I don’t sleep well.

Ginny dropped me off outside last night, and we arranged for her to pick me up to collect my car around eleven. I thought after a few glasses of wine, sleep would be easy to come by, but the mangled mess of the car I saw will haunt me for a long time to come.

That, and the thought of Ava. All she had were her parents. Thinking of her being alone drives a hole through my heart.

It’s not fair. None of it is.

There’s a knock on the door a little before eleven, and I pull it open, finding a smiling Ginny on the other side. It’s like seeing her all over again for the first time, she looks so good. Her dark hair is in a loose bun, and her face is free of makeup. My morning’s lit up by her smile. I feel like a mess when she’s clearly so together.

“Hey,” she says.

“Morning.”

Her brows knit. “Are you okay?”

I nod. “Tired. I didn’t get much sleep.”

She tilts her head to the side. “I’m sure. Do you want to go to this barbecue?”

“Yeah. Food might make me feel better.” I give her a smile, but it’s strained. She makes me feel like I should be at my best with her, she seems so perfect.

“Have you had a shower?”

I can’t resist. “Why? Are you propositioning me?”

Her cheeks flush scarlet and she laughs. It’s so endearing that maybe even my stony heart might have dipped. “I just thought it might make you feel better.”

Shaking my head, I laugh. “No. I just got out of bed.”

“Go and have a shower. I’ll wait.”

She’s right, and we do have time. “Okay. Come in.”

Ginny settles in on the couch as I make my way up the hall.

“I’m still convinced this is your way of getting me naked,” I shoot over my shoulder.

Her laughter echoes through my small flat. “Okay. You got me. That’s why I’m sitting out here.”

As I shut the bathroom door, I grin.

I really like this woman.

Ginny drives me to the cove to get my car, and I spend the whole trip acutely aware of the woman by my side.

I don’t know her well, but she doesn’t seem like the type I usually end up with. Though, that’s my own fault. Not wanting to commit leaves me with women who want the same. The occasional fun night with no strings has always been my thing.

There’s no way Ginny’s like that.

She’s all kind of sweet and caring without obligation, and it messes with my head. I mean, I know women like that exist—after all, Lily and Hayley are in my family—but a woman like that who seems to like me is pretty special.

“That shower was a good idea. Thank you.”

Ginny laughs. “You didn’t need me to tell you to have one.”

“Seriously, sometimes I’m like the biggest man-baby, and I just need someone to take care of me.” Shit. Why did I say that? Surely the quickest way to put her off is to make myself out to be some kind of emotional cripple. Even if I am.

“Everybody needs help from time to time. There’s no shame in that.”

Her voice is so soft, and it does it for me big time. There’s nothing fake about Ginny Robinson. “So, why haven’t I met you before? You must come into the bakery. Everyone does.”

She shakes her head. “I could eat fresh bread all day, but I shouldn’t eat gluten.”

“Really?”

“You don’t have any gluten-free bread, do you?”

“Uhh.” She’s caught me out there. “No. I did have some for a while, but there was no demand for it. Maybe if I was in the city, it’d be a product that would sell.”

She shrugs. “I guess in a small town, there are less people who need things like that. Mary at the Four Square orders some in specially for me.”

For some reason that angers me. I want to take care of that for her. “If it’s from the supermarket, it can’t be that fresh. I’ll bake it for you.” I grin. “Now I know I’ll have one customer for it.”

“You think I’m silly, right? That’s usually the first reaction,” she says.

I swallow. “No. You said you loved bread. I don’t think you’d avoid gluten if there wasn’t a good reason for it.”

“I’m on a special medical diet, and as much as I hate giving up what I enjoy, I think it helps.” A smile spreads across her face. “I did eat that cake yesterday.”

My heart leaps. “What did you think?”

“It was beautiful. Hayley was right not to want to cut it, but I’m glad she did. It tasted almost as good as it looked.” She looks around. “Where’s your car?”

I look up. We’re at the cove, and there are a few cars scattered around where we all parked last night, including Corey’s truck. I smirk at the memory of the blonde hanging off him. It’s not often Corey ventures out in public, and it’s even rarer for him to get laid. To think I went home alone. It’s a weird reversal for the two of us.

“Uhh, just over there.”

She pulls up beside my car and smiles. “Here we go.”

“Thank you, Ginny. I really appreciate it. Maybe I can make you some gluten-free bread to say thank you?”

Ginny beams. “Sounds good.”

“It also gives me an excuse to see you again.”

Her eyes widen, and I think she gets my meaning. I do want to spend time with her, and it’s not about getting laid. It’s just about getting to know her. Maybe it’s because I’ve just had a reminder about how short life can be.

“I hope the cake didn’t muck things up.”

She shrugs. “I don’t think so. Plus, it was so worth it. You’re an amazing baker.”

“That cake had a lot of time and love poured into it. Drew wanted to give Hayley something special, and she’s so good for him, I wanted it to be perfect.”

“Well, it was. I loved it.”

I grin. “I’m pretty sure I could sort out some gluten-free cake if you’re interested.”

“Very interested.”

