Page 58 of Where the Heart Is

‘And whose fault is that? You ditched me, remember?’

Phil grimaced. ‘Actually, that’s why I’m here.’

If Phil thought she’d marry him now, he had rocks in his head.

‘My image in town has taken a battering after I called off the wedding, so I’m hoping to get back in the good books by hosting a B & S ball on my property.’

Mila cared about Phil so she knew it must be tough, being judged and found lacking. Nothing like small-town gossip to make you feel like a fly under a microscope. After lunch with Sawyer at the pub where she’d braved a confrontation with Anne, she’d felt the curious stares every time she ventured into town. She hated the pitying glances almost as much.

‘Sounds like a plan,’ she said, wondering what him hosting a ball to salvage his reputation had to do with her.

‘I was hoping you’d help me plan it?’

She barked out a laugh. ‘You’ve got some nerve, Phil Baxter. Why don’t you ask your new girlfriend to help?’

He had the grace to look sheepish. ‘She’s from the city and doesn’t have a clue about Bachelors and Spinsters balls.’

‘Too bad,’ Mila drawled, almost laughing out loud at Phil’s hangdog expression. ‘Besides, I don’t have the time.’

Not with getting the farm-stay project finished now she had the funds and spending her nights with Sawyer. She’d blurted that invitation for him to stay at the homestead in a moment of postcoital brain fade, immediately regretting it when he’d appeared shell-shocked. But then he’d agreed, and she couldn’t help but imagine the nights ahead … the two of them sharing dinner, their usual banter making everything seem better, then slipping between the sheets …

‘Hey, you drifted off for a second,’ Phil said. ‘If you can’t help, maybe your gran can? I saw her last night at the pub looking awfully cosy with Jack. I think it’s great they’re back together. How’s that for romance? Anyway, I assume she’s staying here and might be able to help plan the ball?’

Gran and Gramps had been having dinner at the pub? And were cosy enough that Phil thought they were back together? Interesting.

That’s when an idea shimmered to life and Mila suppressed the urge to do a jig.

Addy and Jack had met at a B & S ball. It had been love at first sight, with Addy so enamoured of Jack she left her cushy life in Melbourne behind and moved to the farm to be with him. While Mila could never imagine making such a huge sacrifice for a guy, she’d always found their tale incredibly romantic.

With Gran back in town, and Gramps amenable to having her around from what Mila had seen and heard, what would happen if Cupid gave them a nudge in the right direction?

She wasn’t averse to donning wings and slinging arrows if it meant her grandparents could reunite for real. What better way than reminding them of how they first met?

‘Actually, Phil, I can rejig a few of my commitments and help with the ball.’

‘That’s great.’ Phil beamed and held a hand up for a high-five. ‘I want the ball to happen sooner rather than later, because I’m tired of the angry glares and cold shoulders already. So I was thinking of holding it next week?’

Her eyebrows rose. ‘That soon? What about the marquee, permits, music, and the rest?’

He waved away her concerns with a smugness that grated. ‘I’ve got friends in high places, so the permits are taken care of. Marquee is booked. I’m waiting to hear back from three bands. And four food trucks are on board.’

Before Mila could ask what he needed her help for, he said, ‘If I’m still in the bad books, people might not come. But if you spread the word, show you’re supporting this, I reckon we could get a good crowd and bring the town together again.’

Meaning, encourage townsfolk to forgive him. She understood. She’d gotten off lightly in their aborted wedding—and so she should, considering he’d called it off—but Phil had shouldered all the blame, knowing how people talked. The least she could do was help him regain favour.

‘I’ll do whatever you need me to,’ she said. ‘It’s been a while since this town had a big shindig to attend. This could be fun.’

‘Absolutely. Gail, my girlfriend’—he blushed, and Mila stifled a laugh—‘is a graphic designer so she’s done an amazing flyer. I’ll email it to you and perhaps you can get it printed and distributed through town?’

‘Not a problem.’

‘Thanks, Mila, you’ve been a real sport about all this.’ He blushed. ‘We’ve been good friends for a long time, and I hope that will continue.’

‘Of course,’ she said. ‘Our bonfire chats kept me sane the last year or so.’

‘Same.’ His arm swept wide, encompassing the farm. ‘This life isn’t for the faint-hearted.’

‘You got that right.’

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