Life Changes and New Arrivals (not that one yet)

By Marie S

Ashley couldn’t understand what the fuss over her was all about. Yes, she’d felt lonely and isolated after they’d moved to the Glen. Living here with Lachlan gone so much was a big adjustment coupled with her first pregnancy. Bud, Marie, and Lachlan didn’t seem to be able to get out of their own ways with all the things they were cooking up to keep her busy.

What they didn’t realize was now that she was feeling well in her pregnancy she was able to get out more on her own. Still she felt very comforted by Egan’s close proximity. Both she and Marie were thrilled to be getting horses and living on a working horse farm.

Egan was also becoming a project for Marie and her. He had no idea. Egan was a good, kind and hardworking young man. Unfortunately the man was conversationally inept around women. He could attract any single woman, and probably many married ones, for miles around with his handsome and rugged looks. He was positively dreamy to look at. What he didn’t know was how to communicate with women. They’d observed him talking to men and he seemed to have no trouble at all, but as soon as he spoke to women a different man seemed to emerge.

That man was uncomfortable and definitely…Ashley searched for the right word as she watched him working, inept or unsmooth. She giggled to herself. Was that a word? She and Marie had come to the conclusion that Egan didn’t have a lot of experience talking to women. He’d spent way too much of his first 20 something years alone or around men.

Had he any idea what he was getting himself in for here? Ashley grinned. She didn’t think so. He was awash in estrogen since coming to The Glen. Most of his contact was with Ashley or Marie. Bud and Lachlan both worked away from home a lot of the time. Though Bud had spent the first couple days making sure Egan wasn’t a ‘shitbird’ as Bud would call a bad guy.

Bud had investigated Egan for all he was worth, but still had reserved his final judgment until he could personally observe and grill him. Egan now had Bud’s cop seal of approval. After all, Egan was allowed access to Bud’s most prized protected. That would be Marie and herself. Ashley giggled again. Men. Why weren’t they easier to understand like women? Girls were so less complicated. Ashley laughed out loud this time. She knew that was complete bunk.

This time Egan heard her and looked up.

“G’day, Ashley.”

“G’day, Egan.” Ashley had pulled Egan into her quest to speak like an Aussie. The goal was to impress, or more likely send Lachlan into hysterics. “I’m so excited. I found out some news this morning. It’s part of the keep Ashley happy and engaged in activities project.”

Ashley had enlisted Egan as her confidante in this matter. She knew as soon as she told him that he’d already figured out he was part of the Bud and Marie White, Lachlan Curry master Ashley plan. Egan was also bright. She mentally ticked another mark in his rapidly filling positive column.

Egan’s eyes sparkled with humor. “Another one, huh?”

Ashley added another positive mark. Gorgeous twinkling eyes. Hey, that counted. After all this was a list looking at marriage assets from the female perspective. Egan just had to learn to talk to women about more than horses, dogs or cows. That was in case he someday chose to marry something other than a horse, dog or cow. Like a human girl, for instance, which was something that Ashley and Marie decided was a must for a terrific man like Egan.

“Yes and this one is as good as the horses, Egan.” Her excitement was evident as she practically skipped over…even at 7 months pregnant.

Egan was again struck at how gorgeous and full of life this sheila was. He was very glad she was married. The look on his face became dubious. “Better than the brumbies?”

Ashley rolled her eyes and giggled. “Silly me. I forgot who I was speaking to for a moment. Nothing is better than the brumbies for you. But, we are getting a guest.” She clapped her hands together dramatically.

Egan raised his eyebrows…and said nothing.

Ashley sighed. “Egan this is where you were supposed to say, with all your curiosity bubbling over, who is the guest?”

“I didn’t need to. I knew you would.” This time he was barely able to keep from laughing.

Ashley laughed. Add another positive mark. He had a good, or rather bonzer sense of humor.

“My cousin Jessica Weston is coming to visit. For a few months, at least, thanks to Marie, Bud and Lachlan’s scheming.” It was obvious that the girl was fine with the interfering that was taking place. Ashley pulled a photo from her pocket to show Egan.

Egan inwardly groaned. The picture showed 3 gorgeous redheads; Marie, Ashley and one who must be Jessica. Another bloody sheila was going to be on the farm.

“Do they grow anything but redheaded sheilas in your family, Ashley?”

“Rarely.” She quipped back to him. “I told Lachlan to be prepared for a blue eyed redhead with my family history and also on his side. Marie’s the only anomaly. Her eyes are brown from her father.”

“Jessica’s pretty, isn’t she?” Ashley looked down at the picture and knew she was being a shameless matchmaker since that had occurred to her about a minute after she found out Jessica was coming to the farm.

Egan nodded tersely. At least being forewarned gave him some time to prepare for another one being underfoot. God must be punishing him for something. He wasn’t sure what that was, but there must be some reason he was being tested with all these redheaded women.

“Jessica graduated from the University this year. She turned twenty-two last month. Just two years younger than me.” She beamed at Egan. “We’re very close. Jessica’s a good horsewoman. She’ll be able to exercise my horse for me while I can’t.” Her hand rested on her growing belly. Ashley was so happy.

“You’ll like her, Egan. Everyone does. I can’t believe she doesn’t have a boyfriend right now.” Ashley practically whispered as she shared this confidence with him. Her eyes sparkled. “I hope she’ll have fun here and it won’t be too quiet. She really likes the outdoors. I’m more the city girl.”

“I better get back to the house. There are lots of preparations. Jessica will be here in two days. I’ll see you this arvo to go look at horses. Don’t forget to pop by for lunch. I’ve made extra samies. No sense in two people cooking.” She smiled prettily at Egan before turning to finish her morning walk.

Egan watched the girl walk away as she started to sing. Ashley was like watching a bloody Disney princess sometimes. And why was she telling him her cousin had no boyfriend? Women. Why couldn’t a sheila say straight out what she meant like a bloke? He shook his head and got back to work.