Sarah - The Web he Wove: Mulga Station Series, #4

By Sharon Elliott

Book 4 in the Mulga Station Series

Sarah

The Web He Wove

In Book 4 of the series, we meet Sarah, Grace's daughter, and follow her life as she grows up at Kalare Flat during the late 1900s.

We also meet Grace's sister, Alice, and her husband, Lee. Lee's childhood was not as he believed, and the truth is finally revealed.

Meanwhile, Lee's half-sister, Jenny, marries Rick and deathbed confession stuns Rick and sends him on a search to find his true identity.

Jenny shares Rick's discoveries while they visit Mulga Station and Grace uncovers a surprising link.

Ebook ISBN 978-0-6458617-7-8

Print ISBN 978-0-6458615-7-0

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sharon Elliott
• Release date: Aug 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9780645861778

Sharon Elliott

About Author After the death of two loved ones in 2017, I began my writing journey with my mother's story which I called Rose – The Last Straw under the pen name Jaime Wren and published through a hybrid publisher called Tellwell Publishing. Following a steep learning curve, I now have a collection of eBooks and print novels under my name: Sharon Elliott, which I have written, designed the covers for, and self-published. I grew up in Sydney, Australia and country NSW then worked in Sydney before moving to the Riverina, then Nambucca Heads on the mid north coast of NSW. I now live in sunny Queensland with my fur family and continue to write. You can follow me on my Facebook Page: Sharon Elliott Author, Instagram; Shazzell4, Pininterest:  Shazza's Books. my Payhip store: SHARONELLIOTTEBOOKSTORE Amazon.com.au Lulu.com bookstore, apple books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, scribd Draft2Digital: Smashwords, Vivlio, Tolino, Gardener, Everand, Borrowbox Australian National Library and State Libraries

Book preview

GRACE

Kalare Flat

Jake raced out of the house and drove along the dry and dusty road. His suspension sorely tested by the bumps along the way. He stopped at the first paddock gate as a cloud of dust caught up with him through the open window. Pulling on the handbrake, Jake cursed the delay, then swung his door wide and strode to the gate, unlatched it, and swung it wide.

He returned to the car and drove through. He stopped again to exit the car and return to close the gate. At times like these, he wished he rode a horse and just jumped the fences. Jake was in a hurry to get to Mulga Station.

Just before he reached Mulga Station, he crossed a cattle grid which rattled the car and jarred his body as wheels met each steel rod and gap between. They were testing these grids instead of always using gates to contain livestock. Jake much preferred the grid, as it was less time consuming.

What is your rush, Jake? Scott asked as Jake ran into the house, passing Neil and Scott on the verandah.

The baby is coming.

He ran to the kitchen, where he found Lilly and Sandra. Hi, the baby is coming. I have to use the radio.

Jake left the room to go to the radio. He tapped his fingers on the desk as he waited for an answer.

Ellen, are Daniella and Michael there?

Yes, they are.

Can you get them to fly out to Mulga Station now? Grace's water just broke.

Okay, Jake, I will let them know.

Jake passed Scott on the verandah. Hey Scott, can you pick up Daniella and Michael when they fly in, please, mate?

Of course, Jake.

Sorry mate, I can’t stay. Jake slapped him on the back as he ran to the car, started the engine, and drove off in a cloud of dust.

Back at Kalare Flat, Jake entered the front door. Your parents are on their way. Job done, he bent with his hands on his knees, taking deep calming breaths. Jake was physically fit, but this baby thing was doing his head in.

Don't worry, Jake. The contractions are a long way apart. His wife's grandmother, Kathleen said.

Grace's grandfather, Stephen and Jake's father, Vin, remained on the verandah out of the way, both grinning at Jake's panic.

Jake lowered himself next to Grace and reached for her hand, which he held between his own. Every so often, he swiveled his wrist as his eyes focused on the time on his watch face.

They will be here soon, Jake. Just as Grace spoke the words, the dogs began barking.

That must be them. Jake shifted his attention to the noises outside. Car doors slammed and soon after, the porch stairs creaked. Jake stood, walked across the room, and opened the screen door.

Hi. I am very glad you are here. Jake welcomed his in-laws.

Hi Mum, Dad, the contractions are getting closer. Grace said when they entered.

How are you, sweetheart? Michael asked.

So far, so good thanks, Dad. Oww. She cringed as another contraction hit.

Jake was beside her again; just in time for her to seek out his hand and squeeze it.

Daniella began timing the contractions. They are five minutes apart now. Let's get you set up, love.

Daniella stood, Hello Mum, how have you been? She kissed Kathleen.

Good, thank you Love. You better get organised before the baby decides to arrive.

Daniella set about preparing what they needed for the birth while Jake led his wife to the bedroom, helped her to the bed, then sat beside her.

Another contraction struck and Grace's grip on his hand turned vice-like.

Daniella and Michael entered after the contraction subsided and checked the baby's progress.

