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  ‘Oh, my heart would have melted at such a gesture, darling,’ she said. ‘But... my ring is even better.’ She patted her husband’s forearm in reassurance, the ring itself sparkling under the candlelight in the room.

  ‘Glad to hear. But as for Christmas... perhaps I can help you start a nice pebble collection?’

  She flicked her hand towards him.

  ‘Then the money we save we could put towards that cruise you want.’

  Her eyes brightened. ‘Now you’re talking.’

  Doug chuckled again then went to the next slide, and the next, and the next, until they came to one with a man he didn’t recognise in the background of a photo of Hannah climbing a tree to put up Christmas fairy lights.

  ‘Oops, didn’t look close enough at that one beforehand, sorry love.’ Doug clicked to the next one.

  ‘Who was that?’ Luca couldn’t help but ask.

  ‘No one, just Samuel,’ she said quietly.

  ‘Hannah’s ex, he was,’ Kathleen explained.

  ‘Mum.’

  ‘Well, he was. Anyway, that was a couple of Christmases’ ago, all in the past now.’ She stood. ‘More tea anyone?’

  ‘No, thanks,’ he replied. ‘Hannah?’

  ‘No thanks, Mum.’

  Although something had hit a nerve with Hannah on the picture with her ex being displayed on the screen, he couldn’t help but see why it probably hadn’t worked out. The man had been standing awkwardly in the photo, holding the end of the lights cable and trying to appear useful, while Hannah was high up in the tree hooking it around branches, like it was the most natural thing to do, and like she would have done it perfectly well with or without his help. Hannah certainly didn’t need a man, but... did she want one?

  After a slide showing the family at Christmas time around the tree, Doug said, ‘Okay folks, that’s all the best photos I have converted to slides so far.’ He clicked the machine off and whirred to silent. ‘But... we do have plenty of normal photos, in fact, Hannah brought some over today, if you like, we could have a photo-viewing session. Yes!’ He stood and went to the dining table.

  ‘No!’ Both Hannah and her mum stood suddenly.

  Luca’s gaze flipped from the women to Doug and back again.

  ‘I think that’s enough family history for Luca for one night, dear,’ Kathleen said.

  ‘Oh, I don’t mind, it’s been a lot of fun,’ he said.

  ‘It sure has,’ Kathleen replied, ‘but darling, these young people have work to get to tomorrow and things to organise, we better leave them to it.’

  ‘Yes, and I haven’t topped up the chook food yet tonight because I came straight here, so I need to do a quick check when I get back and make sure they’re all set until morning.’

  ‘Rightio, Han.’

  Doug’s excited expression weakened a little to one that seemed slightly disappointed, and Luca didn’t know if it was because the family photo night was coming to an end, or because he couldn’t help out with the chickens anymore.

  Luca took that as his cue to stand too. ‘This has been a wonderful evening, thank you Mr... Doug,’ he shook Hannah’s father’s hand, ‘and Kathleen,’ he shook hers then leaned in close to kiss her on both cheeks. She smiled widely.

  ‘It’s our pleasure, Luca. Give our best to Stefan.’

  ‘Will do, thanks.’

  He turned to face Hannah, whose mouth stretched into a yawn. ‘Would you like me to give you a hand with the chooks before I head home... have a bit of a practice run?’

  ‘Oh no, it’s okay, it won’t take long, I could do it in my sleep.’

  Luca chuckled. ‘I’m sure you could. Well, if you’re sure.’

  She nodded.

  ‘Oh darling, why not show him how it’s all done, perfect opportunity.’ Kathleen suggested.

  ‘I already did before, and I know he’s a fast learner. He could probably do it in his sleep too now, after just the first lesson, right?’ She eyed him.

  Luca shrugged. ‘Maybe with one eye open at least.’ He made his way towards the door.

  Doug followed, but closed his eyes and held out his hands trying to navigate his way to the door, bumping into the edge of the dining table on the way. ‘Ouch!’

  ‘Oh, Doug,’ Kathleen shook her head.

  ‘I don’t think I can do much at all with my eyes closed.’ He opened his eyes and raised his arms, letting them fall to his sides.

  ‘Dad, be careful now,’ said Hannah, who made her way towards him and gave him a goodbye peck on the cheek, then did the same to her mother.

