Chapter 15

Louie really surprises me all the time with his cooking expertise, so he once again kicked us all out and took over.

Everyone arrived at 6.50, also because I reminded them that Landon is a control freak and doesn’t like tardiness. Of course, I play on that all the time though, because I find it fun.

Kylie was her normally friendly self but I could see the calculation in her eyes. Everything she said or asked was a test and Landon was thriving on it. Of course he did! He knew exactly what was happening.

Mia and Nathan just sat back as always, as well as Louie, who just had the biggest smile on his face.

“So when you 2 have kids do you want Kate to stop working?” I nearly spit out my food. How did she go from what he did actually do for a living to this! I should have known!

“Absolutely not unless she wants to! Happy wife, happy life as they say” he looked at me as all the b***d drained from my face.

Wife?! He said wife so casually and then looked at me like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“So you do intend on marrying her?”

“I would have already if she was ready, but she’s not.”

“You have no problems going at her pace?”

“As she reminded me the other day, there are 2 people in this relationship. I can be a… forceful man when I know what I want, but Kate is already well versed at keeping me in line.”

Louie chuckled and nodded “to all of our pleasant surprise”, then put his glass up to me as in to toast me.

That seemed to be exactly what Kylie wanted to hear as she backed off a bit and I was able to skull the rest of my wine to help me get over the wife bit…. Oh and talking about kids!

The rest of the meal went by quite well. Landon had met his match with Kylie and they verbally spared about a few things.

It made me wonder though, would he be better off with someone like her?

We were heading to the formal lounge room to relax and wait for dessert when Kylie said she needed to use the bathroom.

“Is that code word for you wanting a tour?”

“Dah” she rolled her eyes.

I was going to miss her. “Come on then, Mia and Nath want to come as well?”

“Hell yeah”. Mia dragged Nathan over. Landon kissed me on the forehead and continued to the lounge with Louie.

I gave them the grand tour and loved their faces. They were like mine the first time I saw it all.

“And lastly, this is the top floor with our master and a few other bedrooms.”

“Holy f*****g hell!” Mia squealed as she couldn’t help but barge into our room and straight into the walk-in, robe first. “Sorry babe but does he have a brother?”

Nathan just chuckled and shook his head.

“Imagine you finding the walk-in robe” I laughed as I followed her in. “So yes, this is the master, walk in robe and ensuite.”

I love having a cleaner now that cleans the whole house and makes the bed every day! Best perk ever!

“Oh you have Stella McCartney! When did you get Stella McCartney?”

“I have no idea. Landon sneakily had a personal shopper buy me clothes and stock the robe as he knew I wouldn’t do it.”

Kylie took a deep breath and sat on the bed. “Well you’re lucky I approve then.”

“Oh really, and why do you say that?”

“I want someone to be as obsessed with me as he is with you. How long have you known him again?”

“Yeah, one and a half weeks. It does feel longer but then I over think it all and…”

“I can tell you to stop but you won’t, so just tell me and I will hit you over the head if I have to.”

“Well you only have 3 weeks to do it” I laughed at her.

“Well, I have been saving up for a trip, so maybe it has to be to Italy first.”

“Or maybe I might have to talk Landon into flying you all out there in a month, all expenses paid?”

“I knew I loved you for a reason!” Mia called out from the walk in robe. I think she has made camp in there and just wants to touch all my new clothes for the rest of the night.

“Remember not to lose who you are.”

“If I knew who I was most of the time, I would say yes.”

“Oh please, you’re more together than anyone I know. Yes, you doubt yourself all the time, but I hope he can help you with that. Met the parents yet?”

“Yes via zoom and now his Ma texts every day. He is coming to the country tomorrow.”

“It’s footy season isn’t it? Are you taking him?”

“Yes and no. I’m sure I’m going against the Australian gods, but I think seeing my family will be enough. I’ll just have to be un-Australian” I did a bad over the top Aussie accent at the end.

