Page 104 of The Ironbark Promise
‘Far enough,’ Hamish said heavily. ‘There’s a fine line between independence and loneliness. And I think I’ve been balanced on it for a while, now. Jem, we’re the most mismatched couple out, but I’m falling in love with you. The thing is, I’m not willing to be anyone’s handbag—’
‘You’re right,’ she interrupted. ‘So incompatible.’ She shook her head mournfully. ‘You’re weird, and artistic and irritatingly impetuous. You are so completely, irrefutably wrong that you’re actually … perfect.’
There was relief in his kiss, but then Hamish stood to pace the room. ‘Look, I can maybe move the workshop to the city and spend more time there. The farm’s another matter, though. I can’t cut and run from that. I made Lachlan promises.’
‘And there’s another thing I like about you: integrity. You keep me grounded and I’m going to need that.’
‘Going to, as though you don’t already?’ he teased, although the tension in his rigid stance and clenched fists betrayed the effort behind his levity.
‘I’ve heard country folk don’t take too well to flashiness in their lawyers.’
Hamish froze. ‘But you’ve walked out on Gerard’s rural expansion?’
‘And he’s not going to attempt it without me, so I just defeated my competition—no evidence submitted, no objections raised.’
‘Competition … you mean … here?’
The final word sounded strangled and though he was across the room, near the fire, she could sense Hamishholding his breath. Jemma nodded. ‘An ironclad promise that behind the ironbark tree in Settlers Bridge you will find the best regional legal representation available in the state. In fact, I’ll be looking for someone to draw me up a logo incorporating those themes. Know of anyone with the creative genius required to convey my potential?’
Hamish’s rich chuckle filled the room. ‘So modest.’
‘Realistic. And that’s what I mean about the travel time—I’ll rent the cottage next to Dad’s on the river. It’s only a few minutes into Settlers Bridge.’
Hamish moved back to the lounge and pulled her to her feet, holding her arms so he could look directly into her face. ‘Jem, this is huge. But … fast. Have you thought it through?’
‘Seriously, you’re askingmethat?’ she said, only partially joking. ‘It’s time I took a chance. Besides, any intelligent person can make a rapid, educated decision.’
‘Love how you immediately negate the risk factor in taking thatchance,’ he murmured, still grinning.
‘I told you months ago, I always know exactly what I want. And it’s you. Even though it’s crazy and awkward and totally messed up that we don’t get to choose who we fall in love with.’
‘We don’t?’
‘No. The whole concept is too big for that.’ She frowned, bewildered by the notion of a force greater than her own determination. Her love for Hamish defied logic—unimaginable, inexplicable, but real. A driving, motivating force. She leaned into him, her fingers tracing the strong contours of his face. ‘But, for once in my life, I’m just along for the ride.’
‘With me?’
‘With you,’ Jemma replied unequivocally.
‘Partners,’ Hamish murmured.
Her chuckle held a note of sadness—but not regret—an echo of opportunities lost, softened by the promise of those still to come.
‘The only kind that really matter.’
