The Farmer's Daughter: Allenby Romance Series, #7

By Vicki Connellan

Kat Walker has suffered three losses in as many years, and enough is enough. Not living, but barely existing, Kat decides to move back to the family farm and make a fresh start. She’s not ready for a relationship, or the complications that come with it, so what does she do when a hot as hell cowboy and his daughter turn up on her doorstep one rainy night? When Kat finds out that Mick owns half her family farm, she has no choice but to let them stay, but letting him into her life, that’s another story.

Mick is dealing with two life changing events. First, out of nowhere, he gets a call about a daughter he never knew he had. Mick has no idea about being a parent, let alone the parent of a thirteen-year-old girl, and he’s on a steep learning curve. Bree is miserable living at Jalinda Station so Mick feels he has no choice but to sell his land and move away from the outback, away from the place that he calls home. When he strikes up a deal with cattle farmer John Walker to buy half of Bairnleigh, the last thing he expects to find is Kat, the farmer’s daughter, but Kat’s had him from the minute she opened the door.

Can Mick make her see how good they could be together, or will Kat let her past losses blind her to the happiness that could be?

A story of love, loss, family, and new beginnings.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vicki Connellan
• Release date: Jun 27, 2017
• ISBN: 9780648053132

Vicki Connellan

Vicki was born in Orange, NSW. When she was two years old her family moved to Dapto, a southern suburb of Wollongong. She was kicked out of pre-school at the age of four (for reasons that she will keep to herself).   When she was sixteen she moved with her parents and two sisters (Vicki is the typically misunderstood middle child) to the ACT where, ironically she studied Child Care so she could work in a pre-school. Now, at the age of 45 she still lives in Canberra with her husband and three adult/teenage children.   Vicki works full time (not in the child care industry!) and is an avid baker. She spends her time taxiing her kids around and baking cup cakes for all the kids who constantly fill the house.    Vicki has always enjoyed writing and is now taking the time to put her stories to print.  You can contact Vicki via email at [e-mail] with any questions or  feedback on her book.  If you enjoyed the book please take the time to leave a quick review. 

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Prologue

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February 2014

The temperature had hit thirty-nine degrees already, and it wasn’t even lunchtime. I hated these scorching Sydney summers, but I know Will hated them more. His eczema was worse than ever, and his skin was itchy. About the only thing he liked doing lately was taking a bath. I felt so useless when he looked up at me with his gorgeous blue eyes, it was like he was begging me to do something to help him, to ease his pain. Come on buddy, we have time for a little play in the bath before I have to go to work, as soon as I headed down the hall towards the bathroom his little arms and legs were kicking about like mad.

While we waited for tub to fill, I stripped Will down and took off his nappy. As soon as his legs were free he was on his feet, leaning over the side of the tub and reaching for the water. He was a water baby, a Pisces by birth, and by nature. He loved the water, it was his happy place. Okay baby, in you go, as soon as I sat him in the water he gave me the most gorgeous smile, baring his little baby teeth in a huge grin. While he played in the water, I snapped a couple of photos and sent them to Dad. I know he was missing Will. We’d been at the farm for a little holiday for the past two weeks, and today was my first day back at work. Your daddy better be home when we get there baby, he better not let me down again, I handed Will a little rubber duck.

After half an hour, I pulled Will from the water and wrapped him in a towel. He wasn’t happy about this, but it had to be done. My shift started in less than an hour, and I still needed to drop him off to his father.

It was almost three when I pulled into Craig’s driveway, and I groaned when I saw the other car that was there. His best mate Leo was here too. He was such a pain in the arse. Hey, I handed Craig the nappy bag when he opened the door.

Shit, I forgot I was babysitting him tonight, he looked at his son, then at me.

It’s not babysitting if it’s your own child, I handed Will over to Craig and kissed his head. He’s had a nap, he’ll be ready for afternoon tea soon, and make sure he has plenty to drink, this heat has really taken it out of him, I pulled Will’s singlet down over his stomach. Make sure you give him a bath after his dinner, it’ll cool his eczema down and he’ll sleep better, I reached forward and kissed Will’s head again.

What time will you be back for him? Craig shifted Will in his arms and looked at me.

My shift finishes at ten, I’ll be back here by half past, I pointed to the nappy bag. His dinner, sippy cup, and night time bottle are in there. Call me if you need, I kissed Will again and said goodbye.

