The Cattleman's Special Delivery. Barbara Hannay

‘That’s a very poetic comment. Not quite what I expected from a cattleman. But it’s true. She’s pink and a little bit crumpled still, and sort of folded like rose petals.’

      He smiled and shook his head at her and their gazes linked for a shade too long. He had the loveliest dark chocolate eyes, and Jess thought, momentarily, If only … And then she was ashamed of herself.

      Perhaps Reece noticed. He moved to the door. ‘I’ll say goodnight.’

      ‘Goodnight, and thanks again. For everything.’

      ‘If you need me, call. I won’t be far away and I’m a light sleeper.’

      Jess felt strangely alone after he’d left. Outside the rain had slowed to a fine, dripping drizzle. She finished her tea, set the mug aside and settled down in the bed. Her body was exhausted. She really should try to get some sleep before Rosie woke again.

      She closed her eyes. The house was very quiet and outside there was just a background whisper of rain. She hoped Alan was safely in an ambulance, speeding to a hospital. She had no idea where the nearest hospital might be. She wondered if he would need to be airlifted to the coast … and she wondered when she would be able to tell him about Rosie …

      Perhaps she drifted off to sleep, but she roused quickly when she heard the swish of tyres in puddles, and then a vehicle pulling up outside. Footsteps and voices. Men speaking quietly and at some length.

      Jess wondered if it was the police, or an ambulance. Had they come for her? She sat up and switched on a bedside lamp and, of course, she checked on Rosie, pressing her hand gently to the baby’s back to make sure she was still warm and breathing. Rosie wriggled and made a snuffling protest.

      ‘Sorry,’ Jess whispered. ‘Didn’t mean to disturb you.’

      Footsteps approached from down the hallway. A soft tap sounded on her door.

      ‘Come in,’ she called.

      Reece appeared, wearing an unbuttoned shirt that hung loose over his jeans, giving a hint of his broad chest with a smattering of dark hair, and a finely tapered waist. ‘Sergeant Bryant is here, Jess. He apologises for the late hour, but he’d like to speak to you.’

      She was suddenly scared and she felt a little sick as the policeman stepped into the room. He didn’t look threatening, however. He was middle-aged, balding and thickset and his expression was one of almost fatherly concern.

      ‘Good evening, Mrs Cassidy.’

      ‘Hello, Sergeant.’

      He nodded towards the cot and smiled. ‘I believe congratulations are in order.’

      ‘Thank you.’

      He stepped closer. ‘She’s a little sweetie, isn’t she? It’s been a big night for you.’

      ‘It has rather.’ Jess swallowed a nervous lump in her throat. ‘Have—have you seen my husband?’

      Sergeant Bryant dropped his gaze and cleared his throat and in that moment Jess knew, even before he spoke.

      ‘I’m so sorry,’ he said.

      ‘He’s d-dead?’

      ‘I’m afraid he is.’

      At some primitive level, she had probably known all along, but until now she’d never allowed herself to think it was actually possible. But faced with the horrible truth, Jess felt strangely numb. She’d run the full gamut of her emotions tonight and it was almost as if there was nothing left to feel right at this moment …

      She couldn’t even squeeze out a tear, but she knew the grief would come … later …

      ‘At some stage I’ll need to talk to you about the accident,’ the sergeant said. ‘But I won’t bother you tonight.’

      She nodded.

      ‘The rain’s almost stopped, so I’m hoping that the ambulance will be able to get through in another few hours,’ he went on. ‘It will bring you back to Dirranbilla. You’ll be able to see a doctor. And then we can talk.’

      He looked into the cot again and his face creased in a soft smile and then he left her.

      Jess lay dazed, unable to focus on anything except the news that in another few hours … she would be leaving. She would be starting a new life.

      How strange … For a short space of time this simply furnished room had been a little sanctuary for her and for Rosie … a safe haven from the wild night … and from the real world where all her savings were lost and accidents happened and husbands died …

      Reece had been so kind. He’d delivered Rosie so beautifully. But in another few hours …

      She would be gone … and the cruel irony was, she would be a single mum, after all.