Page 45 of Outback Hearts

They stood close, not quite kissing but not quite separating either, until a loud cheer from inside made them jump apart.

‘We should probably go back in,’ Jake said reluctantly.

‘Probably.’

But neither moved for a long moment.

‘Jake?’ Amelia said finally.

‘Yeah?’

‘Thank you.’

‘Thank you for being worth waiting for,’ Jake replied.

They returned to the party separately, trying to look casual. It fooled no one. The moment Amelia walked back inside, Sophie pounced.

‘You kissed him!’ she crowed. ‘I can see it on your face!’

‘Maybe,’ Amelia admitted, grinning helplessly.

‘Finally!’ Sophie crowed. ‘About time!’

The party continued until well past midnight. Food appeared around ten—a bush BBQ with steaks, sausages, salads, and enough carbs to feed an army. People ate standing up, sitting on the verandah, or sprawled on the lawn outside. The conversations were endless, connections forming everywhere Amelia looked.

Mick and Charlotte had barely separated all night. Davo and Emma were openly affectionate now. A young ringer named Sam had danced with Zara from the café, and now they sat on the lawn, heads together.

Around eleven, Amelia noticed movement at Margaret’s table. Harriet had gotten up, walking over to where a little girl was dancing with some other kids. The girl grabbed Harriet’s hand, pulling her into the dance. And to everyone’s shock, Harriet laughed—a genuine, warm sound—and started dancing with the children.

Hazel followed moments later, and soon both women were surrounded by kids, all dancing together, the older women looking years younger as they laughed and moved.

Margaret sat alone, watching her friends defect, her expression unreadable.

By midnight, the party began to wind down. People drifted off in groups, saying long goodbyes, exchanging phone numbers.

The Royal Hotel crew gathered for the drive back, energised and happy. Several people were now definitely coupled up. Others were glowing with new friendships. Everyone was buzzing with the energy of a truly successful night.

‘Brian was right,’ Mick said, grinning widely and clearly thinking of Charlotte. ‘You really do fall in love at these things.’

‘Told you,’ Davo said, his arm around Emma’s waist. ‘Outback magic.’

Jake found Amelia before they left.

‘Thank you for tonight,’ he said quietly.

‘Thank you for dancing with me.’

‘Anytime,’ Jake said. ‘Every day, if I could.’

‘Soon,’ Amelia promised.

They stood close for a moment, the pull between them strong. Then Jake stepped back, maintaining that careful distance.

‘Goodnight, Amelia.’

‘Goodnight, Jake.’

On the drive back, Amelia sat in the van with Sophie and Jill, watching the stars through the windshield.