The Peppercorn Project by Nicki Edwards Read Free Book Online Page B

hard can it be to find a church?’
    ‘Is that it over there?’ Fletcher pointed.
    On the other side of the road, a freshly-painted, rendered brick building stood tall and proud – the green grass surrounding it newly mown. Isabelle shaded her eyes and squinted. She read the sign. Stony Creek Uniting Church in Australia.
    ‘Yep, that’s it. Come on then.’ She tugged Mietta’s hand. ‘Let’s go do this.’
    They followed a concrete path around the side of the church to a large hall. The structure had seen better days, but someone had gone to a lot of trouble decorating the outside with streamers and balloons. A large hand-painted sign welcomed the Peppercorn Project contestants. Pale grey river stones were stacked high – like tall sentinels, marking the entrance.
    Beneath the wide veranda, a blonde woman sat at a small table.
    ‘You must be the Cassidys.’ Her voice was deep and warm, and her smile lit up an attractive face. ‘I’m Leah Williams. Welcome!’
    Leah stood and moved around the table, holding out her hand, which Isabelle shook. Leah was dressed like almost every other woman Isabelle had seen so far as they’d driven around – a shirt tucked into faded jeans and well-loved leather boots on her feet.
    ‘Yes, hi. I’m Isabelle Cassidy.’
    Leah appraised the kids with interest, and for a split second Isabelle wished she hadn’t insisted they dress in their best clothes. Fletcher yanked his shirt out of his pants and pushed the sleeves halfway up his forearms. Isabelle didn’t reprimand him.
    ‘And you two must be Fletcher and Mietta.’ Leah smiled at them.
    ‘Yes, that’s right,’ Isabelle said, prodding Mietta on the small of her back and pushing her forwards.
    ‘That’s a cute skirt you’re wearing, Mietta,’ Leah said. ‘You look like a princess.’
    Mietta grinned at Leah and performed a pirouette. Isabelle reached to pull Fletcher towards her but he took a sideways step and she dropped her arm awkwardly. So much for the lecture on good manners.
    ‘G’day, mate.’ Leah didn’t seem bothered by Fletcher’s poor behaviour. She turned back to Isabelle and smiled again. ‘It’s great to have you guys here. As I said, I’m Leah. My sister Rachel is in charge. You’ll meet her in a sec when you go inside for your interview. Surprisingly, they’re running ahead of schedule. But I guess you’re only the third family through so far. Plenty of time for them to run behind.’
    ‘Rachel King is your sister?’
    ‘Yep. King is her married name. This project is her baby and she roped me in to help. Can’t say I mind!’ Leah leaned towards Isabelle with a look of mischief on her face. ‘The guy before you was hot – and single.’
    ‘Oh.’ Isabelle wasn’t sure what else to say.
    Leah’s booming laugh filled the small space.
    ‘Sorry, that’s why Rachel wouldn’t let me on the interview panel! I only have one volume – loud – and no filter. It’s not really true.’ She shrugged. ‘Anyway, I’m not about to change for anyone. Especially not my sister.’
    ‘I thought only families could apply for the houses, not singles.’
    ‘You’re right.’ Leah leaned closer and whispered conspiratorially. ‘He was here with his parents! ’
    Isabelle raised her eyebrows.
    ‘Exactly what I thought.’ Leah said. ‘What kind of hot single guy still lives at home with his parents?’
    ‘How old was he?’
    ‘Thirty-five. I asked.’
    Isabelle spluttered in surprise. She’d moved out of home after finishing high school, and straight in with Dan. Of course, she had also been pregnant with Fletcher and her parents had kicked her out, but she preferred to think it was her decision.
    ‘Yep, that was my response too. I’m the same age, and I don’t live at home with my folks. Haven’t for years.’
    Isabelle subtly analysed the woman opposite her. She would have put her on the other side of forty. She was trying to formulate a polite response when the door to the hall burst