A thump from behind startled her. The rear window of the dual cab jerked up and Dan loaded his purchases.

“That made the trip worthwhile,” he said with a wide grin on his face.

“You found what you were looking for then.” Paula tried to sound interested.

“I can nearly always find an elusive piece here that is just what I need.”

They pulled out onto the road and Paula glanced back at the huge junkyard sign with a frown. It was certainly not her idea of a treasure chest.

They found a park in front of a coffee shop in North Adelaide. Once inside, Paula soaked in the warmth and the delicious smell of coffee. There were few customers, business people, by the look of their suits. The pre-work rush was over and it was too early for the mid-morning coffee break crowd. She felt a small flutter of excitement. The thought of spending some time shopping in the city was enticing.

Dan ordered and sat with her at a table by the window. Outside, people rushed past with jackets tightly fastened against the cold.

“Not much of a day to be out,” he said.

“I won’t notice once I get to the shops.” She pulled out her list. “Most of this stuff you wouldn’t be interested in but it would be good if we could get a chance to go to that baby furniture place I told you about.”

“I’ve still got quite a few jobs to do. Why don’t I drop you in the city? We can meet for a late lunch and there might be time to go via the baby shop on the way home.”

She smiled. “Okay.”

The waitress arrived with their order and Paula was able to hide her relief as they sorted the tea and coffee. She didn’t want Dan to think she was getting rid of him but his kind of shopping was totally opposed to hers. They’d both be much happier on their own for a couple of hours.

“Just don’t fill up the dual cab with farming junk. Leave some room for my purchases,” she said, once she had her cup of tea in front of her.

“Junk? I’ll have you know each piece has a purpose.”

“So will mine. I need some clothes that fit this growing belly and I might even buy a few clothes for the baby.”

“I’d better not leave you two alone for long then.”

“You make a time and we’ll be ready.” She laughed and put both hands on her stomach. “It really is happening. I’ve been worried I might miscarry. I’m fifteen weeks now. My pregnancy book says this is the second trimester and the bulk of miscarriages happen in the first. I know that still doesn’t mean the baby is totally safe but it must…”