Patchwork Family in the Outback

Their mom had walked out on them, and he didn’t ever want them to think he’d do the same. They were his children, his flesh and blood, and he would do anything in his power to protect them. No matter what.

But if he could fix up the teacher’s house and make life a little easier for her here in Bellaroo Creek, then he would do it. Because instead of pushing her away, he was going to do everything within his power to convince her to stay.

He’d like to think that his reasons were based purely on keeping his children happy. He had a feeling that part of him, some deep, dark part that was hidden away under lock and key, liked the look of Poppy. A lot. Even if he wouldn’t ever be ready to admit it.

Old Mrs. Jones had been right. Poppy arriving in their town was like a beaming ray of sunshine descending upon the place, and they were long overdue for someone like her to be their lucky charm. It wasn’t just his children at stake here, it was the future of their entire town.

Poppy Carter was going to keep Bellaroo Creek alive, or she was going to be the final straw that closed the area for good. He just had to believe that she was going to be their falling star—the once-in-a-lifetime teacher that they had only ever dreamed of.

Harrison shook his head and flicked the television on, falling onto the sofa. Maybe he’d been reading too many fairy tales to Katie. Because he was actually starting to believe that maybe Poppy was that person, after all.

* * *

Poppy’s stomach had a permanent flutter in it. She’d barely been able to eat any breakfast, she was so nervous, and now she was sitting in her chair, thrumming her fingers across the timber surface of her desk.

She sat and stared at the wall they’d decorated the night before, smiling as she thought of big, gruff Harrison using her fairy glitter so they could finish up and head home. She’d met lots of great dads in her time as a teacher, but even she hadn’t expected him to volunteer with glitter.

The slam of a car door made her snap to attention. It was happening. Her first day as sole teacher of Bellaroo Creek School had officially begun.

Poppy stood and crossed the room, pinning the door back to welcome the first of her pupils. A smiling mom was headed her way, three children running ahead of her, straight toward Poppy.

“Slow down!”

She grinned as their mom yelled at them. They skidded to a halt in front of her just before they reached the door.

“Hi, kids. I’m Ms. Carter, your new teacher.”

The three boys looked up at her, not saying a word, but she could tell straight away from their cheeky expressions that they were going to be a handful.

“Hi.”

Poppy held out her hand. “You must be pleased school’s starting,” she said, touching the mother’s shoulder before stepping back. “I know how exhausting three boys can be.”

“I just hope they don’t send you running for the hills. Twenty kids each day would drive me crazy.”

Poppy shook her head. “I do this because I love it, so don’t worry about a few rowdy children scaring me away.” She looked across the yard and saw a familiar truck pulling in close to the curb. “Besides, I’m told the lovely Mrs. Leigh volunteers one day a week as teacher aide.” Poppy waved a hand. “Here are the Black children, nice and early.”

The other woman followed her gaze. “You’ve met the Black family already?”

Poppy couldn’t look away if she tried. She could see Harrison turn in the driver’s seat, talking to his children, before he pushed open his door and went around to help them out.

“I haven’t met Mrs. Black yet, but the children seem lovely.” She couldn’t drag her gaze from Harrison as he strode toward them, schoolbags slung over his shoulder, eyes locked on hers. Katie skipped along ahead of him, little Alex at his side.

“Honey, there is no Mrs. Black,” the other woman teased. “Harrison is dad of the year in Bellaroo. His wife left him with the kids when Alex was a baby, so he’s kind of a legend around here. We call him Mr. Sexy and Single.”

Poppy gulped. He was single?

She looked away and concentrated her energies on the mom she was talking to. “I never caught your name?”

“Pat. And my boys are Scott, John and Sam.” She smiled and took a few steps backward. “It was great meeting you. I’ll see you this afternoon at pickup.”

Poppy waved goodbye and turned to face the next parent...who just happened to be Harrison. Katie gave her a wave and ran straight through the door, but Alex stayed close to his dad.

“Morning,” Poppy said brightly. “How are you, Alex?”

He looked a little shy, but managed a smile.

“He had only one term in school last year, so it’s all a bit daunting.”

Poppy knelt down, pleased to be closer to his son than the man towering over them. “Sweetheart,” she said, tucking her fingers gently under his chin to tilt it up. “I’ll look after you all day, so you don’t need to worry. You can even come and sit with me if you’re scared, okay?”

He nodded.

“Why don’t you run in and play with the other kids?” Poppy asked him.

Alex threw his arms around his dad’s leg before doing as she’d suggested.

“Thanks,” Harrison said, his voice gruff.

“No problem. It’s what I do.”

They stood awkwardly, and she couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that he’d raised both his children on his own. It wasn’t often she heard of a dad being in that position. No wonder he’d been in no rush to get home last night—it wasn’t as if he’d had a wife waiting for him.

Another vehicle pulled up and a few kids climbed out.

“I’d better get in there,” Poppy said, nodding toward the classroom.

Harrison touched a few fingers to the rim of his hat.

“And thanks again for last night. I really appreciated your help,” she added.

He walked a couple of steps away before turning around and looking straight into her eyes. “I’ll fix up that plumbing for you after school when I come to collect the kids.”

Poppy swallowed. Hard. Maybe it was because she knew he was available, that he wasn’t some other woman’s husband.

Because if he were, she’d never let herself think about him the way she was right now...not ever. She knew how it felt to be the other woman, so even thinking about married men inappropriately was forbidden as far as she was concerned.

But now... Harrison was as handsome as any man she’d ever laid eyes upon, and the way his jeans clung to his butt when he walked away, the cowboy hat on his head, his checked shirtsleeves rolled up to show off tanned arms...it was making her think all kinds of sin.

“You must be Ms. Carter!”

Poppy blinked and tried to forget all about the man walking toward his truck. She was a teacher, and she had more parents to meet.

She’d be seeing Harrison again after school, and he’d be in her home. In her bathroom.

So no more thinking about him until then.

CHAPTER FOUR