She had chosen well. The new dog was a quick learner. He’d take it with him this morning. It had to get used to travelling in the vehicle. All they needed was a name for it. Paula had made some suggestions but then said it was Dan’s dog, it was up to him to decide.

He stuffed the last sandwich in his mouth as he bent to pull on his boots.

“Where are you going?”

Dan spun around. Paula huddled in the doorway, looking at him through bleary eyes.

“I’m going to Ted’s.”

She half turned. “Wait a minute and I’ll come with you.”

“There’s nothing you can do…”

“Heather might need something.” She frowned at him with a determined look in her eyes. “I want to come. Please wait.”

Dan pushed his hat firmly on to his head. “I’ll bring the ute down.” He opened the door and stepped out into the damp morning air.

* * *

Paula glanced back at the pup in the back seat. He had run excitedly from one side to the other, stretching his paws up to peer out the windows, until he’d eventually given up and sat in the middle of the seat. His front legs were propped, his eyes watching her. He wriggled forward a bit, wagging his tail then lost his balance as Dan went round a corner.

“Have you thought of a name for him yet?” Paula said.

“This one or that one?” Dan patted her stomach before flicking his head towards the pup in the back seat.

“One or both.” She smiled, pleased to see him respond with a joke.

“The pup I’m having trouble with, but the baby is easy.”

“Really.” She stretched the word out.

“No need for sarcasm, ma’am. It’s simple. A boy should be named after his father and a girl after her mother.”

“You’re saying our baby will be Dan or Paula?”

“That’s it.”

“No other name?”

“Well, you might want to put something with it…possibly in front of it. I’m sure you’ll think of something. I’ve done my bit.” He grinned at her.

“Let me get this straight. You’ve come up with a second name and it’s up to me to come up with the first.”

“That’s it.”

“Well, that’s simple then.” Paula grinned. Two could play this game. “I might even come up with some extra names. We might throw in a Rex after my Dad. Tom has three extra names, his dad’s and both his grandfathers’ names.”

“How do you know that?” Dan’s voice had become serious again.

“He showed me on a form once.” Paula tugged down her shirt. She had got carried away with the joke and wished she hadn’t mentioned Tom’s names.

“Why?”

“He thinks his parents were worried he’d be the last boy so they gave him all the names.”