Page 37 of The Lake House (Southern Charm #2)

Chapter Thirty-Seven

The noisy clamour of voices, barks, meows and more that came from the clinic’s waiting room were music to Matilda’s ears. Even after three months of operation, she couldn’t get enough of it. It wasn’t until the end of the first week that she realised just how much she’d missed working as a vet.

Since then, her client base had gradually picked back up to pre-renovation levels, according to the records she had in the sale documents.

Everything was running well. There’d been a few hiccups with their procedures, and the first receptionist she’d inherited from the previous owner didn’t work out.

But they had a new receptionist now, and they were getting into a rhythm that worked for everyone.

She’d even hired another vet to work shifts with her, which had taken a load off and given her some flexibility with her schedule.

She was headed home now, even though the day wasn’t over.

She and Ryan had a date. They hadn’t done anything relaxing in forever, and they were well past due for some quality time together.

She strode out of the clinic, waving goodbye to the receptionist as the door swung shut behind her. With a smile on her face, she climbed into her car.

When she’d first learned to drive in the USA, she’d found it hard to manage the right-hand side of the road. But now, it was second nature. She still struggled occasionally at intersections, but found that following the car in front of her generally helped.

At the house, she spotted Ryan standing in the front yard, chatting over the fence with Rita. Behind Rita, Julie and her boyfriend stood hand in hand. They looked happy.

Matilda parked her car and ambled over to join them. “Hey, y’all.” She loved using Southern slang. It sounded hilarious with her Aussie drawl.

They all turned to face her. Julie was beaming.

“Guess what?” Julie said, hurrying to meet her. She held up her left hand, and something bright dazzled. “We’re engaged!”

Matilda grinned. “Congratulations!” She gave Julie a big hug and then stepped back to take a better look at the ring.

It was dark out by now and she couldn’t see it well, but it looked pretty.

And she was happy for Julie. She’d been through so much in her life—it was high time something good happened to her.

Over the past few months, they’d slowly become friends.

That initial conversation by the lake had led to further interactions, even a few coffees together.

Matilda had begun to regard Julie as someone she could talk to about anything, or who would help her if she needed it.

Julie was steadfast, kind and strong. It’d been difficult to break through into her world, but once she had, Julie had been constant in her kindness since.

Ryan shook hands with James, and then Matilda hugged him. “I’m so happy for you.”

He nodded. “Thanks. I’m very happy.”

Their happiness was contagious. “I’ve got champagne chilling to celebrate the clinic’s three-month anniversary. I’ll grab it and some glasses, and we’ll toast,” Matilda said. “Why don’t you all come upstairs to the porch, and I’ll get us some food as well.”

They all joined her upstairs on the porch off the kitchen overlooking the lake.

Matilda turned on the outdoor heaters, and Ryan lit the outdoor fire.

Then Matilda gathered glasses, champagne, and a fruit and cheese platter together while they chattered about their plans and the new farm James had bought for them to live on.

“I didn’t picture you as a farm girl,” Matilda said, setting everything down on the table.

Ryan poured champagne while they each grabbed a cracker with cheese or an olive.

“I’ve always wanted to live on a farm, to have a horse to ride and chickens to feed,” Julie said, beaming at James. Then she turned to look at Matilda, her eyes glistening. “I guess he remembered.”

James winked. “Of course I remembered. You’ve had that dream a long time. I recall you talking about it when we were kids, and I remember thinking that was a perfectly wonderful dream, and I hoped you’d get it someday. It kind of made me want to have it too. And now, here we are.”

Matilda clutched her champagne flute to her chest. “You two are so romantic. I’m going to cry.”

They all laughed. Then Ryan held up a glass. “To James and Julie. May they have decades of happiness together.”

“To James and Julie,” Rita replied with a nod.

Then they all cheered, and clinked glasses together before drinking. As the small party continued on, Ryan pulled Matilda aside to give her a welcome home kiss.

“I’m sorry I didn’t get to say hello properly,” he said, kissing her lightly on the nose, then the lips.

She smiled. “That’s okay. Will we still have our date?”

“I think we can manage. I don’t believe Rita will be up for too much of a party.”

“That’s true. She’s looking so much better, though, isn’t she?”

He nodded. “It’s a relief.”

“I’ll get dressed in a few minutes. I need a shower, too. I had a cat pee on me today.”

His nose wrinkled. “Ah, that’s what that smell is.”

She laughed. “You can smell it?”

“Um… I hope that’s what I’m smelling.”

“And you still hugged and kissed me. That must be love.” She fluttered her eyes at him.

He dipped her and kissed her again. “It’s true love.”

She laughed and left to get a shower. He slapped her rear end as she walked away, and she feigned horror.

Inside the house, the phone rang. She picked it up as she walked to the bathroom. “Hello?”

“Hey, sis.” The sound of Stella’s voice made her smile.

“I miss you so much,” she said.

“I miss you too. Just as well that I’ll see you soon, then.”

“You’re coming to the vow renewals?” Matilda squealed.

Stella laughed. “Yep. Sean and the kids are coming too. The flights are booked. I used points for two of the tickets, which helps.”

“I’m so happy. Having you there will make it all worth it.”

“Well, I am the matron of honour, right? I can’t exactly miss my baby sister’s second wedding. Even if it is to her first husband. It’s a very confusing thing to explain to people, by the way, but I can’t wait.”

“You’re definitely the matron of honour. And I thought maybe I’d ask Julie to be a bridesmaid. Would that be okay?”

“That would be great,” Stella said. “I think she’d love that.”

“I hope so. I want to include her. I know it’s been a little awkward, but I think we’ve moved past that.”

“You’re such a sweetheart,” Stella said. “Oh, you know that Todd and Bryce are coming too, don’t you?”

“Yes, they told me. But they’re coming alone. Their families can’t make it.”

“It’s going to be so much fun. I can’t wait to see where you live and your new clinic. It all sounds amazing.”

“I’m excited to show you around.”

After she’d showered and dressed, she went back outside where Rita, Julia and James were all saying their goodbyes.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t stick around,” Matilda said. “I desperately needed to take a shower. But congratulations, you two.”

“We’ll see you at your wedding,” Julie said, giving her a hug goodbye. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“See you then.”

After they’d left, Matilda and Ryan carried the food and drinks back to the kitchen.

“Where should we eat?” Ryan asked.

“Let’s go to Outback Steakhouse,” Matilda said with a grin. “I’m dying for a steak.”

“Perfect. I’ll get the Alice Springs Chicken.”

“And I’ll definitely need a bite or two of that,” Matilda said.

Ryan grabbed her and pulled her close to kiss her on the lips. He tasted of champagne and smelled of aftershave.

“So, since you’re going through with the wedding vows in front of everyone, and you’ve started your own business here, I guess this means you’ll be staying awhile, huh?” he whispered against her hair.

“I guess it does.”

“Because I’m getting used to you. You’re growing on me.”

“Kind of like mould?” she asked, wrinkling her nose.

He grunted. “Something like that. Only cuter.”

“I think I’ll stick around. There’s a guy here who is totally adorable. I’ve got a massive crush on him.”

“Who could that be?”

“It’s a mystery,” she said as she kissed him again.