“Bruce filled me in.”

“The wind has abated, they’ve contained the fire again and they brought your truck back.”

“That’s good.”

The bed split the space between them.

“Tom’s checking the animals.”

“I spoke to him this morning.”

“Oh.” Rowena put her handbag, along with the small parcel she was carrying, on the end of the bed.

“Paula’s in the nursery with the baby. We’ve had a bit of a setback.”

“What’s happened?” Rowena’s look snapped to Dan’s.

“He’s okay but he’s developed jaundice.”

“Oh, what?”

“The doctor says it’s not unusual in pre-term babies. They’ve got a special light over the crib and the baby has to stay under it for a while.”

“But you said yesterday he was doing well.”

“He is. Paula was just getting the hang of this feeding business and she had the baby in here with her last night but now he’s back in the nursery under the light.”

“You still don’t have a name?”

“We’re working on it but there have been too many other things happening.”

Rowena smoothed the top of the bed with her hand.

“Dan, I hope you and Paula are okay.”

“We’ve had a big talk. Whatever happens, our son’s health is all that matters at the moment. We’ll worry about the rest later.”

“Well there’s one small thing happened in our favour.” She took a step closer to him. “Jacinta had her baby after yours.”

“How can that happen?”

“Paula was early, Jacinta was late. Babies come in their own time. And not only is her baby younger than yours – but it’s a girl.”

“You’re kidding!”

“I spoke to Beryl myself.”

“But Jacinta knew she was having a boy. She had tests.”

“Beryl didn’t elaborate too much but I gather the sonographer couldn’t get a good look at the time and Jacinta decided it was a boy from what she thought she saw on the ultrasound.”

“So, I was right to keep it from Paula, it was all a lie.”

“I wanted to ring you straight away but after everything that’s happened I decided to tell you face to face. The worry isn’t over but it’s one less thing in Jacinta’s favour.”

“You two are unbelievable.”

Rowena saw the worried frown settle back on Dan’s face before she turned. “Hello, Paula. I’ve brought good news.”

“I heard your news.” Paula’s voice was quiet but firm, and Rowena was surprised to see her hair hanging untidily over her shoulders and dark shadows under her eyes. “One thing I’ve learned from this family, it pays to listen outside doors if you want to get the truth.”

Paula crossed the room and put a bundle of tiny clothes in the crib. She looked so tired. Rowena’s heart ached for her.