Page 110 of The Mechanics of Lust

“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with a cosy night in front of the telly.” Gil slid an arm around Holden’s waist. “But seriously, the place looks great. And so convenient.” He waggled his brows. “Just think, we’ll be able to drop in to see you anytime we pass.”

I narrowed my gaze and stabbed a finger toward the new bell by the front door. “If we don’t answer, go away.”

Luke’s arm fell around my shoulder, pulling me close. “Yeah, what he said.”

Gil laughed, and Holden kissed him on the side of the head. “I think that’s our cue to leave, babe. We’ll call in tomorrow for a housewarming beer if that’s okay. And we’ll drop off a couple of the new kennels.”

“Perfect,” Luke replied, weariness cutting deep lines into his handsome face. It had been a hectic few weeks. “We should be awake by, oh, let me think, around mid-afternoon should do it.”

Holden laughed. “Point taken.” He held up his hand and they high-fived.

“But no pizza,” Gil called out as Holden tugged him toward the ute. “I left a few of your favourite meals in the fridge.”

Oh, thank God.“You’re the best.”

Gil elbowed Holden. “See, I told you I’m the best. You never listen.”

“Shut up and drive.” Holden threw the keys over the roof of the vehicle.

Gil snagged them mid-air. “And I’m the best driver too.”

“Oh my god, will no one save me?” Holden grumbled, adding a final wave before jumping into the passenger seat.

Jules appeared from inside the cottage. “I’ll be on my way too. I’ve got some stuff to do in Oakwood before I head home. Congratulations on your new home.” Jules pulled Luke into a hug and then did the same with me. “I’m happy for you both. Truly.” He stepped back but held my gaze. “And in case I haven’t said it enough, I couldn’t have managed the last few months without your help. You both deserve this. Enjoy it, and thank you.”

I took his hand. “It goes both ways. I’ll always be here for you, you know that. It’s not going to be easy when... well, you know.”

He locked eyes. “I know. Please don’t be a stranger when Dad gets home in a couple of weeks. Things are going to change, Zach, you have my word. After everything you’ve done, I won’t be taking any of his bullshit.”

I shot a tired glance to Luke and then squeezed Jules’ hand. “I appreciate the intent, but we both know he’s not likely to change.”

“I don’t care if he changes,” Jules insisted. “As long as he keeps his mouth shut and his opinions to himself.”

I let it go. My father knew Luke and I were together and that Luke had been helping at the station, but he’d never once mentioned Luke’s name. And the hope that my father would keep his opinions to himself was the stuff of fairy tales, especially with his current frustrations. The hemiplegia had definitely improved with rehab, but he still needed a frame and supervision to walk, assistance with all his daily living tasks, and his speech was never going to be what it was. And no one could say how much or evenifany more function would return. There was no way he could take the reins back on the station in the foreseeable future, which meant Paddy Lane was going to be hell to live with once he moved back home.

“There’s one last thing before I go.” Jules reached into his bag and pulled out a wrapped package. “This is from Mum. It’s a housewarming gift.”

My stomach swooped. “A gift?” I stared at the package, gobsmacked. Luke squeezed my shoulder and I leaned into him, swallowing around a sudden lump of emotion.

Jules nodded. “Go on, open it. It won’t bite you.”

I wasn’t so sure, but I accepted the gift. Still staring at it, I thought back on all the times Luke had turned up at Lane Station to help with whatever needed doing. I considered those some of the most romantic gestures he’d ever made, especially knowing my father’s views. On some of those visits, Luke had even encountered my mother, who came and went from Christchurch as needed. To her credit, she’d been nothing but gracious toward him, if somewhat curious, watching us together like she was trying to figure us out.

Then came the day that Luke, thinking we were alone in the big house, had shoved me up against the wall for a thorough kissing, only to pull away and discover my mother watching us from an open doorway. I’d braced, not sure how things would pan out, but Luke had simply slid his arm around my waist, and said, “Hi, Norma.”

My mother had blushed, given both of us one of her warm smiles, and then left us alone. She and I had been finding our way back to each other ever since.

With trembling hands, I opened the package and dropped the paper to the deck. It took a second for what I was seeing to register in my brain, but when it did—holy shit.I stared in utter disbelief, recognising my mother’s handiwork since something similar hung alongside the front door of Lane Station. I spun the small wooden plaque to better read the burned inscription and drew a sharp breath.

LOVE LIVES HERE.

It wasn’t only the words, although holy fucking hell, they meanteverything. My gaze shot up to Jules and I swallowed hard. “But she hasn’t... in years... her hands?”

He gave a soft knowing smile. “She wanted to do this for you. For you both. And let’s just say the arthritis meds got a good workout for a few days.”

I studied the plaque again, reading all the unspoken things it represented, and letting them settle in my heart.

“Can I see?” Luke read over my shoulder and gave a soft grunt of surprise. “Well, good for her.” He kissed my cheek and I turned and fell into his arms, a storm of emotions coursing through me.

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