He leaned across and kissed her on the lips. “Don’t worry about it. The baby will be fine.”

His loving look took her breath away and he continued to gaze at her as he took a sip of his coffee.

Paula smiled. He was right. The baby would be fine. A tingle of excitement wriggled in her stomach. Everything would be fine.

* * *

“Every time someone walks through that door you act like a startled cat,” Rowena said.

Dan dragged his gaze back from the woman who had just entered the cafe. He and Rowena were huddled in the back corner of the small eatery near their lawyer’s office. He was sure Paula would be shopping in Rundle Mall but as they were only a few blocks away, he didn’t want to run the risk of being seen in the city.

Rowena leaned forward and fixed her sharp look on him. “Dan, you must tell Paula.”

He shook his head. The meeting with Glen had been mostly positive but the ache in his shoulders was still there.

“I’d rather not have to. Glen seems to think that even if Jacinta has a boy first, it doesn’t entitle her to anything unless you as executor want to give her something.”

Rowena tapped the side of her cup with her fingernails. “As executor it’s my job to make sure Daniel’s wishes are carried out.”

“Damn it, Rowena, I’m his son and I’ve chosen farming as my permanent vocation. You heard Glen, Jacinta’s not entitled to anything.”

Rowena flicked a wisp of hair back from her forehead and took a sip of her coffee. “I still think you need to tell Paula.”

“I’ve told you, no.”

“Even Glen thought it a good idea. Babies are born early all the time these days.”

“Glen is a good lawyer but I’d rather leave the health of my wife and baby in the hands of Lachlan Hunter. Besides, Glen was only joking.”

“Perhaps so but he also said it could possibly mean a court case if Jacinta digs in her heels. With a farmer husband wanting his own piece of land, our property must look like a banquet on a silver platter to them. I’m worried they won’t give it up without a fight.”

“We really don’t know any of that for sure. All you’ve had is a letter out of the blue from an obscure cousin.”

“Have you forgotten the follow-up letter from Jacinta’s lawyer wanting more information about the property?”

Dan gritted his teeth, He had forgotten that. ”Well, once they see our financials they might change their mind. We’re a long way from Queensland.”