The Peppercorn Project (26 page)

She began to cry again, huge sobs wracking her tiny body.

Matt stood and held out his arms. ‘Belle, darling, come here.’ He scooped her up and carried her into the lounge room. She felt featherweight in his arms. As he held her close, he smelled the familiar fragrance of fresh fruit in her hair. He gently placed his chin on her head, closed his eyes, and softly kissed the top of her head.

Never in his life had he wanted to protect someone so badly.

*

Isabelle breathed in deeply. Matt’s arms wrapped around her like a warm blanket, and for a moment she closed her eyes.

He called me Belle
.

For the first time in nearly a year, she felt safe. When Dan died, a heavy winter weight settled on her shoulders like a fog, sapping her energy and leaving her listless, tired, sad. Now it felt like the fog was miraculously lifting. She allowed herself to relax in Matt’s embrace, feeling the warmth of his breath across the top of her hair. They sat on the couch for what seemed like hours. She didn’t want to be the one who broke the spell, but finally her tears dried up and she drew away to wipe her nose.

Matt eventually spoke. ‘I’m so sorry I yelled at you. I had no right to lose it with you like that. It wasn’t only unprofessional, it was inappropriate. I hope you’ll forgive me.’

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Of course she forgave him.

He tenderly took her hands in his again and looked deeply into her eyes. ‘Issie, I’m also so sorry about what happened to Dan.’

Another lone tear escaped and he lovingly wiped it away with his thumb. The lump in her throat returned, making it difficult to speak.

‘It’s hard not to feel robbed,’ she said. ‘Cheated. The person I cared for most in the world, my best friend, my lover, the person who helped me feel complete – that was Dan. And he was taken from me way too soon.’

‘You must have loved him very much.’

Isabelle nodded. ‘I did. I still do. But I know it’s time to move on.’

‘You don’t have to move on until you’re ready.’

Her mouth had never felt so dry. There was no turning back now.

‘When I first met you, I was so locked in grief. Losing Dan brought more pain than you can imagine, and I didn’t think I’d ever be ready for that kind of love again. To be honest, I wasn’t even sure it was possible to find love again. I figured once you were lucky enough to love someone, you didn’t get a second chance. Now I know I have been given a second chance. Hilary told me it’s possible, and you showed me she’s right. You, and everyone here in Stony Creek.’

Her heart was pounding so loudly, Isabelle was surprised Matt couldn’t hear it.

Matt tilted her chin until she met him eye to eye. His were full of questions.

‘I’m ready,’ she said.

There was a long pause as they sat staring at each other. Then Isabelle saw it – desire. It was only brief, but it flashed across Matt’s face. Her breath caught and something lodged itself in her heart. It felt like love. 

‘Are you sure?’ he asked.

She nodded.

His mouth opened and closed. He licked his lips. ‘Today? Now?’

She nodded again.

‘The kids?’

‘They’re not here. They’re having a sleepover out at the farm.’

The passion in Matt’s eyes almost knocked her backwards. Everything within her wanted him to take her in his arms and hold her. She wanted him to make love to her until the sun came up and the memories of the past faded into the background. She sensed he was holding back, mindful of her pain, waiting for her.

She gazed up at him, begging him with her eyes to make the first move. She
was
ready. 

‘Belle.’ The word came out as a husky whisper and longing flooded her. ‘Are you sure this is what you want?’

She nodded.
Yes.

He hesitated then stood. ‘Let’s go somewhere more comfortable.’

Isabelle allowed him to draw her to her feet and lead the way to her bedroom. He lowered her gently onto her bed, dropping down beside her and pulling her close. His eyes sought hers once more, filled with unspoken questions, but she didn’t need to say a word. Her own eyes told him everything he wanted to know.

As she rested her head against his chest and felt the rhythmic beating of his heart, Matt slowly stroked her hair. When he cupped the back of her neck, desire ricocheted through her. She sighed deeply and tilted her head back to meet his gaze. His eyes darkened, making her blood pump faster and faster until their lips joined in a sweet kiss that deepened and deepened until she was totally lost. 

Matt moaned softly and pulled her even closer, running his hands under her shirt and across her bare skin. She shivered and responded by tracing the muscles in his arms, up across his shoulders, down the entire length of his upper body and up again, feeling the strength there. The longer they kissed, the more he responded. Her own body trembled with need, almost breathless at the touch and taste and smell of him.

He tensed, pulled back, stared deep into her soul. ‘It doesn’t have to be tonight,’ he murmured.

She stroked his cheek and kissed him again. ‘It’s okay, Matt. I want this.’