As I drove to work, I thought again about moving back to the farm and living with Dad. But he had Brian and Simone there, and with their kids Ethan and Lexi, the house was full. I’d like Will to grow up on the farm. It was much healthier than breathing in the smog of the city, and I liked the idea of him growing up in the same town that I grew up in. Even though we considered ourselves as living close to town, we were still called farm kids by the kids who lived in town. They called us farm kids, and we called them townies, it had always been like that.

I let out a breath as I shoved my bag into my locker by the office. There had to be more to life than this. I lived week to week as far as money went. Will was shuffled between Craig, day care, and Carol, the lady who looked after him at night when Craig couldn’t, which was often, and all for what, so I could go to a job that was just that, a job. It wasn’t a career, there were no prospects for promotion, not that I wanted one. A promotion would mean more hours and more responsibility, two things that I neither needed nor wanted at the moment. The money would be good though.

Hey Jeremy, I looked up at him as I pinned on my name badge. There was already a queue at the counter, so there was no time for small talk. Good afternoon sir, can I help you?

The tall grumpy looking man stepped up to the desk. I just want to check in, I’ve been waiting in that line for almost fifteen minutes already, he slapped his credit card on the counter. I thought this place was supposed to be five star.

I’m sorry about the wait sir, I took his card and looked up at him. What name is the reservation under?

Jackson, Sam Jackson, he frowned at me, and I had to hold back my smile. The man was gorgeous, six foot plus, solid but not stocky, and he looked like he was about ready to explode. He watched my every move as I clicked from screen to screen processing his card.

I’m sorry sir, there seems to be a problem with your card, it’s been declined, I handed him back the card, but he wouldn’t take it.

That’s not possible, try again, he sucked in a deep breath and his eyes stayed on me the entire time.

I’ve tried it three times sir, I held the card out to him again. Perhaps we can try another card and you can contact the bank about this one tomorrow, I gave him my best Cheshire cat smile.

If he had those superman eyes that could cut through steel, I would have been sliced in two on the spot. The man was pissed, and I felt bad for his poor wallet as he reefed out another card and handed it to me. The next couple of minutes were filled with an awkward silence as he waited for me to process his card. There you go sir, I handed him back his credit card with a smile. And here are your room keys, I handed him the two swipe cards in a little cardboard wallet. You’re in room 607, just take the elevator to the sixth floor and turn left when you exit the lift, he grabbed the key cards from my hand and bent to pick up his overnight bag. Breakfast is served in the restaurant from six AM, or there’s a room service menu in your room if you prefer.

Thanks, he didn't look at me as he walked away. I didn't care how gorgeous he was, if I didn't need my job so badly, I’d have given him a lecture on manners.

It wasn’t until after seven o’clock that the reception desk became quiet, and Jeremy and I finally had the chance to take a breath. We’d only been chatting for a few minutes when the hot cranky guy from earlier appeared at the reception desk, complaining about the faulty air conditioner in his room. Just as he started talking, my phone vibrated in my pocket, and I snuck a quick peak to see that it was Craig. I held up my phone to Jeremy, and he told me to go take the call, before he turned to the cranky guy.

I didn't feel my grip loosen, but I did hear my phone drop to the floor as I fell back against the door to the office. I didn't know a sound had escaped my lips until I felt Jeremy’s hand on my arm, and I didn't know my feet had moved until my butt hit the chair in the corner of the reception area.

I, I looked up at Jeremy as I tried to stand, I need to go, I wobbled on my feet, holding onto Jeremy to regain my balance. I need to go, I took the phone that he was holding out to me.

Kat, what is it? Jeremy’s voice was soft and sincere. You’re not in any state to drive, let me call you a cab.

It’s Will, I looked up at him, I’ll be fine, I don't have the money for a cab, I’ll be fine, I pushed past him and grabbed my bag from the office. I’ll call you later.

I barely registered the hot guy standing at the reception desk, so when he spoke it took a few seconds for his words to register. Ah, no, thanks, I’ll be fine, I took off across the foyer and headed for the doors before he could speak again. As soon as I was in my car and driving towards Craig’s house, I dialled him up. Craig what’s happening, where’s Will, is he okay?

Where are you Kat? You need to be here now, his voice sounded distant, and that worried me.

I’m ten minutes away, I’ll be there soon, just please, please tell me that Will’s okay, I waited for him to respond, and I waited, and waited. Craig, I yelled into the phone, and then the line went dead.

I don't remember much of the next few hours. Apart from feeling numb to my core, I barely registered anything.

I remember pulling up to Craig’s house to a sea of blue and red lights. Ambulance and police everywhere.

