Real Love Read online

  “Very interesting—I would have liked to have met your great-grandfather.”

  “He was a rogue and a character. Now you tell me, are you going to make my daughter happy?”

  Alicia wasn’t surprised at the question. Somehow she knew that August loved his daughter deeply. “I already do make her happy and I will for the rest of our lives.”

  “Do you have parents?”

  “My parents passed away years ago, and 1 was an only child.”

  “Well, you’re a part of our family now.”

  Alicia’s eyes filled with tears, and she reached over and hugged the large man tightly. His huge arms wrapped around her and held her gently. “Thank you.”

  Rhea turned to see what Alicia and her father were doing and her mouth dropped open. “Ted, look!”

  Ted’s eyes just about popped out of his head. “She’s already won the old man over.”

  Rhea grinned at her brother. “I’m not surprised. Alicia is so full of love you’d have to work very hard not to like her.”

  “I’m glad for you, sis. I like her.”

  “I do too, and I feel very lucky.”

  Ted and Rhea took turns flying, and for a brief time Alicia sat up in front with Rhea while she was piloting. “Wow, I know I saw you flying a jet but this is so much more real.”

  “So what do you think of Dad?”

  “I love him, Rhea. He’s so gruff and so full of love. He told me the history of your ranch, and he’s so proud of having a convict for a relative.”

  “I know. He loves the ranch.”

  “He also told me the story of how he met your mother. It’s such a romantic tale.”

  Rhea broke into laughter. She’d heard the story many times from both parents. Her mother’s version was considerably different. “You need to hear my mother’s version before you call it romantic.”

  “I can’t wait to meet her. She sounds wonderful.”

  “She’s the perfect match for my Dad. She never does what he tells her, she just ignores him. She has always done exactly what she wants to do, but she’s as much a rancher’s wife as anyone could be. Her first love, besides my dad, is her love of horses. They are beautiful animals, and she has made quite a name for herself raising Arabians. People come from all over the world to buy her foals or to breed their mares with her stallions. She knows more about horse genetics then you would ever want to know.”

  “Rhea, you are all are so talented and hard working. I hope I can contribute in some way.” Alicia’s insecurities came through her voice, her face serious with worry.

  “Honey, you’ll be just fine. Give yourself some time to figure things out.” Rhea was hoping she was right.

  Alter listening to Rhea explain the equipment in the cockpit, Alicia switched places with August and, while Ted and Alicia visited in the cabin, August and his daughter sat silently next to each other. They sat that way for ten long minutes.

  It was August who spoke first, and his statement brought tears to Rhea’s eyes. “I like your girlfriend. She’s got spunk.”

  “Yes, she does,” Rhea agreed, “and she’s a very talented artist.”

  “We’ll have to make sure that she has everything she needs in her studio.”

  “Dad, I’m glad to be back.”

  “Your mom has missed you, lassie,” August’s voice was rough with emotion.

  “I’ve missed her.”

  “I expect you and Ted to start taking over everything so I can get your mom to go on an extended vacation. She works too hard.”

  “We will. Where are you planning on taking her?”

  “Back to Venice and Florence.”

  “Where you spent your honeymoon, she’d like that,” Rhea grinned. Her father was such a romantic. Rhea had inherited her more pragmatic side from her mother.

  “So tell me, has Alicia ever been on a horse?”

  “No. I imagine it’s going to take her a while to get used to the ranch. She’s never been out of the city.”

  “A city girl, is she? Well, we’ll get her fixed up in no time.”

  “I love you, Dad.” Rhea’s eyes filled with tears, her heart bursting with emotion.

  “I love you, little girl.” August’s burly hand covered Rhea’s for a moment. “It’s about time you came home.”

  Rhea felt a heavy weight lift off her shoulders as she smiled at her father. Now all she had to do was make sure Alicia would be comfortable enough to make Australia her home. It was so important that Alicia liked living at the ranch.

