Family Farm Read Free

believed in her and the skills she had acquired, as they started to take holidays and leave her to run the farm in their absence. Rob even roped her into helping with the farm books, and they’d worked on the crop plan together. Whatever needed doing on a farm, Izzy could do it, and she was damn proud of what she’d achieved in the two and a bit years at Rob’s. She was now well and truly ready to help run Gumlea.
    She’d never passed this information on to her dad, of course. He’d have a fit if he knew she’d been doing farm work. As far as he knew, she’d simply been the house-hand. Otherwise he never would have let her go.
    The Radcliffs had become like an adopted family and Izzy would always remember them for their kindness and love. She sighed heavily. She already missed Alice and the two kids so much. If only Izzy’s own dad could be more like Rob; so understanding, and eager to teach her anything she wanted to learn. Rob never held back because she was a girl. It was just a shame he had to go and ruin it all. Everything had been so perfect, but now … well … every good memory was blurred by his betrayal. She could never go back.
    Shaking her head, she tried to throw Rob from her mind. ‘So, Dad, what’s new on the farm?’ Izzy rested her hand on his arm for a brief moment, drawing his attention back to her.
    ‘The farm’s the same, love. Not a lot happening. We’re counting on this year’s crop. It looks like the best we’ve had in a while. Just as well too. We need it to help pay off the new land and to replace the old header that’s on its last legs.’ He ruffled her hair. ‘But don’t worry your pretty little head over it. We have more important things to do. I think your coming home is cause for celebration, don’t you, Jean? What say we have a barbie? It’s been a while since we’ve had everyone over.’ Bill scrunched up his brow, trying to remember.
    ‘I think that’s a great idea,’ said Jean. ‘I’ll do a ring around and let everyone know. How does Thursday night sound, Izzy? That should give you enough time to settle in.’
    ‘Yeah, sounds fine to me, Mum. I don’t have a lot to unpack and I already feel settled in. Does anyone need a hand with anything or shall I just go and put my stuff away?’ Izzy said, stuffing a large portion of scone into her mouth.
    ‘No, I’m fine, Isabelle,’ replied her dad. ‘You go do your thing. I’m off to feed the sheep in the side paddock, and then the header needs seeing to.’ He swallowed the last of his tea. ‘I’m so glad you’re home, honey. You’ve made my day. We’ll catch up when you’re done.’ With a wink, he turned and headed to the back door.
    ‘Come on, Izzy,’ said her mum. ‘I’ll help you get your stuff.’ Jean collected up the cups and put them in the sink, then placed the clingwrap back over the remaining scones and popped them in the fridge, which was decorated with the postcards Izzy had sent them from the towns close to Rob’s farm near Merriwa. Some were from Dubbo, some from Newcastle, and a couple each from Tamworth and Bathurst. When Rob had given her a weekend off here and there, she’d taken off in her ute and explored New South Wales with Tom.
    Walking out of the kitchen, Jean stopped in front of Izzy and smiled before pulling her into another embrace. ‘Did I mention that I’m happy you’re home?’ she said.
    ‘Maybe once or twice.’

2
    THE next morning Izzy woke with a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Everything seemed right. She lay motionless for a moment, trying to get her bearings, taking in the smells and sounds of her old room. She blinked as she focused on the wall that held the weight of a large, jarrah frame enclosing a picture of two girls on a motorbike. Both girls had the same blue eyes and oval faces, with similar, striking smiles. Izzy remembered having so much fun with Claire that day. A mischievous twinkle was unmistakable in Claire’s eyes, as the wind flicked her golden