The Peppercorn Project by Nicki Edwards Page A

available properties. The first was ten minutes out of town on twenty acres. Isabelle shuddered at the idea of living in such an isolated location. The next two houses were located in the heart of the town, on big blocks, situated in wide streets. She was impressed with how well maintained they were and would be grateful for either of them if she was lucky enough to win. The last house Leah drove them past was right down near the creek and was more rundown than the others, but it made up for it in charm and character.
    She placed her glass on the table in front of her. Surely, it was getting closer to the time for the announcement. Leah sat beside her, and Isabelle was grateful for her company. On Isabelle’s other side was Alison’s sister Fran. Her warmth and hospitality had exceeded all expectations. Isabelle and the kids had slept comfortably in their own rooms at Fran and Jim’s farm on Saturday night, after eating enough food to feed a small nation. They refused any payment for the accommodation, and after Isabelle argued profusely to no avail, she accepted their generosity graciously. The money she would have spent on accommodation would be able to be used elsewhere.
    After what seemed like an eternity, Isabelle spotted Rachel making her way through the crowd, trailed by Alison and Jack. Isabelle’s insides tightened. The noise diminished as people began shushing one another. Isabelle searched for Fletcher and Mietta in the crowd. They looked as nervous as she felt.
    Rachel unhooked the microphone from its stand and after it squealed, silence descended in the pub. ‘I’m not going to draw this out,’ she said when she had everyone’s undivided attention. ‘Thank you for coming. We have loved meeting all of you, but as we said right from the beginning, we can only choose four families. I’d like to congratulate the following families who, if they accept, will become members of our wonderful Stony Creek community.’ Rachel paused to check the names in front of her and called out the first winners. ‘Neil and Karina Baker …’
    There was a smattering of applause and Isabelle looked across at a couple surrounded by what looked like half a dozen kids. The woman was heavily pregnant.
    ‘They look like home schoolers,’ Leah whispered in her ear.
    ‘I wonder if Rachel convinced them of the merits of public school education and her teaching qualifications.’
    Isabelle smiled.
    The family stepped up onto the small stage and Neil accepted the keys from Jack while Alison hugged Karina.
    ‘The Bakers will move into the property on Survey Road.’
    The isolated farmhouse out of town up in the hills. Isabelle exhaled. One down. Three to go.
    ‘The second family is Andrew and Kim Bailey. We have allocated the Giles Street property to them.’
    A young, attractive brunette squealed in delight and hugged the equally attractive man at her side. He pumped his fist into the air. They received their set of keys from Jack while their twin toddlers watched on in surprise from their pram, no doubt confused by all the commotion. Isabelle wondered what their story was.
    She closed her eyes and took a calming breath. Only two houses remained.
    ‘Kuda and Rumbi Nyabadzwa,’ Rachel stumbled slightly over the pronunciation of their names, ‘are our third family.’
    A young black couple, possibly refugees, hugged before stepping onto the stage to receive their keys. Isabelle watched the locals cast curious glances. A girl around Mietta’s age looked shyly out at the crowd from behind her mother’s colourful skirt, and a chubby toddler squirmed in his father’s arms.
    Rachel looked at the family and smiled. ‘We’ve given you the house in Stuart Street.’
    Isabelle’s stomach churned. Her mouth was dry. This was it, the decisive moment. The only house left was the miner’s cottage near the creek. Was it about to be their new home?
    ‘And the final family we wish to welcome to Stony Creek is …’
    Isabelle’s heart