Chapter Twenty Six – All is Well

When Joel Dibsey finally opened his eyes and was able to deduce where he was he saw a young woman sitting at his side with her eyes closed. For a moment he was confused but then, as he remembered the words spoken by the young pilot, a faint yet cautious upward curl began to spread over his lips. If he looked clearly, studied her for a moment, he could easily see the resemblance to his aunt in her features.

"Molly," he whispered hoarsely, as if trying out how it felt to say the name of a long lost relative.

The woman jostled awake and leaned forward with a soft smile on her face. "Uncle Dibsey," she managed, overcome by emotions, her voice thick. "I'm so glad to have finally found you."

Joel fought the tears that threatened to spring from his eyes and forced himself to get a grip. He was a grown man, a stern and stubborn old miner, it wouldn't do for him to get overemotional. "And you," he managed, surprised at how hoarse his voice sounded.

"We've been looking all over for you, my husband Pete and me," she clarified. "I've been worried you'd slip through my fingers."

"I'm thicker than that," he assured her boldly and then broke into a coughing fit, cursing his body for failing him at that particular moment.

"You don't have to put on a brave face or even be strong for me, Uncle Dibsey," she reasoned. "I'm just glad to meet you."

He nodded as a faint smile began to crease his lips, his cheeks seemed to be aching by the effort as he hadn't really been smiling for ages. There had only been grief in his life lately. "One thing, young woman," he began seriously as he stabbed a finger at her. "Don't call me uncle, makes me feel old and the title comes with a sort of responsibility."

Molly chuckled at him.

"You call me Joe, like my mates did back in the old days," he finished.

She nodded. "Sure Unc- sure Joe," she said. "Listen, I know you're tired and need to rest but we have so much to talk about."

"Who says I'm tired," he stated with a twinkle in his eyes. "I feel refreshed-" he trailed off and started to cough a little. "Well, I might be a little weary."

"I don't mean to be pushy but would it be all right for us to stay with you on the farm?" she asked hopefully.

Normally he would have said no, but the woman before him looked so bright and kind and then there was the resemblance to several strong women in the family. "I guess you're my family now," he reasoned and shrugged his shoulders lightly.

"We won't go back there until you're ready to join us," she assured him.

OOOOOO

Sam woke up early, let out a large yawn and then grimaced as he worked the kinks out of his back. He'd been sleeping poorly, no longer accustomed to the loud noises and muted voices that easily floated through the thin walls of the hotel rooms of the Majestic. The night before he'd been exhausted, bruised and battered and pumped full of a heavy dose of aspirins so it hadn't bothered him. He turned around to find that Emma was missing and frowned in confusion as he reached up with his hand to rub his bleary eyes.

The door to the room flew open and Emma suddenly appeared before him, carrying a tray of Nancy's bagels once again. She was actually grinning from ear to ear, eliciting a confused and somewhat annoyed look from the pilot.

"Very stealthy," he stated sarcastically. "I remember a time when you stayed in bed till noon. What happened to-"

"Shush," she said mischievously as she walked up to him and sat down next to him on the bed. They shared a soft kiss.

"And I remember a somewhat naïve yet cute young flyboy who used to hang around the garage every day. What happened to him?" she replied cunningly.

Sam sighed as he reached for a bagel. "Time's run out," he offered lightly with a teasing smile.

"Yeah," Emma whispered wearily as she gently reached up with her hand to rub her forehead. "You know, I've been thinking. I couldn't sleep, that's why I was up," she said seriously. "I know I was the one that suggested it, that we'd sell the property and move to Sydney again but-"

"Getting cold feet?" he asked.

"It's just that-" she trailed off and sighed. "I'm going to miss this crazy bunch of people."

"Like I told you, we don't have to leave, Em. We can stay here. I am sure we can find us a house here in Cooper's Crossing. Maybe we can buy Violet's?"

Emma chuckled at the crazy idea but she knew Violet had been adamant about whom to sell it too. Right now it was on rent to a nice older couple.

"I refuse to live at the garage," Sam added.

"We can't throw out the Gibbies, Sam," she whined lightly. "They're such nice people."

"Emma, what's wrong, this isn't like you. I hear only problems, where are the opportunities?" he asked softly.

"I don't know, really. I just-" she sighed. "I don't know if I can adapt to a life in the city again."

