Page 12 of Andrew’s Outback Love

“They certainly are. Some of them have dealt with poor vision for so long, they don’t allow it to limit them. The most rewarding part of this work is watching these kids when they see clearly for the first time in their lives. Even the older patients, who think losing their sight as they get older is normal have a new lease on life after being treated,” Ruby said.

I finished up my notes while Ruby showed Linda where everything belonged as they packed up the room. It had been a busy clinic and five patients had been added to the surgery list for tomorrow afternoon. Theatre was reserved at the hospital for one afternoon every fortnight. It was always the second day we were in town so I could schedule those I saw in the clinic.

My phone vibrated on the desk and I saw the incoming call was from Gary. Excitement pinged off my nerves.

“Gary.”

I listened while he told me I was welcome to check out Bagaay Downs in the next couple of hours. I glanced at my watch to find it was just after 4pm. I had a couple of hours of light left, enough time to take a good look around at the property.

“Can you let Joe know I’ll be there in the next thirty minutes?”

Gary agreed to contact Joe on my behalf. I disconnected the call and turned to face the ladies with a grin so wide, I felt my lips being stretched.

“That was Gary, I can take a look at the property I want to buy. Would you both like to come with me?”

“Love to,” the ladies said in unison.

“I’ll just go and ask Barry if I can borrow his four-wheel drive.”

“We’ll be finished up here in a moment so we’ll meet you out front,” Ruby said.

I closed the file I’d been working on and filed it in a drawer which Barry had allocated so he’d have access to both read and make notes when he was doing the follow ups for me. I stood, shoved my phone into the pocket of my shirt and headed to find the doctor. He’d already agreed to loan me his car.

Moments later, keys in hand, I stepped through the front door and onto the street where the ladies were deep in conversation. Ruby was pointing so I figured she was familiarising Linda with town.

“Ready?” I asked as I approached.

“You don’t think they’ll mind if we come?” Linda asked dubiously as we climbed into the car.

“Honey, people out here love visitors. Edna will about talk your head off and probably ask a million questions with you being new to town.”

Linda laughed and the musical sound had my cock tightening against the zipper of my jeans. I turned the key and started the motor in the hopes it would take my mind off my burgeoning hard-on.

Ruby pointed out different stores and the post office as I took it slow through town. A little way after turning onto the highway, I pointed out the Bourke Outback Centre and gave Linda a run-down on what was to be found inside. I’d visited a couple of times when I’d had a couple of hours to spare and had found the history fascinating.

“I’ll make a point to visit, but you know I have a boss who’s very demanding on my time.”

“Yeah, but he’s cute and very nice,” Ruby added to Linda’s comment.

“Oh, I agree,” Linda said.

The ladies cracked up in laughter while I felt the heat scald my cheeks. No....I wasn’t blushing. I was embarrassed to have them calling me cute and nice. I mean, what man wants to be referred to that way. Sexy. Well-built. Well put together. Droolworthy. They’re the words a man wants to hear. Maybe not droolworthy so much but you get the picture.

Their laughter quieted when I turned onto a gravel road and headed east. I glanced in the rear vision mirror to see a large cloud of dust being left in our wake and made a note to self – don’t bother washing the car. The road led towards the river and the bush became thicker as we came closer to the property. A few moments later, the road swung to the left and circled in front of what was obviously a late nineteenth century home.

It was even more stunning than I remembered from the pictures I’d seen. I pulled to a stop in front of the entry doors, switched off the motor and climbed from the car. I stood mesmerised by the building and barely noticed my colleagues had come to stand on either side of me.

“It’s gorgeous and the gardens are to die for.” Linda spoke quietly, the note of awe once again evident in her voice.

I nodded and studied the building closely. It was obvious renovations had been done but the character of the old stone building had been respected. The original slate roof had been updated and looked in good repair. Thick timber support beams held up the massive verandah which wrapped around the home on at least the three sides I could see. I could picture myself relaxing out the front in a comfy chair, beer in hand, watching the spectacular pinks and oranges of a sunset before billions of stars shone overhead.

The fragrant gardens were structured and well-maintained. I didn’t know the first thing about gardens and plants so a professional gardener would have to be hired. There was no way I could allow them to fall into ruin.

The windows were highlighted with leadlight and stained glass and the double entry doors looked to be of highly polished, probably solid wood. Joe, who I’d met a couple of times in town, limped through the doors with a welcoming smile on his face. He descended the steps cautiously, thanks to his bad hip, with his hand outstretched. It wasn’t me he had his eyes on as we shook. As soon as I released his hand, he moved to give Ruby a quick peck on the cheek and tell her he was pleased to see her again. Then, he stepped up close to Linda, gathered her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed the back of it.

“Who is this stunning creature, I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing before?”

Linda laughed as she retrieved her hand from Joe’s hold.