Page 64 of Outback Hearts

‘The day after “meet and mingle”,’ Jake admitted. ‘I knew then I wanted this. Wanted you. Just had to wait for the right time. Tomorrow is the right time.’

Below, the party was ending. People saying long goodbyes, exchanging contact information, promising to stay in touch. The crew was dispersing—some staying in the area, some moving on to new projects, all changed by what they’d experienced here.

‘We should go down,’ Amelia said reluctantly.

‘One more minute,’ Jake said. ‘I want to remember this. The two of us, this building, this moment. Before everything changes tomorrow.’

‘It’s already changed,’ Amelia pointed out. ‘Your father changed it. Built something impossible, brought life back to a dying town, created something beautiful that will last.’

‘We did,’ Jake agreed. ‘Together.’

They went downstairs to join the last of the celebrations, hands brushing as they walked, the promise of tomorrow hanging between them.

The hotel was saved. The community was revitalised. And two people who’d started as strangers were ready to build something new together.

Chapter Fifteen

Sunday morning dawned quiet and still. The hotel looked serene in the early light, as if the previous night’s celebration had been a dream. But the evidence was real—flowers wilting slightly, champagne glasses still being collected, the lingering scent of food and joy.

Amelia woke early, nervous excitement making sleep impossible. Tonight was her first proper date with Jake. Tonight, everything would finally be official.

But first, there was a town to face.

The crew gathered one last time for a final breakfast. Sassy had organised it at the hotel itself, using the new kitchen, christening it properly.

‘This is it,’ Davo said, looking around the circle. ‘Last morning as a team. Tomorrow we all scatter.’

‘Not all of us,’ Mick said, his arm around Charlotte. ‘Some of us are staying.’

‘Me too,’ Davo confirmed. ‘And Emma.’

‘I’ve got another project starting in Barcaldine,’ Bec said. ‘But I’ll be back for visits. This place—you lot—you’re family now.’

One by one, they shared plans. Some were staying in the region. Some were heading to new jobs in distant parts of Queensland. But all promised to stay connected, to return for reunions, to remember what they’d built together.

‘What about you?’ Davo asked Amelia. ‘You staying? Going back to England?’

Amelia glanced at Jake across the table. ‘I’m staying in Australia. Brisbane, probably, to do a Construction Science and Management degree. But I’ll be back here often. This is—’ She paused, emotion catching. ‘This is home now. Even if I don’t live here permanently, Garnet Creek is home.’

‘And Jake?’ Sophie asked innocently. ‘Where does he fit in these plans?’

‘Jake has his own projects to manage,’ Amelia said, trying for professional distance and failing completely. ‘But we’ll—we’re going to see each other. Figure things out. See where it goes.’

‘Translation: they’re together, and it’s adorable,’ Sophie said. ‘Can we acknowledge this openly now?’

‘Yes,’ Jake said firmly, to Amelia’s surprise. ‘Yes, we can. Professional project is complete. Ethical concerns resolved. Amelia and I are together. We’re dating. Officially. As of tonight.’

The table erupted in cheers and applause.

‘Finally!’ Bluey shouted. ‘Took you long enough!’

‘We were being professional,’ Amelia protested, laughing.

‘You were being ridiculous,’ Davo corrected. ‘But we love you anyway.’

After breakfast, the crew began packing up. Tents came down, vehicles were loaded, goodbyes were said with tears and laughter and promises to stay in touch.

By noon, the campsite that had been home was empty. Just bare ground and memories, ready for landscaping.