“Hello, Paula, Merry Christmas.” She bent to kiss Paula on the cheek and placed some parcels beside her. “Austin and I couldn’t let you two spend Christmas alone, so we thought we’d bring some prawns and have dinner with you.” Rowena bustled over to kiss Uncle Gerald. “Merry Christmas. I didn’t realise you’d be here, I’ve left your gift at home.”

Dan came in carrying drinks, followed by Austin carrying more parcels. Only Paula heard the old man mumble, “I didn’t know you’d be here, either.”

Several hours later, nestled in Dan’s arms, Paula could feel her body relaxing towards sleep. “What a great day,” she said. “Did you know people would turn up like they did?”

“No.”

“It was a lovely surprise.”

She felt Dan’s chest rumble with laughter.

“Just as well Uncle Gerald came when he did, any later and he may have seen more than he bargained for.”

“Dan!” Paula giggled. “It doesn’t bear thinking about.”

“Austin seemed to enjoy himself.”

“Yes, he and Chris had a good old chat about businesses in this area.”

“It was good of Dara and Chris to come out.”

“Dara’s a dear. She would know I’d be missing my family.”

He kissed the top of her head. “It wasn’t too bad, having to stay home with me.”

She turned her head towards him in the dark. “I never want to be anywhere else.” Uncle Gerald’s words niggled at the edge of her thoughts. “Things will be okay, won’t they?”

“The doctor’s happy.” Dan rested a hand on her tummy. “You have to relax and look after yourself and all will be fine.”

Paula struggled to keep her eyes open. “I am relaxed but I meant with the farm.” She yawned deeply.

“What makes you ask that?”

“Something Uncle Gerald said.”

“Bloody Uncle Gerald. He’s a dear old man but he has a happy knack of turning up at odd times and he always gets the wrong end of the stick.”

“Still, you would tell me if…” She yawned again.

“You get some rest. We’ve had a busy day and tomorrow we’re off on a holiday.”

Something else was sliding around in her foggy brain. “When we’re on holidays,” she said, “remind me to talk about wills.” Paula couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer. “This has been the most special Christmas,” she mumbled.

* * *

Dan felt a deep weariness but he was still awake long after Paula’s gentle breathing told him she was asleep. Her mention of wills had been like an electric shock to him. What she had meant by it he had no idea. He had sworn Rowena to secrecy and Glen Barrett also knew he wanted to protect Paula from his father’s folly.