Page 83 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

“Is visiting Australia in September or October an option?

“I think so. It’s quieter from October, and my house should be sold by then.”

She held his hands and stared into his beautiful eyes. “We can make a long-distance relationship work.” She prayed they’d make wise decisions and seek His will as they made plans for a future together.

CHAPTER 16

Six months later

Sydney, Australia.

Sam lounged back in a deck chair at Becky’s parents’ waterfront home as the waves rolled onto the golden sand at Manly Beach. He adjusted his sunglasses and the rim of his new Akubra hat, Becky’s gift to him when he’d landed at Sydney Airport four days earlier. Sam preferred his cowboy hat, but he’d indulge Becky by wearing the Aussie equivalent during his Australian visit.

Becky appeared on the spacious balcony, dropped a kiss on his lips, and handed him a coffee mug.

“Thanks.” He smiled and inhaled the strong and aromatic brew, glad he was seated in the shade. Sunlight sparkled on the water like glittering diamonds.

“No problem.” She settled beside him, coffee mug between her hands and sunglasses hiding her eyes. “Mum’s making breakfast soon. Oatmeal the way you like it, plus bacon and eggs.”

“Sounds good.” Becky’s mum was delightful, and she’d spoiled him with delicious meals. Australian bacon was like Canadian bacon, and leaner than the streaky bacon from home. He’d loved discovering Australian beef, and he was surprised when he’d liked the grilled Barramundi fish filets served at their family dinner last night.

Becky placed her Bible on the table between them. “We can do our Bible reading before breakfast.”

“Definitely. I’ll be more awake soon.” He sipped his cappuccino, appreciating the double shot caffeine hit as his body clock struggled with the time zone adjustment. Surfers were on their boards, waiting their turn to ride a wave into shore. To the north, the headlands that separated the beaches were visible in the morning sunlight.

He understood why Becky had missed being near hills in Kansas. The suburban Sydney coastal region known as the northern beaches was covered in hills. They’d explored Sydney Harbour via the ferries, and Zach had invited them to go sailing on his yacht. Another new experience to cross off Sam’s bucket list.

The day after his arrival. he’d spoken with Becky’s father and asked permission to marry Becky. Sam had been intimidated by Becky’s dad’s high-flying medical career and was relieved to find her father approachable and supportive. Becky had a close-knit family, and they’d all welcomed him into the fold. Sam could envisage spending more time in Australia and exploring the countryside outside the Sydney city limits.

Becky’s cosmopolitan lifestyle in Sydney was worlds away from Kansas and Colorado. Sam was thankful she was open-minded about where they could potentially live. He’d need to seek further qualifications in a mechanical specialty if they decided to live in the city.

Sam’s Gilead house had sold during summer, and he’d picked up a new farm mechanic job based in Colorado. Mom was scheduled to retire next year. Sam had started building his ranch house, and Dad had agreed to the shared home arrangement that included a separate wing for Sam’s parents.

Becky pointed at the ocean. “If we’re lucky, we might see dolphins and whales.”

“Really? That would be amazing.” Being landlocked in middle America, he hadn’t seen a lot of marine life in the wild so this was a whole new experience. Visiting the zoo and aquarium was on their Sydney must-see list.

Mel had taken him on an engagement ring shopping adventure. Becky had insisted she wanted the ring to be a surprise. The ring should be ready for Sam to collect from a family-owned jewelry store tomorrow. Sam had thought the mall he’d visited in Wichita was huge. The mall Mel had chosen in suburban Sydney had seemed like a mini city.

Becky placed her mug on the table. “Our plan for today is a walk around the Sydney Harbour foreshores.”

“Sounds great. Where do we start?”

“Manly Wharf. We’ll walk through Fairlight and around to Balgowlah. If we have the energy, we can continue on past Clontarf and finish up at the Spit Bridge in Seaforth.”

“Okay.” It was an easy walk to Manly Wharf from Becky’s home. The other place names were unfamiliar, except for Balgowlah. Sam had appreciated Mel’s tour guide assistance, and her helpful local knowledge in finding the right location to pop the big question.

He picked up the Bible. “What are we reading today?”

Becky reached for his hand. “Let’s pray and continue reading in Jonah.”

“That works.” An appropriate book to study while sitting by the ocean. Sam closed his eyes, thankful that his love and relationship with Becky had grown during their months apart. He looked forward to discovering their future together.

* * *

A few days later, Becky tightened her grip on the kite handle and propelled her kite higher in the strong wind. She jogged in the park overlooking Sydney Harbour, her ponytail flying around behind her. The sun on her face and the salty sea breeze was invigorating and refreshing.

Sam directed his kite inland and gave her a thumbs-up. The wind was too gusty to wear a hat or carry on a conversation without yelling.

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