We all laugh as Nathan finally drags Mia out of the Walk in Robe. “Better go back down before she tries for squatters’ rights.”

We slowly descended the stairs as Kylie turned to me. “Just remember to go at your pace, I saw the way he said wife and you nearly fainted.”

“Yeah, he says a few things that make me pale.”

“Men like him know what they want. He will be very loyal and pushy, so you need to stand your ground.”

“Do you think he would ever cheat on me?”

“No way! He would rather cut his right arm off.”

“I worry he is just too good looking and rich for me.”

“Stop being a moron. He knows you’re too good for him not the other way around. Looks and money aren’t everything, you’re a beautiful person inside and you’re kind of ok on the outside.”

“Ah, you say the sweetest things. Am I enough though?” I almost whispered the last part.

She stops me, we are almost at the bottom. “You are more than enough. You are one of the kindest, most beautiful, genuine people I know. You are smart, funny and f*****g gorgeous. I wish you could see what we see. Don’t you dare ever ask that!” she grabs me into a massive hug “Remember I love you and I’m always here. Just a phone call away, no matter what time! OK” she pulls back and looks me in the eyes.

“Same here! Group hug!” Mia calls from behind me as I am suddenly squeezed nearly to death by the 2 of them, Nath just sits back smiling, knowing this was a girl’s moment.

“Oh and we call shot gun to being bridesmaids at your wedding,” Mia whispered to me before bouncing off into the living room all happy with herself. All I could do was shake my head.

My stomach was in my throat and my nerves were shot. We were driving down the long tree-lined dirt road to my family home.

The air is clean and crisp.

The sky is clear and bright.

There wasn’t another house in sight, only crops, trees and farm animals.

I can tell the road has recently been grated as it is smoother than normal and you can see the new rocks on top.

Landon is driving for a change with me in the passenger seat and Louie in the back.

The 2 guard cars drive past the driveway and continue on. I gave them a map of where they could sit and of the whole farm so everyone felt comfortable.

It is a rare day when both Landon and Louie are in jeans, t-shirts and hoodies. They still had their expensive leather shoes on though, which made me laugh as they would end up with at least chook poo or something on the souls.

We pulled up at the big shed next to the house that has the family car, dad’s ute, the buggy and a 4 wheeler in it.

The family home is an old white weatherboard that was built back in the 1920’s. It has 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, no ensuite, a laundry with a toilet built onto the back, so it had an indoor toilet, separate kitchen and dining, to a central living room.

It’s been renovated a couple of times over the years but still has so many of its original charms.

Mum’s little Jack Russel dog named Jack, which is very original I know, and dad’s border collie, Mickey, came running out. Yes, Mickey was named after Micky Mouse thanks to my 5-year-old niece.

I was warned by mum that she had organised a full house. Of course, that made my anxiety worse!

Mum came out of the house trying to act all casual although you could tell she was anything but. Dad sauntered on behind as he does, always relaxed. There was no hurry, he would get there when he gets there.

At least dad was in clean clothes for once, I bet mum berated him to make sure.

“Welcome! Welcome! Landon and Lorenzo, I assume.”

“No, I decided to ditch them and found a couple of other men to bring instead.”

She rolled her eyes at me as Landon and Louie chuckled.

“Mum, Dad, yes, this is Landon my boyfriend”, I motioned to Landon beside me who stepped forward and shook dad’s hand, then kissed mum on both cheeks, making her blush. “And this is Lorenzo or Louie his step-brother”. He stepped forward and did the same.

“It’s lovely to meet you both, please call me Julie and this is Pete. Come on in.”

Landon grabbed my hand and we followed them in the back door. Typical country, I can’t tell you the last time the front door was even opened, let alone used.

We walked in to find Lucy and her current boyfriend Brad in the kitchen. He has surprisingly been around for 6 months, we shamefully had bets that it wouldn’t last 2 months as he is so quiet.

Everyone else was in the living room. Mum took control and introduced everyone, including Cameron, his wife Mandy and their 5 year old Matilda.

