‘Well, look at it this way, shortcake.If you fail, use it as a lesson to try again.What do you have to lose?Besides the chance to surprise yourself?’
Romy stared at the keys lying across the centre of her palm.Their significance powerful, yet unsettling.‘You’re giving me a studio?’
‘I’d like to get my dining table back.I use it as a desk sometimes and for meals, but it’s covered with drones and cameras.’
She rolled her eyes, trying not to smile.
‘This space isn’t fancy, and you’re in a remote location, so it’ll take a period of adjustment, but it has everything you’ll need to at least make a start.And it’s yours, whether you decide to stay or go…’
‘And us?’
‘I know it’s only been a few days, and you have your room across the hall.But if you want, you can always visit me in my sleep.’He stepped closer to tenderly tuck some stray strands of hair behind her ear.‘But I’m hoping you’ll stay.And I promise to just take it day by day.No rush from either of us.’
Romy gazed into his striking hazel eyes.So clear and true.‘Are you really giving all this… To me?’He was giving her the chance to truly achieve her dreams.It felt so surreal.
Stone’s lips curved into a soft smile, the vulnerability in his eyes revealing just how deeply he cared for her.‘I want to be part of your next story script, if you’ll let me.’
His sincerity touched her heart, which bloomed in new uncharted ways over Stone.Caught up in the emotions, and the incredible gesture he’d given her, she reached up until their lips touched.Softly at first, they kissed, until his warm hands cradled her face to kiss her deeper.It was sweet, it was gentle.It was meaningful.It was like they had all the time in the world to get to know each other better, in a kiss that was telling her things through his touch that they both could never say out loud.
Not yet.
Because it was a kiss that said they belonged to each other.
So let the adventure begin…
Epilogue
Staring a deadly mother in the face wasn’t what Stone had expected from this quick trip with the pretty little filmmaker.But it’s what Romy wanted, and Stone never said no to her, unless it involved their safety.Then he’d play the big bad wolf.
But such is the life of a full-time sweetheart and a part-time crocodile wrangler, in love with a woman who made documentaries.It was her passion that had him sweating bucketloads, as he tried to keep his balance while his boots sank deeper into the swampy mud, as mozzies and midges did their annoying dance around his skin.But he couldn’t move until Romy said so.
‘Is that the spot?’
Romy, positioned behind the tree, reviewed the footage on her new tablet.‘A little to your left.’
Stone repositioned the tiny camera a little further at the base of the tree trunk, then stepped back for Romy to play director, aiming for that clear shot.‘I can’t believe I’m doing this.’
‘You volunteered.’
‘Only because I love you, and I don’t trust any other cowboy with a helicopter to do this.’
Romy smiled, and it was the sweetest smile that always made him bend to her needs.Yeah, he was a sucker in love and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Stone spotted small bubbles popping on the water’s surface—a dead giveaway.‘Get back, Romy.’
‘But—’
‘You know the rules.’
Roomy scooped up her other camera, that was sitting on a tripod, recording their movements.Stone hoisted the heavy pack, filled with more camera equipment, over his shoulder.Catching up to her, he gathered up her fingers to hold her hand.He never tired of holding her hand, in a relationship that was so effortless but incredibly rewarding.
They both agreed—and promised to Romy’s parents—that there would be no more daredevil tactics, especially when it came to dealing with crocodiles.If one of them was uncomfortable in a situation, they’d regroup and tackle it from a different angle.It just wasn’t worth risking their lives for a few minutes of footage, not when they had so much to live for together.
But at least Romy was getting more involved now.Chook had practically adopted her when they’d worked on his houseboat to make it safe.Where The Vegan promised to visit Chook regularly.Even if they were an odd couple, Stone knew they’d become good friends.
As for the Rowntrees, they sold Saltscale to their neighbours, to extend their operations.
Both Lenora and Celeste pleaded guilty to their charges, with Doug the security guard giving Celeste a glowing reference, holding no malice to the woman who’d given him an asthma attack.Thankfully both women escaped jail time based on their cooperation with the police and their clean records.
