She narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips before nodding. “Deal.”
It was nice he was taking the younger girl seriously.
Sam lifted his gaze and scanned the room, looking straight at Penelope. “Hey, good to see you again.”
Her cheeks heated, and she nodded. “Sam.”
“Let’s eat,” Amy said, and she gave Sam a hug before dishing up an amazing smelling curry.
They took their seats and conversation revolved around the station work and Lara’s school day.
“Natasha and I did our project today,” Lara announced. “Matt’s idea to do horse-riding was genius,” she continued. “We had so many photos and it was a hit.”
“So, are you two friends now?” Darcy asked.
Lara screwed up her nose. “She’s all right, but I wouldn’t invite her for a sleepover.”
Penelope swallowed her smile. She remembered primary school hierarchies.
“What did Jordan do his project on?” Georgie asked.
Lara went bright red and glared at Georgie. “Football,” she answered and then stuffed curry in her mouth to stop further questions.
“I was thinking of inviting the pony club kids out for a ride and camp out during the school holidays,” Faith said.
Lara grinned. “That would be epic!”
Darcy gathered the dirty dishes and Sam asked Lara, “Are you still reading the same book?”
Lara nodded. “You want to read it to me?”
“Absolutely. You need to fill me in on what I missed.”
Darcy chuckled. “Why don’t you two do that while we clean up?”
“Thanks, Dad,” Lara said and grabbed Sam’s hand, dragging him out of the room.
“He always got out of cleaning,” Brandon grumbled. “It’s a gift.”
Penelope smiled at the easy banter. It wasn’t something she was used to. She’d rarely made it home in time to have dinner with Gerard.
Foolish to regret it now.
Amy placed mugs on the table and filled a teapot with boiling water. “Coffee or tea, Penelope?”
“Coffee, please.” It was the one habit she’d yet to kick. Coffee had been her lifeline through many a late night’s work and never disturbed her sleep.
By the time drinks were ready and the kitchen was clean, Sam hadn’t returned. “He got sucked into the story last time,” Brandon said. “If I don’t get him, he’ll read the entire book to Lara.”
“No wonder she wanted him to read to her,” Darcy said. “We have a one chapter rule most nights.”
Brandon went to fetch his friend and Penelope settled next to Georgie. When Georgie had told her two couples were living in the homestead, she’d thought it would be crowded and uncomfortable, but this house was built to be filled with people. The large wooden kitchen table had to seat at least ten comfortably and everyone did their bit to help.
Sam walked back in. “I have to get a copy of the book,” he said. “It’s riveting.”
“Is it a kid’s book?” Penelope asked.
“Fantasy. Lara’s big into reading.”
