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“I think this is the most decadent experience of my life,” Mikayla said, pulling a ham, brie and apple ribbon sandwich from the stand.
“Same here.” Leah reached for a mini quiche, closing her eyes in ecstasy when she bit into it.
“I can’t decide between the pie and those tarts.” Juniper said, eyeing the stand in confusion. “Okay, both it is then. Your ex is very well off, isn’t he?”
“Yes.”
“You never did anything like this? I mean, for his work or anything?”
Leah thought about it. “Yes, we did a lot of fancy networking events. That’s why I have the wardrobe I have. It was the only time he was prepared to spend money on me, because it was important to him that I looked the part.” She paused, biting into a pie, chewing meditatively as she thought about what she wanted to say. “But it’s not the same as this, you know? Being there because you have to be. Putting on a face. All that.”
“I hear that,” Juniper said quietly.
Leah reached out and gave Juniper’s hand a squeeze. Having to put on a face at fancy events had almost been Juniper’s undoing. “This is decadent because I want to be here, with you guys. And also, those macaroons look divine.” She reached for one, smiling when everyone laughed.
“Was your mum okay about not seeing you on this visit?” Mikayla asked as she spread a generous amount of jam on a scone.
Leah shrugged. She felt a little guilty that she’d been so relieved to find out they’d be in Queensland while Leah was in Melbourne. “They can always come to Blessed Inlet if they really want to see me.”
“Does it upset you that they don’t?” Juniper asked.
“Not really, to be honest. I think it would just be really awkward if they did, so it’s better that they don’t.”
“Fair enough. This way you can decide if you want to see them, by coming to Melbourne.”
“Exactly.”
As they were finishing the afternoon tea, Rafe texted Mikayla to say they were all going for a swim, but they’d wait if the girls were heading back soon. “I want in on that action. Who’s with me?”
Everyone agreed, so Leah arranged for the bill to be paid while Mikayla asked for some leftover goodies to be put in a paper bag. When Nora looked at her inquiringly, she said they were for Douglas. Back at the hotel, Mikayla made Douglas blush when she handed him the treats and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, grinning her thanks.
They went upstairs to change into their swimwear before heading to the roof top terrace and pool. Leah hung back a little, wanting to give Mikayla a moment with Callum.
Juniper came through the door just behind her and they both chuckled when Mikayla marched up to Callum and shoved him. “Smartass!” Then she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him hard. They couldn’t hear what she said then, as it was for Callum’s ears only. She wiped away a tear as she kissed his cheek before moving over to Rafe. Lounging in a recliner, he held his arms out to her. She sank into them, curling into him and pressing her face into his neck.
“She’s had a big day,” Juniper said softly.
“She sure has.”
“Mummy!” Juniper held her arms out for Billy.
Leah looked to Callum. He was walking towards her and the look in his eyes had Leah blushing. She knew exactly what he was thinking. She still couldn’t believe she’d sent the photo, but as he got to her, pulled her into his arms and kissed her, she didn’t regret it.
“Nice work, deputy.”
“Hm?” Since her brain was still mush from his kiss, it took Leah a moment to realize what Callum was referring to. “Oh,” she laughed. “Yeah, it wasn’t easy. Your sister is very persistent. You owe me big time.”
He tilted her chin up, serious all of a sudden, and pressed a tender kiss to her lips. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” she said softly when he dropped his forehead to hers. “You did good, you know. Mik’s face when she finally accepted your gift, when she really accepted that she was going to let you do this, was priceless.”
“I’m glad,” he said simply.
They both turned at the sound of a splash behind them. William, Juniper and Billy were in the pool. “Leah! Watch me jump!”
“Okay!” Leah moved out of Callum’s arms with a smile as William helped Billy out of the pool so he could jump off the edge. He jumped into William’s waiting arms, who quickly dipped him under the water and then back up.
“Did you see?”