I remember crashing through the front door, even though the policeman tried to hold me back. I remember collapsing to my knees when I saw the paramedics standing beside my son on the gurney, his body totally covered, as he lay lifeless. I didn't look at the policeman who helped me to my feet, nor did I look at him when I shrugged him off so I could launch at Craig. What did you do? I thumped his chest with my fists. What did you do to him, what did you do to my son?

Through watery eyes, I looked around the room. Three of Craig’s mates were in the lounge room, sitting on the couch as two police officers questioned them. There were empty beer cans and pizza boxes on the coffee table, and Will’s empty bottle sat beside them, looking totally out of place.

I went in the ambulance with Will, and the paramedics had offered to give me something to calm my nerves, but I declined. I just wanted to hold my baby. I needed to hold my baby. They put me in a little room on my own where I got to hold Will in my arms for the last time. He was still, unmoving, not making a sound, and the whole situation seemed a little too surreal. The tears wouldn’t stop, and I didn't think they would anytime soon. Not that I cared.

I was numb.

When the doctor came and took Will from my arms I knew that I would never be the same person that I was when I woke up this morning. He was gone. My son was gone, and I was never going to hold him again.

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You need to drink this, my friend Tanya put a cup of tea on the coffee table in front of me. I’d been lying on the couch since she brought me home last night, but I hadn't slept. Please Kat, she rubbed my arm and pulled me up into a sitting position. The police are going to be here soon, can you please just take a sip for me? she handed me the mug, which I took without thinking.

We sat together in silence while I sipped on the cup of tea. I could taste the whisky in the brew, but I didn't say anything. She knew whisky always made me sleep. That’ll be the police, she rubbed my back when the doorbell rang. I made no move to get off the couch, so she went to let them in. I could hear voices as she introduced herself, then they did the same. One voice sounded familiar, and I looked up to see Sam Jackson, the cranky man from the hotel, standing in my lounge room, a large note book in his hand, and a police badge clipped to his belt. He wore a suit and tie, much like the ones he was wearing when he checked into the hotel last night.

Both he and the other officer introduced themselves, but I didn't speak. Miss Walker, he sat on the coffee table and bent his head so he could look into my eyes. My name’s Sam Jackson, we met last night, he looked into my eyes when I looked up at him. I’m sorry for your loss, he put his hand on my knee, but I didn't move. We just need to ask you a few questions about the death of your son. He looked like it hurt him to speak.

I looked from him to the other detective, then back to Sam Jackson again. I knew I must have looked a treat with my red puffy eyes from no sleep and lots of crying. Messed up hair and still wearing my uniform from the shift at the motel last night. They said he drowned, the paramedics and the doctors, they said he drowned in the bath. The tears started again.

That’s right, Mr Busetta has given a statement, as did the three other men who were in the house at the time of Will’s death, Sam Jackson spoke softly, much different to his manner last night.

What happened to my son? I looked at both of them as Tanya put her arm around me. I want to know what happened to him.

Sam Jackson took a deep breath and looked at me as he spoke. Mr Busetta had given Will his dinner and a bath, he got Will dressed and gave him his bottle, then he went back to watch the football game with his mates. He forgot to go back and pull the plug from the tub, he looked at his partner then back at me. While Mr Busetta and his friends watched the game, they didn't notice Will leave the room and crawl back to the bathroom. He must have fallen into the tub, he reached for my knee again. He was fully clothed, and the tub didn't have one of those non-slip bathmats on the bottom. The tub was pretty full, almost to the top and when he fell in, he couldn’t regain his footing.

But, I looked up at the detective. Will has his dinner just before six then his bath straight after, I stood and started pacing the room. It was almost half past seven when Craig called me, I looked at the detective. You were there, my hand went to my mouth. That means he was in that tub for over an hour before Craig realised he was gone. The tears started coming thick and fast now. This is my fault, this is all my fault, I never should have left him with Craig.

Shhh, Tanya hugged me and rubbed my back. This is not your fault Kat, you had to go to work, Craig was Will’s father, he should have been watching him better.

He needs to pay for this, I looked at Detective Jackson. Will he be charged? I wiped at the tears as I waited for him to answer.

Most likely, from the information we have it looks like he’ll be charged with child neglect and failing to provide proper care, he looked down at his hands for a moment.

What does that mean, what aren’t you telling me? I stepped over to the man and looked up at him. Tell me.

The maximum penalty is five years, he kept his eyes locked onto mine as he spoke. But chances are he won’t get the full sentence.

I felt like I was going to be sick. He killed my son and he wouldn’t even get five years in jail. Come and sit down, Detective Jackson was trying to usher me to the couch but I brushed him off.