“Oh my god, those accents, no wonder you’re moving to Italy! “Lucy whispered in my ear as we sat down at the table. I just laughed because, yeah his accent still made my knees weak.

“So Landon, you’re an Entrepreneur, what does that mean?” Mum was straight in.

Landon chuckled, totally at ease. “It means I own many different businesses and I am always looking at new ideas to branch into. Kate told me this farm has been in the family for 4 generations. That’s amazing for such a young country.”

My dad nodded with pride on his face. “It has taken a lot of work and we nearly lost it during the recession. Now we have bought the neighbouring property to expand our crops and dairy.”

“Oh which one?” I didn’t know that!

“The Lowry’s. Old Max’s boy didn’t want it and he was done. We got it for a good price and he will stay in the house for as long as he wants. We gave him an open lease and put him on the payroll causally cos we all know he will be bored within a day. Settles next week.”

“That’s great!”

“That’s not the best part, Cam?”

I looked at my brother who had a massive smile on his face as he looked at Mandy “We have 2 bits of news. First we helped buy Lowry’s as we are moving back and….”

“I’m pregnant” Mandy half squealed!

“I knew! I knew!” Matilda yelled “I want a sister!”

We all laughed as I got up and went and gave them both a big hug!

Cam had talked about coming back and possibly taking over the farm but we weren’t sure if my cousins were interested as well. This was perfect though. He had his own farm if they did!

Sitting back watching Landon interact with my family made me smile. He really was very charming when he wanted to be. He knew exactly what to say, how to act and how to get in everyone’s favour.

WOW if only they knew! I laughed to myself.

My family gave me lots of little winks and nods of approval which I know Landon saw as he would squeeze my thigh or k**s my hand.

After lunch, Landon and Louie offered to help clean up but were scolded and told not to be silly. This had me cracking up as well, so we took them for a tour of the farm.

The buggy is a 4-seater, so Landon, Louie, Cam and dad got in. I said I would see them later and waited for dad to drive off a bit. Landon watched me with knowing eyes. He always knew when I was up to something.

I quickly got on the 4 wheeler and took off after them.

I loved the freedom you felt on it.

The wind in your hair as you just rod!

I wanted to go and see my Dad’s old horse Sebby. He was 32 now and was enjoying his retirement in style. My old horse Lance, died about 14 years ago, so whenever I came up I used to ride Sebby instead until he became too old.

Once he turned 25, everyone stopped riding him. He now lives happily in the bull paddock. Horses are pack animals, so they always have to have another animal with them.

He loves the bulls and its funny watching him interact with them.

I drove past the boys with a wave and a laugh.

I got to the paddock which was next to the main house where my uncle Ray lives.

Uncle Ray built a big shelter in this paddock for his late horse years ago so it was perfect for Sebby. He spends most of his days in the shelter now, which is always cleaned out and fresh straw put in for him and the bulls to sleep on.

I went to the shed first and made him a bucket of his favourite. Being so old, he doesn’t have any teeth any more, so he’s on a special diet.

I also grabbed a couple of biscuits of fresh hay for the bulls so they would leave us alone.

Sebby came running up to the fence when I rode in, so he was making a fuss by the time I came out with his food and the hay.

“I know! I missed you too cutie”, I had to push him back a bit to open the gate and lock it again. I had thrown the hay further down for the bulls, who didn’t seem to care and just chilled down the other end of the paddock.

I put the bucket down and adjusted his rug while brushing his mane.

I didn’t need to take his rug off and give him a good brush down as Lucy had told me earlier they did it this morning with Matilda’s help.

Sebby was always the best around kids. So gentle, you never have to worry.

He had finished his food and was throwing the bucket around when the men showed up.

“So this is who you dumped us for” Louie mocked a hurt expression as they all came up to the fence.

“Yep! Meet Sebby.”

“Are the bulls dangerous?” Landon looked at me with concern as he looked at the massive bulls behind me.