Leaning over, I peck her on the cheek. She blushes again, and it leaves my heart in my throat. “I’m hoping you’re not just interested in the cake.”

I leave her in the car, watching me with her mouth hanging open.

Last night was crazy, but Ginny’s presence and the ease between us leaves me a little more optimistic about the future.

Maybe she could be exactly what I need.

Ginny follows me in her car to Adam’s place, and he’s waiting in the backyard as we pull into the driveway. I don’t know if she notices, but his eyebrows creep up as he watches me usher her through the gate.

“Lily’s inside,” he says.

She nods. “I’ll go and find her.”

I love the way she looks from behind. The view is almost as good as it is from the front. She’s wearing jeans today, and they accentuate her shape even more than the dress did yesterday.

This feels so much like a date with us arriving together, but I’ve never brought a date to a family event before. Her presence stirs up mixed emotions—excitement, anticipation, and more than a healthy dose of nerves.

“What’s going on with you two?” Adam asks, nudging my elbow.

“Who?” I grin.

“You and Ginny. Arriving at the same time?”

I smile. “She gave me a lift to the cove to get my car before coming over.”

“So, you two …”

I shake my head. “No. Lily warned me away from her.”

Adam smirks. “Is that going to stop you?”

“Hell no. But then, I guess Lily is right. If I’m going to hurt Ginny, maybe it would be better if I didn’t go there.”

Adam’s smirk’s still there, and I punch his arm. “What?”

He leans over. “Seems to me that if you’re already caring about her feelings, maybe there is something there. It’s not like you.”

“I think that’s a little unfair.”

“Says the man who’s left a trail of broken hearts for years.”

“I’m not completely heartless, Adam.”

He frowns. “Lily told me about Cara and Ryan. I’m sorry, Owen.”

“Don’t feel sorry for me. It’s their little girl I’m worried about. She’s gone to stay with a family she doesn’t know.”

Adam sighs. “Man, that sucks.”

“Yeah. I’m trying not to think about it, but it’s hard. She went through so much last night, but she was so brave.”

He slaps me on the back. “Come on. Grab a beer, and we’ll get this barbecue fired up. Lily’s been up for ages getting food prepared.”

We walk around the house to the backyard. Corey’s sitting on the deck, dark glasses on, his arms folded.

“He arrived and fell asleep about half an hour ago.”

“His ute’s still at the cove.”

Adam chuckles. “He spent the night in some girl’s motel room. Doesn’t want to talk about it.”

“That could be good or bad.”

We laugh, and our older brother stirs. He pulls his sunglasses down, peeking over them. “Could you two keep it down?”

“Are you that hungover? Could you even perform last night?” I call out.

“What does that mean?” Max’s voice comes from just inside the house.

Adam nudges me as Max appears on the deck.

“Oh, you know, Max. Corey was dancing with a girl last night. I wondered if he’d managed to sing for her, too.” I grin.

Adam shakes his head. “You’re going to get me into trouble.”

“I’ve never heard Corey sing.” Max bounces toward me.

“Me either, bud. Maybe he can sing for us later.”

I chuckle as Corey raises his middle finger to me.

“That’s not nice, Corey.” Max laughs, and runs back inside the house.

“Did you really have to do that?” Adam rolls his eyes.

“It got a great reaction from Corey.”

“I’ll grab us a beer. Take a seat.”

Lily appears in the doorway with Ginny. “What’s this about Corey singing for us?”

Adam glares at me. “That was Owen’s way of getting out of the hole he’d dug for himself. He said something inappropriate in front of Max.”

Lily laughs. “I didn’t think it was true. Corey’s no singer.”

Corey raises his middle finger to her, and we all laugh.

“Come and take a seat, Ginny,” Adam says. “We’re about to fire up the barbecue.”

“Thanks.” She takes a seat opposite Corey who sits up straight.

“Hey, Corey. We’re in polite company now, so could you please put your finger away.” I nod toward Ginny.

“Corey Campbell.” He leans forward, his hand extended. “You were at the wedding yesterday, weren’t you?”

Ginny nods. “I used to teach Max. Ginny Robinson.” She shakes his hand, and my older brother slips his sunglasses off.

“Max talks about you a lot.”

“So I hear.” She tucks a lock of her long, brown hair behind her ear, and it irks me. Is that a flirting move? With my brother? Do I say something about her being her with me? Only she’s not. She just took me to pick up my car.

“Owen, can you help me in the kitchen please?” Lily grabs my arm and pulls me toward the door.

“What do you need?” I ask as I follow her inside.

She stands in front of me, her hands on her hips. “Are you going to let Corey chat Ginny up?”

I place my beer on the nearby table. “What are you talking about, woman? They’ve just met. Besides, you told me to steer clear of her.”

Lily frowns. “I know, but she looks so good with you.”

Raising my hands to my face, I cradle my forehead. “Would you make up your mind?”

She pats me on the chest. “You were with her last night, and you’re with her now. That must be some kind of a record for you.”

I reach for the tea towel sitting on the bench, and she squeals as I flick it at her arse. Laughing, she holds her hands up in surrender. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it.”

“Yes, I like her. Okay?”