Still a bit longer to go. You are not fully dilated yet.

Jake stayed nearby as Daniella timed the contractions, which were more frequent.

The baby should be coming now, Michael checked. I can see its head.

Start pushing, Grace.

Try to breathe through it, Grace, her mother said.

A short time later, their child let out a welcomed cry.

You have a baby girl. Daniella cut the cord, wiped the tiny human down, wrapped her in a blanket and placed her in Grace's arms. Grace smiled down at their baby, the agonising delivery soon forgotten. Jake joined her and they both gazed at their baby girl.

She is beautiful, Grace said.

Can I hold her? Jake asked.

With infinite care, Jake lifted the small delicate baby from his wife's arms. He wrapped his large masculine hands around the bundle as if the baby was a fragile petal he did not want to break, then cradled his daughter to his chest. He gazed with rapture at the miracle of life before him, then back at his wife, his eyes full of love.

Have you picked a name for her? Michael asked, breaking the spell.

Sarah Maree.

A lovely name. Daniella’s eyes softened as she looked upon her granddaughter in Jake's arms, then shifted her focus to her daughter.

Let's get you more comfortable, sweetheart.

Daniella and Michael tidied up and settled Grace while Jake took his baby daughter out to meet Vin, Stephen and Kathleen, her grandparents.

Dad, I am a father of a baby girl. His grin was catchy.

Congratulations, son. She is beautiful. I wish Maureen could see her.

Jake walked back in to Grace when Michael and Daniella left the room.

She is gorgeous, Grace. Jake lent down, placing their child back into his wife's arms.

Half an hour later, Daniella knocked on the door to check on mother and baby.

You look tied, Grace. Have a sleep and I will take the baby for a while. Come on, Jake.

The next day Greg and Jane came in to meet the new arrival, then Brian, Lisa and Julie called in. Other visitors were Beverley, Ian and Helen, Neil and Lilly, plus Scott and Sandra.

What a procession of visitors! Jake announced, I haven't drunk so many cups of tea in my life.

They are all our close neighbours and family to a degree.

It had been a long day and Jake settled his wife and child in bed.

It's a shame Mum and Dad had to return to work. Grace sighed.

Jake was sitting next to his wife as she breast-fed their child. He was still marveling at the miracle of creation as his baby daughter suckled at her mother's breast.

It wasn’t long before Grace was up and about again.

Grace, when should we tell dad about Lee? Jake asked.

Do we want to tell him first or surprise him at Sarah's christening when Alice and Lee visit?

I think we better prepare both him and Lee.

That afternoon, they sat down with Vin.

Dad, we have something to tell you, Jake said.

What is it, son?

We know your oldest son, Lee.

Vin stared at Jake, stunned. How would you know him?

He married Grace's sister, Alice.

Are you sure?

You said your first wife married someone called McMann in Echuca.

Yes, that is what I had heard.

Lee's name is McMann.

Oh my goodness! I cannot believe it. Does he know I am here?

Not yet. We will write to Alice and invite them up for Sarah's christening in November. Can you wait that long, Vin? Grace asked.

I haven't seen him since he was a baby and have been waiting twenty-six years. I can wait another month or two.

We will send off a telegram about the christening, then post a letter.

The brief telegram Jake sent said:

Alice. Baby Sarah born. Christening 1 November. Jake.

Alice sent a telegram in reply.

Will be there. Alice.

Then they composed a letter.

Dear Alice and Lee.

We hope you and young Tanya are well.

Sarah was delivered by Mum and Dad, who flew in from Broken Hill. She is a very healthy baby with a healthy set of lungs.

We are glad you can make it to her christening on 1 November. We will have another surprise waiting here for Lee. Lee will be amazed to learn that we have found his biological father.

We know this will come as a shock to Lee, but we will explain it all (or as much as we can) when you arrive. In the meantime, we can tell you Jake is Lee’s half-brother and his father, Vin is Lee's father too!

Vin is here with us and is looking forward to seeing his son again after all these years.

Have a safe trip. See you soon.

Love Grace and Jake.

I wish we could see his face when he reads the letter.

We will have to settle with seeing the reunion.

The next day, Vin called Jake and Grace into his room.

I have something for you.

He gently lifted a tissue-wrapped package from his bag with his large hands and gave it to Grace. She gently laid aside the crackling tissue paper and gasped.

Vin, it is gorgeous.

It is Dad, thank you. Jake was looking over Grace's shoulder.

You were christened in it, Jake.

It is perfect for Sarah's christening. Thank you, Vin. Grace wrapped her arms around her father-in-law.

*

While Grace’s grandfather, Stephen, taught her how to manage Kalare Flat, Grace met Jake. He was employed at the adjoining family property, Mulga Station. Love blossomed and they married.

Leading up to Sarah’s birth, Jake devised a plan, with his father’s help, to keep his wife from strenuous property activities. Jake's mother recently died, creating a void in his father's life at Coolangatta so Jake and Grace invited Vin to stay at Kalare Flat which he accepted with relief.

