“If I could go back and change things I would never have left you.”

She settled against him and he felt her body relax again. They sat for a long time in silence, both of them watching the tiny sleeping form of their son.

“You should have told me about the will,”

“I know.” Regret knifed through him. “I wish I had.”

Paula pulled away from him, slipped from the bed and went to the window. The last rays of the setting sun sparkled over her hair. It was longer now and she’d tied it up in a ponytail. She turned back to him.

“Remember when we nearly lost each other over stupid misunderstandings and secrets? We said we’d share everything from then on.”

Dan hung his head. Now that she knew about the will he regretted not telling her sooner. It all seemed pointless now. Their baby was alive and well. Jacinta could have the bloody property. Farm or no farm, Dan knew his own family was the most important thing.

Paula came back to stand in front of him. She took his hands in hers. They were so small and soft compared to his large work-roughened mitts.

“You don’t have to carry the burden alone, Dan. I thought we had a partnership.”

He squeezed her hands. “We do.”

“Then you’d better tell me everything. Let’s talk now.”

Dan pulled her down to sit beside him again. He inhaled a big deep breath and then he started to talk. He told her about swearing Rowena to secrecy over the will, then discovering the problem with the loan and keeping that to himself. Jacinta’s threats. The highs and lows, as he thought he’d found solutions only to have something block them. He talked and talked and for the first time in months he felt the weight of worry lift from his shoulders.

Chapter 45

CHAPTER

45

It was quiet in the hospital corridor. Rowena had asked for directions at the busy nurses’ station but now that she’d followed those directions, there was no one in sight. She had been excited about seeing the baby at last but she was nervous about how she would be received. Austin was parking the car and said he’d have a coffee to give her some time on her own. Now she wished she’d waited for him.

She looked at the number on the door, gave a quick knock and pushed it open. Dan turned from the window.

“Rowena?”

“Hello, Dan.” She glanced around the room but Paula wasn’t there and the crib was empty.

“Is everything…”

“I’ve come to…”

They both spoke at once.

“Is everything all right at home?” Dan tried again.

Rowena was pleased that he appeared a lot more relaxed than when she’d seen him last. “Yes, I’ve been at your place every day. There’s nothing to worry about and the fire is well under control.”