His gaze fell to her lips and she parted them. Outside, the rain pelted against the windowpane and wind rattled the old timber frames, but she felt protected and safe.

‘We can take things as slowly as you need,’ Matt said.

‘It’s okay, Matt, honestly.’

‘And if you’re not comfortable, you have to say so.’ He smoothed a stray strand of hair across her face.

‘I will.’

Time seemed to stand still as they gazed at each other. ‘I love you.’

She melted into his arms.

With one word, piece by broken piece, her shattered heart began to mend.

With one tender touch, ten years of marriage slipped slowly into the shadows.

With one more kiss, he breathed new life into her and her world exploded.

*

Afterwards she lay spooned in his embrace, enjoying the lingering legacy of their lovemaking and the reassuring anticipation of the promise of new beginnings. Behind her lay her new man and in front of her lay her new life. A life which was unfolding like a butterfly unfurling its wings for the first time.

She rolled over and planted a kiss lightly on Matt’s lips. His eyes fluttered open and his mouth curved upwards in a slow sensual smile.  She leaned in and kissed him again.

‘I love you too, Matt.’

‘Good morning, Isabelle, dear,’ Edith greeted her the next morning outside the shop. ‘I heard all about what happened to Joe at the ball.’

Isabelle held her breath. The moment of truth had arrived. She was preparing her apology, but couldn’t get the words out before Edith spoke again.

‘When we said we wanted to help out families like yours, we didn’t expect you’d be the ones helping us. Good on ya, love. You’ve made us all proud to have you here. You saved Joe’s life!’

Isabelle raised her eyebrows. ‘Who told you that?’

‘Oh, everyone’s talking about it. I can’t remember who told me first, but I’ve heard it now from a number of sources.’ She winked at Isabelle. ‘All
reliable
sources, naturally. And news always travels fast around here.’ Edith’s expression was so grave Isabelle had to hide a smile.

‘I’m not sure your news is always accurate.’

Edith made a clicking sound in the back of her throat with her tongue. ‘They said young Matt Robertson helped you bring Joe back to life. You did mouth to mouth and everything.’

Isabelle gaped at Edith. Should she deny it? The story wasn’t even remotely close to the truth.

‘And you zapped his chest with one of those “defiberalatorers”.’

Isabelle stifled a smile.

‘They say it was like what you see on the telly. His whole body jumped in the air when the shock went through him.’

Again, it was highly inaccurate, but denying the story would be harder than letting her run with it. Isabelle hated to think what the tale was going to sound like when the townsfolk had finished with it.

Isabelle didn’t have to wait long to find out. By the time she’d completed her shopping, it had taken her four times longer than usual. It seemed like every single person in town had heard where she was and had come in to congratulate her on saving Joe’s life. She had no idea who’d started the rumours, but she didn’t have the energy to debunk the myth forming right in front of her.

Isabelle was standing at the checkout listening to the retelling of the story for the fourth time, when Matt walked in. He was dressed in uniform, looking more handsome than ever. He caught her eye, smiled and waved. Her stomach flipped and a warmth rushed through her and down her legs. An expectant hush fell across the entire shop. Was she the only one who thought the air felt unusually thick?

Matt ignored the curious glances and came right up to Isabelle and kissed her. His beard tickled and she felt herself flush, as her mind replayed the night before.

‘You know what everyone will say if you kiss me like that again,’ she whispered.

Matt grinned. ‘I have no idea. What
will
the people of Stony Creek say about that?’

Isabelle smothered a giggle. The people of Stony Creek were currently monitoring them both very closely. She dropped her voice lower still. ‘I’m sure the grapevine will go crazy the minute we both leave. You know they’ll assume your kiss is a sign of lifelong commitment.’

Matt shrugged. ‘Let them think that.’ He kissed her again, this time on her forehead. ‘If I’m lucky, it might turn out to be true.’

‘What if they find out you stayed over last night?’

‘They’ll be happy because they’ll presume their matchmaking has worked.’ He kissed her again. ‘I’m off to work. See you tonight.’

With a wink, he turned and strode off down the aisle leaving her standing there, blushing and breathless. And very much looking forward to that night.

*

That afternoon Isabelle arrived at the nursing home with a box of chocolates for Hilary, feeling like everything was finally right in the world. She couldn’t wait to tell Hilary about the ball and even about what had happened to Joe. She also wanted to tell her about Matt, but when she reached Hilary’s room, she found it empty. The bed was stripped of its linen and the recliner chair was missing. Isabelle went to the reception desk to find out where she might be. The receptionist looked up and smiled.

‘Hi. I’m looking for one of your residents, Hilary Gleeson. I’m wondering where I might find her? She’s not in her room.’

