Real Love Read online

  CHAPTER 2

  Two months later, the controlled and structured pilot found herself living with a free spirited, creative, and extremely loving artist. For the first time in Rhea’s life she was in love, blissfully so, and looking forward to living happily ever after. Alicia’s career was blooming, and she had been chosen to illustrate a favorite children’s book. Her townhouse included her studio on the top floor, and Rhea’s office was right next to it. She had insisted that Rhea move in with her and share her home. It was completely paid for and very large. Rhea knew that Alicia had lost both parents when she was in high school and had been left financially secure. Rhea had no financial worries either, due in part to her high paying job and the fact that she was frugal. Moving into Alicia’s place and renting her condominium seemed like the right thing to do.

  Their life together was surprisingly normal and full. Both enjoyed their careers and sharing their life with each other. Alicia’s open and energetic nature was a constant pleasure to Rhea as was her talent. Rhea loved the art that Alicia created and would steal into her studio just to watch her work. Alicia was also extremely fascinated with Rhea’s being a pilot. She flew on a round trip to New York in order to see her girlfriend at work. She’d even been allowed to slip into the cockpit to see Rhea seated at the controls, and it amazed her. This logical and brilliant woman was also her passionate lover. If Alicia hadn’t already fallen in love with her, seeing Rhea piloting a plane full of passengers would have made her vulnerable. As it was, her heart pounded painfully in her chest, her eyes shiny with love and pride.

  Everything seemed perfect, and both women were extremely pleased with their life together. It wasn’t until Rhea’s brother Ted paid them a visit from

  Australia later that year and dropped a bombshell that their lives changed completely.

  “Rhea, I need help. I can’t run the place by myself. You know you love the ranch. I’m asking you to come home and be my partner,” Ted pleaded with his sister.

  “Ted, you know I love the ranch, but Dad doesn’t like who I am. I can’t go back where I’m not wanted. Besides, Alicia and I have a life here.”

  “Honey, it was Dad who suggested I contact you. He and Mom don’t want to work so hard any more. Besides, they’re both getting up in age and they want to travel. You and I are it, honey. You know we are the sole heirs.”

  “I can’t just pick up things and move. Alicia and I have a home and careers.”

  “Rhea, I need you; Sheri is pregnant.” Rhea knew her brother and sister-in-law had wanted children and had all but given up on having any. She was thrilled that they were going to have a child. The emotion in Ted’s voice made her think twice.

  Rhea’s face showed surprise and pleasure for her brother as she hugged him tightly. “Congratulations, I’m very glad for you both.”

  “Thanks, but that means I’m going to need more help.”

  “Ted, I can’t.”

  “Just think about it, sis. You and Alicia take your time and just talk about it. I’m going to be here for a week. We can talk some more.” Ted knew Rhea wasn’t one to be pressured into making a decision. She would analyze it completely, reworking it in her mind until she came to her own conclusions.

  Rhea and Alicia had done nothing but talk, and Ted continued to ask for help. Knowing that Rhea’s first love was her family’s ranch had helped make up Alicia’s mind, and she encouraged Rhea to consider the move. Alicia could work anywhere and would follow her lover wherever she went. She was madly in love with Rhea, and she knew very well that Rhea missed her family a great deal.

  Four months after they had moved in together alicia and rhea made a joint decision: they packed up their belongings and set off for australia, more specifically new south wales, where rhea would become a full partner in the running of her family ranch. Alicia had plans to continue her work illustrating, and she looked forward to meeting the rest of rhea’s family with great anticipation.

  CHAPTER 3

  “What would you like to do tonight? We can go out and take a tour of Sidney. We probably won’t get back here for a couple of months.”

  “How far is the ranch from here?”

  “It’s about a four hour plane flight, and then about twelve hours of driving across dusty, rough roads.”

  “Is there a town near the ranch?”

  “There’s a town about three hours away and we have a small store on the ranch.”

  “So, are you going to wear cowboy boots and chaps and things?” Alicia whispered as she slid her body against Rhea’s, her eyes full of mischief.

