Broad River Station by Fleur McDonald

Author:Fleur McDonald
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Published: 2021-09-09T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

The pub was full of rowdy blokes, clinking glasses and giving a rousing cheer when Dave and Jack walked in.

‘Ready, fellas?’ the captain of the A grade called. He raised his hands like an orchestra conductor and everyone in the room started to sing—if you could call it that—‘For he’s a jolly good fellow’.

‘Whoa, whoa, whoa,’ Jack yelled above the noise, putting his hands over his ears. ‘You can stop that any time soon.’

Laughter broke out and Dave pushed a beer into his hand and raised his own. ‘Here’s to you,’ he said.

Before Jack could take a sip, someone grabbed his arm and turned him around, pushing him through the crowd.

Dave stood back and watched as his friend laughed and shook hands with the fellas. It was a strange feeling. Maybe this was what it felt like when your kids moved away from home or got married. His chest hurt a little. Not that he’d tell anyone that. Not even Kim. Although he wouldn’t have to tell her; she’d already know.

He felt a soft hand slip around his waist and turned to see his wife standing alongside him. Zara and her friends were in the mix of the footy blokes. Her smile was wide as Jack put his arm around her and she looked up at him. The mixture of love and happiness that passed between them made Dave’s heart squeeze a bit harder.

‘Okay?’ Kim asked.

Dave nodded. ‘Course.’

His wife squeezed him. ‘It’s okay not to be.’

‘What, and show everyone I’m not the tough copper everyone thinks I am? Don’t be ridiculous, woman,’ he said in a gruff tone, but a smile played around his mouth. Watching Jack exchange a few slaps on the shoulder with some others, Dave gave a sigh. ‘He needs to go and do this. You should have heard him asking John Manson questions this afternoon. It’s like he’s already kicked himself up another notch.’

‘He’s been taught well,’ Kim reminded him.

‘Maybe, but he had to have the aptitude and drive to want to do this.’ He paused. ‘Not that I ever doubted he did.’ Dave raised his glass to his mouth again, then realised Kim didn’t have a drink. ‘Do you want something?’

‘I’ll get a wine in a moment. Here comes the girl of the hour.’

Kim nodded towards the throng of people and Dave shifted slightly to see Zara, still smiling, pushing her way through the people towards them.

‘Dave, you’re here!’ She gave him a hug and kiss.

He smiled down at her. ‘I had to bring the other guest of honour.’

Zara laughed. ‘I’m glad you did.’

‘All ready to head off?’ Dave asked.

‘Yep, leaving at eight o’clock in the morning.’ Zara jiggled on her toes, like an excited little girl. ‘I can’t wait to see the house we’ve got. I’ve only looked at the photos online, but it seems really sweet. And modern. Hopefully, there won’t be any draughts the way there are in older houses!’

‘And work? Will you be back in the head office of the Farming Journal?’

Another roar went up.

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