  ‘Night night, darling.’ Kathleen opened the door. ‘And thank you for your delightful company, Luca.’ She gave him another cheek kiss, and he matched it with one on the other side.

  ‘The delight was all mine.’ He smiled, and after waving goodbye and walking back outside to the cool night air he quickly checked his phone, which he’d switched to silent, turning the volume back on. There were a couple of notifications from Tinder, but no message from Stefan, so his date must have gone well, or still be going well. He wondered if his brother’s new dating resolution had been successful.

  Hannah accompanied him to his car. ‘Thanks for coming along, hope it wasn’t too awkward for you,’ she said.

  ‘Not at all. I was going to ask you the same.’

  ‘Ah, it’s okay. A few embarrassing moments, but overall, I’m pretty lucky with those two goofballs.’ She gestured back to the house.

  ‘Indeed you are.’ He unlocked his car, preparing to say goodnight.

  Hannah shifted her stance. ‘You know, I could use a bit of help. A tiny bit.’ She pinched her fingers together and squinted. ‘Not much. Only because it’s late, and well, two hands are better than one.’

  He looked at her eyes, weary but welcoming. ‘Oh. Sure thing. I’d be happy to, because I really don’t think I’m at “doing-it-in-my-sleep” level just yet.’

  She smiled. ‘Sorry about that, I just didn’t want you to feel like you had to help me out to be polite in front of my parents, it’s getting late and I don’t want to keep you any longer. But if you really want to, I’m happy for you to make a quick detour via Jasmine Road.’

  ‘Done.’ He shook her hand. ‘And also, since when do we only have one hand each?’

  ‘Huh?’

  ‘You said, “two hands are better than one”.’ He grinned.

  ‘Oh, did I?’ She covered her face with her (two) hands. ‘I meant, two pairs of hands are better than one.’

  He chuckled. ‘I know.’ Then held his right hand back out to her. ‘But we are pretty good at doing a one-handed handshake.’

  She laughed. ‘Most handshakes are one-handed, you know.’

  ‘Yes, but not all special handshakes are one-handed.’ He tapped her palm with his twice, then curved her thumb around hers and tugged downwards, tapped her palm again. They both made a fist and pushed against each other’s, then did a high-five.

  ‘So should we add both hands to make it extra special?’ she asked.

  He shrugged. ‘We could try.’

  They made a few attempts at a new and improved two-handed handshake, but kept messing it up. ‘I give up,’ Hannah stepped backwards with a laugh. ‘Why fix what’s not broken?’

  ‘That is a wise question, my dear, and you are probably right.’ He held out his hand again, and they repeated the handshake, but this time, after the high-five, he wrapped both his arms briefly around her in a quick hug. ‘But we could just make that the two-handed bit.’

  She smiled, and her eyes sparkled with the light from the moon. ‘Deal,’ she said. ‘But it was too quick, it barely happened. Did I imagine it?’ She gave an inquisitive gaze.

  ‘Oh. Let’s make sure we both didn’t imagine it.’

  He tapped her palm twice, but this time slower, making every part of the handshake count, and savouring the comforting sensation of her hand against his. When the clap of the high-five sounded, he slid his arms slowly around her back, savouring the even
more comforting sensation of her back against his hands. He stayed there for one deep breath, and she breathed in sync with him, then slowly pulled away.

  ‘Much better,’ she said.

  Much, much better, he thought. He had really needed some company tonight, and she was here. As she’d always been back at school; Hannah Delaney—there when he needed her, for help with a project, for an imaginative excuse when late for class... but this time, after all these years, he was starting to feel like he needed her in a new way. But she wouldn’t always be there. He had only six weeks, eight at the most, to get these memories out of his mind and desires out of his system once and for all, and get on with the task of running his business and the chicken farm, not for a few months, or a year, but for the long-term.

  He’d allow himself to revel in the nice, warm, fuzzy feelings of connectedness and family for an hour longer, until the chickens had been fed and he’d had some more practice, and then he would get back to business... Hannah as his launch manager, and together—a productive, professional relationship for the coming weeks.

  ‘Okay, some hungry chickens await,’ he said, sliding into the driver’s seat. ‘See you there, HD.’

  ‘Okey dokey, LR.’ She gave a casual wave then walked over to her car.

