Page 24 of Andrew’s Outback Love

“Well, this was totally unexpected and I don’t have a speech. Please bear with me. I’ll probably be in jail next week for strangling my team so watch out for the headlines. I can’t believe they kept this from me.”

Everyone in the room laughed.

“Seriously though, I appreciate this award more than you can know. The two hundred thousand dollars in prize money will go to the RFDS to help them to continue the vital service they provide. Without their support, I couldn’t do what I do. They fly us into the outback, pay for my team’s accommodation and fly us back out again. James and Finn are our pilots and I’d like to publicly thank them for all they do.”

I looked over to the table where James and Finn were seated and nodded.

“I’d also like to thank Viv and Gary from Barrawon Station, along with their staff. They gave up two rooms in their home to provide a consulting space and operating space. They provide us with meals and their staff drive us into Bourke once we’re done. Thanks to their generosity and funding from various sources, a dedicated clinic is being built on their land and Dr. Barry Bright will be conducting a medical clinic from it one day per week. He will also continue post-op follow-ups for me. Barry’s help is invaluable in my work and I thank him for making what I do possible.”

I paused while everyone clapped.

“Marge and Rex from Tarara Station give us the same support as Viv and Gary but we already have a dedicated building at their property so we don’t have to invade their home. They also provide our meals and accommodation and we are extremely grateful. While Barrawon lies around three hours south east of Bourke, Tarara lies almost four hours north east. Both are beautiful properties which have the Darling River on their back boundaries.”

The gathering clapped again.

“I would also like to thank the owners and management of the Major Mitchell Motel in Bourke where we all stay with the exception of one of my nurses. She lives in Bourke and works with Barry between clinics.”

I sucked in a deep breath.

“My team – how do I put into words the way I feel about them? First, Dr. Cameron O’Brien, my anesthetist. His caring manner with both children and adults puts them at ease and without him, my job would be a lot tougher. We have been known to butt heads on occasion but I regard him as a very good friend. Like Cam, Nurse Allison Sykes, who couldn’t be here due to a medical emergency with her pregnancy has been with me from the beginning. Her knowledge and skill as a nurse has been invaluable to both me and our patients. She has now left to concentrate on her pregnancy and her position has been filled by Nurse Linda Freemont. Linda is also a very capable and knowledgeable nurse who is with the RFDS and was originally at the Broken Hill base. We had the pleasure of working with her the week before last and I look forward to getting to know her better.”

I paused and locked my eyes on Ruby.

“Please stand, Ruby.”

Ruby glared at me and I laughed. I knew she would have been the main instigator in keeping all this from me. She did as I asked and stood with the spotlight surrounding her. She looked like the angel I knew her to be.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I know I have gone on for a while but I would like you to know about this extremely special lady who came into our lives about ten months ago. Ruby was dumped as a baby because her mother and father didn’t want the responsibility of raising her. She was raised in a remote settlement by her aunt and uncle. Regardless of the harsh circumstances, this woman attended school and managed to secure a scholarship to Sydney University where she studied Nursing.”

I paused while the audience clapped.

“A degree wasn’t good enough for our Ruby. She actually continued on to obtain her Masters and a Doctorate before walking into the RFDS in Dubbo one day and demanding a job because she wanted to help her people. I happened to be there and hired her on the spot. Thanks to this amazing woman, I have reached so many more of the indigenous community than I ever could have on my own. She persuades them to place their trust in me and word is certainly spreading. Thanks to Ruby, many of her people now have their sight back.”

There was thunderous applause when I stopped.

“In conclusion, I dedicate this award to everyone involved and thank them all from the bottom of my heart. I couldn’t do my work without them. And, yes, had I known, I probably would have skipped town. I am very pleased that I’m here however, to give my team the recognition and thanks they deserve. Thank you.”

I stepped away from the dais and shook Dr. Peterson’s hand again as everyone clapped. As I headed to my team’s table, I shook hands with those who wanted to congratulate me. When I arrived at the table, Ruby gave me a hug that almost knocked the wind from me and kissed my cheek. When she finally released me, I shook hands with the other men and received kisses from both Marge and Viv. I placed the trophy on the table and the older ladies immediately set about examining it while I rounded the table to where Linda stood back quietly.

My tongue almost fell from my mouth. It was the first time I’d been able to see her clearly and the word stunning didn’t do justice to how she looked. The scarlet off the shoulder gown she wore hugged her in all the right places and had a split up one leg to the top of her thigh. A delicate chain circled her throat and what appeared to be a single diamond rested in her décolletage. Her hair hung in soft waves, framing her face and small diamond earrings decorated her ear lobes. She was wearing strappy high heels which brought her almost to my eye level.

“Congratulations, Drew.”

“Thank you.”

I pulled her into my arms and kissed her senseless. I didn’t give a fuck who might be watching.

“Where are you staying?” I asked.

“We’re all in the same hotel as you.”

“I know you said you wanted slow, but fuck Linda, I’ve missed you like crazy and I want you to be mine.”

“I’ll plan on spending the night in your room. I have no idea what is going on, Drew, but I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything.”

My lips crashed against hers and my tongue found its way into her mouth without effort. Considering I hadn’t wanted to attend this gala, it was turning into the best night of my life. I couldn’t wait to get to the hotel and take this woman into my arms. To explore her body and taste every part of her.

CHAPTER ELEVEN