The only pieces of furniture were the chest of drawers and an old chair she’d shifted in from the lounge, but the room was fresh and it was a start. She couldn’t wait to surprise Dan.

She wanted to talk to him about Tom as well. Perhaps Dan could have a man-to-man talk about making a good impression with a girl. Poor Tom. Paula stifled a giggle. He probably frightened Louise half to death with his scary appearance.

“What’s Tom doing here?” Dan was marching towards her, his face creased into a frown.

Then again, perhaps now wasn’t the time to tackle Tom’s prowess with women. Dan was obviously not happy about something.

“I asked him to give me a hand,” Paula said.

“He’s meant to be checking the sheep.”

“He wasn’t here long. He helped me shift some things into the baby’s room.”

“I could have done that. He’s not your personal servant.”

“Dan.” Paula could see the anger in his eyes. Surely he couldn’t be upset over Tom being a few minutes late to check the sheep. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing.”

“It doesn’t seem like nothing.”

“We’re all but ready to cut hay. The sale is on at the end of this week. There’re a million jobs to do. I’ve got enough on my plate, without wasting my time double checking that he’s done his job.” Dan dragged his fingers through his hair. “I’m as pleased as anyone that they won the footy but Tom has been on another planet since then. He’s always been reliable.”

“I’m sure he still is,” Paula soothed. “Things will settle down again soon.”

“In the meantime, I’m doing half his work as well as mine.”

“You need some lunch.” Paula felt a little guilty. Dan had been up late finishing the painting last night. Overwhelming tiredness consumed her from time to time and last night she hadn’t even heard him come to bed. He’d painted all weekend, in between watching the AFL grand final on the television and disappearing out to the shed. He’d coated the bedroom walls and ceiling twice, only allowing her to do the woodwork. This morning she’d been busy cleaning up the room and helping Tom and now she didn’t have anything ready for lunch. “I’ll make some sandwiches while you wash up.”

His face relaxed and he gave her a little smile. “Thanks.”

“And after lunch I have a surprise for you.”

Dan pulled her close and kissed her. “Perhaps we can skip lunch and go straight to the surprise.”

“I thought you were too busy,” she said.

“Tom’s meant to be busy,” he growled into her ear.