‘It took you long enough, Cal Ritchie,’ Old Bill retorted, his faded blue eyes twinkling.
Cal grinned. ‘Supplies are in the car, Bill. I’m off to see Barry, so would you mind organising an unloading party?’ He turned to Emma. ‘Grab a cuppa and sit a spell, Em. Won’t be long, then we can go for our picnic.’ He dropped kisses on her flushed cheeks, before retreating with a wave.
Old Bill gestured towards the table set under a faded awning roped to nearby trees. ‘We had scones today. Date and sultana. If you’re lucky, there might be a few crumbs left.’
Emma nodded, then headed for the table, aware that several pairs of aged eyes were watching her every move. A natural response, she supposed, women of any age a rare sight in this all-male community and she was wearing shorts. At least Old B