2 had now wandered up to see what was going on and were munching on the hay I put out.

“Ah, they are just big puppy dogs” dad answered.” That’s Harold and Frank. Frank is nearly blind and just follows Harold around. Harold wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

“Except Lex! When dad first got Lex, who is down the end there, Harold and Lex had a good old go at each other.”

Dad laughed “That’s right! Had to break them up with the tractor. That was all Lex though. He’s always a trouble maker. Walked through the west paddock fence the other day when he noticed I forgot to turn the electric fence on.”

“What kind of horse is he?” Landon asked while still watching the bulls.

“A wonderful mongrel mix breed, a bit of Thoroughbred, a bit of appaloosa and we think a bit of something else.” I scratched behind his ear as he leaned into me.

I grabbed the bucket off the ground and gave Sebby one last cuddle. I didn’t want to freak Landon out any more, even though it was funny.

He pulled me straight in for a hug as soon as I locked the gate and I could feel his muscles finally relax. I heard dad’s chuckle, knowing he was shaking his head at Landon.

“I thought I saw the city chick out here. We were just about to pop over and meet the famous boyfriend.” Here we go!

“Nope! Don’t know what you’re talking about old timer. Lose your marbles again?”

Uncle Ray laughed as he came over and introduced himself with Aunt Janet closely behind him.

We all chatted for a while with the normal questions about what everyone does, where in Italy, what is Italy like.

Surprisingly, then it turned to current Australian market prices for crops, milk and livestock. My hunk of a man had been doing some research! f**k, that’s hot! He wanted to impress my parents! The head of the Italian Mafia wanted to impress my parents!

I just held him close, listening with a goofy smile on my face.

Finally, we decided to head back. Landon was coming with me this time on the bike and Louie was going back with dad and Cam on the buggy.

I could see the look in Landon’s eye, he wanted to drive the bike.

Hell no!

“My farm, my bike, my rules”. I poked out my tongue and got on starting it. He chuckled and got on behind me, making sure he was as close to me as possible.

We drove back and I told him stories on the way back.

We got back just as everyone was about to leave, so decided to go as well.

“So just letting you know, we all approve” Lucy whispered to me as we hugged.

I let out a small laugh. “Good to know. I’ll message you.”

“You will have to give me updates on the baby so I can be back in time for the birth”. I hugged my brother and Mandy.

“And then she can call you at all stupid hours instead of waking me up when she can’t sleep” he rolled his eyes earning a smack on the arm.

Mandy had a lot of insomnia in her first pregnancy until the end. I didn’t know that was a possibility with pregnancy but we all found out from our 1am, 2am, 3am messages it was.

“Italy is a long way away!” mum tried to hold back tears.

“I’ll come and see you before I go. You won’t even notice I’m gone”, she gave me the look. The look every mother gives that means stop talking s**t. It always makes me smile.

“Holy moly! Pretty fancy car you have here” dad whistled from behind me.

I turned to see Louie going into great detail about all its features. I tuned out as I hugged dad from behind.

“Ah, we all knew you would be the one to end up somewhere unexpected” dad joked as he patted my arms that were still around him.

“Well, how is it unexpected if it is expected?”

“Remember to call your mother often and send her messages.”

“Of course dad, I know the family protocol” he shook his head laughing.

“Stay safe missy moo”, he gave me a proper bone-crushing hug.

“You too old man. Remember to keep Cam in line now he’s back. Sucker!”

“Heard that!”

“Supposed to!”

We climbed in the car and took off.

We drove for a couple of kilometres until everyone else’s cars were out of sight and stopped waiting for the guard cars to catch up.

“So doing research to impress the parents?”

Landon’s big cheezy smile was all the answer I needed. “Thank you!”

“Anything for you!” he looked at me and I could see from his eyes he meant it.

I think I am making the right decision. It is still superfast, flash type of fast but it is right if I am to keep this man.

I have no mortgage, no car loan, nothing tying me to here.

Maybe this could work?