioned why I looked so different to the others and I’d sometimes joke I was adopted, but I never thought much of it.”

Nathan raised his eyebrows. “I can’t believe they kept it a secret all these years.”

“I know. Crazy, isn’t it? If you look at the wedding photos it’s obvious Mum was hiding a small bump behind her bouquet. But of course I never had a reason to look for it.”

“What did your sisters say when they found out?”

Her phone rang and she glanced at the screen. “It’s Kate. Do you mind if I take it?” She gave him another apologetic smile.

Nathan shook his head. “Not at all.”

While Mackenzie filled Kate in on the funeral, Nathan found her moisturizer and began rubbing it into her feet. She had to work hard to concentrate on what Kate was saying. Nathan’s slow massage was moving from soothing to sensual.

“I know it might be too soon, Mackenzie,” Kate was saying, “but have you thought about what you’re going to do about work?”

Mackenzie laughed aloud – the first time she’d laughed properly in weeks. “No way, Kate. Don’t even suggest it. I don’t want your job and even if I did, there is no way I could be the unit manager. Plus I’m not sure I could ever go back to intensive care nursing. After working in ED I’m either going to have to do emergency or remote.”

“Woah! Relax, Mackenzie. Take a breath. I’m not offering you my job, but I’ve just heard about a part-time position in the emergency department here in Birrangulla. I thought you might be interested.”

“Oh.” Mackenzie bit her lip and then took a deep breath before settling back on the couch. Maybe she had overreacted. “Okay. Keep talking.”

Nathan stopped rubbing her feet for a brief moment and her skin mourned the loss of his touch. When he started up again his hands began to massage up and down her lower legs, smoothing the tiredness of her calf muscles. It felt so good she almost groaned in pleasure. Did he have any idea how he was making her feel?

“So are you interested?” Kate asked.

“I’m very interested.”

“What about if I told you the job comes with a house? On land? Perfect for a dog.”

“I’d still say keep talking.”

Kate continued. “The job is four days a week and the house is our house.”

Mackenzie scrunched up her nose. “What do you mean? Your house?”

“The farmhouse where Joel and I live. The house we’re building out at Eagle’s Ridge is almost finished. It should be ready for us to move in around the middle of February – well before the baby is born. The job in ED starts straightaway, though. If you want it, you’re more than welcome to come stay with us from now until we move out.”

“So I’d just take over your lease?”

“Yep, I’ve already spoken to the real estate agent. She’s more than happy with that.”

“And the job? Do I have to apply?”

Nathan raised his eyebrows and then smiled, obviously picking up on the direction of the conversation.

“Well, yes, technically, but I’ve already spoken to the director of nursing, and she’s more than happy to give you a job. I’ve pretty much talked you into the position. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Wow. Well that’s a lot to take in. I’ll have to think about it.”

“I don’t think there’s anything to think about,” Kate said with a chuckle. “I think you have one good reason to say yes.”

Mackenzie looked steadily at Nathan. He returned her gaze, his eyes darkening to a deep chocolate. “Yes, Kate, I’ve got a very good reason for saying yes, and he’s sitting right here next to me.”

Mackenzie disconnected the call and told Nathan what Kate had offered.

“It sounds perfect. What do you think? Will you take it? Or do you need more time to think about it?”

Mackenzie shifted position on the couch and snuggled closer. She nudged Nathan in the ribs. “You always ask so many questions,” she said with a smile. “I don’t need time to think about it. Yes, I’ll take the job.”

He grasped her hand, lacing their fingers, and the flicker that had been burning inside her all afternoon burst into life. Goose bumps exploded on her skin as her body went from cool to warm. As she leaned toward him, Nellie barked, causing them to jump apart like teenagers who had just been sprung by their parents.

Mackenzie groaned. “How many more interruptions are we going to have tonight?”

She put the dog outside and returned. Picking up her phone, she waved it in the air. “And I’m switching this onto silent too.”

She didn’t know who moved first. All she knew was he was holding her protectively in his arms. Her hands slipped beneath his shirt and she caressed the warm skin on his back, her hands tracing his muscles.

He bent his head slowly toward her and she closed her eyes. She had missed him so much. At first, his kiss was merely a flutter of his lips against hers, tentative and questioning, before it became more urgent. She tasted the familiar sweetness of his mouth and returned his kiss with equal passion, hoping she left him in no doubt about how much she wanted him. When he abruptly pulled away her racing heart almost stopped.

