She struggled out of bed and found him in the kitchen picking up his phone and his notebook. He gave her a smile but she ignored him and went to the coffee machine.

“I’m on my way to fix a fence with Tom. You were very tired last night. I wanted to let you sleep in.”

“I had to get up. I have a doctor’s appointment this morning.”

“Lachlan’s away. There’s a locum taking his place till next week.”

Paula set the machine going and poured herself a glass of water. “Perhaps I’ll put it off till next week.”

“Are you sure? What about your blood pressure?”

“It’s only up slightly and everything else is okay. I’m seeing the doctor every two weeks now. Putting it off for a few days won’t hurt. I feel as if I’ve been in the car forever and I have to drive in early tomorrow for my hair appointment.” It was a struggle to have a civil conversation when all she wanted to do was shout at him. “Besides, the fairies haven’t been while I’ve been away.” There were several dishes and pans on the sink and along the cupboard. Some were from last night’s quick meal but the rest had been there when she arrived home.

“Sorry about the mess. I’ve hardly been home long enough to eat let alone…” His excuse dwindled to silence. He shoved his hat on his head. “I’d better go. Tom’s picking up some wire from town and I don’t know how long he’ll be. The fence is looking fairly dodgy. I don’t want to risk it until after the wedding.” He bent and kissed her on the cheek. “We do need to talk, Paula.”

“Now you want to talk.”

He hung his head. “I’m sorry.”

Her heart ached but she couldn’t forgive him that easily. “Perhaps once the wedding’s over.”

He smiled but she couldn’t match it.

“Are you all right?” he said.

“Yes.”

“I’d better get going.” He left, closing the door softly behind him.

She felt a strange sense of loss. One part of her wanted to have it out with him and another wanted to put it off.

The door opened again and Dan stuck his head back into the kitchen. “We’re going to Rowena’s for lunch. I should be back around twelve to pick you up.”

Paula opened her mouth to speak but he was gone. She’d forgotten they were supposed to have lunch with Rowena and Austin before the rehearsal.