  “I’ve been known to,” Rhea grinned as she wrapped her arms around Alicia. “We need to get you some cowboy boots, hat, duster, and some work clothes. I’m afraid your dresses and skirts aren’t going to cut it.”

  “You’re going to buy me some chaps?”

  “I am. Do you think I can get you to wear them in our bedroom with nothing else on?” Rhea’s grin was rakish as she hugged her paramour.

  “So you like cowgirls, do you?” Alicia fluttered her eyelashes at Rhea.

  “No, I love you, and I like looking at you in anything. I need to thank you again for leaving San Francisco and moving to Australia with me.”

  “Honey, I’d follow you to the ends of the earth,” Alicia promised, leaning up to kiss Rhea.

  “That’s just about where we’re going. It’s going to be completely different than anywhere you’ve ever been. The weather goes through extremes: hot, dry winds, and rainy seasons with flash floods, and electrical storms; then there are bugs and snakes.”

  “I think I can deal with anything but snakes,” Alicia shivered in her lover’s arms.

  “When we get to the ranch you’ll need to learn to handle a gun, honey. No one goes anywhere on the ranch without a gun.”

  “I don’t like guns.”

  “You just haven’t been around them enough to be comfortable,” Rhea reassured her.

  “Do you think I’m going to fit in?” Alicia was very nervous about her role as Rhea’s partner.

  “You’ll be fabulous. Now, let’s go out and see the city, unless you’re too tired. We have some shopping to do.” Rhea lifted the petite woman up into a hug.

  Four hours later Rhea and Alicia lay amid a pile of bags and clothing, resting after a bout of furious lovemaking brought about when Alicia was kind enough to model her new cowboy boots and hat, and nothing else.

  “I love you, cowgirl,” Rhea grinned at her tiny love.

  “So when do I get to see you in your boots and hat?”

  “As soon as I get to the ranch. I have several pairs just waiting for me.”

  “I can’t wait to meet your parents.”

  “Honey, my dad is a little on the gruff side, so don’t expect him to give you a big hug and welcome you to the family.”

  “I still can’t wait to meet him and your mother.”

  Rhea was very nervous about seeing her father again after so many years had passed. Every time she visited, they had avoided each other. Talking wasn’t their strong point, and the rift in their relationship grew wider. He hadn’t been pleased that his only daughter had been caught in bed with a neighbor girl the summer before she left for college. And because the two of them were so much alike, stubbornness kept them at odds even after Rhea went away to college in Sydney.

  Flying had always intrigued Rhea, having watched her father and brother fly their own planes, and after graduating from college she’d signed up for flight school and training at British Airways. At the young age of twenty-five, Rhea became a full-fledged pilot, much to her father’s dismay, as he was expecting her to come home and work on the ranch. Their relationship had never been close, but for the last ten years it had been extremely strained. Rhea missed her family and her home very much, but after being transferred to San Francisco, her life had settled into one she was comfortable with. Meeting Alicia had made it close to perfect. Now, she was heading back home with her girlfriend and had a lot of doubts,
huge doubts.

  “My mother is going to love you.”

  “I hope so.”

  “We’d better go to sleep. We have a very long day tomorrow.”

  “Are you tired?” Alicia’s hands moved down her lover’s body, knowing just where to touch her.

  “Not any longer,” Rhea moaned as Alicia’s fingertips wreaked havoc on her senses.

  It was several hours later before Alicia fell asleep next to Rhea. Rhea was wide-awake and worrying about their transition to the ranch. Rhea’s family was one of the wealthiest in all of Queensland, having been in the ranching business for over four generations. Raising sheep was just one of their sources of income. They raised Arabian horses and were lucky enough to have several working gold mines on their property, as well as a source of rare opals. Ted’s wife, Sheri, made these opals into high end, very expensive and sought after jewelry. The family’s influence was far-reaching since Rhea’s father had built a small airport and started a cargo service to support the territories surrounding the ranch. It had grown into a very lucrative business that was run as a separate activity from the ranch. Her father, Ted, and Rhea could all fly a plane, and that was their preferred mode of transportation from the ranch to any of the larger cities.

