The Visit

"Well…what do you think?"

"It sure looks different in the daylight, Luv. It’s beautiful." Tom admitted as he and Tori walked round the little centre of The Glen.

"Ceri and Bron said they would meet us at the boarding house, I think it’s called Millie’s. We can have a coffee there, then they’ll take us on a tour round the place."

"That’s great, Tori. I think this is going to be a perfect place to settle. Do you think we can afford to buy a small place?"

Tori smiled and hugged Tom. "I think that we just might be able to do that. We have enough saved up, and Bron said that we wouldn’t have to pay for the plot, just for the house, and there’s a resident plumber who has good rates."

"Ripper! Okay then, let’s go find Millie’s and get a coffee."

It was just a short walk from where Tom had parked the car to the boarding house. As they walked inside they were met by the twins, who had seen them approaching. After hugs and kisses all round, Ceri ordered and they sat at a table by the window, the twins getting to know a bit more about Tom.

"We don’t have an ambulance or fire service her at The Glen yet, so I guess if we had an emergency you might end up coming to our rescue, Tom."

"It would be my pleasure, Bron, but I hope that won’t happen before you can get a little station set up here in the town. It would only need to be a part time service. Perhaps it’s something for your mayor to think about."

"Oh, we don’t have one yet," Ceri replied. "We don’t have a town council either. I’m sure that it won’t be too long before we get that side of the community up and running. I think I know who my vote for mayor would go to."

They finished their drinks and headed out for their tour, deciding to walk as the light breeze was keeping the temperature bearable. They came up to Bron’s house and Tori fell in love with the lake. They sat on the bank for a while watching for any movement in the water.

"Are there any platypus here?" Tom asked.

"We’ve seen a couple in the creek, but they don’t seem to come to the lake. I guess the creek has everything they need." Ceri replied.

"Are we going to meet your men today, Ceri?"

"Oh Tori, I’m sorry. They aren’t here today. Max has taken Ed into Coffs for his checkup."

"It’s all my fault," Bron chipped in. "I got the date wrong and thought Ed had to go tomorrow. They both said they were sorry not to be here to see you."

"No worries. Hopefully we’ll be neighbours soon and will get to know everyone here."

"Sounds like Tori has persuaded you to stay, Tom. That’s wonderful news. I think that’s our cue to carry on the tour and let you see the plot of land we thought would be great for you both."

The plot of land was ideal. It was close enough to the road out of the Glen to make it easy for Tom to head off for work each day, but was still surrounded by trees, and they were sure they could have a fitting house built there.

Their visit was drawing to a close. Tom was on late shift and needed to get Tori back to Coffs. They walked back to Brons and said goodbye to the sisters before walking back into town.

Opening the car door for Tori and helping her settle, he bent down to kiss her. "I think we’re going to be happy here, Luv. Thanks for twisting my arm…I love you."