Rowena put her cup down and met Dan’s eyes with her piercing stare. “Jacinta and her husband live in Victoria. If you were a young farmer who didn’t have a chance at a place on your own farm and someone offered you a new start somewhere else, would you pass it up?”

Dan sighed. “I guess not.” He thumped the table with his fist and made the crockery clatter. “There’s enough to worry about with the season not shaping up well. None of us will get much of an income this year the way it’s looking.”

“You’re not to worry about me. I had hoped I’d continue to draw a small income from the property but I’ve invested well and I have enough to support my retirement.”

“Rowena, you’ve done your fair share of the work. I wouldn’t ever neglect supporting you.”

“I know, Dan. You are like a son to me and I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of your life.”

“And I always will be even when you become Austin’s wife.”

“Austin and I have discussed our financial arrangements.” She gave a wry smile. “He seems to take some delight in thinking I will be his kept woman. My financial security is looking good but it’s your future that needs to be secured. You and Paula and your baby deserve that. Our new wills may help.”

“I can’t believe we have to do them all over again.”

“You heard Glen, our marriages invalidate any previous wills we’ve made.”

“There’s no rush.”

“Not so urgent for me but you and Paula should sort that out as soon as possible. She must be included.”

Dan bent towards Rowena. “I know I’m taking a risk but whatever happens Paula doesn’t need to know about it for now. She’s worried enough about the baby without adding any more pressure. You’re not to mention any of this to her.”

“All right, Dan.” Rowena shook her head. “I don’t agree with you but I’ve already told you I won’t mention it to Paula.”

Dan straightened up. “Anyway, if worse comes to worst, Glen says the stud is mine and there’s Paula’s share of the Harvey place that has nothing to do with our original holdings. As long as I pay off the loan, my half of the Harvey place will remain mine and not part of the original property. Jacinta can’t get her hands on that.”

“I hope you’re right. I don’t know why he wanted to have a closer look at that if it’s totally separate.”

“Just being thorough, I assume.”