Andy was in an expansive mood, knowing what a success his bars and eateries had been, as had every moment of the night.

‘This won’t be topped for a long, long time, mate,’ he said to Johnny. ‘Bruno and the band were bloody amazing.’

‘One of the best nights ever,’ said Mel.

‘Grace, I have to tell you about the blessing ceremony,’ Andy said. ‘The leaders of the local banjar from the council precinct the Kamasan is in did the ceremony earlier this afternoon. Only the family and some of the team were invited,’ he said. ‘Everyone was dressed in ceremonial garb including Harold and Johnny. It was very special.’

‘I’m so sorry I missed it.’

‘Don’t worry,’ Steve put in. ‘I was allowed to film it, so you’ll see it when we start editing.’ He smiled and stretched back in his chair.

‘It’s been a special day all round.’ Grace sighed. ‘You must be so proud, Johnny. All the work you did for so long behind the scenes paid off tonight.’

‘Thank you, Grace, and thanks for inviting your friend Melanie.’

‘Johnny’s given me a job.’ Mel laughed.

‘What is it?’ said Grace, looking from Mel to Johnny.

‘I will head up the Kamasan Numeracy Program. We just cooked it up.’ She lifted her glass. ‘We’re going to grow children’s minds as well as their bodies, right, Johnny?’

‘Exactly, Mel.’ Johnny smiled affably.

‘I’ll still be working at the uni in Sydney, but overseeing this program and visiting when I can.’

‘I’m amazed but not surprised,’ Grace said. ‘Bring two dynamic people together and watch out!’ She laughed.

‘Dawn is breaking, time for bed,’ said Andy. He rose and hugged Grace and Mel goodnight, slapping Johnny on the back. ‘G’night, old mate.’

‘Want to see the sun rise?’ said Steve to Grace.

‘Sure. Let’s walk along the beach,’ she said, pulling off her shoes.

Mel and Johnny looked at each other. She held out her glass and he poured champagne.

‘We’ll hold the fort,’ said Johnny.

‘See you guys at breakfast,’ called Mel, and she sipped her drink and smiled.

Holding hands, Grace and Steve walked through the soft grass and damp fallen flowers towards the beach where dreams were born and the tide washed away fears and worries.

As they passed the grove where K’tut’s hotel had been, Grace took the flower from her hair and gently placed it on the cornerstone of the remains of the gateway to where a woman’s dream still survived.

Epilogue

Epilogue

Twelve months later . . .