Instantly the woman’s expression changed. ‘I’m sorry. What did you say your name is?’

‘Isabelle Cassidy.’

‘Are you a relative?’

‘No, I’m a friend.’ Isabelle frowned. ‘What’s wrong? Is she okay?’ Her mind raced with possibilities.

‘I’m sorry to be the one to tell you, but Hilary passed away in her sleep last night. She was found early this morning.’

The air rushed from Isabelle’s lungs.

She left the nursing home and drove slowly back to Stony Creek in complete shock. She needed Matt.

Please answer me
, she begged, as his phone rang and rang and rang. When he finally answered, she pulled over on the side of the road.

‘Hi, Issie. What’s up?’

‘Oh, Matt,’ Isabelle’s voice broke.

‘What’s wrong?’

‘I went to visit Hilary Gleeson again, but she passed away last night.’

‘What? No! Where are you now?’

‘Almost back home.’ Tears threatened and she brushed them away. ‘This is crazy. Why am I so upset? I’m crying over a woman I only met once.’ Isabelle sniffed loudly.

 ‘At least you got to meet her.’

She dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. Her phone pinged. ‘I’ve got another call coming through, Matt. I’ll ring you back.’

‘Hello?’ she said. She didn’t recognise the number.

‘Is this Isabelle Cassidy?’

‘Yes.’

‘My name’s Tim Doyle. I work at the nursing home.’

‘Did you look after Hilary?’

‘I did. I was the one who found her this morning just after I came on.’

‘What happened?’

‘It appears she just passed away peacefully in her sleep.’

Isabelle choked back more tears.

‘Yesterday she was telling me all about you – how you’re one of the Peppercorn Project families living in her old house. She was really chatty. Your visit before Christmas meant so much to her, and she couldn’t wait to see you again. She was such a lovely lady.’

‘Yes, she was,’ Isabelle agreed.

‘Anyway, I thought I’d call and let you know I just cleaned out her room and found a note here for you, along with her old diary.’

‘For me? What does it say?’

‘It’s in a sealed envelope. Just your name and a phone number on the front.’ Can you come back and collect it? ’

‘I’ll be there in twenty minutes.’

Isabelle did a U-turn, and as she drove back to the nursing home, the tears flowed freely for a woman she hardly knew.

Once she’d collected Hilary’s letter from Tim, she could hardly wait to get back in her car to read it. She opened the envelope and removed a single sheet of cream-coloured paper. The spidery cursive handwriting was smudged in places, making it difficult to read.  Isabelle smoothed the paper with her hand. It was dated the day she first visited.

‘Dearest Isabelle,

Thank you for coming to see me and telling me your story.

Would you humour an old lady and allow me to offer you some advice?

Open your heart again, Isabelle, because love is waiting for you. I believe love can come a second time, because I found it. Like you, I was blessed with a husband I loved but after he died I was given a second chance at love. My prayer is that you may also have that chance.

You deserve a lifetime of love, not just the brief moment you shared with your first husband. I know your heart is still shattered, but please give yourself to Matt. Hold nothing back. Trust him. Give him the pieces of your broken heart and let him help you heal.

God bless you and good luck.

Your friend, Hilary.
’

As Isabelle drove home, silent tears coursed down her cheeks as she sobbed.

‘Goodbye, Hilary,’ she whispered. ‘Thank you for everything.’

*

Not long after she’d dropped off to sleep that night, Isabelle’s phone rang, jolting her awake again. It was Neil. Karina was in labour. Less than fifteen minutes later Isabelle stood waiting outside the clinic in the dark for them to arrive. As soon as she received the call, she’d thrown clothes on and bolted to the clinic.

Fear grabbed at her throat. She’d never delivered a baby.

Overhead the sky was dark and grey and overcast. Thick storm clouds hung like heavy curtains, holding in the heat. If the bursts of lightning and crashes of thunder were any indication, they were in for a ripper of a storm, as the bureau had predicted. Right now, she felt trapped. Lightning lit the sky again and she shivered.

An old van pulled up and Neil jumped from the driver’s seat, leaving the door hanging wide open.

‘Do you need a hand?’ she called out.

As she spoke, a fork of lightning lit the sky and a moment later a crack of thunder clapped overhead, drowning out her words. Isabelle shivered. She usually loved storms, but not when they were this close. She raced to the car, not waiting for Neil’s response.

Karina groaned loudly. ‘Would you hurry up and help me get out of the flippin’ car? This baby’s coming!’

Isabelle peered past Neil into the car. She tried to smile encouragingly at Karina as another bolt of lightning tore across the sky, cracking overhead. Isabelle flinched. The storm was right on top of them. She hoped they wouldn’t lose power.

