Page 48 of Outback Hearts

‘But you didn’t quit,’ Amelia said.

‘No. Because you were here. Because the crew believed we should keep going. Because forty people showed up to help fix what someone tried to break.’ He paused. ‘This project is worth fighting for.’

‘It is,’ Amelia said. ‘And so are you.’

They stood close in the fading afternoon light, the pull between them strong despite everything.

He reached out, almost touched her face, then pulled back. ‘Six weeks, Amelia. Then I’m going to kiss you properly. Not a stolen moment at a party, but properly. And I’m not going to stop.’

‘Promise?’ Amelia asked, her voice barely a whisper.

‘Promise,’ Jake said.

That evening, an emergency community meeting was called at the Creek Hotel. Bill Patterson, the mayor, stood at the front, his expression stern.

‘I want to be clear,’ he said. ‘The vandalism at the Royal Hotel site is unacceptable. It’s criminal, it’s destructive, and it doesn’t represent Garnet Creek’s values. The police are investigating, and I expect the community to cooperate fully.’

Margaret sat in the front row, her expression neutral.

‘I also want to address the complaints that have been filed about the project,’ Bill continued. ‘Multiple complaints about noise, disruption, safety concerns. All have been investigated. All have been found to be without merit. The project is operating within all legal requirements, with proper permits, proper safety protocols, and proper oversight.’

He looked directly at Margaret. ‘Any further complaints will need to be substantiated with actual evidence, not speculation or personal opposition. This council supports the Royal Hotel restoration. We believe it’s good for Garnet Creek, good for heritage preservation, and good for our economic future.’

‘But the foundation issues—’ Margaret started.

‘Are being addressed properly by qualified professionals,’ Bill interrupted. ‘The engineering reports confirm the building is salvageable. The foundation repairs are being done to code by licensed builders. There is no safety risk to workers or the public.’

‘The council has seen the plans?’ someone asked.

‘We’ve reviewed everything,’ Bill confirmed. ‘Architectural drawings, engineering assessments, safety protocols, budget projections. It’s all sound. The project will continue with our full support.’

After the meeting, Margaret left quickly, Jennifer trailing behind. But Harriet lingered, approaching Jake.

‘I owe you an apology,’ she said stiffly. ‘I opposed this project initially. I was wrong. What you’re doing—what you’ve brought to this town—it’s exactly what we needed. Young people with energy and vision. A community coming together. Life returning to somewhere that was dying.’

‘Thank you,’ Alex said, clearly moved.

‘Don’t thank me yet,’ Harriet said. ‘Thank me when the pub opens, and I can have my first drink there in twenty-seven years.’

She walked away, leaving them stunned.

‘Did that really happen?’ Amelia asked.

‘I think Harriet just became our ally,’ Jake said, sounding dazed.

‘One down,’ Davo observed. ‘Now we need to convert Margaret.’

‘That,’ Bec said, ‘will be bloody well impossible.’

***

The next two weeks were intense. The foundation work began in earnest—jacking up the building section by section, removing failed stumps, and pouring new concrete piers. It was delicate, dangerous work requiring constant attention and precision.

Jake was in his element, overseeing the complex process with calm authority. Amelia worked closely with him, asking questions, absorbing knowledge.

Their working relationship had shifted since the dance. Everyone knew now. The crew teased them mercilessly but kindly. When Jake stood too close whilst explaining something, someone would whistle. When Amelia blushed, the laughter was warm.

‘Just kiss her already!’ Davo shouted one afternoon when Jake and Amelia were bent over plans together, shoulders touching.