Page 6 of The Geography of Happiness

Zach nodded and caught Hannah’s eye. “It’s going to be a busy week. I suggest you enjoy what’s left of today.”

“In that case, once you’re unpacked, you’re welcome to take a drive with me to restock the River Hut for more guests arriving tomorrow,” Gil offered. “It’s about a forty-minute return trip.” He eyed Hannah. “Think you can handle a few river crossings?”

Hannah’s eyes sparked with excitement. “Yes please!” She shot me a pleading look. “We can go, right, Dad?”

I swallowed the tired groan barrelling up my throat, remembering my vow to be there for Hannah one hundred per cent this week, even if it killed me. I needed to do something to make up for my negative commentary throughout most of the interview and tour of Nolan Academy the week before. Was I overcompensating for my general reluctance about Hannah’s plans for the following year? Hell yes, I was.

“Sounds... fun,” I eventually managed. I even added a smile.

But when Gil cast me an amused glance, I knew I’d been busted. “How about you sit this one out and decompress for a bit,” he suggested. “Hannah and Gabby will be fine with me.”

Hannah shot me a cheeky smile. “Yeah, Dad. Take a nana nap.”

My turn to deliver an eye-roll.

Gil shot me a covert wink, then said to Hannah, “I might even be able to rustle up a couple of new lambs for a cuddle on the way back. You interested?”

Hannah’s eyes popped wide and she practically squealed, “Yes, please! I can, can’t I, Dad?”

I caught Gil’s eye, not wanting to give offence, but hey, dad in the house. “River crossings?”

Gil smiled. “I’m not going to tell you there’s zero risk, cos this is a working station and there’s always risk when you drive off-road. But the river is low at the moment, and we drive the track pretty much every day.”

“He’s right,” Holden chipped in. “It’s the station’s highway. Besides, Gil is our self-appointed and super-annoying health and safety officer. You couldn’t be in safer hands. We even have a fine jar in the kitchen for anyone caught driving recklessly.” He rolled his eyes, and I guessed there was a story or two there.

Gil only laughed. “You can be sure there’s an insult in there somewhere, but the jar pays for a few rounds at The Fleece every month, mostly due to Holden’s lead foot.” He eyeballed Holden. “Which is whyhe’snot driving you andIam.”

Holden waggled his brows. “He’s right. I’m officially banned from driving the guestsanywhere.”

“With good cause,” Gil said enigmatically, making Holden laugh. “But I can easily ditch the river-crossing part. I totally get the worried-parent thing.”

Something in his expression told me he absolutely did, but when Hannah’s imploring brown eyes shot up to meet mine, I sighed and relented. “Go on then. Have some fun.”

Hannah gave a whoop of delight and dragged me down for a kiss.

When she let me go, I caught Gil’s eye. “Thank you.”

He nodded. “My pleasure. It’s all part of the service. Anything to do with dogs and training is Zach’s domain, but I’m here for everything else you might need regarding your stay. We keep all the cottage pantries pretty well stocked, plus there are basics in the fridge, including eggs and cheese and bacon. Plenty to get by on until you can get to the supermarket in Oakwood. But don’t forget that I’m available to cook for you as well if you want a night off—check the folder in the cottage for meal prices. They’re pretty reasonable.”

Holden slipped an arm around Gil’s waist and pulled him tight against his side. “You should definitely take Gil up on that.He doesn’t charge nearly enough and he cooks like a dream. One of his many, many talents.”

Gil’s cheeks pinked and he cast a soft look Holden’s way. “Are youstillhere?” An intimate moment passed between them that sparked an unexpected yearning that I thought I was done with as I wondered, not for the first time, how it would feel to be looked at like you were the most important person in someone’s world. Thirty years old and I still didn’t have a clue.

Holden took his leave with a “See you later” and a whistle for Batman to join him in the green truck.

“I might just take you up on that offer of a meal during the week,” I told Gil. “I do okay in the kitchen, but I’m no chef, and we’re on vacation, kind of.”

Gil smiled warmly. “It’ll be my pleasure. Give me a call or leave a note in the guest book by the front door. I check it morning and night. And my cell number is in the cottage folder. Use it anytime, day or night, or just knock on the front door of the homestead. The station rules are pinned to the cottage’s front door, so please read them. They talk about gates, no-go areas, and general manners with the stock. There are station maps if you want to explore, but please leave a note telling us where you’re going and what your plans are. These mountains are beautiful, but they can chew you up and spit you out in an instant. Too many people have lost their lives in them, even those born and bred here, so don’t take any chances.”

“We won’t.” I looked to Hannah to agree. “Luke already gave us the warning talk, right, Hannah?”

She nodded vigorously. “I promise.”

“I didn’t mean to scare you—” Gil paused, then grinned. “—well, I suppose I did, really. Visitors always underestimate the risks. Just don’t be one of those people. I’ve left a guest vehicle outside your cottage as you requested. We charge you to refuel and a small rental fee for the week, but you get the stationdiscount if you fill up from our own tanks. The cottages are pretty quiet at the moment, so I’ve put you in our best lakefront suite.”

Hannah’s eyes grew wide. “Can we swim?”

Gil winced. “The water’s a tad cool and by that, I mean it’s freezing. This is glacial meltwater. Even in mid-summer, it has icicles on its icicles. Consider yourself warned. Having said that, some of the station crew are regular swimmers at this time of year, so if you’re happy to risk blue toes, I won’t stop you, as long as your dad keeps watch. And if you let me know beforehand, I’ll even have hot chocolate ready when you come out.” He winked and Hannah beamed. “So, I think that’s about it. Let’s get you to your cottage.”

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