“When are you getting a haircut?”
Callum turned and smiled at his father. “I could ask you the same thing.” Todd Austell’s hair was just as long as his son’s and Callum couldn’t remember him ever getting his hair cut. In fact, it appeared longer now than the last time he’d seen it.
“Don’t hold your breath for that to happen,” his father said with joking amusement in his green gaze. “I love my golden locks. The only thing I love more is your mother.”
Callum leaned against the kitchen counter. His mother, sister and sisters-in-law had Gemma in a corner and from their expressions he knew they were making his woman feel right at home. His brother and brothers-in-law were outside manning the grills, and his nephews were somewhere playing ball. His parents had decided to have a family cookout to welcome him and Gemma home.
“Gemma is a nice girl, Callum. Le’Claire and Shaun like her.”
He could tell. He glanced up at his father. “And you?”
A smile crossed Todd Austell’s lips. “I like her.”
As if she felt Callum’s gaze, she glanced over in his direction and smiled. His muscles tightened in desire for her.
“Dad?”
“Yes?”
“After you met Mom and knew she was the woman for you, how long did it take you to convince her of it?”
“Too long.”
Callum chuckled. “How long was too long?”
“A few months. Remember, I had an engagement to break off and then your mother assumed that flying was her life. I had to convince her that she was sorely mistaken about that, and that I was her life.”
Callum shook his head. His father was something else. Callum’s was one of the wealthiest families in Sydney; the Austells had made their millions not only in sheep farming but also in the hotel industry. The hotel where he and Gemma had stayed last night was part of just one of several hotel chains that Colin was in charge of. Morris was vice president of the sheep-farm operation.
When Callum was home, he worked wherever he was needed, but he enjoyed sheep farming more. In fact, he was CEO of his own ranching firm, which operated several sheep ranches in Australia. Each was run by an efficient staff. He also owned a vast amount of land in Australia. He’d never been one to flaunt his wealth, although in his younger days he’d been well aware money was what had driven a lot of women to him. He had frustrated a number of them by being an elusive catch.
He glanced again at the group of women together and then at his father. “I guess it worked.”
The older man lifted a brow. “What worked?”
“You were able to convince Mom that you were her life.”
A deep smile touched his father’s lips. “Four kids and three grandsons later, what can I say?”
A smile just as deep touched Callum’s lips. “You can say that in the end Mom became your life as well. Because I think it’s obvious that she has.”
Six
The moment Gemma snapped her seat belt in place, a bright smile curved her lips. “Your family is simply wonderful, Callum, and I especially like your mom. She’s super.”
“Yes, she is,” Callum agreed as he started the car’s engine to leave his parents’ home.
“And your dad adores her.”
Callum chuckled. “You can tell?”
“How could I not? I think it’s wonderful.”
She was quiet for a moment. “I recall my parents being that way, having a close relationship and all. As I got older, although I missed them both, I couldn’t imagine one living without the other, so I figured that if they had to die, I was glad they at least went together,” she said.
Gemma forced back the sadness that wanted to cloud what had been a great day. She glanced over at Callum. “And I love your parents’ home. It’s beautiful. Your mother mentioned that she did all the decorating.”
“She did.”
“Then why didn’t you get her to decorate yours?”
“Mine?”
“Yes, the one you’ve hired me to do. I’m grateful that you thought of me, mind you, but your mother could have done it.”
“Yes, she could have, but she doesn’t have the time. Taking care of my dad is a full-time job. She spoils him rotten.”