  Rhea’s worries were twofold. She was unsure as to what her father’s attitude would be, and she was also worried about how Alicia would fit in. Alicia was a city girl, born and raised in San Francisco, and an extremely talented illustrator. She was literally giving up a lot of her career to move with Rhea, and that scared Rhea to death. What if Alicia didn’t like living in Australia? What if she couldn’t work there? What if she stopped loving Rhea? Rhea’s heart ached as she thought of her worst fear, losing Alicia.

  CHAPTER 4

  “August Campbell, this is Alicia Manor. Alicia, this is my father, August.”

  “You’re a bloody pretty one, aren’t you? Welcome to Australia.”

  “Thank you, it’s nice to meet you.” Alicia shook the huge hand that August held out.

  “Rhea’s mother is anxious to meet you. She would be here but one of her mares is foaling and she stayed behind to help with the birthing.”

  “Ted, how is Sheri feeling?” Rhea nervously directed her conversation to her brother.

  “Pretty good. She has morning sickness right now, but it’s supposed to go away soon. She’s remodeling a bedroom into a nursery.”

  “Didn’t you just finish remodeling your home?”

  “We did. We weren’t expecting to get pregnant at this late date.” Ted’s grin was evidence of his happiness. He and Sheri had been shocked and poignantly pleased to find out she was pregnant.

  “What do you think, Grandpa?” Rhea teased.

  “I’ll be glad to have a grandchild. It’s about time.”

  Alicia remained quiet as she watched the family dynamics. August was a large, solidly built man over six feet tall, with hair that still showed signs of red among the almost silver mane. His face was tanned and covered with freckles, his eyebrows bushy over his penetrating gold eyes, his expression intense. It was the same expression Alicia saw whenever she looked at Rhea. Ted was as tall as his father, with a full head of dark brown hair and dark eyes. He was as large as his father, too, and both men exhibited the signs of physical strength that their lives required. When Rhea stood next to them you could see the family resemblance in her height and her dark eyes. There was the almost hidden dimple in her right cheek that was identical to her father’s.

  Ted had hugged the two of them tightly, his greeting full of emotion and pleasure. August was a little less forthcoming as he shook Alicia’s hand and patted his daughter on the shoulder. Obviously, he wasn’t as comfortable with outward displays of affection, just like his daughter. Their breakfast was pleasant as Ted brought Rhea up to date on the ranch and its activities. August barked a comment here and there but chose to let his son do most of the talking.

  “Alicia, Ted tells us that you are an artist. What kind of artwork do you do?”

  “I’m an illustrator. Most of the time I illustrate books, sometimes ad campaigns, and I do some illustrations for sale.”

  “So, are you good?”

  “I am, yes,” Alicia quirked her eyebrows at the imposing man.

  “Good. I’d like to see some of your work.”

  Alicia flashed an impish grin at the gruff man, her eyes twinkling. “I’ll show you some when everything gets to the ranch.”

  “It will all be there by the time we get back. I had one of our cargo planes pick it up.”

  “Great.”

  “We’ve prepared the third floor of the ranch house for the two of you. Mommo has been cleaning for a week.”

  “Who’s Mommo?”

  “She’s our housekeeper and has been for the last twenty years.”

  August Cameron didn’t scare Alicia at all. He hid a soft heart behind his gruff exterior; she saw it and liked him. She’d seen the gleam of emotion in August’s eyes when he saw his daughter for the first time since their long separation.

  “She must be a valued member of your family.”

  Alicia couldn’t have been more right. Mommo had kept the house clean and running smoothly since before Rhea had left for college. Mommo’s mother had helped raise Ted and Rhea when they were very young and had taken care of the house until Mommo had taken over. Mommo’s father and grandfather worked on the ranch doing whatever was needed. Being aborigines, they were prone to go off for lengths of time into the bush and would reappear and begin to work like they hadn’t been gone at all. It was behavior that August Cameron had grown up with and accepted. The aborigines were native to Australia and were highly respected by the Cameron family.