  As Luca went to drive off, he noticed a curtain in the Delaney’s unit window flick closed. Had they watched the whole exchange? Or maybe they were wondering why the car engines had not started up until now. Either way, Hannah was right. She was lucky to have those two goofballs. He missed his goofballs, and had enjoyed the company of hers for the night, even if it was nowhere near the same as if being with his own parents. It was still nice, and after the stress of the last few months, nice was a welcome new experience.

  ***

  Hannah exhaled properly for what felt like the first time all evening as she drove off.

  Well, that was an interesting night.

  Her mind kept flitting between wanting to get on with moving on, moving forwards, and reminiscing the past. If she was always either in the past or the future, then when was she ever in the present?

  When I’m with the animals, was the first thought that came to her.

  Wasn’t that where life was supposed to be? When she worked on events, she was visioning a future moment in time. When she was with Luca, or even her parents, she was drawn back to the past. But where did—would—her real life lay?

  Would the future she was working towards become the life that would satisfy her, or would the past and the long-held ideas of what should be, or should have been, hold her hostage?

  All she could do was put one foot in front of the other and hope for the best.

  She turned the corner into Jasmine Road and opened the window halfway, breathing in deeply the subtle scent of jasmine, which was ever-present, though stronger in spring and summer. This smelled like home, and she had an idea to suggest to Luca that he make jasmine the signature fragrance of the restaurant. It was definitive and welcoming, but shouldn’t overpower the delicious food scents that would want their time in the spotlight. He could have jasmine-scented reed sticks and scented candles throughout the place. Not many places of business knew about utilising the power of scent, but it was a subtle yet persuasive way of adding detail and class to any premises, and making it memorable.

  Silence cleared the air as she turned the engine off. Luca had already parked. The familiar bumpy sensation of the pebbles underfoot led her to the front steps. ‘I’ll put my things inside and then we’ll head around back to the chooks. Come on in and we’ll go via the back verandah door.’ She wiped her shoes on the doormat and gestured for him to enter, but he said, ‘After you.’

  Scarlett stood eagerly pawing at the back door. ‘Sorry I’m so late, Scar!’ Hannah said, opening the door and letting her in. She bent down and ruffled the dog’s fur, then led her into the laundry where she promptly took position on the fur-covered doggy bed. Hannah topped up the water and kissed her goodnight.

  Luca patted the dog’s head and they left the animal in peace. ‘She’s your baby, isn’t she,’ said Luca, as they went to the back verandah.

  Hannah nodded as her heart swelled. ‘Yep. My very big and old baby.’ It would be sad when Scarlett was no longer around. Her fate was inevitable, but for now she was doing well, enjoying her twilight years, happy and content. And for all Hannah knew, at this rate she might be the only baby she ever got to be blessed with.

  ‘Right, the other babies await.’ Hannah walked outside with Luca, the verandah floorboards creaking underfoot from years of use.

  Luca marched towards the silo.

  ‘Somebody’s eager,’ Hannah chuckled.

  ‘I remember what to do. Don’t tell me anything yet,’ he said, approaching the silo like it was a giant beast that needed placating. ‘Right...’ He glanced around. ‘Here it is. The hatch thingo.’ Hannah stepped forwards to remind him of something but bit her tongue when he opened the hatch too quickly and feed fell out onto the ground. ‘Oops. Sorry. Wheelbarrow, right, I need the wheelbarrow to, um, catch the feed.’ He glanced around for it. ‘Unless we should get each chicken to line up under the silo hatch with their mouths open for their daily ration?’ He offered a feeble smile.

  Hannah bit her tongue again, settling for, ‘That could take a while. Wheelbarrow’s over there.’ She cocked her head towards the right.

  Luca came back a moment later and placed it under the hatch. ‘Fill it all up, or not as much at night?’

  ‘I thought you didn’t want me to tell you things.’

  ‘It’s okay. Only some things. But the chickens’ health and appetite satisfaction are on the line. And as a chef it would be unacceptable to me to think that someone’s stomach, human or otherwise, might go unsatisfied.’ He smiled.

  Hannah chuckled. ‘Fill it almost to the top. That should do it. In the morning I heap in a bit more, for days when I’m out and about a bit longer than expected, like today.’

  The feed tumbled into the barrow and Luca feigned being unable to lift the handles up.

