The Country Girl by Cathryn Hein

Author:Cathryn Hein [Hein, Cathryn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises (Australia) Pty Ltd.
Published: 2017-12-31T18:30:00+00:00

Which was how Patrick came to spend his Good Friday toiling over the foundation for the oven’s base in the freezing cold.

‘Why is Easter always so disgusting here?’ said Tash. With her layers of clothes and a woollen beanie pulled low over her ears she looked cuter than ever, like a stuffed toy. Patrick had an overwhelming urge to cuddle her. ‘I can’t remember the last time we enjoyed a sunny one.’

‘It’s meant to be getting better by Sunday.’

‘I hope so.’ She tucked her hands under her armpits. ‘It’s like Antarctica with that wind.’

At least it was more sheltered where they were working. Tash had spent Wednesday and Thursday planning out the oven and sourcing materials, most of which weren’t available in Emu Springs at short notice. Peter had helped, taking the flatbed to Hamilton for supplies. Tash had decided the best location for the oven would be towards the end of the garden, not far from the flat but in an area protected from the prevailing wind by a couple of large old pines. Patrick had initially thought the area too far away from the main house. Fine for while she was here but it would quickly be out of sight and out mind once she left.

Tash didn’t seem bothered when he’d pointed that out. ‘I’ll still come home for breaks. My followers love the farm and will want regular updates. I’ll just build it into my schedule. Once a fortnight, once a month.’ She shrugged. ‘It’ll depend on demand.’

The news that she’d visit that frequently shot a thrill through Patrick’s heart, only for it to vanish when she squinted at the horizon and continued on.

‘The novelty will probably wear off though. I’ve been thinking about other things I could do with my brand to keep it fresh. Caravanning around Australia might be fun. Visiting all the great growing regions and some of the lesser-known ones.’

‘Alone?’

She smiled and winked at him. ‘I’m a big brave girl. I can cope.’

‘It’d be pretty lonely though. Driving around by yourself.’

‘Maybe. But there’s the internet and phone, and I could always team up with some grey nomads. Actually,’ she said, tapping a finger against her mouth, ‘that wouldn’t be a bad idea. I could do a series on travel and campfire meals.’

‘I suppose.’ Patrick lifted a shovel full of gravel and tossed it down with a splatter into the timber frame they’d built earlier. Once the gravel was in and compacted, and wire reinforcing put in place, they could pour the concrete. How much more they achieved over the weekend would depend on the weather.

He kept shovelling, trying not to sulk. Tash was a smart, independent woman with a successful and interesting career that she’d built from scratch. It was one of the things he admired about her. Expecting her to fit in with his wants—wants she wasn’t even aware of—was stupid. His feelings were probably because he hadn’t had sex in forever anyway.

By morning’s end they had the concrete poured. Tash used

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