“I did knock but no one answered.”

Paula straightened herself on the couch. Her cheeks felt hot.

“I talked to those dogs of yours,” Uncle Gerald said. “Not much of guard dogs, are they? Both of them nearly licked me to death. What have you named the new one?”

Dan pulled himself up from the floor. “Spud.”

“Scud! What kind of name is that? After that tennis player fellow, I suppose. I hope you’ll come up with something better for that one.” He pointed his bony finger in the direction of Paula’s rounded tummy.

“I’m in charge of naming this one, Uncle Gerald,” Paula shouted. She got up and stood beside him. “You sit down and talk to Dan and I’ll make us a cup of tea.”

“Thanks, Paula. You’re a good girl.” He patted her arm. “But there’s no need to shout, you know. I can hear you perfectly well. I think it’s you two that’s hard of hearing.” He winked at her. “And I was hoping you’d have something a bit stronger than tea.”

“A glass of red, Uncle Gerald?” Dan asked.

“I’ll get it.” Paula ducked her head to hide her giggle and left Dan to deal with the old ratbag.

They had just finished their drinks and Paula had remembered she’d wrapped a chocolate with a Christmas card for Uncle Gerald. She had planned to give it to him when she saw him next, not expecting it would be today.

“I’m too old for Christmas presents,” he said as he tore at the end of the parcel.

“Not too old, Uncle Gerald,” Paula said.

“No, it’s quite warm in here. Lovely sunny day today. Just right for Christmas.”

Paula saw Dan’s grin and the slow shake of his head.

“It has been a lovely day,” she said.

“What’s that?” the old man asked.

Paula leaned closer. “I said it has been a lovely day.”

“I think that’s another car.” Dan left them to investigate.

“What’s up with him?” Uncle Gerald asked after Dan had gone.

“He thought he heard a car.”

“No, I mean what’s wrong with him?”

“Nothing.”

“I’ve known that boy all his life. Something’s bothering him.”

Paula studied the old man. What did he mean? Dan had been tense lately but she’d put it down to farming. Today had been the most memorable day, unless he’d said something to Uncle Gerald while she’d been in the kitchen. “He’s had a busy harvest.”

“Every harvest is busy. They just get busier. He’s always worked hard. You got to watch he doesn’t overdo it.”

Rowena’s voice echoed from the kitchen. Paula thought she was in Adelaide.

Uncle Gerald sighed, muttered something about that woman and sat back in his chair. Paula had wanted to quiz him about what he meant but Rowena burst through the door.