‘Let’s get you inside.’

Thunder boomed overhead again, and with it a few large drops of rain fell. Each drop was the size of a fifty-cent piece and landed heavily on Isabelle’s bare arms.

‘Come on, honey. Can you walk?’ Neil said.

Isabelle shivered again, despite the heat. She was scared. She wasn’t a midwife. She’d been about to call Alison when she remembered she and Geoff had taken off on their great Aussie adventure. She didn’t have Adrian’s number and Matt wasn’t answering – his phone must have been switched to silent. She didn’t have time to leave a message for him, so she hung up and debated who else to call. The Flying Doctors? Did this classify as an emergency? She glanced at Karina who was bent over with another contraction, and swallowed past the huge lump in her throat.

‘It came from nowhere,’ Neil was saying.

He was staring at the sky, more interested in the labouring storm than his labouring wife. The temperature was still high and there wasn’t a breath of wind. The silence was eerie.

Karina stepped out of the car and waddled towards the clinic, her face glistening with sweat.

‘Are you having lots of contractions?’ Isabelle asked.

Karina stopped as another contraction gripped. ‘This is ridiculous. I can’t have a baby in the middle of the street,’ she said once the pain had eased off.

‘How far apart are they?’

Karina held up two fingers as her knees buckled under her. Neil and Isabelle swooped in, grabbing her arms, scooping her back to her feet.

A loud popping sound followed another fork of lightning. The lights went out, plunging them into darkness.

‘Looks like it hit a power line that time,’ Neil observed. ‘Hope it doesn’t cause a fire somewhere.’

The lights stayed off. The rain was now falling steadily and puddles were forming in the dusty ground.

‘Honey, you can’t stay out here. You have to move inside,’ Neil said gently. ‘Do you think you can walk? You’re too heavy for me to carry you.’

‘I’m not moving anywhere right now.’ Karina’s voice was strained, her eyes large and her pupils dilated. ‘Just wait. I’ll move. After. This. Next. Contraction.’

‘This is her seventh baby,’ Neil said, looking at Isabelle. ‘She’s never had this much trouble before. Usually squats and they’re born. We don’t have a midwife or nothin’, but something isn’t right this time. She begged me to get help so I called you. You need to get an ambulance.’

‘There is no ambulance,’ Karina panted. ‘I told you that. Isabelle will have to help.’

‘But I can’t deliver a baby,’ Isabelle cried.

‘Why the hell not?’ Neil demanded. ‘You’re a nurse, don’t they teach you this stuff?’ He turned to Karina. ‘I told you, honey, we’d be better off asking one of the farmers to come and lend us a hand. They’re used to pulling calves.’

Karina glared at her husband. ‘I am
not
a freaking cow.’ She fixed bulging eyes on Isabelle. ‘I usually have them all at home and Neil and the others kids help, but this one has me scared. I reckon it’s a big one. I don’t want to tear in half and bleed to death. All I need is for you to be another pair of hands,’ she said before the wave of another contraction hit her.

Isabelle pulled back her shoulders. Now wasn’t the time to fall apart. She may have never delivered a baby, but she’d had two of her own. She could do this.

‘What do you want me to do?’ she asked after waiting for Karina to catch her breath.

‘First off, help me get inside out of this bloody weather.’

Between Neil and Isabelle, they helped her up the steps and into the clinic.

‘Shove the bed out of the way and chuck sheets or something on the floor,’ Karina said.

Neil made himself useful and found two kerosene lamps, which he lit, filling the room with a soft yellow glow and distinctive smell while Isabelle found every piece of linen in the cupboard and put them in the floor.

Karina then stripped down naked and stood in the centre of the room. Everything was happening so quickly that Isabelle didn’t have time to panic.

Her phone vibrated on the desk where she’d left it. Matt’s name flash on the screen and she grabbed it.

‘Are you okay, Issie?’ he asked. ‘I just saw your missed call. I was in the shower. I rang Fletcher. He said you’re at the clinic. What’s wrong?’

‘Karina’s in labour. Where are
you
?’

Rain pounded on the tin roof making it difficult for Isabelle to hear him.

‘I’m at your place now.’

‘Mietta’s terrified of storms.’ Guilt washed over her. How could she have left her children alone? She’d woken Fletcher and let him know where she was going, but now it hardly seemed fair that she’d asked him to look after Mietta, knowing how frightened she was of storms.

‘I know what you’re thinking, Issie, but Mietta is fine,’ Matt said.

Relief flooded her, replacing the guilt. Matt was there. Everything would be okay.