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Her crush on Josh Bridges was as strong as ever.How can that be?Their lives had moved on.
For once she was glad the town’s gossips had scored a hit with their warning about Josh’s visit, especially the early morning call from Phyllis. He looked so out of place, awkward even, as horses and their handlers walked past him.
This is not his world.
She glanced down at Blaydon and Jaiden who were both dressed as a mini Josh, in jeans and well-fitted checkered shirts. They stood side by side holding Josh’s hand – just the three of them looked so wrong. A pain sliced through her chest, the loss of her friend still hurting.
“How are you, Josh? It’s been a while.”
He gave her a half smile which didn’t reach his eyes.
“Good. We’re all good thanks, Kristy. You? You seem to have a lot going on around here.”
The wariness in his eyes hurt a little, but the “approach with caution” in his stiffened stance hurt a lot more. He obviously still had her dumped in his too-hard basket.
“I’m good, thanks. Christmas is good for business,” she answered. Kristy knelt down and glanced from one twin to the other. “You remember me? Auntie Kristy? It’s been a while.”
They both gave her a shy smile before they cautiously walked up to her. She held out her arms and they ran the final few steps to her for a hug. She wasn’t quite sure they remembered her, the last time being Amanda’s funeral. She squeezed their toasty wriggling bodies close against hers. They felt so good.
Kristy ran her fingers through their hair, marvelling at how much of their looks they’d inherited from their mother. It both shocked and pleased her. Their clear blue eyes, pale skin and the whitest blond hair she’d seen in a long time reminded her so much of Amanda. Except for one thing.
Kristy ran her fingers along the undersides of their arms and to their armpits. Both boys squealed and giggled. She held them close, not giving them an escape route. Yep. They got the dimples in their cheeks from their father.
She gave a brief glance across to Josh.Maybe they’ve also inherited his love for figures? Heaven knows he’s done well climbing the corporate ladder in Sydney. Amanda often said Josh loved to unwind with a spreadsheet and calculator studying a company’s financials.
Kristy drew the twins in closer. “You looking for a Christmas tree? We can walk out to the paddock and you can choose your own tree. How about that?” she asked.
Josh walked towards them.
“Kristy, I can see you’re busy. We can pick up a tree from the verandah.”
Nothing’s changed. He’s still stand-offish.She stood up, taking the boys’ hands in hers. “I won’t hear of it,” she said quietly. “I have a few young bushes that I think would be the perfect fit for them.”
“Kristy, thanks, but any tree will do. They all smell and look the same.”
Kristy let his words settle as she swallowed down her hurt. “Any tree will do?” she repeated. “They all look the same?”
She knelt down to the boys who were already pulling her and showing signs of boredom.
Kristy eyed Josh. Their last conversation had been disastrous. This conversation would be different – too many things had changed. Amanda was the first of her school friends to get married and have children. Her sons were very young, but she wanted to sow the seeds for them to want to revisit Bindarra Creek and to learn more about their mother. When they returned to the big smoke she knew their mother’s story would get lost or side-lined in their busy lives.
“We need to talk.” She swung around and searched for her sister, Zoe, who was spending her time away from uni as her strapper. “Zoe? Are you still about?” she called out. In seconds Zoe appeared and her eyes widened when they landed on Josh.
“Zoe, you remember Josh? Amanda’s husband.”
Zoe’s face lit up. “Oh, of course. Nice to see you again, Josh.”
“And meet these little wonders,” Kristy said softly. “This is Blaydon and Jaiden. Do you mind taking the boys to see the chook pen? I’m sure there’s a few eggs that need collecting.”
Zoe nodded, her eyes shooting to Josh who gave her a nod.
Kristy gave the boys a final reassuring squeeze before they left with Zoe.
Kristy’s heart hammered in her chest. She hated confrontation, but she could not let this pass.
When the boys were out of earshot, Kristy pushed her hands into the front pockets of her jeans and tried hard not to sound pleading.
“Josh, part of the pleasure for the boys is choosing one and to see where it grew up. I’m more than happy to show them, and you, around the place.”