I’m going to be sick, I turned and took off for the bathroom.

How could this be? My son was dead because of Craig. How could he get away with this?

The following weeks passed by in a blur. Will’s funeral was held two weeks after his death, four months before his second birthday. I couldn't look at Craig during the service. I had my father to my left and my brother to my right. They each held my hand as the minister spoke about my son.

There were many condolences and hugs as I left the crematorium, but the most surprising of all was from Detective Jackson. His face bore none of the anger that it had the first night we met, nor did it show the frustration he felt at the charges against Craig being reduced to child neglect, pretty much ensuring that he got off without a jail term.

My father and brother stayed for a couple of days, but they needed to get back to the farm. Simone couldn't take care of the cattle and horses by herself, plus she had Lexi to look after. She’d just turned three, and Ethan was only eleven. They also had the annual sales coming up in a couple of weeks. That was always a busy time of year. Between the farm not doing well lately, and Brian and Simone having relationship problems, I didn't want to burden my family further.

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One month on from Will’s death and I wasn’t doing much better than day one. I didn't attend Craig’s hearing, but Detective Jackson had promised to come by and tell me how proceedings went. I just couldn't face listening to how my baby had spent his last few hours on this earth.

I should have been there for him.

If I were a better mother, he’d still be alive.

Just as I put the last bag of Will’s clothes into the boot of my car, Detective Jackson pulled into my driveway. He didn't look too happy, which meant Craig had probably gotten away with an insignificant punishment. I’m sorry Kat, he reached for my shoulders as I sobbed. I wish there was more I could do for you.

I shook my head and covered my mouth with my hand. One hundred hours community service. That’s all my son’s life was worth. He has to live with the fact that he killed his son, I hope that messes with him for the rest of his life. I stepped back from the detective and looked up at him. Thank you for everything you’ve done. I motioned towards the house. I better keep going, I'm taking all of Will’s things to the women’s refuge in Blakely, I can’t look at his empty room anymore, I looked back towards the house.

Do you need a hand? I was surprised at his offer. With dismantling the furniture I mean.

Ah, yeah, thanks, I started back towards the house. Just the cot, I can do the rest.

Detective Jackson kept talking as he worked on pulling apart Will’s cot. I couldn't look at him as he worked. It was like watching my son disappear all over again. He explained how he’d just moved to Sydney and had to stay at the motel for a night before moving into his apartment. He talked about his family back in Perth and his reasons for moving east. Despite my first impressions of him, he was actually a nice guy. By the time he was done dismantling the cot and loading it into my car, I had the rest of the furniture packed up and the room was bare.

Thanks for your help, I said goodbye to him at the door. With everything.

No problem Kat, he looked like he wanted to say more, but in the end he simply raised his hand and said goodbye. I watched him walk to his car, and at the last minute, he turned and came back to me. Do you want some company for dinner?

I hadn't eaten a proper meal in the past month, and I doubt I would tonight, but I was so, so tired of sitting alone at night and crying myself into oblivion. Sure, I held the door open for him.

We sat and talked over dinner, then all through a movie that neither of us was paying attention to, and Sam had even made me smile a little. He was very good at taking my mind off things, even if only for a brief minute, and by the time we said goodnight, I actually felt a little like I could go on. I felt like I could possibly get some sleep tonight, which I was grateful for. It had been a long month, with many sleepless nights, and it was taking its toll on me. After saying goodnight to Sam, I flicked the deadlock on the door, picked up the urn with my sons ashes and headed for bed.

One day at a time, I kept telling myself that this was how I would get through. One day at a time.

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Chapter 1

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April 2017 – three years later.

Kat

As I walked into my childhood home, the tears fell again. They were all gone. First my son, then my brother, and now my father, all taken in the past three years, all taken too soon.

I reached down and gave the dog a pat. You been sleeping around again Bonnie? The dog was easily in the later stages of her pregnancy. I was only talking to Dad three weeks ago and he said she was about thirty days in. Another week or so and those little pups of yours should be here old girl. I rubbed her head some more. Come on, let’s get a start on cleaning up shall we.

Dad’s funeral had started just before lunch, and it was now just past five. Almost the whole of Allenby had turned out for the service, which was nice, but I was more than surprised that Simone and the kids hadn't been there. Dad had lived on this farm since he was a boy, and I know he wanted Brian to take over and raise his kids here as well. He was devastated when Simone moved the kids to the city after Brian’s death, and I know that Ethan didn't want to move either. He was Allenby born and bred, he belonged here, just like his sister did. But Brian was gone, and Simone wanted to move back to the city from where she came. She didn't even bring the kids back for their grandfather’s funeral, and that hurt.

