“I truly am sorry, both of you. I am determined that you will use my money to pay some off that loan. That and changing it so the remaining debt is with Woodcroft Farm should give you a better chance of keeping the property even if I’m no longer the executor.” Rowena picked up her bag. “Austin and I are going away for a few days and I would like to see the baby before we go.”

“Of course, I’ll take you,” Dan said.

“Can you wait a bit longer.” Paula climbed onto the bed. Dan hovered at the end of it and Rowena glanced between the two of them. “I’ve got something to tell both of you.” Paula’s smile was smug. “For a change I’ve got a secret.”

Rowena hesitated. She wished Austin was here. She had no idea what this was about but from the look on Paula’s face she was hoping it was good news. She sat on the chair and folded her hands over her bag.

* * *

Paula was worn out from lack of sleep and trying to come to terms with being a mother but she’d just had good news from Glen and they needed to hear it. Angry as she’d been when she’d overheard their conversation she badly wanted to fix the rift between them all. Both Dan and Rowena watched her closely, him from the hard hospital chair and her from the saggy one. Their faces were grim but Paula couldn’t keep her smile from spreading wider.

“You remember it was Glen who told me about the details of your father’s will, Dan?” He nodded. “Once I had all the facts I rang Dad.” Paula took a deep breath. “And I asked him to loan us the money.”

Dan opened his mouth but Paula fixed him with a steely look she’d copied from Rowena. His aunt raised an eyebrow but said nothing. “That money is now ready to pay off the loan, which, if you okay it Dan, can happen today. Glen was very helpful about it. I gather he feels bad about his business giving you the wrong advice regarding the loan, Rowena.”

The older woman simply inclined her head but Paula saw there was still worry in her look.

“I’m not sure how but he says if the loan is paid out there will be no evidence that you were in breach of your executor duties.”

Except for Rowena’s sharp intake of breath they were all silent a moment.

Dan leaped to his feet. “Where’s the paperwork? I’ll do it now.”