Page 19 of Jillaroo from Jacaranda

She twitched the reins and Buck didn’t need any more of an invitation. Leaving the stables behind them, they eased from a trot into a canter as they crossed the open paddock which led to Jade and Melinda’s five-acre property, Apple Grove. Losing herself to the elation of riding with the wind, Rose looked up at the fluffy white clouds moving to the west – the same direction Ty’s cattle station was situated. Maybe that was her sign to go that way too? Her belly flipflopped with the very thought and her heart pitter-pattered that little bit faster – if she listened to her heart, she’d be packing her bags right now. But could she trust it, after making the mistake of falling for Finley?

* * *

Midday sunshine poured through the huge bay windows, and over the lounge room of her aunty’s quaint three-bedder chocolate-box cottage. ‘Please, Aunty Jade, say something.’ Her mouth growing drier by the second, Rose took a sip from her glass of orange juice.

Placing her cup down on the coffee table, Jade took a breath. ‘Are you sure this is something you want to do right now, Rosie?’

Perched on a lounge chair opposite Jade, her legs curled up beneath her, Rose nodded. ‘Yeah. Well … I think so.’

‘I just don’t want to see you running away from your heartbreak, if that makes sense. Then again, if it’s for the right reasons, I think a mini break might do you the world of good.’ Taking her glasses off, Jade rested back, regarding Rose through fond eyes. ‘How does your mum feel about it?’

Placing her empty glass down, Rose steadied her nervous hands in her lap. ‘I haven’t told her yet.’

‘Oh, sweetheart. You have to talk to her about it. You normally tell her everything.’

‘I know I do, it’s just …’ Rose felt a stab of remorse. ‘With everything she and Heath and GG are going through, after losing Great-Grandma, I feel horrible wanting to up and leave them all. Especially when I’d offered to help mum over the school holidays with Lizzy and Angus.’

‘Look, I know you like to take care of everyone, Rose, but sometimes, we have to put ourselves first, so we can be whole for those we love.’ Reaching out, Jade placed a hand on Rose’s knee.

‘Thanks, Aunty.’ Tears budding, Rose blinked faster. ‘And trust me, I’m as worried as you are that I’m doing this for the wrong reasons. I don’t want to fall for another man just to be able to leave Finley behind me.’

‘It wouldn’t be the ideal way to go, sweetheart. You do need to heal fully first. Otherwise, any new relationship might be doomed from the get-go. And let’s just put it out there.’ Jade tipped her head as the hint of a smile lingered on her lips. ‘Ty Parker is hot-to-trot, and a really nice bloke on the inside too, from what I saw yesterday. It might be a little too easy to fall for him.’

‘Yeah.’ Rose swallowed back her gathering emotions. ‘Everyone liked him. Quite a lot, actually.’

‘Yeah, well.’ Jade arched a brow. ‘A returned soldier, champion bull rider, cattleman and tall, tanned and handsome with a great sense of humour? What’s not to like?’

‘Yeah, tell me about it,’ Rose half laughed, half snorted, her thoughts going to how Finley had pulled the rug out from beneath her. ‘There’s always something not to like, though, if given enough time to get to know someone.’

‘Yes and no, sweetheart. It all depends on what that is.’

Melanie appeared at the doorway, a picture of absolute happiness in her hippy dress which did nothing to hide her protruding belly. ‘Oh, hey, Rose.’ She sailed into the room and pressed a kiss against her cheek. ‘I didn’t know you were here, love.’ She looked from Rose to Jade and back again, her smile giving way to a look of concern. ‘Are you okay?’

Rose nodded. ‘Kinda sorta, Aunty Mel.’

Worry lines etched into Melanie’s forehead. ‘Sorry to barge in. Would you like me to leave you two to chat?’

‘No, it’s okay. I just came around to get some advice. And I’d like to hear what you think, too, if you don’t mind?’ With Melanie sinking down beside her in the couch, Rose went on to explain everything.

After listening intently, Melanie cupped both Rose’s cheeks. ‘If I was to tell you not to listen to your heart, it’d be like telling the sun not to shine, so I’m not going to do that.’ She paused. ‘I think you should just do what feels right, without overthinking it. If you do go, it’s not like you have to stay the whole four weeks, and if you don’t go, I’m sure you’ll run into Ty again, when the time is right.’ With her dress strap slipping from her shrugging shoulders, Melanie pushed it back up. ‘Honestly, who wants to live with what-ifs, maybes and possible regrets? You’re young, with your whole life ahead of you, Rose. Grab hold of it and live it in every way that makes you happy.’

An overwhelming wave of relief flooded Rose; Aunty Mel always spoke to her soul. ‘My goodness, thank you.’ Reaching out, she wrapped her arms around her aunty. ‘You’ve just helped me so much.’

‘She’s a wise woman, my wifey. That’s why I love her so much.’ Jade joined them, her arms coming around the two of them. ‘And I love you just as much too, Rosie.’

‘I love you both too, so very much.’ Waves of emotions spilled from Rose. ‘You’re both going to make the best mums when little Amber is born.’

‘Aw, thanks, Rose,’ they said in unison.

‘Anyway,’ Rose said, sniffling, ‘I best get a move on. I want to call in to see Great-Grandma on the way back, and then I think it’s time to let Mum know what I’ve decided to do.’

‘Yes, love, that sounds like a plan.’ Jade stood and helped Melanie wrestle her way to her feet, both women chuckling. ‘Come on, Rosie. We’ll walk you out.’

* * *

Reaching the highest point of Jacaranda Farm around two in the afternoon, Rose slid out of the saddle, inhaled deeply then blew out a long, slow breath. She loved this place, with its red-cropped hills and endless horizons – it was like Mother Nature’s heart split open for all to see. Buck stood beside her, staring at her with his big, kind eyes, as if he knew exactly where they were and why they were here.

Rose didn’t doubt his comprehension for a second. ‘Wait here, buddy. I won’t be long.’