  CHAPTER 6

  Ted efficiently dropped the plane down onto the dirt runway outside the town of Tambo. They transferred everything from the plane to a large dusty Rover, and Alicia was very glad she had changed into jeans and boots. The ground was dry and dusty, the wind hot, as dust swirled around them. Alicia grinned as she watched Rhea and her brother strap on guns that had been locked in the Rover. With a pair of gloves hanging off her belt, Rhea looked every bit the part of a rancher, a very sexy, beautiful one.

  “I’m going to grab some cold water before we head out,” Ted announced as he began the trip to the local airport building.

  “Wow, it is dusty,” Alicia commented as she watched the dirt swirl around in the wind.

  “This is nothing. When there’s a full dust storm, it can make your face bleed if you don’t protect yourself. Here, put this bandanna around your neck. If it gets too dusty for you, pull it up over your nose and mouth.”

  “Girls, lets get in the Rover out of this wind,” August suggested.

  Twenty minutes later the four of them started their journey to the ranch along a dusty road. Occasionally cars would pass them, but for most of the trip there weren’t many people to see, but animals were everywhere. Alicia’s first kangaroo sighting warranted pulling over on the side of the road so Alicia could snap several pictures. A pack of dingoes was cause to stop the car for a few more snapshots. Alicia’s excitement was contagious, and August regaled her with wild tales about Australia and its wildlife. She absorbed it all, her eyes bright with curiosity, and Rhea was pleased beyond belief.

  Three hours later they passed a large open gate with the name CAMERON RANCH on it, and in another forty-five minutes, they pulled up in front of a

  huge complex surrounded by green grass and white painted fences. There was a stately modern ranch house built in the tradition of old plantations with porches completely wrapping around all three stories. Connected to the right side of the house was a glass enclosed pool and greenhouse. Next to the large ranch house was a huge barn and some smaller outbuildings, along with a large corral. There was a six-bay garage and another building next to it. Off in the distance behind the ranch house were several other homes, one a modern ranch style, and at least twenty smaller homes with another large barn and several other buildings. A plane was sitting next to one of the buildings. There was a large satellite dish on top of the garage and three huge water towers behind it.

  Alicia was shocked at the scale of the ranch. She’d had no idea that Rhea’s family had such an impressive place.

  “August, this is beautiful.”

  “Thanks lassie. Let’s get you into the house so you can get settled. Rhea’s mom is anxious to see the two of you.” August couldn’t hide the hint of pride in his voice.

  “Get your tail in here and get cleaned up,” boomed a voice from the front porch.

  Alicia watched as Rhea flew up the stairs and was enveloped in the arms of a very short, heavyset black woman. “Mommo, you look wonderful.”

  “Well, you’re a mess! Let’s get you inside for a hot bath and get some of this dirt off you. Where’s this girl you brought home to meet me?” The woman’s black eyes snapped with intelligence.

  “Alicia, this Mommo. Mommo, this is Alicia Manor.”

  “Hello, ma’am, it’s nice to meet you.” Alicia smiled into the sharp black eyes that stared holes into her.

  “Call me Mommo. Boy, you’re a tiny one aren’t you? Well, come on in
side and let’s get you two comfortable.”

  “Where’s Mom?”

  “She’s out in the barn. She just delivered a baby.”

  “I’m going to take Alicia to meet her. We’ll be back in just a minute to get unpacked and cleaned up.” Rhea hugged the large woman again. “I’m glad to see you. I’ve missed you.”

  “Go on, go see your momma.” Mommo affectionately shoved Rhea away.

  Rhea grabbed Alicia’s hand and pulled her toward the barn bursting through the open doors. “Mom, where are you?”

  “In here, honey.”

  Rhea and Alicia peeked over a stall door to see a petite woman seated on the floor watching a new foal trying to stand next to his mother.

  “He’s beautiful, Mom.”

  “Yes, he is.” She stood up slowly and turned to smile at her daughter and her daughter’s girlfriend.

