Page 7 of Moonstruck Kiss

To say that I was totally and utterly shocked that I have a son is an understatement. I was even in denial for a short while. But as soon as it was confirmed that Ollie was mine, my heart burst open for him. The love I feel for this little boy is unbelievable.

That’s why I’m here at Moonstruck Cove—to have some respite from the press intrusion. More importantly, I want to bond further with my son and learn from my parents how to be a good single dad despite being a workaholic investment banker.

And to find out if time has softened Joey Barker’s anger towards me.

The picture of the sassy—and undeniably beautiful—brunette pops in my head.

Frankly, I still think it’s Dimple who should apologise for butting into my family’s business, but I don’t regret apologising to her. If only she’d accept it, then maybe…

Then maybe what, Braxton?

Then nothing. She might be the most attractive woman I’ve ever met but she’s also a Mooner. I’ve absolutely no intentions of hooking up with a Mooner. With the way this town learns practically everything about almost anyone—and then gleefully meddles in everyone’s business—why would I even want to so much as flirt with a local? I want some peace and quiet while I’m here, not the subject of some juicy gossip.

I shake my head to clear it of thoughts of Dimple.

Getting back to Ollie, bonding seems to be going well. But figuring out how I’m going to juggle my career and single fatherhood when we go back to America? Not easy, especially when I have to prove myself to my new boss. Despite the stellar reputation I’ve built within GX Partners over the years, it doesn’t mean much as far as Lando is concerned. All he knows about me is that prior to him joining GX, I’d taken so many days off to deal with the situation with Ollie. Then, right after starting with us, I’d immediately asked him for two months off for this visit to Moonstruck Cove. Thank God he was understanding. But with a company restructure happening within eight months, I have to show him why I’m one of the employees worth keeping.

“Dad!” Ollie taps my arm. “Take a picture of the bird.”

“Okay.” I stand to get my phone, and the bird flies away.

Ollie pouts. “I hope it comes back.”

“It might. Do you wanna have breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa now?”

He’s all smiles again as he nods.

Ollie has grown to love his grandparents so much, and vice versa. Actually, he’s grown to love all my siblings, too. He can’t get enough of his Auntie Liss, and he always gets excited when video calls come through from my three Sydney-based siblings, who visited here last month to spend time with us. Being back in Australia with my son certainly makes me appreciate my family more, even if they keep on pointing out all the parenting mistakes they see me do. Well, I did ask for help, didn’t I?

I assist Ollie in the bathroom—I didn’t realise how much patience is needed for supposedly simple things like that—and then dress him in light clothing. Even though autumn arrived last week, it still feels like summer. I take his small backpack with his wooden angel figurine inside and sling the straps around his shoulders. He doesn’t like going anywhere without his “Angel Mama.”

A refreshing breeze hits my face as we walk out the door, carrying the scent of eucalyptus and the sound of the river just a few metres away. The vista is stunning, and I stand there for a moment to enjoy it once again.

Our cabin—like the two others on the property—stands on a clearing in the middle of forest-like surroundings. It does feel like we’re a world away from anyone else, and it’s the perfect private spot to hide from paparazzi as well as do some work. The only thing I can complain about is that the internet coverage is crap. Can’t even do video calls without the screen freezing.

“Do you want to ride on the buggy?” I ask Ollie, glancing at the small vehicle parked next to our accommodation.

“No, I want to walk and find the laughing kook…kooku…”

“Kookaburra.”

He nods. “I know. Kookaburra. Kooku is his name.”

“Oh, I see,” I say with a chuckle. See? Smart kid.

We start our trek up to the main house and Ollie starts proudly naming several plants he can now identify. We don’t spot a kookaburra, but he’s thrilled to see a big flock of sulphur-crested cockatoos flying by and making a racket with their loud, raucous screeching.

After about fifteen minutes of meandering, Moonstruck Lodge’s main house is in our sights, framed by flowering plants and well-maintained shrubbery and large trees. It’s big—more like a mansion than a house, with ten suites available for paying guests. It’s not as private here compared to the cabins, but guest reviews are just as gushing.

Unfortunately, my parents borrowed to the hilt to make this place a five-star accommodation, and their financial situation has been a source of worry for me.

Speaking of my parents, they come out to wave at us from the porch.

“Good morning, Brax! Good morning, Ollie!” my mother, Elsa, calls out.

“Good morning,” I reply.

“Good morning, Grandma,” Ollie cries, running up the steps and holding his arms out for a hug.

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