He smiled at her and placed a strong arm around her, to comfort her. "It'll be great, Em, just as long as we have each other," he replied. "Just before I left Lennie offered me another contract. It's just cargo flights and it may be long hours at times but it's a good income."

She eyed him carefully. "And what are the risks?" she pushed. "You said it's well paid and that usually means a greater risk. I'm not dumb, Sam."

He shrugged. "It's longer hours. It's across large distances. I might be gone for days at a time but, hey, you're used to that already," he said cheerfully, trying to lighten up the mood.

Emma narrowed her eyes. "And how long are we talking about?"

"A month or two at tops. If it's more then I'll break the contract. I might need the hours logged though if I'm to upgrade my license," he finished slyly.

She brightened. "So you are going to go for a license on jets?" she asked.

He nodded. "Yeah, like you told me once. What's life for if not to follow one's dreams?"

"Regular hours, better income," she began. "No on-call duty or night flights where I have to be worried for your safety."

"No," he said. "That is, if you promise me to take up the offer made to you by Pete Sanders."

"It feels somewhat awkward, Sam. I mean I don't know him," she reasoned.

"I told him what a great mechanic you are and his dad is ready for pension. His garage lies in Sydney and needs a replacement manager. Pete told me he thinks you might be the one he's looking for," Sam reasoned brightly and then added mischievously. "Of course, it might have helped your case a little that I risked my life to save his wife's uncle."

Emma took up the pillow and threw it at him, nearly knocking the cup of coffee he was nursing out of his hand, instead it spilled all over the sheets. "Like I told you, Sam Patterson, I was ready to punch you when you got back."

He looked dumbstruck at first and then he started to laugh.

"It wasn't funny," she protested. "What would I have done without you?"

"And like I told you. You're not getting rid of me that easily. I've been through a lot just to hook up with you," he replied.

Emma glared at him but then gave in and began to laugh too.

OOOOOO

"Hey sleepy head," Nick teased softly as he gently nudged Annie's shoulder. "We're closing in on Cooper's Crossing."

She blinked heavy eyelids open and let out a yawn. "We just left?" she blurted in confusion and then narrowed her eyes as she turned to look at her friend. "Have I been asleep all the time?"

He smiled kindly. "Not all the time, we did have a short conversation for about ten minutes before you drifted off," he offered.

"Nick," she admonished. "Why didn't you wake me, what a company I must have been."

The young mechanic chuckled. "I didn't have the heart to wake you, you looked so peaceful," he replied. "It's okay, I don't mind driving in silence."

"What time is it?" she asked softly.

"A quarter past nine," he answered. "What time did your shift start?"

"Ten am," she mused.

They rode in silence for a moment before Annie spoke up again. "Thanks Nick," she said truthfully. "I needed to get away for a while."

"You've got hidden talents," he said mischievously. "Are you sure you didn't really grew up on a farm?"

She chuckled. "It should have been clear to you I grew up in the city when we fed the sheep."

He nodded amusedly. "Still, you handled yourself like a cowgirl out there."

"Hey," she protested. "My auntie had horses, that's why I know how to ride. I didn't realize how much I've missed that part of my life."

"Well then, why don't we do it again some time?" he suggested happily as he drove into the garage and out in the backyard, parking the tow truck next to a broken down tractor.

"I'd be delighted too," Annie replied softly.

Emma walked out to greet them with a grin on her face. "Don't let Elsie or Nancy see you together," she teased. "They might start to scramble something for your wedding."

Nick gave a snort. "Even they must have something else to do," he reasoned.

Annie just chuckled.

"How's Possum and Pinkie?" she asked and then carefully added. "Is the house still standing?"

Nick grinned. "Everything is in order Emma don't you worry," he assured her. "As for the horses, they're in great shape. I on the other hand need to shape up."

"I'd better get going and get ready for my shift," Annie said. "How's Sam and David doing?"

"They're fine, they act like nothing's happened," she said enigmatically. "Sam's over at the base. Geoff was going to certify him fit for flying. It's going to be wonderful to be able to fly home again."

"I'm so glad everything turned out okay," Annie said seriously.

"We all are," Nick added. "Look I'll just throw my duffel bag into the back and then I'll start to work."

"Take your time, Nick. There is no rush," Emma replied.

OOOOOO

To be continued