I spend so much time at home wrapped up in Constance, things are piling up for me to take care of. We’re out of basic groceries again.

She’s into her next book, so I leave her at home to go into town.

When I drive past the medical centre, I slow.

Shit.

I stockpiled on condoms last time I was in town, and time has passed so fast, I’ve forgotten all about my test results—the ones I don’t have yet.

I pull into the car park and walk into the building. It’s feast or famine in this place. It’s either packed with people or empty.

Thankfully, it’s empty this time.

Doc Paton stands in front of his reception desk.

“I don’t think you’ve ever visited me twice in one year before.” He laughs.

“I’m in town for a few things, and I realised I haven’t had my test results back.”

His mouth falls open. “Let me take a look. Sorry, Corey, we just got a new nurse and she’s still learning the ropes.”

I shrug. “It’s okay. I should have followed up a week ago.”

He walks behind the reception desk and taps on the keyboard. “It’s all clear. The results came back fine.”

“Thanks.”

“Sorry again for the delay.”

“It’s no problem, really.”

“Are you going to see your mum today?”

I sigh. “I popped in, but she’s asleep.”

He nods. “I think that’ll happen a lot more from here on in.”

“She’s not got long, does she?”

He pauses for a moment, and shakes his head. “I’m sorry about that, too. She’s always been a force of nature.”

“Thanks for letting me know. I thought that might be the case, but Dad hates talking about it.”

“I’m sure he does.”

The last time I had no beard, I was about twenty-two, and my girlfriend at the time hated facial hair. When we got to the point where there were more things she hated about me than liked, I grew the beard back and ditched the girlfriend.

Now, I stroll into the town barber like it’s no big deal.

“Trim as usual?” Chris asks.

“Nope. Shave the beard off, and tidy up the hair.”

The expression on his face makes me laugh. He doesn’t need to ask me what the fuck I’m doing out loud.

“I want to tidy up for Adam and Lily’s wedding. I know it’s still a while away, but no time like the present, right?”

Chris laughs. He’s been trimming my beard for the last seven years or so. “If you’re sure.”

“It’ll grow back.”

It takes a while as he cuts it back and then shaves me before giving me a haircut that makes me look more respectable than I have done in a long time.

I thought I might regret this, but I don’t. My life is changing, and I want to change with it.

“Corey?” I look up from paying Chris and grin.

“Rob. Long time, no see.”

“Dude. I can’t even remember the last time I saw your chin.”

“Me either. But it’s all for a good cause. You know Adam’s getting married in a couple of months?”

He nods. “I had heard. Bit early to get ready for that.”

“I also have a lady at home.”

A grin spreads across his face. “Anyone I know?”

“No, actually. I’m sure you’ll meet her at some point.”

He sits in the barber chair. “I’ll look forward to it. Amy’s planning a party soon. You guys should come to it.”

“When?”

“I’m not exactly sure, but I can text you the date.”

I nod. It’d be the perfect opportunity for Constance to meet my friends in a relaxed atmosphere. If she’s not comfortable, we can always make it a quick visit. “Sounds good.”

“You still up for Bruce’s job? Now that you have a new lady at home …” He turns his head. “Does she mind you being away for a whole week?”

Laughing, I shake my head. “I’m sure she thinks I do nothing at the moment. I haven’t been on a job in weeks thanks to our haul at Bruce’s place last time. Done a few day jobs, but nothing at night.”

“Well, he bought more land and expanded his property. This trip might be even more successful than the last.”

I nod. “Sounds good. Anyway, I should get going. I’ve got a few places to stop before I get home. Text me the details of your party.”

“Will do.”

I head out the door and down the road to the bakery. Owen makes these cheese and bacon croissants that are heaven on earth, and I have a sudden craving for one.

He does a double take when I walk in the door.

“Who are you, and what have you done with my brother?” He laughs.

I roll my eyes. “All I did was shave.”

“And the rest,” Mel says. “You scrub up pretty well. Who’s the girl?”

“No one you know.” I grin.

I don’t have to see her to know she’s watching. Those big blue eyes bore through me from the doorway to the kitchen.

“I thought you’d be at day care, Ava.” I peek over the counter at my niece. Her gaze is fixed on me. She’s such a sweetheart, and she usually throws herself at me to pick her up.

Instead, she inches toward Owen until she’s tucked behind his leg. Her eyes never move from my face, and it registers with me why she’s staring as Owen laughs. “It’s not day care anymore. Ava’s at school.”

My mouth falls open. “School? How did I miss my girl starting school?”

“You’re scaring her. Ginny’s home today as she’s not feeling well, and Ava’s helping me now school’s finished for the day..”

“It’s Corey, honey.” I smile. Owen shuffles around the side of the counter, bringing Ava with him. I squat in front of her.

