Sweet as Honey (The Seven Sisters) - By Caitlyn Robertson Page 0,52
herself. Grown angry that Dex had told Cathryn intimate details about their relationship. Tried to come to a compromise in her head once she realised it was the truth—maybe it didn’t matter, they could still get over it. Got depressed when she knew that wasn’t going to happen. And now there was nothing to do but come to terms with the fact that the marriage wasn’t going take place. She’d lost him, or he’d lost her. Whichever, they were done.
Maybe I’m not supposed to be happy, she thought. Maybe Fate didn’t have happy families and babies in store for her. She crossed her arms over her stomach and hugged herself tightly, trying to accept that, but the deep longing inside her wouldn’t go away. She was only twenty-five, but the maternal urge had risen strongly in her since she’d met Dex. Yes, of course, she wanted him desperately, but she also wanted the whole package—hearth and home, and children—lots of them. They’d spoken about it, and Dex had been happy to agree to the idea of a large family. And now she’d lost everything.
She pulled her legs close to her, wrapped her arms around them and rested her chin on her knees. Of course, there was every chance she’d meet someone else. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that Dex had been her one chance at happiness.
In the pocket of her pants, her mobile buzzed. She’d forgotten she still had it on her. She’d put it on silent while in the courthouse and hadn’t yet switched it back.
She took it out and examined the text. It was from her father. They must have realised she’d climbed out of the window.
Just let me know you’re safe.
Her throat tightened. Cam worried so about her. He probably thought she was hanging from a tree somewhere. She texted back, I’m fine. Need time to think. Back later. Then she switched the phone off.
The forest was beginning to darken as the sun set, but the moon was just off full and would give enough light to see by. Honey wasn’t worried. In England she’d often gone walking in the dark in the nearby forest, and the creatures of the bush didn’t frighten her. She rather hoped she’d see a kiwi bird. She’d been to Auckland Zoo and peered into the little houses at them, but she’d not yet seen one in the wild.
The bush rustled a few feet from her and she turned her head tiredly to see what had made the noise. It was a possum, round and furry and cute, its eyes wide and shining in the semi-darkness. It studied her for a moment and then bounded away into the undergrowth.
She closed her eyes. What would she say to Dex when she saw him? And what would he say to her? Would he be apologetic? Angry? Would he cry? She thought she might slap him, too, if he did that. Would he be impatient that she was making such a fuss? Ian would have been. Would have turned it on her, made her feel it was all her fault, that she was overreacting, being too emotional. In the end, she would have been the one to apologise, her head spinning as she wondered how that could possibly have happened.
The bush rustled again to her left. Louder this time. Feet scrunched on twigs and leaves. She sighed and opened her eyes, wondering who’d found her and wishing they’d leave her alone. Then the ferns parted. The first thing she saw was his blue uniform.
Dex stopped in his tracks and for a moment they just studied each other. Honey’s heart pounded. He looked gorgeous and wild at the same time—his hair stuck up as if he’d raked his hands through it several times, and his eyes were wide with fear. As he saw she was all right, though, the fear faded, and he let out a long, slow breath.
Would he demand she get up and accompany him back? Berate her for worrying them all?
He did neither, though. He walked over and sank down onto the ground next to her, back against a rock, his upper arm brushing hers.
Honey’s heart continued to hammer. Inside, she whirled with emotions. But it didn’t escape her that overriding them all was relief.
He took out his mobile and sent a quick text. As he tucked it back into the pocket of his jacket, he glanced over at her. “Sorry. Just letting your dad know I’ve got you.”