Lily grins. “I knew it.” There’s a wail from the bedroom, and Lily pats me on the chest. “That’s your niece finishing her nap. Want to go and get her?”

Rose is a year old now, and has just started walking. I love that little smiling face of hers, and I nod.

“She might need a change of nappy, too.”

I shake my head as I walk away. “Now you tell me.”

“Hey, it’s good practice for the future.”

Chuckling as I enter the room, I’m greeted by my beaming niece whose smile lights up the room. She’s not cranky about waking up, but she is annoyed she can’t get out of her cot.

“There’s my beautiful girl. Have you been asleep?” I scoop her into my arms. I’d never admit it to Lily, but if any kid makes me clucky, it’s Rose.

“How about we just take a minute before I take you out? I get you all to myself.” I hold her tight and breathe in that baby smell she has. Lily was wary of us in the early days with Max, and it took time to gain her trust. With Rose, we’ve all been there from the start. I don’t know if I’ll ever have my own children, and that makes these times with my niece and nephew are so special.

“Do you need a bum change?” I feel her nappy, widening my eyes. “Oh, yes you do.”

She giggles as I plant her on the change table and reach for a nappy.

“I’m going to take you out to meet Ginny. She’s going to love you to bits. I’m going to tell you a secret.” I lean over. “I really like her.”

“Mum mum,” Rose says.

“You’ll see her in a minute too.”

I pull the drenched nappy off and use a wipe before wrapping the clean one around her. Placing the dirty one in the nappy bin, I pick Rose up. “Let me wash my hands and we’ll go outside.”

We head to the bathroom, and I place her on the floor while I wash my hands. Scooping her into my arms, I carry her out to the deck. Lily’s standing beside Adam at the barbecue, and Rose squeals in my ear.

“Yeah, there’s Mum.”

Ginny’s still having a conversation with Corey, and jealousy rages through me. It’s stupid. She looks like she’s being polite, and Corey’s still hungover and looking like shit. But something he says makes her laugh, and when she throws her head back, it’s the most glorious thing I think I’ve ever seen. There’s nothing fake about her. She’s beautiful.

I catch her gaze, and she gives me a shy look before returning her attention to Corey.

“Bro.” Corey grins. “And you’ve got my girl?” He reaches for Rose, and she holds out her arms in response. I hate handing her over, but I do.

“What did happen to you last night?”

He shrugs. “Nothing I’m going to tell you about.”

“Maybe you were too drunk to perform.” I laugh as he takes a swipe at me, dodging out of the way.

“Corey was telling me a story about you when you were younger.” Ginny grins.

I take a seat beside her. “Is that right?”

Corey chuckles. “Yeah. Remember when we were play-fighting, and we broke the coffee table in the lounge?”

“And we decided to glue it back together and not tell anyone?”

He nods. “That’s the one. Worked a treat until Mum decided to eat dinner in front of the television and placed more than a coffee cup on the table.”

I laugh, now knowing what Ginny had reacted to. “What a mess. I just remember meatballs rolling under the couch from the spaghetti.”

“We were scrubbing the carpet for hours.”

Ginny touches my arm. “It sounds like you guys were real terrors.” Her eyes shine with happiness, and my heart swells.

“There were five boys in our family. That was a recipe for disaster.” I feel more settled now I’m by her side again, and I can’t explain it.

It confuses me.

By two, I’m yawning my head off. If I don’t go home now, I’ll be asleep.

“Are we keeping you up?” Corey asks.

“Something like that. I should get going.”

Standing, I walk to Lily’s chair. She smiles as I bend to kiss her on the cheek. “Thanks for lunch.”

“You’re welcome.” She beckons me closer. “So, you and Ginny?”

“I repeat. You told me not to go there.”

“And I told you that you two look good together. Maybe you should.” She frowns. “But I still think you’ll hurt her. Maybe not intentionally.”

“Maybe I’m better than that.”

Her eyes search mine, and she gives me a smile. “I know you are. You’re a good man, Owen. You just have to reach a point in your life when you’re ready. And maybe you just need to meet the right woman.”

“What would any of us do without you, oh wise one?” I grin, straightening up.

She slaps my leg. “Smart arse.”

“You know it. Catch you later.”

Ginny’s talking to Adam, and as I approach he nods and walks toward me. “I’m just going to grab another beer. Want one?”

I shake my head. “No. I’m getting out of here.”

“See you.” He heads toward the house, leaving me with Ginny.

“Are you leaving?” she asks.

I run my fingers through my hair. “Yeah. I think I need to try and get some sleep. After last night, I’m still tired.”

“Oh.” She tries to hide her disappointment, but not well enough. It makes me smile.

“Thank you for everything.”

Ginny shakes her head. “It’s no problem.”

I want to ask her out, but Lily’s words echo in my head. She’s right. There’s a chance I’ll hurt Ginny if I pursue this, and I don’t know if I’m in the headspace after Cara’s death to deal with anything heavy.

I’ll do the mature thing for once and hope she’s available when I’m ready.

“See you around?”

She nods. “Sure thing.”

When I get to my car, I turn to look back at her. She gives me a wistful smile and walks toward Lily.

Time to go.