Susan gave her father a withering look then turned back to Paula. “As I said, dear sister, do you need anything else? I saw a cute little outfit in that children’s shop we went past. Mum can help me.”

“I would like to go back for that gorgeous necklace to take home for Alison,” their mother said.

“Because she doesn’t already have a pile of necklaces.”

“No, Rex, because it’s her birthday coming up.”

“Go on then, the pair of you. I’ll stay here and mind Rupert and Paula.”

“Yes, off you go but don’t buy anything more for this baby.” Paula patted her stomach. “It’s already got a room full of clothes and toys and furniture…”

“Let them go, Paula,” her father said. “It keeps them happy.”

Paula studied his face. Was he mellowing in his older age? Usually he lamented any time they spent shopping and he was certainly never part of the expedition. She wondered what had changed.

“I’ve hardly had you to myself this last week,” he said, as if answering her thoughts.

“It’s been great to have you here, Dad.”

“You are happy, aren’t you, Paula?”

“Of course.” Paula sat back in her chair. Surely he wasn’t going to try to interfere again.

“Don’t get all huffy,” he said. “You know I like Dan and I admire the way he works. I didn’t realise the property wasn’t his though.”

“What are you talking about, Dad?” Paula shook her head. Her mother was usually the one to get the wrong idea about things.

“Rowena said his father’s will was a trust until Dan turned thirty.”

“When?”

“At her place yesterday. By the look on her face I don’t think she’d intended to tell me. Don’t you know about it?”

Paula shook her head, too surprised to answer.

“You should.”

“Dan’s thirtieth was late November. It was probably just a formality at the time.” A fairly big one though, Paula thought and wondered why Dan hadn’t told her.

“I’m not so sure. Rowena mentioned legal costs. You know I’ve got money put aside for you and Dan. I’ve told him.”

“Oh, Dad,” Paula muttered, “please don’t spoil things with one of your schemes. I know you mean well.”

“Look what we found.” Diane waved a bag as she and Susan made their way back to the table.

Rex leaned in to Paula. “You should know what that will entails.”

There was no time to digest what he’d said as her mother and sister joined them, excited over more purchases for the baby.

* * *

Dan groaned as he lifted the metal frame far enough to pull his right hand out from under it. He looked at his bloodied fingers and wriggled them. Pain sliced through his hand and he clenched his teeth.

Tom came around the side of the tractor. “Are you all right?”