She could see Tibby walking around down by the shed and headed down to see him. He looked up when she called his name.
"Morning. Don't say anything until I've finished if you don't mind."
He looked at her, a frown on his face and nodded.
"Right, I've thought about this. I know it's too late to stop what happened but I have to try and make things right. I'm going into town to see Rupert." She held up her hand when Tibby tried to speak.
"Yes he's a prick and I can't stand the man but he was right. If I hadn't been so frigging stubborn this wouldn't have happened. I'm giving Mason a five year lease for free and another five if he wants it. His father can draw up the damned papers, hopefully it will appease his prissy attitude. Then you and I are going to see James about getting the posts in for them so it's done before his bloody sticks arrive." She shrugged her shoulders and smiled at him, fighting the tears that threatened. "What else can I do Tibby? I have to help."
"Oh, girl." He stepped up and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and the tears flowed. After a couple of rough pats on the back, he pushed her back. "I never said you were responsible, you misunderstood me. What I said was there had to be a better way to deal with this and you were too bloody stubborn to do it, digging your toes in the way you do. Just like the old man, I don't know why I'm surprised."
She spat out a laugh and wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt. "Not sure if that's a compliment or not, Tibby."
"Whatever you want it to be. Look, Sami, you have a heart of gold, I know that. You do what you want with your land but I'm with you on doing the posts for Mason. It's what he would do for you."
"Thanks. Hopefully he will forgive me so we can at least act like neighbours."
"I think he has more than being friends in mind lass."
"Nah. He has a girlfriend, remember? I'll be happy if we don’t fight and Garth is thrilled with the job they offered him. I can't deny him that."
"Too true. The boy was looking forward to the job. I'm guessing Mason will be in hospital for a while too. Even when he gets home he won't be able to anything much. At least this will be one thing less for him to worry about."
"Yeah, that's what I was thinking."
"Oh well, let's have a coffee before you go and see the slimy solicitor then, shall we? You might want to fill Garth in too; he’s worried about what is going to happen."
They turned to the house where the smell of coffee came wafting out of the door.
Chapter 21
Sami stood in the reception room of the solicitor’s office and listened to the tirade from Mason’s father.
"What do you want? I think you've caused enough trouble for my family, Miss Darling. I would appreciate it if you would leave." Rupert walked to the door and held it open waiting for her to walk out.
Sami shook her head and counted to ten under her breath. "I don't think so, Mr Newland. I can say what I want here in front of your receptionist or in the privacy of your office, your call." A nervous cough came from the lady sitting at the front desk. "I've already told you I don't care who hears what we have to say to each other. After all, I have no standing in this town being a ring in from the outback, do I?"
Rupert pursed his lips and scowled at her. He shut the door and walked past her down the hall way to his office.
"Gee, I guess it means you want me to follow you then?" She walked leisurely down after him, taking her time. Sami took a seat in front of his desk and lifted her foot to rest over her knee.
"I'm only here because you know the farm and I don't know any other solicitors in town. The less people involved in this the better." Sami glared at the man she was sitting opposite. It had seemed easier all round to go back to him even though he annoyed the hell out of her with his incessant request for her to sell. "I, in no way take responsibility for what happened to Mason. It was his choice to go ahead with his plans. But," she swallowed, "I feel bad because he is a neighbour and nothing more. I think it is time for us to make peace."
"Of course, I understand, Miss Darling. Now what was it exactly you wanted to do?" Rupert Newland sat with his hands clasped together on the desk in front of him, smirking as thought he had won the fight for her land at last and waited for his instructions.
"I want to lease five acres to your son to plant his grapes. Five years plus another five years if he wants it."
"I see." He swallowed and looked at her from hooded eyes. "Wouldn't it be easier to sell him the land? He will pay you well for it and I'm sure the money won't go astray. I think it would be the best possible thing to do after what has happened, don't you?"
"You need to get it through your head I'm not interested in selling. Not now, not in the foreseeable future. Can you do up the papers or should I go looking for another solicitor who won't argue the damned point every time we come face to face?"
A tight smile crossed over his face and he nodded at her. "That won't be necessary, Miss Darling. Now, how much were you thinking of charging per acre for this term?"
"Nothing. I don't want money from
