The Wildwood Sisters (39 page)

His reserve broke, and he sobbed from his heart and soul, for the life Shelley had lost, the two lives he could have lost, and for the pain and torture they had been through. ‘I'm so sorry I wasn't there to protect you both.'

With her eyes still closed, a wisp of a smile tugged at Annie's lips. ‘You saved us, Daddy. You're my hero.'

Renee shook her head, capturing his eyes with hers, tears pouring down her cheeks. ‘You
were
there to protect us, Dylan. If it wasn't for you, I don't think we would have survived the night.'

Voices were heard in the shed above, and then heavy footsteps clambered down the stairs behind them. ‘They're down here.' Two paramedics ran towards Dylan, Renee and Annie as blue uniforms filled the room, and close behind them all was Stanley.

On seeing Renee huddled in Dylan's arms, Stanley ran to them and fell to his knees, sobbing as he took Renee into his arms. ‘Oh Missy-Moo, thank God you're okay. I love you.'

Renee hugged him even tighter. ‘I love you too, Pa.'

Dylan looked past Stanley to where Craig Campbell lay dead on the floor, relieved that nobody had to fear his evil ever again. Nothing could bring back Scarlet or Shelley, but at least Renee and Annie would be able to live out the rest of their lives without forever looking over their shoulders—which Renee had done for long enough. Looking from Annie to Renee, Dylan felt his heart reach out for the two of them. They were his world, his everything, and he was going to do his damn best to never let anyone hurt either of them ever again.

Twelve months and one week later…

It was exactly a year to the day that Scarlet had been laid to rest, although it still only felt like yesterday that the Opals Ridge Catholic church had been overflowing with mourners—most of the town there to pay their respects to a young woman who was taken well before her time. Louise had also attended, the poor woman hiding beneath her black veil, and having to be carried from the church when she had collapsed. Finding out that her ex-husband had been a murderer had taken a massive toll on her. How unfair it was that Craig didn't have to repent his sins, leaving his family to feel as though they had to do it for him.

Standing at the now lawn-covered grave, Renee wiped the tears from her cheeks. Pa and Nan stood beside her, Pearl equally as emotional as she was. Stanley's face was solemn, his emotions in check on the outside, although Renee knew he suffered in silence while trying to remain outwardly strong. Forever the rock of the family, he liked them to believe. He and Dylan were so alike in so many ways, which was probably another reason she loved him as much as she did.

Without the two of them to hold her up through her darkest of days, she didn't know how she would have made it through. Between the horrific ordeal Craig had put her and Annie through, and the aftermath—coming to terms with the knowledge that Scarlet and Shelley had been taken from them by such an animal—it had been an extremely tough year for them all. But by loving each other through it, they'd survived, and had also found many things to be grateful for along the way, including the fact the sale of her apartment had saved Ironbark Plains from the grips of the bank, giving Dylan back the freedom to work day in, day out on their now-lucrative property. She still hadn't had the heart to sell Fay's cottage in Hawksburn—all in good time.

After placing the sunflowers she was carrying into the vase—Scarlet's favourites—Renee's hands fluttered to the split heart pendant around her neck. The other half was now buried with Scarlet's remains that had been discovered exactly where Craig had said they were, on Dylan's property. No longer did Renee or Pearl catch the scent of frankincense within the homestead, but neither of them begrudged the fact, the knowledge that Scarlet was now at peace meaning everything to them. Placing a kiss to her fingertips, Renee then pressed it against the headstone. ‘I love you, sis.' Turning, the three of them embraced. A family, with so much loss and heartache to deal with, but with so much to also look forward to.

Sitting on the cowskin rug in the middle of the lounge room, Renee folded the last corner of the gold wrapping paper, smiling as Annie passed her another piece of sticky tape. ‘Thanks, sweetheart. Do you want to put the pretty pink bow on top now?'

Annie clapped her hands, her eyes wide with excitement. ‘Oh, yes please!'

Renee pushed the box towards her, avoiding Kat and Bossy in the process—the two of them snuggled up together beside her as they slept. Kat had taken a shine to the Great Dane from the get-go, and when Bossy was in the cottage the two were inseparable. ‘Do you think Uncle Ralph and Aunty Tia are going to like what we've picked for their housewarming?'

‘I reckon they will. How can anyone not love an ice-cream maker?'

Renee nodded and gave her the thumbs up. ‘Too right, Annie, ice-cream is the best! It was a good choice of yours, sweetheart.'

Dylan admired his two girls from the lounge chair, balancing his plate on his lap as he forked another mouthful of his lunch in. ‘This is the yummiest caesar salad I've ever tasted,' he mumbled between pleasurable groans. ‘I'm one lucky man, I tell ya.'

‘Renee is the bestest cook ever!' Annie said, busying herself with positioning the bow in exactly the right spot.

‘She sure is,' Dylan replied, smiling at Renee in the most loving of ways as he did.

‘Thanks guys. The secret is the salad dressing I made with the fresh eggs Annie collected from our chooks this morning.' Renee struggled to get up from the floor, her aching back and generously curved stomach making it a challenge. She edged around onto her hands and knees, thinking that might be easier, but instead she felt like a beached whale. Rolling onto her back, she giggled. ‘Oh Lord, talk about being absolutely useless at the moment.'

