Paula sat in the car with the window open. It was a beautiful spring day, quite warm. She fanned herself with a handful of mail and glared at the two-way radio Dan had insisted on installing in her lovely black Audi. She hated using it but she hadn’t been able to raise him on his mobile. The radio was her last choice of communication and this was the first instance it had worked in her favour.

She was stranded just inside their property at the start of the track that led from the road to their house. Paula had noticed the steering had become difficult as she’d neared the gate. She stopped the car to investigate and discovered the back passenger-side tyre going down quickly. Her father had been adamant his three daughters be taught to change a tyre when they all learned to drive, but that had been a long time ago.

It rankled to have to ask Dan to help her but she had no choice. It had been difficult enough getting to the jack and spare tyre. She’d worked up a sweat. First she’d had to manoeuvre the bag she’d collected for Dan. It sat on the ground at the back of the car where it had landed with a thud once she’d dragged it over the lip of the boot. Her groceries sat on the shady side of the car with the small esky. Thank goodness she’d thrown that in at the last minute. The chicken and dairy items were keeping cool at least.

She’d managed to get the spare tyre out and the jack in place but getting the flat tyre off had defeated her. The nuts were on so tight she couldn’t budge them. She’d kicked the tyre in despair. With food to prepare for the six guests she had coming for dinner, she’d had no choice but to call Dan.

She glanced up at the sound of a vehicle approaching. At least he hadn’t been far away. He drew the dual cab up abruptly beside her and before she could move he was out of the door and leaning in the car with his face close to hers.

“What’s the matter? Are you all right? Is it the baby?”

His agitation surprised her. Dan was not the panicky type.

“I’m fine, Dan.” She put a hand up and brushed at his face in an attempt to smooth away the creases.

“Why did you call?” he said. “You sounded…”

Paula dropped her hand onto his strong brown arm lying along the door frame. “Truly, everything’s fine,” she said and then remembered the reason she was stranded. “Except for the car. I’ve got a flat tyre and I’ve got food to prepare and things to organise for tonight.”