Free I'Ve Got You by Louise Forster

look.
    Frowning, Belle peered at him across her shoulder. ‘Tell me that’s not true!’
    â€˜No, I put the porch light on,’ Mario laughed.
    â€˜You …’ She faked a slap to his shoulder.
    Kabe quietly chuckled.
    They strolled along the water’s edge where the sand was cool underfoot and continued up to the old, lovingly restored Queenslander cottage. A wide veranda, wrapped around the house on three sides, gave it welcoming shade from the hot summer sun.
    â€˜Mario, you’ve done some more work on the place,’ Kabe said, looking around at the polished timber floors, the neat kitchen and French doors that led out onto the decks. All the walls, ceilings and most of the furniture were white with added splashes of colour from paintings, cushions and beautifully-framed family photos.
    â€˜Anna wouldn’t want me to live like a slob. I couldn’t do that to her. And I have everythin’ I need here. Solar power for a little light, freshwater from a spring-fed creek out the back and my garden. I don’t want for anythin’.’
    With Kabe’s help, Belle explained her horror sailing trip. She failed to mention how, when she realised who her rescuer was, the horror had turned to scary heavy flirting, and then later, on the rock, something a whole lot deeper.
    â€˜So, were you just planning a social visit or did someone send you?’ Mario’s sharp eyes fell on hers.
    Belle heaved a sigh, and took a sip of delicious ice-cold lemonade.
    Mario waited and turned to Kabe. ‘You know, but you’re not sayin’.’
    â€˜Yep … nope,’ Kabe nodded. ‘Look, I’ll just take a walk, so you two can have a word in private.’ Before anyone could stop him, Kabe stood and headed for the stairs.
    Belle thought it a bit strange, but sweet, and carried on explaining. ‘Pop, I was all set to visit next month. And I’ll still do that, although I might have to charter a boat,’ Belle added quietly, while slipping her fingers over the condensation on her glass.
    â€˜None of it’s your fault, darlin’.’ Mario leant closer and laid an arm on her shoulder. She reached up and covered his weathered, bony hand with hers. ‘I told your Dad several times he should replace the sails … guess he forgot.’
    â€˜Hmm, he won’t like hearing what happened. Anyway, I promised Mum and Dad I’d come, but I never said I’d try and make you leave—and I never will.’ Belle leant across her chair and kissed his cheek. ‘They worry about you, that’s all. There’s no ulterior motive, but to see you safe.’
    â€˜I know, I’m still not movin’.’ Mario shook his head, his brown eyes set with determination.
    â€˜I’ll persuade Mum and Dad to leave that subject alone.’
    â€˜Yep, good luck with that,’ was Mario’s dry reply.
    â€˜Pop!’ Belle complained, ‘You don’t think I can?’
    He sighed and gave her a knowing look. ‘You’re a softie when it comes to your parents. You love me and they’re taking advantage of that, using scare tactics to get what they want.’
    â€˜Mum and Dad wouldn’t want to scare me!’
    â€˜Darlin’, they’ve told you your Pop could die out here, he could break a leg unable to move and no one would know. He could have a stroke and drown.’ Mario shrugged. ‘I don’t want to die like that either.’ He pulled a sat-phone from a leather pouch attached to his belt. ‘All I need to do is press this button,’ he said pointing, ‘and a signal alerts Luna Bay emergency services. I reckon I have better help than an elderly person on the mainland.’
    â€˜Pop, I’m impressed, but it would take an hour or more for someone to get to you.’
    â€˜Yeah, it’d take just as long for someone to do the same on the mainland. Unless they’re in a nursing