“I have ducted aircon.” Rowena waved a hand towards the ceiling. “Thank goodness, because the long-range forecast is for extreme heat and we’re having the wedding lunch here.” She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat at the thought of that. Wedding planning overwhelmed her when there was so much else at stake.

“And it’s not long now, is it? I’m sorry we can’t be here for it but this was the only time Rex had to get away for a few months. Where are you going for your honeymoon?”

“Not far. We’re going to drive along the Great Ocean Road and stop wherever we feel like for a week or so. We plan to travel overseas later in the year. I didn’t want to be gone too long after the wedding, with Paula due to have the baby.”

“Don’t change your plans for the baby. They come in their own good time.” Diane chuckled. “I’ll come back as soon as Paula has it. I do hope she will be all right in that old house without air conditioning.”

“What’s happening in here?” Rex put his head through the door. “Paula and Susan are talking babies again.”

“Not just any babies, Rex. Your precious grandchildren.” Diane picked up the tray.

“I’m sorry Dan couldn’t join us,” Rowena said.

“Farming is a much more complicated business than I realised,” Rex said.

“Dan’s extra busy at the moment,” Rowena said. “With Ted selling his property there’s been a lot of work drafting sheep and re-agisting them.”

“Dan told me a bit about that.”

“I’ll take in the cups before the tea gets cold.” Diane sailed off into the other room with her tray.

“He seems to have a lot of faith in this Ted fellow,” Rex continued. “But he sounds like a bit of a loose cannon to me. Is he a suitable business partner?”

“Of course.” Rowena felt a surge of annoyance that Rex would question Dan’s choice. “Dan has a lot on his plate and now with this will business—” Rowena resisted the urge to clasp her hand to her mouth.

Rex studied her closely. “What will business?”

“Nothing really, it’s just been added work. Dan’s father left a testamentary trust and Dan’s thirtieth birthday was the vesting date.” Rowena brushed her hands down her skirt. “You know these things take time and money for lawyers. Just another thing to do. Anyway we should join the others. I’ve set out a plate of those cornflake biscuits I know you enjoyed last time.”

Rex held her gaze a moment longer then nodded. “Sounds good.”