Page 27 of A Chance to Believe

‘At least I know you’re familiar with fairy tales, even if you don’t entirely believe in them.’

Not good. Knees jelly.

A voice saying Shayne’s name broke into the moment, and she stepped back. She could tell this was a cousin. Despite his dark, almost black hair, he had the same stocky build as Shayne, only taller.

He opened the gate and she went through, Shayne right behind her.

The cousin blocked their way. ‘Time for introductions. I’m Jordan.’ He gestured towards the pool. ‘Celie and the kids are over there. You’ll meet them later.’

Cassie held out a hand and his bright blue eyes gleamed down at her. ‘You’re a cousin now.’

He dragged her into a bear hug and she staggered slightly as he let her go, a little breathless. Shayne was right beside her, offering a steadying arm around her waist. ‘Give the woman a chance, buddy. Jordan is used to handling heifers, not women.’

It was hard to resist Jordan’s grin, but there was something in his eyes that told her he wasn’t the simple bluff farmer she’d assumed. ‘I’m not a cousin.’

He buffeted Shayne on the arm. ‘Not yet.’

With an exaggerated wince, Shayne shook out the damaged limb. ‘Mind your own business, Jordan Taite.’

The other man instantly sobered. ‘Sorry, mate.’ He nodded to Cassie. ‘Not even a single beer, I promise. You should get off your feet. What can I get you to drink?’

‘Something long and cold.’

‘Done.’ He meandered off to where a table was set with glasses and a big glass jug of what looked like iced punch. Underneath were several eskies full of ice studded with bottles and cans. Aussie barbeque standard issue for the drinks. The barbeque setup was sheltered by a large shade sail that extended from the roof of the verandah which stretched the full length of the house and sheltered one end of the pool. There were two sets of stairs, one wide set in the middle and a smaller set within the pool enclosure.

A clump of timber seats with wide arms and thick cushions in the shade between the pool and the far end of the verandah beckoned. ‘Is it all right if I sit there?’

‘Of course. It looks like Jordan has got distracted, so I’ll bring your drink.’

She made her way through the gate into the pool area and sank into a chair, grateful for the relief from the sun.

‘It’s a stinker, isn’t it?’

Cassie eyed the other woman with curiosity. Her colouring was similar to her own, but her build and height were smaller. She looked to be about the same stage of pregnancy as herself, but it was hard to judge. It was a relief to see a friendly face. Weather was always a popular topic at an Aussie barbeque. ‘It’s a different heat than what I’m used to.’

‘You’re from Brisbane?’

‘Yes. I hate the humidity, but I haven’t adjusted to the dry heat this side of the range.’

‘I’m the opposite. When I go to Brizvegas, I feel like I’m breathing through water.’ She wiggled into an upright position. ‘I’m Becca Cavanaugh. If you’re wondering, I’m eleventy months pregnant.’ She patted her stomach. ‘Seriously, it’s more like eight and a bit, but it feels like forever.’

‘I know what you mean. I’m Cassie Long.’

‘I guessed. You’re Shayne’s girlfriend.’ She pointed towards the house with a wry grin. ‘They were talking about you earlier. I understand it’s twins.’

‘Hard to hide.’ She hesitated. ‘I’m not really Shayne’s girlfriend.’

Becca looked like she might want to query that. She smiled past her. ‘Shayne. We were talking about you.’

He wrinkled his nose at the woman. ‘Of course you were. I’m endlessly fascinating.’

‘I don’t know so much. Cassie says she’s not your girlfriend.’

Cassie could feel heat blossoming in her cheeks. ‘I thought …’

Handing her a drink and a second one to Becca, he shook his head. ‘We’re friends. I haven’t had a girlfriend since high school. I’m a grownup.’

Becca darted a glance between them. ‘Riiight. Friends with benefits, or Cassie wouldn’t be sitting here with your twins in her belly.’

---