Learning to Love

Chapter 4

Matt pulled into the driveway of Kadence’s home away from home and smiled as he saw Dee come flying down the front porch steps eager to welcome the newcomer.

Kadence stepped out of the ute smiling at Dee’s infectious excitement and found herself engulfed in a welcoming hug like she’d never felt, and Kadence had to stop herself from drowning in it’s comfort. Her family weren’t huggers and while she was usually uncomfortable with public shows of affection, she found herself hoping for more.

“So, first of all let me officially welcome you to your new home,” Dee gestured with a flourish at the beautiful cottage with it’s white picket fence and cream slatted walls. This was the type of house she’d always dreamed about when she was little; warm and welcoming and she felt any of her lingering worry wash away. The sun was slowly setting giving the sky a golden hue and it was just a magical setting, she wished she could take a photo.

“Oh, my goodness, look at that lighting,” Dee exclaimed. “Quick hand me your phone and I’ll get a photo of you at your new home to send to your friends and family.”

Kadence could have hugged the woman right then and there for her consideration but didn’t want to miss the light. She handed Dee her phone and stepped up onto the middle porch step and smiled excitedly at her phone camera pointed at her. Dee took a couple photos from different angles and describing crazy positions making her laugh even more, when she handed the phone to Matt to take a couple snaps of the two of them together.

Kadence squeezed her cheeks, sore from laughter and wondered, how long had it really been since she’d had a good goofy laugh like that. Too long that was for sure. Lately she and Amanda have been a little strained due to Amanda’s pure dislike for Richard, but still managed their own fun in the end, but this was exactly what they needed again. The sooner she could convince Amanda to make the trip down, they stronger their friendship would become, she was sure of It.

*All bring groceries in

With the welcome over, Matt assisted the women to carry the groceries into the cottage and Kadence tried to contain her glee as she walked through the doors and into her very own dream house; with a fire place standing pride of place in the lounge room.

“Well, I’ll head off and leave you to it,” Matt gave a nod of his head with a final look towards Kadence.

“Thank you, so very much for all you help today Matt,” Kadence smiled and placed her hand on his arm. An almighty zap zinged up her arm and she quickly drew it away stunned. Judging by Matt’s face he felt it too. “Sorry.” She said weakly, “Must have been dragging my feet a little too much today.”

Matt just quirked his eyebrow, he’d been watching the fine behind of hers and she was not someone who appeared to ever drag her feet but not having another explanation for the zap, he went with it. “Right, see you around.”

Dee looked between the two of them, a knowing smile creeping onto her lips, “You sure will, she’ll be joining us at the pub tonight, won’t you Kadie?”

Kadence had momentarily forgotten Dee was even there, too busy sucked into the world that was all Matt and quickly broke her eyes away. “Only if you don’t mind the intrusion?”

“Not at all,” Matt gave a hint of a smile, “I’ll see you there.”

“Mike and I will pick up Kadie on the way, so we’ll meet you and Bianca there,” Dearne waved behind her as she led Kadie back into the kitchen and flicked the kettle on.

Kadence noted the second coupling reference about Matt and Bianca, and got the confirmation she needed; hands off, he’s taken and for that matter, so was she. She just needed to remind her libido that.

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Once settled down with their tea and Dearne had given her a run-down of the local busy bodies, they got down to shop talk.

“So, when can I get the key to my room?” Kadence enquired, her excitement building as she mentally selected the rooms theme; The Jungle Book.

Dearne laughed, “I heard you were a bit of a workaholic, but now I’ve heard it with my own ears.”

Kadence scoffed, “Hardly a workaholic. I just like to dress my room and let my creativity flow, so I can engage children in the magic of reading.” Her eyes went dreamily as she pictured monkey’s swinging on vines and tree branches dangling from the roof.

“Well, I just so happen...” Dee started as she fished into her pocket, “to have your very key... right... here.” She announced on a high as she retrieved the precious item from her pocket.

Kadence was itching to get there and begin but wanted to chat to Dee about what their calendar of events for the year would be. Dearne laughed again and Kadence got a feeling she wouldn’t be all too keen on the answer.

“We don’t actually have a calendar of events as such.” Dee stated sadly, “Since we are so far off the beaten track, we can’t easily drive the kids to SeaLife to see the animals and we don’t have a zoo nearby. So, whenever Matt was a calving cow, we put our lesson plan down for the day and head out to the farm to witness and discuss what’s happening, as that information is closer to home for all of the children and they start to begin the concept as most will grow up to take over the family farm.”

“Oh, ok then. That makes sense.” Kadence furrowed her brow. She’d have to come up with a way around that too. Surely there was more they could be doing… then some inspiration hit. “What about a crazy hair day?” She watched as Dearne frowned in contemplation and then smiled her approval of the idea.

“I think that sounds amazing, the kids will love it!” Dee clapped, “We could even have a dress up day, like superheros or something?”

“That’s the spirit, Dee.” Kadence exclaimed excitedly and jumped up to grab her notebook and pen to start taking note of their ideas to develop their own calendar of events. The women got so engrossed in the task the didn’t realise the time until Dee’s phone started ringing and an image of her husband appeard on the screen.

“Whoops, look at the time!” she whispered to Kadence then answered her phone. After a quick conversation with her husband she smiled back at Kadence. “He knows me too well, that man.” And shook her head, “Knew I’d get lost in conversation and forget the time. We better put a pin in this until tomorrow and make a move. Did you need to have a shower or anything first? I’ll pop the rest of the groceries away for you.”

“Oh, no, I couldn’t ask you to do that.” Kadence started but Dee put up her hand.

“Nonsense, you’ll just have to get used to me being around and bossing you because I’m not going anywhere.” Dee said sternly but Kadence could see her the smile slipping through. Kadence guessed she wouldn’t do too well at poker and chuckled to herself.

“Ok, thank you. I feel like I smell a bit after all that driving,”

“well, I didn’t want to say anything,” Dee winked and waved her on. Kadence silently thanked whoever guided her to this beautiful place with this amazing woman.