North Star by Karly Lane Page B

not like a house on fire, then at least a campfire. Georgia and Amy had also warmed to each other; maybe it was Kate’s imagination, but it seemed like Georgia hadn’t scowled at her once since arriving at the Beaumonts’ place.
    Jenny slid a packet of chocolate biscuits across the table towards Kate. ‘Have you forgotten that’s the way we do things around here?’
    â€˜I think I’ve lived in the city too long.’
    â€˜Well, you won’t get an argument from me there. You’ve been gone far too long. So tell me everything. What brought you back?’
    Kate shrugged, ‘Henry left us the property and we needed a place to live. Over the years I always wished I could bring the children out here, give them the chance to experience a little bit of country life for a few weeks. Now I guess they’re going to get it whether they want it or not,’ she finished dryly.
    Jenny glanced over to the lounge area where the two girls were huddled over an iPod. ‘Someone’s not happy about the move then?’
    â€˜You could say that.’
    â€˜For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing the right thing coming back. I wish you’d done it sooner.’
    â€˜That wasn’t ever going to be possible while Henry was still alive.’
    â€˜I don’t understand what happened there, Kate. I mean, I know your mum . . . well, I know that was bad, but I just couldn’t believe he would send you away like that.’
    Kate’s gaze flew to Jenny’s face. ‘What do you mean?’ she asked apprehensively.
    â€˜The next day, when we heard about your mum, I came over to see you. Henry told me you were gone and you wouldn’t be coming back. I tried to find you for a long time. But over the years I figured you must have married and changed your name. I had no idea where to start looking for you.’
    â€˜Oh Jen. I’m so sorry.’
    â€˜It was a horrible time, for everyone. I was just so worried about you. Not knowing where you went, if you were all right. If you were ever going to come back.’
    Kate stared down at the table, unable to bear her friend’s sad expression.
    â€˜I have a confession to make,’ Jenny said after a while.
    Kate looked up cautiously.
    â€˜When I heard your . . . Henry,’ she amended quickly, ‘had died, I was happy. Happy the old bastard was dead, because I hoped that then you’d come back.’
    Kate reached out and covered her friend’s hand. ‘Leaving me North Star was probably the only selfless thing he ever did in his whole life.’
    Jenny lifted her coffee mug in the air. ‘To Henry. At least you got something right!’
    Kate grinned.
    â€˜The place is worth a bit, you know, Kate,’ said Jenny. ‘I know that Matthew Unterheinner would be interested in buying. He’s got the property on the other side of North Star. He made no secret of the fact that he was interested in buying out your grandfather.’
    â€˜I haven’t decided whether or not to stay yet. I thought I’d buy myself some time cleaning the place up, and see what happens.’
    Jenny squeezed Kate’s arm gently. ‘Whatever you decide will be the right thing. For now, let’s just make the most of having you here.’

    Bright and early the next day, Jenny, Nathan and the kids all pitched in at the house. They loaded up utes and horse floats full of rubbish and slowly each room emerged from the clutter and debris. By the end of the day they were left with a bare, grubby house and Kate stood beaming at the result.
    â€˜It’s still a mess,’ Jenny said, turning in a slow circle to take in the echoing living room.
    â€˜Yes, but at least now I can get to it to clean. This is fantastic. Nathan, kids, I can’t thank you enough for all your hard work. Jen, you’re having tonight off—I’m taking us all out to dinner at the