Dylan jumped to her aid, making sure she didn't strain herself as he grabbed both her hands and slowly helped her to her feet. ‘You got to stop sitting on the floor, beautiful, otherwise you might just find yourself stuck down there one day if one of us isn't around to help you up.'

‘I know, I know. I got stuck in the darn recliner chair the other day, too. It took me a good part of ten minutes just to get the leg rest down.'

Now that she was on her feet, Dylan pulled Renee in as close as he could, laying a quick kiss on her lips as his hands went lovingly to her belly. ‘Not long now until we meet our new addition to the family. I wonder if my guess is right about it being a boy?'

Renee placed her hands over Dylan's. ‘We'll soon find out, only six weeks to go.'

‘No way, Daddy,' Annie said from the floor. ‘I keep telling you it's going to be a girl, I just know it.'

‘I reckon that might just be wishful thinking, Annie,' Dylan said, laughing.

‘Whatever, Daddy, I know I'm right,' Annie said, jumping up. She smiled from ear to ear. ‘I'm going to get dressed for the party, I can't wait to see everyone.'

Racing off down the hall, Annie's footsteps faded into her bedroom.

Renee wrapped her arms around Dylan's shoulders, her eyes capturing his. ‘I love you so much, Dylan, more and more every single day. I can't wait to be Mrs Anderson next year.'

Dylan smiled from his heart. ‘And I love you, my beautiful fiancée. I'm going to keep on loving you for the rest of my life, and into the next.'

A grateful group hug to my wonderful team at Harlequin headquarters—my publisher Sue Brockhoff, my editors Annabel Blay and Lachlan Jobbins, and the rest of the extremely devoted team who've enthusiastically helped make
The Wildwood Sisters
the very best it can be. I honestly can't thank you all enough. The faith you've shown in my work, and the inspiration you've given me with your suggestions and guidance have been immeasurable. I feel so very blessed to be a part of such a devoted, caring and tremendously talented bunch of people.

To my best friend, soulmate and spunky hunk of a hubby, Clancy. Thank you for always believing in me, loving me with all you have and filling my life with so much positivity. I love that we can create storylines together, dream together, laugh together and live our every day together. You're the reason I believe in true soul-deep love, and the way you love me inspires my written word. I look forward to every single second I spend with you. Love you more and more every day, beautiful.

To my gorgeous little girl Chloe Rose. You're the most beautiful soul, with a spirit that makes all around you smile, and a heart bigger than the ocean. To see the world through your innocent eyes is a blessing. I'm so very proud to see your love of reading and how you like to sit and write stories that melt my heart. You mean everything to me sweetheart, and I love you a million bazillion gazillion.

To my dedicated dad John. You're such a kind, caring, wise and loving soul. I'm so very lucky to have a father like you and Chloe is equally blessed to have such a loving grandad (who spoils her rotten!). Thank you for always being there for me—be it to give me a much-needed hug, some fatherly advice or just to share special moments with. Love you.

To my step-dad Trevor. We've shared so many happy times, and you've also been there to help me through the rough times too. Your positive outlook on life has taught me to believe in myself and to approach each day with an open heart and mind. Thank you for being the best step-dad ever! Love you.

Wayne and Pam, I thank my lucky stars for having such kind and thoughtful in-laws. And you're wonderful grandparents too. Thank you, Pam, for always being more than happy to read through my manuscripts and give me a constructive critique. I feel very blessed to have you both in my life.

To Taylor, thank you for being the best stepsister anyone could wish for—Chloe adores you, and so do I. You're a beautiful soul, inside and out.

To my beautiful crazy-in-a-good-way mates, Tia, Kirsty and Fi, I'm one very lucky chickie to have girlfriends like you! You make me laugh until my sides ache, are always there to wipe my tears, even if it's from afar, and give me a gentle shove in the right direction when I'm feeling a little lost in life and also with my writing. I couldn't imagine my life without you all in it. Love yas!

To my sisters Mia, Karla, Rochelle and Hayley, what a wonderful bunch you are! Each of you has a uniqueness I love and I feel so very blessed to have you all in my life. And you rock as aunties too! Love you all with all my heart.

To my beautiful Aunty Kulsoom, thank you for loving me for who I am and for always being extra keen to help edit my books—your teacher's eye is invaluable. Love you heaps.

To my newfound New South Wales mates, Kristie, Kelly, Rowie and Kristen, thank you for welcoming Chloe and me into the Grenfell community with open arms. It means the world that I have friends like you nearby.

To my author buddy Rachael Johns, thank you for always being there to answer my many questions, and to just have an authorly chinwag with. I really appreciate it. You're honestly just the loveliest!

And last, but certainly not least, a massive squeezy hug to YOU, the reader. Without you my dream of writing wouldn't be my reality. I'm honoured and humbled that you've chosen to pick up my book to discover the story within…it truly means the world to me. I'm passionate about this great big beautiful country down under and I hope my storytelling takes you to the very heart and soul of country life, and of course, true love.

Until my next book keep smiling and dreaming,

Country cheers,

Mandy

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