His lips tighten, but he says nothing else, and we walk in silence towards our various businesses that we all run. One by one, they fall away until it’s just me left walking towards the veterinary clinic, where I know I’m going to spend a fruitless few hours trying to find a woman who doesn’t want to be found so that I can give my brother some peace.
CHAPTER 6
JOSIE
My Old Man was up to something, and the rest of the MC was in on it. All I know is that it has something to do with my birthday. I’ve told Skinny that I don’t need anything big, but he seems to think that I do. Every year he makes my birthday special. I know it’s going to be over this weekend because my staff have removed me from the roster. I’ve quizzed them but they aren’t saying anything, telling me that Skinny has sworn them to silence.
My day is busy, and I’m so glad that I’m feeling better. Skinny and I are driving into town next week to see Jett, and we hope to get a scan. I could do it here if I really wanted to, but we decided that we’d like to have Jett instead like regular people. When I stated that, Skinny had about pissed himself laughing, “We are regular people, baby. We just happen to live differently to most people. But I understand what you mean.”
“Well, that’s a relief,” I had muttered. “I’d be worried if you didn’t speak Josie after all these years.”
While I was healthy enough, I was in my thirties having my first baby, and I knew that even though he hid it well, Skinny was a little worried. He’d done extensive research after Gwen had passed away and then again when Noni was pregnant with Samantha, but I was doing everything right, and I know Jett would look after me. I’d learned a long time ago that what would be would be, no matter what. That didn’t mean that I couldn’t doeverything that I could to ensure I was healthy throughout my pregnancy.
My day had been full, but I have excellent staff, and I love the interns we have working with us at the moment. I’m in my office completing the last of the paperwork from the day when there’s a knock on the door. Looking up, I see Noni, Julia, and Rochelle standing in the doorway. My eyes flick to the clock on the wall, and I see it’s nearly four in the afternoon. My day has flown past. I’d ended up getting my lunch delivered and eating on the run when we had an emergency arise.
“Hey, ladies, what’s up?” I ask, surprised to see them all here at this time of the day.
“We thought we’d come and see if you’re able to get away a little earlier. We’re going to go for a drive through the reserve and check on the fencing,” Noni answers. “We’ve also got a cool box full of cold drinks and thought we’d scout out places where clients could have catered outdoor meals right in the middle of the reserve.”
“Ooh, that sounds fantastic.” I hurriedly push back my chair and pick up the folder of paperwork I’d been working on, saying, “Give me five minutes to sort this out, and I’ll meet you outside.”
The three of them smile, and Noni replies, “Awesome, babe, but take your time. There’s no rush.”
“See you soon,” Rochelle grins at me, following behind Noni, leaving with a small wave.
Julia also smiles and waves. I love the ladies of our MC after living my life by myself for so long. I love the feeling of belonging that comes with the way we live our lives. It’s nice knowing I’m never alone and that there’s support just a shout away if I ever need it.
Not wanting to keep them waiting, I hurry to the reception desk and hand the paperwork to my receptionist, Happiness, and she was aptly named. She always has a smile on her face. “I’m leaving for the day, Happiness, is there anything you need from me?”
Happiness smiles, taking the folder from me, “No, Josie, you enjoy the rest of the afternoon. We’re fine here. We’ll be closing soon, anyway.”
Even though I know they’ll be fine, I still feel the need to remind her that I’m available if they need me. “Okay. I’ve got my phone if you need me for anything.”
Happiness rolls her eyes at me and makes a shooing motion. “Get out of here, go and enjoy a few peaceful hours with your sisters. Once that baby gets here, you won’t have many of them.”
“I know, but I’m still excited,” I tell her, doing a little jig. Because I am excited. I can’t wait to meet and hold the little human that Skinny and I’ve created.
Happiness laughs, “I’m glad you're excited; now shoo. Go have some fun.”
“Thanks, Happiness. See you tomorrow,” I tell her, waving as I leave for the day. I step outside my clinic and stop, taking a minute to close my eyes and just breathe. The tension immediately leaves my shoulders as I shake off the stress of the day. Taking a moment, I listen to the sounds around me and give thanks for the laughing voices of the sisters of my heart, the sound of the dogs we house in the kennels at the back, and my staff laughing and chattering as they go about their day.
“Are you coming?” Julia calls out in her soft, gentle way. Opening my eyes, I see the three of them waiting for me by one of the vehicles Blaze and Bond modified. The cab had been taken off so that the entire vehicle was open except for the canvas roofthat extended over the driver and passenger seats. There were two long benches in the back, one slightly higher than the other for better viewing on driving safaris. We’d be offering walking safaris too, so that guests could make their own choices.
With a happy smile, I rush down the steps of the clinic towards the vehicle. “Front seat for you,” Julia informs me as I get closer. Before I can protest, Julia and Rochelle climb the steps attached to the side of the vehicle and settle into a back seat. Looking in the back, I see a cooler box and camp chairs.
“Come on,” Noni orders from behind the steering wheel, patting the passenger seat. “Let’s get going before it gets too dark.”
Getting in, I ask, “Where are all the kids?”
“With the guys out on the river. They’ve taken them fishing, and then we’re doing a barbecue.”
Rochelle clears her throat loudly, and Noni laughs, “My apologies, Rochelle, I meant braai.”
“That’s better,” Rochelle giggles, “I’ll convert you lot yet.”
We all burst out laughing. Rochelle is determined to turn us into proper Zambians. We spend the next hour driving alongside the fence, and it’s looking good. I note the fireguard cut alongside the fence and make a mental note to remind Bull and Rogue that they need regular maintenance. Although after witnessing a bush fire last year, I’m sure they’d already thought of that. It was the scariest thing I’d ever been in, and for a minute I’d been worried we’d lose everything, but luckily it hadn’t jumped the road to our side. Although the campsite on the other side had been completely wiped out. We’d start rebuilding again this year. It seemed we had a busy year in front of us.
When we’d checked the completed fence, Noni finds a lovely place for us to stop and have a few drinks and snacks. It’s anaturally flat area under the trees and close enough to the river that we could see and hear it.