When Trav called to tell me that my father had suffered as stroke and subsequently a fatal heart attack only moments later, I felt my whole world crumble just as it had when I got the call about Will and my brother Brian. It was in that moment that I decided to move back to the farm. I wasn’t doing too well in Sydney. My job was just that, a job, and I went about my days on autopilot. I wasn’t living, I was existing, and that wasn’t right. My next birthday, which wasn’t far off, I’d be thirty. I needed to move on. Moving on didn't mean forgetting my son, but it did mean going back to my roots, back to my home and my hometown, and it meant doing more than existing. If I couldn't do it for myself, I could do it for my father. The past six months he’d been excited about taking the farm in a new direction. He’d been researching different cattle breeds and figuring out which ones would do well in our climate. Freezing cold in autumn and winter, scorching hot in summer, and just right in the spring.

Then there was the farm stay family holiday option. With my background in hospitality, it could be a possibility. There was an old barn shed not far from the main house that could be turned into some stylish accommodation. Hosting one family at a time would be do-able on my own. Okay girl, dinner first then a good nights sleep, tomorrow we start on moving forward. I rubbed the dog’s head again. Maybe just a cup of tea and some bikkies for dinner. I really wasn’t in the mood to cook.

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I worked solid all day, clearing out old furniture, more newspapers than I cared to count, tons and tons of junk that Dad had collected over the years, and some of the most well worn linen that I’d ever seen. Some of the bed sheets I recognised from when I lived here as a child. By the end of the day my car was piled high with donations for charity, the trailer was piled high with stuff for the rubbish tip, and I had the makings of a bonfire out in the back paddock with all the old furniture stacked there.

The removalist truck with my things should be arriving tomorrow, and while I didn't have much, it would be enough to partly furnish the huge lounge room, and one of the bedrooms. I’d have to look into getting a dining table and some furniture for the other bedrooms. There was nothing worse than a house that felt empty, and right now, that’s how this one felt.

After a cup of tea, I sat on the floor of the lounge room and called Simone. I wanted to talk to my niece and nephew, and let them know that they were welcome to come visit me anytime, and maybe even stay for the school holidays if they wanted. Hi Ethan, it’s Aunty Kat, I picked at the paint stain on my old jeans. How are you?

I’m okay, he didn't sound too convincing.

Listen Eth, I just wanted to let you know that if it’s okay with your mum, you and Lexi are welcome to come visit me anytime, if you want to come for a weekend, or come and stay in the school holidays, you’re more than welcome. I’m going to get some beds and put them in your old rooms so that they’ll be ready if you want to come and stay, there was silence on the other end of the phone. Eth?

Do you live on the farm now? there was a huge bang in the background and I thought I heard someone yelling.

Are you okay? What was that? I stood and went into the kitchen.

I’m fine, it was just Mum’s boyfriend, he said something to Lexi then everything was quiet again. We’re in our room now, he paused. I share a room with Lexi, he explained.

Oh, I thought this odd but didn't say anything. And yes, I live on the farm now.

Can I talk to Pa? he waited for me to answer. Simone mustn’t have told them about Dad.

Eth, Pa died last week, didn't your mother tell you? There was silence on the other end again. I’m sorry bud, I thought you knew, more silence. His funeral was today, more silence. Ethan?

I’m here, he sounded so distant. Lexi wants to talk to you, before I could ask him if he was okay, Lexi came on the line and started chatting away. I told her about Bonnie not being far off becoming a mother, and about Honeysuckle, the old mare that she loved so much. When Lexi asked to talk to Dad, I didn't know what to say.

Pa’s not here Lexi, he’s in heaven with your daddy and baby Will, they’re all together in heaven, I wiped at a tear that had fallen.

Pa will be happy to see Daddy again, he was sad when Daddy went to heaven, she was quiet for a minute. Don't worry about baby Will anymore, my daddy will look after him, he’s a good daddy.

I know sweetie, I know your daddy and Pa will be looking after Will, I chatted to her for a bit more, then asked to speak to Ethan again. Eth, you call me anytime you need okay, and remember to let your mum know that you can come stay in the school holidays.

I will, he sounded unsure, and my gut was telling me that something wasn’t right with him. Bye Aunty Kat.

While I pondered that phone call, I walked around the house making a list of the things I needed for each room. Dad’s old bed had seen better days, and mine was being delivered tomorrow. The old chest of draws and dresser could stay, meaning the master bedroom would be fine. Next were the