“She could have died!” her father yelled. “I can’t risk losing her again.” The pain and fear in his eyes extinguished her anger.
Faith let out a breath. “Yeah, she could have, but the doctors think she’s doing well. Having a babysitter twenty-four seven won’t prevent a second stroke.” She sighed. “Have you even asked Mum what she wants?”
His guilty expression was all the answer she needed.
“Then you two need to talk, while I go for a walk.” She didn’t wait for a response.
Outside, the day promised sunshine and hope. She inhaled deeply, letting the last of her frustration fade. No matter what her parents decided, it was time she figured out what she wanted. She wouldn’t be moving with them even if her father got his way about the café. Her steps took her towards the centre of town. Her decision revolved around whether she wanted to stay here or return to the city.
“Morning, Faith!” Gretchen’s son, Jordan waved at her as he zoomed by on his bike on his way to school.
She grinned and waved back. “Morning!” It wasn’t a difficult choice. The Bay and the Ridge had captured her heart.
Yesterday when everyone had pulled together to help move those bales, she’d seen the community in action. Darcy looked as if he was ready to drop from exhaustion and despair, and yet he kept going, never giving up, even managing a smile and a cheerful word to Lara.
That took incredible strength.
He was always taking care of everyone else, which was why last night she’d wanted to look after him. Her body tingled as she remembered their slow love-making and the way he’d wrapped her in his arms afterwards and held her. This relationship wasn’t about ‘cleaning her pipes’ as her father had so crudely put it. She wanted to explore where they could go, and to do that she needed to stay here.
On her way past the shopping complex, she ducked in and bought a notepad and pen and continued to the bakery where she ordered coffee and a muffin. Then she took her time writing her ideas for work if she stayed in town.
It took an hour to brainstorm options. Her parents had had plenty of time to talk things through. On her way home, she stopped by the real estate agency’s window. A townhouse by the marina would be nice. If she sold her place in Perth for what it was worth, she’d be able to afford it easily enough. There was also a sign in a nearby building declaring it was available to rent. She peered inside. A decent size, though the walls needed painting and the carpet replacing. It would make a good office space.
At her parents’ place all was quiet, and she almost knocked. Instead, she let herself in and found them sitting in the lounge with a cup of tea.
Her mother smiled. “Your father is retiring. We’re selling the business, buying a caravan and travelling around Australia.”
Relief swept through her and Faith grinned. “That’s great.”
Her father nodded, looking quite chuffed by the idea. “I reckon we could become one of those Youtubers who film their trips. Become influencers.”
She stifled a chuckle. “You could.” And he’d probably succeed as well.
He stood. “I’m sorry for what I said to you. I appreciate what you’ve done for your mother and me.” He clasped his hands together and shuffled his feet.
Milly cleared her throat.
He glanced at her and cringed. “And I’m sorry for my comments about you going out to the Ridge. I’m sure Darcy’s treating you right.”
“He is.” But she wasn’t discussing her relationship with him. “When are you putting the business on the market?”
“As soon as I’ve got the paperwork in order. I’ll organise some of my team to take over my shifts and then your mum and I will fly to Perth to buy a caravan.” He headed out of the room. “I’ll check the flights now.”
She had to give him credit, when he decided on something, he worked fast. Maybe that’s where she got it from.
“What will you do now?” her mother asked.
Faith took a deep breath. “I’m staying here. I enjoy running the pony club.”
“The pony club doesn’t pay much.”
She busied her hands making a cup of tea. “I could set up a law practice. I’d need to brush up on a few different areas like wills and estates.”
“Would you have enough business even with the fees lawyers charge?”
Faith didn’t know, but voicing her other idea would give her plans more weight. She sighed. “I was considering setting up a trail riding business,” she admitted. “But the start-up costs will be high and there might not be a market for it. People come up here to swim and snorkel.” Now she’d started, she couldn’t shut up. “Though the Stokes might agree for me to do something out at the Ridge. And I’d have to research all the licences I need and insurance.” Her mother nodded, and Faith asked her the real question bothering her. “Does it sound like something Dad would do?”
Milly burst out laughing. “Darling, is that what’s worrying you?”