  “We need to stop and pick up a few things for Sheri and Mom and then we should be ready to go. Are you all packed?” Ted asked as he finished his cup of coffee.

  “We are. The bellman has everything stored.”

  “You might want to change, city girl.” Ted tapped his sister on her arm. “I brought you some things from home.”

  Ted handed a stuffed bag to Rhea. She grinned at him as she peeked inside. “I’ll go change.”

  Alicia and Ted visited as Rhea walked into the bathroom. She had to hand it to her brother. He knew her well. Her favorite boots were in the bag along with a pair of her jeans, a belt, a yellow, long sleeved shirt, her hat, and her duster. She lived in the outfit whenever she was on the ranch. Her gloves were stuffed in one pocket of the jacket, and a note was stuffed in the other one. “Welcome home. We missed you, Sheri and Ted.”

  Rhea changed quickly from her slacks and sweater into the familiar jeans and shirt. Ted had even remembered a pair of socks. She laid the jacket over her arm and hung the hat down her back. Anyone looking at her would see a beautiful rancher, and she fit the part to perfection. Alicia’s eyes never left her as her long strides carried her to the table. She obviously liked what she saw because Rhea recognized the look, and it pleased her no end that Alicia found her sexy, dressed in what she would call her working clothes.

  “There’s my sister, the ranch hand,” Ted teased as she slipped into her chair. “Now, all we need is to get Alicia into a pair of boots.”

  “We bought a couple pair for her yesterday and a hat and duster.”

  “Do I need to wear them on the plane?” Alicia teased. She was wearing a long colorful skirt, bright red sweater, and leather boots, making her look stylish and feminine.

  “No, but you might want to change before we get in the jeep. There are a lot of dust storms across the ranch, and we aren’t going to be able to land near the house.”

  Rhea’s look of concern was immediate. “Are the storms causing any problems with the sheep?”

  “Not right now, but we may have to move some of them if the weather gets any worse.”

  “Alicia, why don’t you change into a pair of jeans and your boots now? You might be more comfortable on the flight,” Rhea suggested.

  “Okay, but I’ll need
to get my suitcases from the bellman.”

  “The two of you can go get your things and let Alicia change. Dad, you can come with them to the plane, while I go pick up the stuff for Mom and Sheri. Everything should be waiting at the cargo office.”

  “All right, I could use another cup of coffee.”

  Alicia and Rhea found the bellman, who located their suitcases. While they waited for their things, Alicia leaned into Rhea and whispered in her ear. “You are so hot-looking dressed like that. I can’t wait until we get to the ranch. I want my hands on you.”

  Rhea’s body heated up as she looked down at Alicia’s appealing face. “I love you, Alicia.”

  “I love you, cowgirl.”

  “Come on, let’s get you changed. I think I’m going to like seeing you in a pair of cowboy boots again.”

  “I don’t think your dad would appreciate my wearing boots and nothing else,” Alicia teased as she went to change.

  CHAPTER 5

  The flight was uneventful, especially since the airplane was as luxurious as any noncommercial plane could be with plush leather seats and a kitchenette that had more appliances than Alicia’s old kitchen. While Ted and Rhea gave each other a bad time in the cockpit deciding who was going to fly the plane, Alicia and August visited in the back.

  “August, tell me about your family. Rhea said you’ve been ranchers for four generations. How did your family begin ranching?”

  “My great-grandfather was a convict from England. He was sent here to serve out his sentence as a horse thief. The history is a little hazy at that point, but rumor has it that he married a local farmer’s daughter and was given a thousand acres of dry, arid farmland. There is also the fact that he was married at the point of a shotgun after getting the farmer’s daughter pregnant.” August’s eyes twinkled as he talked. He obviously enjoyed telling the story. “After many years of struggling, he found water on his land and gold. Instant wealth was quite a story, and instead of spending it all at once, my frugal Scottish relative invested in more land. More land begat more gold and more sheep, and before you knew it he was the wealthiest rancher in Queensland. It has grown from there.”