Page 50 of The Geography of Happiness

Liam grinned and waggled his brows. “What’s it worth?”

Paddy harrumphed. “Damn fairy.”

Liam’s grin broadened. “Go on, you love my sass, old man. According to some in Oakwood, I’m fucking queen of this station.”

Spencer made a choking sound as he smothered a laugh.

“You w-wish.” Paddy’s lip twitched in humour. “N-need more than a big m-m-mouth to be a qu-queen. N-need b-balls.” He gave a wry chuckle at his own joke and started back toward the pens. “And don’t forget the d-d-dogs, Spennn-cer.”

“Yes sir.” Spencer saluted Paddy’s back and then shot Liam a rueful smile. “I’ll never understand the weird relationship you two have.”

Liam shrugged. “Some days I don’t either, but it works.”

“You’re amazing.” Jules’ hand slid around the blond man’s waist, pulling him in for another kiss before releasing him. They made an unusual but good-looking couple. Jules with his tall, hometown, country-boy style, and Liam rocking a decidedly big city, bad boy vibe that belonged in some trendy upmarket club.

Was I gawping? I checked. Yes, yes I was. I snapped my mouth shut.

“I don’t believe we’ve met.” Liam looked me up and down and I felt myself blushing... again. “Spencer, you’ve been holding out on us.”

Spencer cast Liam a warning glance. “Behave.”

Liam smirked and studied me a second time while Jules made the introductions. “Terry, let me introduce you to my better half, Liam. Terry is staying at Miller Sta?—”

“Oh!” Liam interrupted, clasping my hand in a welcoming grip. “You’re Hannah’s dad, right?”

I nodded, wondering how he knew. “Yes. Hannah and Gabby are working with Zach this week.”

Liam nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, yes. I saw them in town this morning. I’m an occupational therapist, by the way. Your daughter has some great skills. I was very impressed.”

My heart swelled. “Thank you. It’s none of my doing. She’s very determined.”

Liam was still nodding. “I can see that. If you’d like me to spend a couple of hours with her while she’s here, I have a few mobility suggestions she might like to try, and there are some new aids on the market you might find useful. No charge, of course. Zach and I often work together with clients.”

“Liam’s the best in the country,” Jules asserted with obvious pride.

“Aw.” Liam pressed a kiss to Jules’ cheek. “I don’t know about thebest, but probably the top three.” He grinned roguishly and everyone laughed. “Let me know if you’re interested, Terry. No pressure.”

Like I was going to turn that opportunity down. Getting face time with specialist skilled health providers wasn’t the easiest when you lived outside of a main city. “That would be amazing. I’ll check with Hannah and let you know.”

Liam beamed. “Excellent.” He turned to Spencer, indicating the chilly bin on the floor. “Lunch. Don’t forget. Norma will flay my damn arse if she finds them still there this afternoon. She knows you don’t eat on rounds unless somebody ties you down.” He shot me a covert wink, adding, “I bet he hasn’t fed you yet either.”

Somewhere to my right, Jules snorted, and Spencer whispered, “For fuck’s sake, Liam.”

I swallowed a smile and decided to play along. “As a matter of fact, Spencerhasn’tfed me yet.” I cast the man a disappointed look. “Quite remiss of you really, Spencer. I’ve heard Mackenzie meat is some of the best in the country, then again, there are always exceptions. Doesn’t pay to get too excited about these things in advance.”

There was a brief moment of silence before the woolshed erupted into hoots of laughter and Spencer’s face turned beet red.

Still laughing, Liam clapped me on the back. “I do believe you can stay.”

Spencer rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Think you’re funny, don’t you?” he grumbled before shooting me an approving wink. “I can see I’ll have to keep an eye on you.”

Anytime. The thought floated in my brain.Anytime.

Spencer and I exchanged a look that lasted a little too long and Liam cocked his head with interest at whatever he thought he saw.

He placed a hand under my elbow and said, “Thanks for being a good sport. I took a chance you wouldn’t be offended, but the awesome comeback was a welcome surprise.”

I chuckled. “Glad to be of service. The man had it coming. He had me wearing a hairnet for Grant McEldowney’s sow this morning.”

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