She knew now that Dan’s early reluctance to even let her see the farm books was because of his debt to his previous girlfriend over a shared land deal. Katherine Melton was a spoilt woman who had tried to keep her hooks in Dan, even after he married Paula. Dan and Katherine had been co-owners of some property and instead of telling Paula about it, Dan had tried to buy Katherine out and keep their connection a secret. Somehow, Paula put together the bits of gossip she’d heard and assumed Dan and Katherine had a child together. It seemed ridiculous now, but there had been a patch, only a little while ago, when Paula thought her short marriage was over. There had been misunderstandings all round, exacerbated by Paula and Dan trying to keep too much of their past lives from each other.

Thankfully, they’d sorted that out and, with their misunderstanding about wanting to have children, they’d promised not to have any more secrets from each other.

“I don’t want to take your accountant’s place,” Paula said. “I’m just saying I think he will be pleased with how the finances are looking.”

“Of course, dear,” Rowena beamed at her and handed over a cup of tea, “but you don’t want to be worried about that now. How are you? Dan said you were at the doctor’s last week.”

Paula was speechless for a moment. She was always tricked by Rowena’s knack of saying something curt then suddenly changing the subject. “I’m fine. The baby’s fine. Well, as far as he can tell.”

“Will you have another ultrasound? I hear they do those regularly these days.”

“Lachlan says at about twenty weeks.”

“So much is possible now. Several of my friends’ daughters have known the sex of the baby before it’s born so that they can be prepared.”

Paula smiled. “Dan and I want to be surprised. I’ll just be happy to know it’s got ten fingers and toes. Boy or girl, we don’t have a preference.”

“Oh, but it would be much better to know the sex of the baby. You can get things in the right colours and decorate the nursery.”

“I’ve got ideas for that already. I’m more into neutrals with splashes of colour. Dan and I…”

“What about your parents?”

“What do you mean?”

“They’re so far away and I’m sure they’ll send lots of gifts. Wouldn’t they like to know the sex of the baby so they know what to buy?”

“They’ve got a granddaughter and two grandsons already. I don’t think they’ll mind either way.”