Austin had become her rock and her confidant over the two years since she’d met him through a mutual friend. After so many years on her own, at first she’d resisted the idea of marrying him and moving to Adelaide but now that Dan was married and had someone to support him, Rowena had given in. She loved Austin and enjoyed sharing her life with him. No doubt some would think her foolish to marry at her time of life – she was approaching fifty-seven – but she wasn’t one to dwell too much on what others thought.

Dan and Paula’s wedding day flicked through her mind. Even though it had been a struggle for the new bride, fresh from the city, to adapt to country life, they seemed happy. Rowena hoped Paula would cope with the looming bombshell. Perhaps a country girl would understand the situation better but Dan had made his choice.

There was a clang as the garden gate closed and footsteps crunched along the path. Rowena hurried to take the sausage rolls from the oven and put them on the table beside the sandwiches. She wanted to give Dan a decent lunch. It was another of the things she did from time to time just to make sure they were eating properly. Paula wasn’t fond of cooking.

Once again Rowena picked up the letter and unfolded it. She had to be strong. This wasn’t Austin’s problem, it was hers and it affected Dan and Paula and their unborn child. Dan’s voice reached her as a low rumble from the back door. He must have the dog with him. She looked down at the letter again and brushed away the wisp of hair that fell forward over her face. How did life become so complicated?

* * *

“Everything’s fine, Paula, and hopefully you won’t have too much more nausea.”

Paula gave the doctor a sheepish smile. She’d managed to make it to the toilet before she brought up her breakfast. “I thought I was over doing that.”

“Nausea can come and go throughout pregnancy. Have you had a busy morning? You probably just stood up too quickly and the dizziness set you off. Your blood pressure is fine.”

Paula slipped on her shoes. Lachlan Hunter appeared to be only a few years older than her. His youthful looks made it hard to tell but she didn’t care how old he was. It was his confidence that reassured her.