“Doesn’t he look gorgeous in that gown? Like a tiny sleeping angel,” her mother said.

“Now he does, but about two o’clock this morning…” Paula looked at the patch of fair hair sticking up from his head and the fine eyelashes resting above the perfect soft pink of his plump cheeks. No sign any more of the jaundice that had kept them in hospital a few extra days. She looked back on that time with some amazement at her own tenacity. She had been discharged before the baby and Jane had organised a bed at her parents’ home. Jane’s parents had been very kind, said she could stay as long as she liked and looked after her as if she were one of their own family. Paula had stuck to her word and wouldn’t budge from Adelaide until Rowena had returned from her holiday. Poor Dan had made a few trips back and forth to the farm but they’d all met with the accountant and the lawyer and mapped out the future as best they could.

“Dara has dropped in food on her way to the church and Susan and Alison seem to have everything under control in the kitchen. Dan and your dad have been putting chairs and umbrellas up in the side garden. It’s a perfectly glorious day out there.”

“Thanks, Mum.”

“I’ve hardly done a thing.”

“Not just for today. I don’t know how I would have managed without your help when we first came home from Adelaide.”

Once the paperwork had been done and Paula was ready to travel back to the farm, her mother had flown over to help. Paula was grateful when she thought back to those first days at home. The strength she had felt while dealing with the farm business had deserted her completely with the baby waking frequently and feeding more often. They’d had more hot weather and after relying on hospital staff to tell her what to do for so long, her courage had deserted her. Paula loved her mother dearly but it was amazing the difference in her stay after the baby was born, compared to all her other visits. This time Diane had been a calming influence and great support.

“Everyone’s ready to go to the church.” Her mother picked up Grandma Woodcroft’s shawl. “Let me hold him while you finish getting dressed.”

* * *

Dan sat on one of the chairs he’d placed out in the sunshine. He needed a few minutes to himself. While they’d been working he’d thanked Rex for his financial assistance. He didn’t like being beholden to his father-in-law but he’d had little choice but to accept graciously. Dan hoped one day he’d be able to pay the money back.