  Alicia smiled back at the elegant, beautiful woman and could see the same features on her face as she had come to love on Rhea’s. Her hair was still black and pinned up on top of her head in a stylish knot, her eyes large and deep brown. Her magnificently classic face lit up with a smile as she gazed up into her daughter’s face. “Welcome home.”

  Rhea bent and hugged her mother tightly as Alicia felt her eyes fill with tears. It was obvious that mother and daughter were very close. They hugged for several long minutes before her mother stepped away from Rhea, her hands still holding her daughter’s. “Introduce me to Alicia.”

  “Mom, this is my partner, Alicia. Alicia, this is my mom, Sophia Cameron,” Rhea proudly introduced the two most important women in her life.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Cameron.”

  “Call me Sophia, and it’s my pleasure. I’m so glad to have you both here. Have you introduced her to Mommo?” Still holding one of Rhea’s hands she gathered Alicia’s hand in her small one as she smiled at the beautiful young woman who had captured her daughter’s heart.

  “Yes.”

  “She’s been readying the top floor for the two of you for weeks. I understand you are an artist, Alicia. I can’t wait to see what you do. I hope you’ll find your new home comfortable.”

  “Your place is so beautiful, and I can’t wait to see everything. I’ve never been on a ranch before.”

  “She’s a city girl, Mamma,” Rhea explained with a laugh.

  “Well, so was I when I first came here.” Sophia squeezed Alicia’s hand. “You look like you can handle just about anything. Come on, and let’s get you two comfortable. Your things arrived yesterday, and we put everything upstairs.”

  The three women climbed the front stairs and entered the spotless entry-way. A huge sweeping stairway led the way up, and they climbed it together as Alicia stared at the priceless works of art that hung on the walls. They passed the second floor and proceeded to the third floor. “We have set up the whole top floor for you two. Let me know if you need anything and Mommo and I will take care of it. Why don’t you both take your time getting settled? It’ll be hours before we have dinner at six.”

  “We will, Mom, thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. Alicia, welcome to Cameron Ranch,” Sophia hugged her tightly before releasing her with a grin just like her daughter’s.

  “Thank you.”

  Rhea and Alicia walked down the hallway and entered the first open doorway. The room was huge and was divided into a large sitting area and bedroom. The bed was a large canopied version placed next to open French doors that led out to the porch overlooking the ranch. There was an immense fireplace on one wall and elegant couches and chairs placed around it in an intimate setting. The walls had a few pieces of art hanging on them and, if Alicia wasn’t mistaken, one appeared to be of Flemish style. The walls were covered with subtly striped silk wallpaper and fit well with the casually elegant style of the room.

  “Honey, this is beautiful!” Alicia spun around trying to take in everything at once.

  “Yes, it is. According to Ted, Mom and Mommo just finished the room.”

  “They did this for us?”

  Rhea turned to Alicia and smiled, gathering her hands in her own. “They want us to feel welcome. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all, I love it! Show me the rest of the floor.”

  “I’m not sure what I’ll find. This is all new.” The two women ventured into the first open doorway to discover a large walk-in closet. Their clothing was already hanging in the closet and their accessories were on the shelves. Passing through the large closet, they entered an enormous bathroom that included a Jacuzzi tub and a glass-walled shower, all designed in marble. Two sinks and twin mirrors were along one wall, and over the tub was a bay window that was filled with lush green plants.

  “Rhea, is this bathroom just for us?” Alicia’s eyes were huge in her face.

  “Yes. According to Ted, there are two more rooms up here, an office, and a room that’s not decorated yet. Mom and Dad thought you might want to set up your own studio so they have left it empty except for your supplies.”

  Alicia dragged Rhea into the office, her eyes bugging out of her head. The office was as high tech as an office could be, with a state-of-the-art computer, fax machine, and a flat screen television. There was even a stereo system and a bank of controls that would rival the cockpit of a plane. “Oh my God, Rhea, look at this room!”

