“Most important decisions are,” he reminds me.
I hesitate for a moment.
“I can't walk through that door without...”
He finishes my sentence with a kiss.
“I'll be right by your side.”
I hold his gaze for a moment.
“Even if the worst happens?”
“No matter what.”
???
He scoops me up and carries me to the couch.
Removing my shoes, he shoves a hoodie and paperback to the floor.
Curled up on his chest, I listen to his heartbeat.
The solid rhythm soothes me every time I hear it.
“We’ll need more than a few days,” I say.
“You know I'll clear the books for you,” he whispers. “Just say the word.”
“And this isn't a relaxing tropical resort we're talking about.”
“I've been to Uluru,” he says proudly. “And I’ve watched heaps of McLeod’s Daughters with Talia and Mum. I'm sure I can handle the outback for a few days.”
I shift onto my side.
“Mr Vale,” I smile fondly. “The real outback is more like…”
“Crocodile Dundee?”
“Are you Mick or Sue?”
“Definitely Sue,” he decides.
I roll my eyes.
“I think I need to prep you thoroughly before you agree to this.”
“Lay it on me then,” he grins.
“For a start, I’m not even sure where we’d sleep. We can’t stay with my parents. He probably won’t even let me in the door.”
My baby whips out his phone.
“Jundah Hotel,” he announces triumphantly.
Then he scrolls further.
“Oh... it's a pub.”
