“I still wish you’d talk to your wife about all this. It’s bad enough you not having a valid will in place but it’s a huge risk you’re taking by not telling Paula everything. There’s more than the farm at stake here. A relationship is based on trust.”

A prickle ran down his spine and he lowered his gaze to the empty coffee mug gripped tightly in his fingers. Rowena was right, he should tell Paula. She was his life partner. It turned out the final distribution of his father’s will should be straightforward. Everything should go to Dan but it was the bit about the first-born male that was still bothered him. Glen had said it shouldn’t be a problem. If that was the case there was no harm in keeping something from Paula that would cause her unnecessary worry. He was sure he was doing the right thing.

He looked at his watch. “I’d better get these other jobs done. I have to meet Paula again soon.” He stood up, looked at Rowena and kept his voice low. “You’re right about there being more at stake than the land. Paula and the baby are the most important things in my life now. I won’t let anything jeopardise their health.”

He turned to walk away but Rowena called him back. He reached for his wallet. “Sorry,” he muttered. “My shout.”

“Don’t be silly. That’s not why I stopped you.” Rowena stood up beside him. “I wanted to remind you of my offer to buy the cot for the baby. I’d like to give something useful. Tell Paula to pick out one she likes and I’ll pay for it.”

Dan sighed. He knew some people found Rowena tough and demanding but he admired her practical and generous nature. “Thanks, Rowena.” He kissed her cheek. “From all of us.”

* * *

“Look at the price tag on that.”

“Shhh, Dan.” Paula glanced around to make sure no one had heard him. They were in the middle of the baby furniture shop. The building was like a huge warehouse with rows and rows dedicated to various baby items. They were currently in the pram section and there were so many it was overwhelming. “We’ve got to have something to put the baby in and, living where we do, it has to go off-road.”

“I’ve got some old wheels I can put on this one.” Dan picked up a lighter and obviously cheaper model.

“Dan, be serious. Think of all the places we go. The baby has to be able to go there too.”

“At least Rowena has offered to pay for the cot.”

Paula stopped rocking the pram back and forth. “When did she say that?”

“She reminded me today.”

“You didn’t tell me you’d seen her today.”