  ‘You’re acting like my dad,’ she chuckled. ‘Would you like a hand? One of my two hands?’ she asked.

  ‘It’s okay. I’ll see how I go.’ He winked, lifting the handles and steering the wheelbarrow to the coop. Some of the chooks were already in the roosting shelves, but many strutted around him, knowing what was coming, even though there was still some feed left in the troughs. There was nothing like fresh feed.

  ‘Let’s hope it doesn’t end up all over the ground.’ Luca tipped the barrow and carefully angled it to let it tip into the first trough, and then the other. ‘Ah, that wasn’t too hard.’

  ‘Next time, you have to do it with your eyes closed,’ she joked.

  ‘You’re on.’ He held out his hand, but this time she gave it a normal shake. He eyed her curiously.

  She’d enjoyed the fun handshake and hug, but the more she let herself enjoy these things, the more she wanted to enjoy them, and to enjoy more things. ‘I’ll show you how to clean the troughs sometime. And all the other tasks that need doing. But it’s all in my manual and is pretty easy to follow. It should be like following a recipe for you.’

  Luca gave a nod. ‘That’s a good way to think of it. Thanks, I’ll remember that.’

  He must have sensed her reluctance to let the night get too carried away, as he began walking back to the verandah. ‘Long day, guess we better get some sleep so the plans can begin tomorrow, huh?’

  ‘Yep.’ She walked with him.

  They went around the side of the house to the driveway and towards his car. ‘Thanks, Hannah, it was a fun and educational evening.’ He leaned in quickly and kissed her cheek. On just one side.

  Before she could stop herself, she said, ‘Why don’t I get kissed on two cheeks like my mother?’

  Luca flashed a caught-out smile. ‘Umm...’ He rubbed at his jaw.

  ‘It’s okay, you can save those ones for my mum, she likes it.’ Hannah smiled.
r />   Luca leaned in and kissed her other cheek.

  ‘Oh. Okay, well, thanks.’ She smiled and patted her second-best cheek.

  And then he kissed her other cheek again.

  Hannah laughed. ‘Three? I get three?’

  Luca’s eyes caught hers like lasers locked on target. ‘I only gave you one, because...’ he looked away then back again. ‘Because, I’m scared if I give you another one, I might not stop.’

  Everything around her seemed to freeze in time.

  Not... stop? But why...

  The scent of jasmine was replaced with the indescribable scent of anticipation, at what would happen next.

  ‘Because...’ he seemed to be looking for a way to explain, or deflect. ‘I’m reminded of your cute chubby cheeks in that photo, and they’re just so squishy and kissable.’ He grinned and pinched gently at her cheeks.

  Oh. Of course.

  ‘Like your brother’s?’

  ‘Guess so. But different too.’

  ‘Just how does the traditional annual cheek-kiss go?’ she asked, curiosity hijacking her voice box.

  ‘Like this.’ He leaned in, still pinching her cheeks. ‘Be warned, it’s a bit noisy.’ He put his lips to one cheek and a loud squelch sounded as a suction sensation made her giggle. He then moved to the other cheek and doubled the volume, and the suctioning. Her laugh doubled along with it.

  ‘Oh my God, Luca!’ She giggled and squirmed, as he repeated his attack.

  ‘See? Just...’ he squelched, ‘Can’t...’ he sucked, ‘... Stop!’ He kissed and pinched. ‘Oooh, such kissable cheeks!’ He stepped back a bit, his fingers still grasping her rounded cheeks as she laughed.

  Hannah’s cheeks became hot and wet with his repeated kissing, and as he moved from one cheek to the other, his lips accidentally brushed against hers. They both paused, and his eyes found hers again. Her giggles subsided, as did his enthusiastic kissing and squeezing, just for a second before his lips found a new place to stop.

  Ohh.

  Soft, warm, smooth but firm lips, cushioning hers. She wanted to pull back but couldn’t. She had waited twenty years for this. He paused subtly, his soft breath on her face, as though to ascertain her response, and when she didn’t back away, he pressed them against her again. Tingles spread everywhere throughout her body, her feet no longer sensing the ground beneath her. As the kiss intensified, his hands left a trail of tingles all on their own... on her back, as they moved from her waist to her shoulders, and to her hair around her neck, and back to her waist.