Page 3 of The Geography of Happiness

“Moving right along,” Luke continued, before I might feel the need to check Hannah’s tone. “Just like Hannah said, merinos are born for this country. They’re tough critters. Canny too. They know where to find what they need and there’s thousands of acres for them to graze up there. They’re pro climbers and wander much higher than you’d think. Plus, they prefer to wander and snack over long distances rather than gorge themselves in a paddock.”

I shook my head. “Did someone check the quality of the gene pool?”

Luke gave a hearty chuckle, and I went back to staring out the side window at the majestic landscape rolling out before me. It truly was beautiful. Spending a week on a high-country sheep station was the opportunity of a lifetime. If only I could shake the constant reminder of the reasons we were here.

My gaze darted to Hannah, and when that familiar dread washed over me, I mentally slapped myself.Get a grip. This isn’t about me. This is about her. It’s what we’ve both been working toward.Hannah was starting to find her own way in the world. Making decisions for herself. Seeing a future that involved more than just a nowhere, sheltered life in Painted Bay. Reaching for something beyond that.Isn’t that what I’ve always wanted for her?

Of course it was. But thinking about it and being faced with the reality? Yeah, maybe not so much.

Luke spoke into his headset. “I’ll take you for a quick spin out the back of the property before landing. No charge. I’ll let the station know.”

“Really?” Hannah could barely contain her excitement. “That’d be awesome.”

Oh yay. More time in the flying tin can.I groaned to Luke, “You know, I’d hate to hold you up.”

And there was that charming grin again. “It’ll take five minutes, no more.” He crossed his heart. “You’ll be glad once you see the Havelock River. It’s impressive. And I promise, no loops or nose dives.”

“Damn right there won’t be,” I grumbled, which only earned more laughter from the other two.

We flew low over the homestead and woolshed, then skimmed the river through the narrow valley toward the Havelock. Along the way, Luke pointed out various landmarksand mountain tracks—or beats as he called them—and if we weren’t flying so low, I might’ve been interested if I wasn’t too busy white-knuckling my seat. Hannah oohed and aahed appropriately and Gabby pushed her nose into Hannah’s lap to try and grab a bit of that attention for herself.

Luke glanced at the retriever and smiled. “She’s a beautiful dog. How long have you had her?”

“A year,” Hannah answered, turning to scratch Gabby’s ears, and I could’ve sworn the damn dog smiled. “Dad’s best friend has got Ménière’s disease and he got a service dog called Mickey. He’s totally awesome. He knows when Judah’s going to have an attack before Judah does and makes sure he’s safe. Like this one time, Judah was biking up the hill from the wharf and Mickey just stopped and started barking until Judah got off the bike and sat down. He had an attack straight away, and Mickey kept barking until Leroy ran down from the house to help. Gabby is different from Mickey. She’s a mobility dog. She helps me get around and gets stuff for me when I can’t.”

“Then both Mickey and Gabby are amazing. Look, there’s the Havelock.” Luke flew the chopper in a wide arc and all conversation stopped as we circled the huge braided river powering its way from the Alps, through the Canterbury plains, west to the Pacific Ocean.

“Wow.” I blew a low whistle. “That must be impressive when it floods.”

“It can fill the valley from side to side,” Luke answered, sweeping lower for a closer look. “Now I think it’s time we headed back before Gil starts stomping his feet at my delay. The man has no patience.” He steered the chopper back toward the valley housing Miller Station and directed a question at Hannah. “So, what kind of things does Gabby do for you?”

“Sometimes I need help getting dressed,” she began. “Or when I’m trying to open doors and drawers, stuff like that. Plus,Gabby will go get help if I have a fall or hurt myself. We’re still learning though.” She kissed Gabby’s nose, and my eyes misted at their close bond. “That’s why we’re here to do more training. Judah says it takes time to become a really good team, right, Dad?”

“That’s right,” I agreed, stroking Gabby’s head.

“Well, I think you’ll enjoy working with Zach. His mother has pretty bad rheumatoid arthritis, so he understands.”

Hannah’s eyes widened. “Really?”

Luke nodded. “Andhe’s the best dog trainer in the Mackenzie. Trained all the top sheep dogs around these parts and he’s turning out to be just as good with service dogs.”

I cast him a curious look. “So, you know him well then?”

Luke huffed in amusement. “You could say that. I happen to be married to the man.”

I blinked.Married?

“Oh, that’s so cool,” Hannah announced brightly. “Dad’s friend Judah is gay too. He’s married to Morgan. And Judah’s brother, Leroy, lives with Fox, but they’re not married yet, and Leroy’s bi, not gay. Their mothers live together, as well. And Kane is married to Abe. He’s an amazing choreographer and he’s Judah’s friend, but they’re both gay.” She drew a breath, then frowned like she might’ve forgotten something.

I glanced forward to find Luke’s mouth hanging open and almost laughed.

Deciding she’d covered everyone, Hannah finished, “Anyway, just so you know, we get the whole LGBTQ thing.”

Luke snorted. “Ah... thanks. Always good to know. How old did you say you were?”

“I didn’t,” Hannah answered smoothly. “But I’m fourteen.”

Luke almost choked on another laugh. “I think I’m gonna have to visit this town of yours one day.”

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