He licked his lips and a shadow crossed his face. “Are you sure this is what you want, Kenz?” His voice was thick with need as his finger traced the curve of her cheek and stopped at her chin.

She nodded. She had never been so sure of anything in her life.

“I wanted to be here tonight to comfort you, not to take advantage of you or try to get you into—”

Mackenzie reached up and put her finger to his lips. “Shh! You’re not doing anything I don’t want,” she murmured.

“But it’s been a big day for you. You’re emotional and tired and—”

She pulled him closer and pressed her mouth against his to stop him talking. Their bodies melded together and she sighed with pleasure as his fingers threaded through her hair and massaged her head. When he buried his face in her neck, she groaned as heat flooded through her. She wanted him. She needed him. Now.

He sensed it and they walked hand in hand to her old bedroom, unspeaking. At the door he stopped, put his hands on her hips and lifted her up so her legs wrapped around his waist. She clutched the back of his shirt, her heart galloping, her breathing shallow.

They kissed again and when he pulled away to search her eyes one last time, the look was heavy with meaning. With barely a nod of her head, his eyes darkened even further and a slow smile spread across his face. There was no doubt he wanted her too.

He laid her gently on the bed and slowly lifted his shirt over his head before dropping it on the floor. Mackenzie reached out and traced her finger down the center of his bare chest. His skin was smooth and beautiful, tanned and toned – exactly as she remembered from the waterfall pool.

He shuddered at her gentle touch before crushing her to his chest.

“Oh Kenzie.”

Mackenzie fell in love with the property the moment her car bounced over the cattle grid at the front gate and crunched down the yellow gravel driveway. In the passenger seat Nellie pricked up her ears and craned her neck to follow some sheep running along the fence line. Blue agapanthus in full bloom lined the drive beneath towering lemon-scented gums.

The driveway ended in a large circle and Mackenzie pulled up in front of the small farmhouse surrounded by a white-painted post and rail fence. Two red-brick chimneys poked out of an iron roof, promising cozy wood fires in winter. The house looked recently painted too. Gunmetal gray weatherboards wrapped around the house, interspersed with white-painted trim around the windows and guttering. The front door was a magnificent fire-engine red and adorned with a dark green Christmas wreath.

The house, called
Cooinda
, meant “happy place,” and it was clear it had indeed lived up to its name for Kate and Joel. Joel had moved in after they married earlier that year, and even though it was only a rental property, they’d made their mark. Everything about it screamed “welcome home.”

Mackenzie was glad she’d taken Nathan and Kate’s word for how beautiful the property was. The change of contracts was done, putting the lease of the house into Mackenzie’s name without her having ever seen the house herself. Nathan said it would suit her perfectly and he was right. She really
was
going to have to learn to trust him.

Stepping out of the car, she inhaled, filling her lungs with fresh air. She pulled the band on her ponytail tighter and ran her hands down the front of her jeans. Why was she so nervous? Beside her Nellie whimpered, her whole body quivering with excitement. Mackenzie clipped the lead to her collar and she bounded out of the car. Pushing open the gate, Mackenzie walked up the narrow front path through a pretty cottage-style garden. She lifted the brass knocker and let it fall once.

It opened almost immediately.

“Welcome!” Kate greeted Mackenzie with a big hug. “And this must be Nellie. Let her off the lead and she can go and find Baxter. He’s outside somewhere.” Baxter was Kate’s own border collie.

A dog barked in the distance and Nellie’s ears pricked up. Baxter tore around the side of the house and skidded to a stop. The two dogs circled each other for a few seconds.

Kate laughed. “I love how dogs do that – sniff each other’s backsides and decide they’re best friends.”

Mackenzie watched them race off, the white tips of their tails high in the air. “Will they be okay? I wouldn’t want Nellie chasing sheep or anything.”

“Baxter won’t go far. By the time we’ve grabbed a cuppa they’ll probably be chewing on old bones in the backyard.”

Mackenzie followed Kate inside, watching how easily Kate moved. Her friend looked impeccable as usual, dressed in a loose floral shirt, which was so fashionable it momentarily made Mackenzie wish she’d taken more care with the casual clothes she was wearing.