  Rhea just grinned at her shocked girlfriend. Ted had shared with Rhea how much work had gone into preparing their rooms. He had explained that her

  father had bullied everyone into getting everything done before the two women were scheduled to arrive. It was August’s way of telling his daughter how much he loved her, and Rhea locked it in her already full heart. He would never admit it aloud, but Rhea’s father had missed his only daughter terribly. He had blown up after Rhea and a neighbor girl had been found in bed together. He had demanded that she never ever bring up the word lesbian again, and he had forced his only daughter to leave home in order to be herself. She was now returning after years of uncomfortable visits to take her place in her family. Her father had never apologized for his behavior until now. He was doing everything he could to make Rhea and Alicia welcome, and that was better than any words he could have spoken. Acceptance for who and what she was all Rhea had ever wanted from her father.

  “Rhea, honey, did you hear me?” Alicia was looking up at Rhea, concern on her face.

  “I’m sorry, sweetie, what did you say?”

  “I said your family must love you very much to do all this to welcome you home.”

  “They’re doing this for both of us, Alicia. You are my family.”

  Alicia’s eyes filled with tears as she moved into Rhea’s arms. “I love you so much.”

  “I love you, and after we take a look at your soon-to-be-filled studio I want to take a shower with you. We have a couple of hours until dinner and I need a nap with my love.”

  “Hah, you don’t fool me. You don’t want to take a nap.” Alicia laughed as she allowed Rhea to pull her down the hall.

  The room designated as Alicia’s studio was airy and full of light, due in part to a large skylight that had been built in. One wall had two sets of French doors that could open up to the porch and let in fresh air. Two fans hung from the ceiling sending a lazy breeze through the room. The walls had been painted a bright sunny yellow and left empty. Alicia loved the room.

  “Your work bench and shelves will fit nicely in here.”

  “So would ten other benches. This is huge and wonderful.” Alicia spun around in the room. “I love it.”

  “Good, next week we will get you all set up before I start working with Ted.”

  “Honey, you don’t need to hang around while I get things together. I know you want to jump right in. It won’t bother me to be left alone.”

  “I just want to make sure that you’re comfortable.” Rhea was still worried about Alicia fitting in.

  “I’ll be fine. Didn’t you say something about a shower and a nap?” Alicia’s
hands circled Rhea’s hips as she tilted her face up to be kissed.

  Before Rhea could respond, the sound of a throat being cleared made them jump apart and turn toward the door. Mommo stood in the doorway of the room, her black eyes locked on them.

  Alicia approached the woman with a smile. “Mommo, I love this room. It’s perfect!”

  Mommo’s expression didn’t change and Alicia couldn’t tell if she was pleased or not. “Your things are being stored in the garage. When you’re ready I’ll have Abo bring them up and help you arrange things.”

  “Abo is here?” Rhea grinned. She and Abo had grown up together, along with Mommo’s other son Edu. They had run wild over the ranch, Abo teaching her the aboriginal ways and Rhea teaching him to read and ride a horse. They had been inseparable as youngsters.

  “Yes, he is a new father and is working part time at the ranch to stay near his family.”

  “I can’t wait to see his new baby. Alicia, I told you about Abo. He has three children and is one of the leaders of the aboriginal nation. He spends part of his time in Sydney trying to get our government to recognize and value the aboriginal culture. He’s done quite a bit to encourage them to preserve their history.”

  “I can’t wait to meet him.”

  “You two go clean up and take a nap. Dinner is at six. I will come wake you.”

  “Thanks, Mommo.” Rhea hugged the large woman tightly. Mommo patted Rhea’s back then pulled away and moved gracefully down the hall. She moved softly on her bare feet despite her size.

  “She’s a beautiful woman,” Alicia commented, taking Rhea’s hand and following her back into their bedroom where their suitcases lay open and ready to be emptied.