It had been a long day. Jane had been struggling to entertain Andrew, and James was grizzly. She’d taken them off for a walk with another mum whose kids were equally fractious. Dan had been easily convinced to let Paula escape and she had taken the opportunity to return to the car.

It had been a surprise to see another side of Dan, over there on the steps where other Tigers supporters had gathered. He hadn’t drunk as much beer as Bruce but he was certainly vocal. The enthusiasm for the game was catching and she had enjoyed the atmosphere. It was amazing to look around the ground and see all the cars lined up in rows, many with ribbons fluttering from aerials. Car horns tooting to the cheers when a goal was scored added to the excitement.

Paula yawned. Dan had insisted they get up early this morning. They’d only had time for a cup of tea before they left the little B & B out along the coast road so that he could park their vehicle in the oval grounds. Paula had been amazed at the line-up of cars ahead of them. They’d found a park at the top of the slope built around the oval.

Then they’d left the vehicle and strolled down to the main street to a cafe they’d eaten in on previous visits here. The tea and coffee were always fresh and they made delicious sandwiches and pastries.

The main street had a much bigger selection of shops than their little town and they spent some time wandering in and out of them. Paula looked over a display of baby clothes while Dan tried on jeans. They bought newspapers, magazines and books in the newsagent. Outside, a group of local school children were selling supporters’ gear for the various teams playing finals that day. Dan bought her a little woollen doll in yellow and black and pinned it on her lapel. The wind off the sea was very fresh and Paula had been thankful for her black wool coat.

The coat was off now. It was lovely and warm in the car out of the wind. Paula closed her eyes. She could almost doze off again.

A tap on her window startled her. Dan opened the door.

“Come on, sleepyhead. Jane’s saved you a chair in the clubrooms.” He leaned in and kissed her. His lips were cold on her cheek and the strong smell of beer wafted with him. “We have to go and have a celebratory drink with the boys.”

Paula reached for her coat. The cold breeze was filling the car.

“Are you cold?” Dan helped her slip her arms in.

“It was warm in the car.”

He rubbed his hands up and down her arms, then kissed her again. “We won, Sweet Pea. The Tigers have won their first grand final since the teams combined.”