“You’re looking amazing,” Mackenzie said when they sat down at the kitchen table. She wasn’t lying. Pregnancy suited Kate. Her blue eyes sparkled and her skin was smooth and clear. Even her blonde hair shone.

Kate placed a protective hand on her belly, rubbing gently. “I love being pregnant, especially now I’ve stopped throwing up.”

“That must have been horrendous.”

“You have
no
idea. Anyway, I don’t want to think about it now it’s over. Coffee? Tea?”

“Tea please.”

Kate bustled around the small kitchen, pulling mugs out of a cupboard and flicking the switch on the kettle. Mackenzie noted the empty cupboards and boxes everywhere. Kate was clearly as organized as ever and well on her way to packing up the house.

“The guys should be here soon,” Kate said.

Seconds later Mackenzie heard the barking of the dogs and the sound of a car pulling up. “Sounds like that’s them now,” she said. Her pulse raced as thousands of butterflies took flight in her stomach. She couldn’t wait to see Nathan. It had only been a few days since he’d left her in Willandara, but she’d missed him so much.

It was a few minutes before they came inside. Mackenzie heard the door open and close. The sound of the dogs’ nails clipping on the pine floorboards was heard before Joel commanded them to slow down. The dogs ignored his instruction, bursting into the kitchen followed by Joel and then Nathan. Kate held open the back door and shooed both dogs straight outside again.

The moment he saw her sitting there, a massive grin lit Nathan’s face. Her heart did a strange little flip-flop and her eyes locked with his. She was unable to look away. She wanted to run and leap into his arms, yet somehow she managed to stand and walk slowly and steadily toward him. He looked so good. The khaki pants and a striped polo top fitted him to perfection, hugging his toned torso.

“Kenzie.” He pulled her into a tight hug then released her long enough to plant a passionate kiss on her lips. “I’ve missed you.”

“It’s only been three days,” she giggled.

“Three days is too long,” he whispered.

The air sizzled with so much expectation Mackenzie was surprised Kate and Joel hadn’t noticed it.

She laughed. “Just as well we decided a long-distance relationship was never going to work.”

“Yes, you were right about that.” His face became serious. “You look tired,” he said. “Are you sure you’re okay with moving here and starting work so soon? Maybe it would have been better to leave it until next year.”

“I’m fine,” she replied.

He ran his finger lightly across the lines that creased her forehead as though trying to smooth away the tiredness he saw. Mackenzie closed her eyes, savoring the feel of his cool fingers across her brow. She turned her head sideways and allowed him to cup her cheek with his hand. His thumb stroked her face and when she opened her eyes again she found herself gazing into the depths of his.

His lips touched hers again, this time more tentatively. Shivers coursed through her body and she responded. He pressed deeper, but moved slowly, as though he was trying desperately to control himself. She knew exactly how he felt. If they had the house to themselves there was no telling where they’d be right now, but it wasn’t standing in the middle of the kitchen.

She ran her fingers through his short hair, pulling him closer as he trailed kisses down her neck. Her whole body was on fire, tingling with anticipation. Had it only been three days since they’d first made love?

“Do you two need a room?”

As if reading her mind Joel’s voice stopped them both in their tracks and they broke apart.

Kate laughed. “Break it up you two or you’re going to set the place on fire.”

“Sorry,” Mackenzie replied, stepping back, filled with embarrassment.

“Don’t be,” Kate said, touching Mackenzie’s arm. “I couldn’t be happier that you two are together. You make such a great couple.”

“Thanks sis,” Nathan said. His face was as flushed as hers.

“You might want to fix your hair though,” Kate said with a teasing laugh, giving Mackenzie a wink, “if Mum and Dad were to show up now they would know what you two have been up to.”

Mackenzie quickly smoothed back stray strands.

“I’m joking,” Kate said, giving Mackenzie a tight hug. “Now, how about that cuppa and then I’ll show you which bedroom is yours and you can unpack.”

*

Mackenzie woke early to the sound of magpies warbling outside her new bedroom window. She threw back the cotton sheet, too excited to stay in bed any longer. Glancing at her alarm clock she was surprised that it wasn’t even six o’clock, yet the eastern sky was already glowing a deep orange. It was going to be another beautiful hot day. Her first shift didn’t start until seven and it was only a fifteen-minute drive, so she had plenty of time to get ready. Maybe she’d sit outside, have breakfast, and watch the sun come up.