Vin sought Grace’s help to investigate the contents of an old tin containing family documents and journals. A job Vin did not get around to since his father's death in 1944.

Vin often sat on the verandah and the rawness of loss was still visible in his previously laughing eyes. The plan worked well to distract Vin from his grief and Grace from working on the property. What Grace and Vin discovered shocked Vin and raised questions about his family's name. His grandfather married Vin's grandmother using an alias name after deserting his first family.

Jake had met Lee, his half-brother, before. They did not know their connection until all the pieces of the puzzle were put together, so he was looking forward to seeing him again.

*

October passed quick with the new baby in the house and everyone adapted to new routines, sounds and smells. Kathleen and Jane were there to assist Grace in navigating motherhood. Jake hovered and spent hours with his daughter when he was not working outside.

In mid-October, they attended Julie's wedding. Julie was Ian and Helen's daughter. She was eighteen. She had known her fiancé from school, where their romance began.

They were marrying at the lake in Lake Cargelligo. All the guests were seated in chairs waiting for the bride while the groom stood with his best man and the celebrant.

Ian couldn't actually walk his daughter down the aisle, but he was in his wheelchair. He held his daughter's hand while his wife, Helen, pushed the wheelchair. Ian was very independent and rarely let anyone push him in his chair since his football accident that left him paralysed in 1963, but this was a special occasion.

The bride appeared from out of the car and Ian transferred into his chair, dressed in a suit. The music started, and they made their way down the strip of carpet used for an aisle. Everyone turned, including the groom, who was smiling broadly. Some women were dabbing their eyes. Their emotions raw as they watched father and daughter. Ian parked his chair at the corner of the aisle and his wife sat next to him, holding his hand. His eyes were glassy as he was filled with love and pride.

The reception was held at a hall in town with many pitching in to decorate and provide food. Many kitchens were pungent with the aromas of a variety of dishes being cooked for the occasion.

The couple had found a house and were going to live in town.

Not long after the wedding, they attended Greg and Jane's daughter Melissa’s christening. Grace and Jake were her godparents. Ellen and Paul, Greg's parents, came home from Broken Hill for the occasion.

The next weekend, they took the boat out for a weekend picnic at the lake. Vin drove the boat while Jake skied. Grace sat on a picnic blanket on the grassy parkland with the baby. When she was not playing with the baby, she scanned the water for the boat. She caught sight of it bobbing in the water, then the V-shaped wake as the throttle increased, causing the nose of the boat to rise. The boat planed and Jake was skiing. Sandra, Julie and Jane were with her with their infants. Vin and Jake were teaching Brian’s ten-year-old son, Matthew, to ski, and Greg and Scott each took turns. When they came to shore, they opened the picnic baskets. The men were famished after the exertion of skiing.

Alice and Lee drove up to Kalare Flat early, arriving a few days before Sarah's christening. Vin had been sitting on the front verandah with Stephen when they arrived.

Grace and Jake heard the car arrive and walked out front to greet their guests and watch the reunion.

It is Alice and Lee. Grace said, alerting Vin to the importance of the visitors. Lee stepped out from the driver's side of the vehicle and opened the door for his wife before turning his tall, lean frame toward the house. Alice carried their daughter, leaving Lee free to meet his father.

Vin and Stephen stood, and they all walked down the stairs, which creaked with their weight. Vin was focused on his son and did not hear the noise. Stephen greeted his granddaughter Alice, and lifted his great granddaughter from her arms while Grace hugged her sister, Alice.

Grace turned her attention to the men. Lee, this is your brother, Jake, and father, Vin.

Lee's eyes took in his tall, lean brother with eyes like his own, which he had not taken notice of before. Vin was watching on as his eyes sparkled with unshed tears, seeing his two children together for the first time.

The brothers shook hands, grinning, and Jake slapped Lee on the shoulder. Meet our old man, Jake said as Lee turned his full attention to the father he could not remember. He too was tall and lean and shared the same colour eyes as his own, which were softened with moister. They shook hands, then Vin drew his son into an embrace.

Hello, Lee. I have missed you. Vin’s smile broadened with emotion.

Hello. Lee said as he pulled back to study his father and brother again.

Seeing Lee and Vin together, Jake could see their resemblance.

Lee then introduced Alice and their daughter Tanya to Vin.

Vin kissed Alice on the cheek.

Nice to meet you, Vin, Alice said.

This is your granddaughter, Tanya, Dad. Lee said.

The name Dad wasn't foreign to Lee as he called his stepfather Dad, but now he felt right applying it to his biological father, Vin.

Grace smiled when Lee called Vin ‘Dad’.

Hello Tanya. Vin said.

She is a bit shy. Alice replied.

You know Tanya is at the age that I last saw you, Lee. The sadness in Vin's voice