“When we nearly lost the property a few years ago we managed to hang on by sticking together. Heather has worked hard. Without her wage, we wouldn’t have had food on the table. But I cut corners and kept it from her. The fire was the clincher. When I saw what I’d become and how I was treating Heather and the kids, I realised something had to change. Getting some outside help from the counsellor was the first step. Thanks for helping me see that.”

Dan studied Ted’s face. He had certainly lost the haunted look he’d had after the fire. “If there’s anything I can do…”

“You’ve done plenty already.” Ted took Dan’s hand and shook it. “I’m lucky to have such a good friend.” Ted pulled back and glanced behind him. “Look, I’d better get going. I’m on my way to some appointments in town. I just wanted to make sure I thanked you and explained the situation.”

“Thanks for letting me know.”

“No probs. Nothing much should change as far as our partnership goes, we won’t have my land for the sheep but I’m sure we can work something out.” Ted clapped Dan on the shoulder. “I could turn into one of those weekend farmers who motor out from town occasionally to check the stock.” There was a wry grin on his face as he waved and strode away towards his vehicle.

Dan watched him go, then lowered himself to a drum and put his head in his hands. He sat unmoving for so long, the pup fell asleep with its head on his boot. Ted may have eased his own burden but Dan felt almost incapable of holding back the overwhelming tide of defeat that threatened to engulf him.

Eventually he pulled himself up. He would go crazy trying to battle this out by himself. Ted’s news had been a shock but it sounded like Heather was right beside him. Dan wanted to protect Paula from the worry while she was pregnant but maybe he had to swallow his pride and his fear and tell her about the implications of his father’s will.

It was quiet in the house but Paula was definitely home. The Audi was still pulled up by the gate rather than in the garage. He poked his head into the office. She wasn’t there nor in the laundry. Then he heard the soft murmur of her voice coming from the kitchen. He walked that way, his socks masking the sound of his footsteps.

Paula was curled up in the comfy chair with her phone to her ear. Her back was to him and beside her on the floor were several shopping bags not yet unpacked.

“No, Mum, we definitely won’t be home for Christmas.”

Dan had been about to step into the kitchen but he stopped. When had they decided that?