“You’ll be able to put your feet up at Rowena’s and it’s cooler there.”

Paula couldn’t argue with him. Physically, she felt much better than she had for days. Apart from the weight of the baby, she felt quite energised. Perhaps it was anger that fuelled her but she’d spent the morning stripping beds and cleaning up the kitchen. It was an outlet for the swirl of emotions she felt. Somehow she had to keep it all contained until after the wedding.

“All right, I’ll come for lunch but then I’ll come home for a rest. You won’t need me at the rehearsal.”

* * *

“You might change your mind about marrying me now you know the havoc I’ve created?” Rowena wiped the sink down for the third time.

Austin sat behind her at the sunroom table. He was a large man and made her corner setting seem even smaller. His hands were clasped in front of him and he was tapping his index fingers together.

It had taken Rowena some time to tell him the history of her brother’s will, the mistake over the loan and Jacinta’s claim.

“Come and sit down or you’ll wear a hole in that sink.” He patted the chair beside him. “I have no qualms about marrying you. I’m more perplexed about this woman blackmailing you into giving her the property”

“Dan’s been trying to come up with the money to pay the loan out. If we can do that our lawyer thinks he can manage things so Jacinta won’t get far with her claim.”

“If it’s a matter of money I can—”

Rowena put up her hand. “And pride. I’ve offered my savings but Dan won’t take it.”

“This is about you as well. I’m sure he doesn’t want you taken to court over it.”

“Of course not. Anyway, now that Paula knows all about it they can at least shift the loan to be against the other property. That might be enough but it’s all such a mess.”

“You can’t change the past. What’s done is done.” Austin took her hand and clasped it gently in his. “But no matter what happens in the future we’ll face it together.”

Tears pricked Rowena’s eyes. “I’m so lucky to have you.”

“Is that them coming now?”

Rowena hadn’t heard anything. She looked out the window to see Dan and Paula nearly at the door. “Yes. I think we’ll eat in the dining room after all. The aircon works better in there. Can you take the cutlery and place mats please? We’ll shift the table after lunch.”

Before she could pick up the salads and servers Austin’s arms wrapped around her and he brushed her cheek with a kiss. “Relax,” he murmured in her ear.

* * *