She stepped over the two squeaky floorboards she’d discovered the night before, careful not to disturb Joel and Kate who were having a much needed sleep-in. In the lounge room she pulled the heavy cream-colored drapes back and winced at the clatter of wooden curtain rings across the rail. The brilliant sunlight streaming into the room almost blinded her but she didn’t care. She would love waking up in this house.

A fragrant pine Christmas tree stood in the corner of the room, the tip bent over where it touched the ceiling. It was so tall they couldn’t even place a star on the top, but like the rest of Joel and Kate’s home, it was decorated perfectly with matching baubles and bows. Mackenzie felt a stab of embarrassment at the small plastic tree her family had growing up. It had always been erected on the first of December every year and took up the same position in the lounge room for as long as Mackenzie could remember.

An hour later Mackenzie was in her scrubs and on her way to work. At least she wasn’t filled with the same sense of trepidation as when she’d started work in the emergency department in Iron Ridge. Even with less than three months’ experience, she felt prepared for work in a bigger department.

In the staff room a blonde woman flopped into the seat beside her and smiled widely at Mackenzie, displaying a gap between her front teeth. “Welcome to the Base. I’m Lily Donaldson. First day?”

Mackenzie looked at the girl at her side. She had classically pretty features and wore her long, sun-bleached hair pulled into a high ponytail, which swung as she spoke. Long lashes – they had to be extensions – framed the most vivid green eyes Mackenzie had ever seen and a slash of bright red lipstick covered her full lips. She appeared out of place in her scrubs as if she would be more at ease parading down a European catwalk in stilettos.

“Yeah, hi. I’m Mackenzie Jones.”

“Where are you from?” Lily asked.

“Originally from Sydney, but I was working over in the Pilbara. I only moved to Birrangulla last week.”

“Welcome. You’ll find it pretty quiet here after Sydney, I reckon.”

“I worked in ICU in Sydney, not ED.”

“Oh, of course!” Lily’s face lit up as though just realizing. “You’re
Kate O’Connor’s
friend. We’ve heard all about you.”

Mackenzie hoped that was a good thing.

“You’re going out with Kate’s brother Nathan,” Lily went on.

By now, others had tuned into the conversation. Not difficult given the room was small and Lily’s voice carried easily in the early morning quiet. A few people smiled in their direction and mouthed their welcomes. Mackenzie smiled back shyly. She didn’t like being the center of attention. A man walked in and the room went quiet.

“That’s Ben, the acting unit manager,” Lily whispered. “I say ‘acting’ because I reckon that’s what he thinks this job is all about. He had a non-speaking role on
All Saints
once and ever since then he’s had stars in his eyes.”

Ben’s eyes zeroed in on Mackenzie before including the rest of them. “Everyone, please make Mackenzie Jones welcome. She’s spent the last three months working in a busy emergency department in Western Australia so I’m sure she’ll fit in well here. Lily, I’ve buddied you two up today, so can you please show Mackenzie around?”

Lily nodded while Mackenzie gave another awkward smile.

“Righto everyone, go and have a great shift. It’s not too manic at the moment.”

The next hour and a half flew as Mackenzie had a stress-free tour of the department. It was the complete opposite to her first shift in Iron Ridge, and she found herself being eased gently into the new role.

It only took a few days to settle into the rhythm of the hectic department and make new friends, especially with Lily, with whom she clicked immediately. Outside of work she enjoyed spending time with Kate and getting to know Joel. She was also getting to know Kate’s sister-in-law Emma, who was contemplating becoming a nurse and had a million burning questions.

After the funeral, Nathan returned to Birrangulla where he was kept busy helping Joel at
Eagle’s Ridge
and working part-time at
the Bean Counter
, Joel’s café in town. He applied for two teaching positions, one at a high school in Orange and the other in a boarding school in Birrangulla. He was very keen on the local position, not just because it was only ten minutes down the road, but because the school offered him the opportunity to get involved with agricultural studies, something he had developed an interest in, thanks to his work with Joel on the farm.

As flat out as he was, he still managed to find time to call out to see her every day, and their relationship was flourishing. As soon as Kate and Joel moved to
Eagle’s Ridge
Nathan planned to move in with her. His parents were regular visitors too. They welcomed Mackenzie into their family with open arms and hearts and for the first time ever, Mackenzie felt like she belonged.