She still stares in silence until I wink.

“Corey?”

I nod. “I cleaned up for Uncle Adam and Auntie Lily’s wedding. Owen tells me you’re going to be a flower girl.”

She nods, still wide-eyed, but steps out from behind Owen. I open up my arms, and she falls into them.

“That’s my girl. How’s Ginny?”

“She’s asleep,” she whispers.

“Is she?” I scoop her up and onto my hip, and she squeals in delight. Riding on my shoulders is her favourite pastime. I think she likes lording over Max that she’s taller than him when she’s up there.

She pats my cheek. “The beard’s all gone. It looks funny.” She giggles.

“I’m sure it does.” I pick up her hand and plant a kiss on her palm. I look over at Owen. “I just wanted to pop in and say hi while I was in town.”

“You after any food?”

“Yeah, I could kill one of those cheese and bacon croissants. Or three.”

He chuckles. “There are some in the kitchen that were baked this morning. I’ll throw some in a bag for you, and the lady I hear you have stashed away in your house.”

“Stashed away?” Mel asks.

“She just prefers my company to anyone else’s”

“Wow. That’s as amazing as this one settling down.” She nods at Owen.

“Miracles do happen, Mel. You just have to believe.”

Ava cups my face and steers my gaze back to her. “I’m helping in the bakery today.”

“Are you, sweetheart? I bet lots of people buy things from you.”

She nods. “And I ate three cookies.”

“I swear to God you’ll turn into a cookie one day.”

She rests her head in my neck, and I sigh. “It doesn’t tickle anymore.”

“That’s the plan. Do you like it?”

Ava looks up. “No.”

After grabbing some groceries, I head to Adam’s place. I want his help looking out for a small car for Constance.

I’m not teaching her to drive in my truck. It’s a lot to handle for a learner. Especially on some of the roads around Copper Creek. The road up the mountain is windy, and I handle it because I know it so well. A new driver might not be so lucky.

When I walk in the door, one of Lily’s eyebrows arches so far, it’s like it’s going to disappear from her face. “I can’t even remember the last time I saw you clean-shaven. I don’t know if I like it.”

Shrugging, I grin. “Con will like it. My beard scratches her when I—”

Her second eyebrow joins the first. “I don’t want to know.”

“You’ll get used to it. Or she’ll decide she likes the beard after all.”

Lily’s eyes shine, and she smiles widely. She reaches for my face, running her palm down my cheek. “I love that you love her so much you’d make this change. Even if I’m not sure about it.”

“Lily, have you seen my …” Adam walks into the room, his eyes narrowing in confusion. It takes a second for him to register who I am. “Corey?”

“The one and only. Bet you’d forgotten what I looked like.”

He laughs.

Lily withdraws her hand, turning her attention to him. “What are you looking for?”

“Uhh.” He shakes his head as if to remember. “My tape measure. I remember using it on the deck last, but I can’t find it.”

She smiles. “It’s on the bench by the microwave.”

His gaze shoots across the room. “Oh, it is too. Thanks.”

“I came to see you, actually,” I say.

He grins. “Walk with me. I’m measuring up for some new shelves in the workshop.”

Once he’s got his tape measure, we walk back out to the garage. It’s so busy here, and a pleasure to see.

The workshop’s full of cars, and there are a couple more waiting outside. Adam started off by himself and now has two assistants.

“Can you hold the tape measure there?” He points to the wall, and I take one end and do as instructed. “What’s up?”

“I wondered if you could keep an eye out for a car for Constance. Something small and easy to drive.”

“Does she drive?” He takes his phone out of his pocket to make a note of his measurement, and nods to indicate to me to drop the tape measure.

“Not yet, but can you imagine me teaching her in my ute?”

He shakes his head. “Good point. I’ll keep an eye out. Things pretty serious with you two?”

I nod. “Very.”

“Good for you, dude. I’m glad you’re happy. I was worried you’d end up being some crazy old hermit up that mountain.”

“Well, that’s still a possibility. Less likely now, though. I even shaved for your wedding.”

He gives me a sideways glance. “That’s not for a while.”

“I know, but I’m prepared. It’ll be easier to maintain like this until the big day.”

“I’m glad you’re ready for it. I don’t know if I am.”

I stare at him, but all he does is laugh.

“Not that. I’d marry Lily tomorrow if I could. It’s all the stuff that goes with it. Max and I are going to Carlstown next week for suit fittings.”

“I’ve got to get that done, too.”

“You feel my pain.” He grins. “But I know it’ll all be worth it. Lily will get a better wedding today than if we had got married all those years ago. I can’t say it was worth the wait because I’d rather we’d got married back then, but I’m glad I can give her more this time.”

I grip his shoulder. “Let me know if there’s anything we can do.”

“Will do.”