There was another thud. She looked ahead again. There were still a lot of bales in the paddock but she was moving very slowly and Dan knew what he was doing. She eased the grip of her hands on the steering wheel and nestled back into the seat. Perhaps this wasn’t such a terrible job after all. As long as Dan was back before she got to the fence all would be well.

The light was fading fast and the far-off fence was now right in front of her when Dan leaped up into the cab beside her. He stopped the truck and brushed her cheek with a kiss.

“Thanks, Paula. You’ve mastered truck driving very well. Do you think you could do me another favour?”

Paula had lost her apprehension and had enjoyed rolling along in the truck. She’d forgotten her annoyance at having to leave her paperwork and instead had been planning how she might do up the old sleep-out into a proper office.

“Of course, as long as it’s not driving this truck home.” She chuckled. “I don’t think I’m ready for that.”

“No, I’ll drive the truck, but I need you to follow me in the tray top. The tail lights aren’t working on the truck.”

Paula frowned. “Can’t I take the Audi?”

“The tray top’s got the yellow light on the roof. We’ll come back for your car later.”

“Okay.” Paula thought about the things she needed to do at home. They could wait till tomorrow but she had no idea what they were going to have for dinner tonight.

She rode in the truck as far as the tray top then hopped in and followed Dan back to Rowena’s. He continued on to the sheds but she stopped closer to Rowena’s yard. Perhaps she would have some eggs. Paula could make an omelette for dinner.

The delicious smell of roasting meat wafted out to meet her as she walked along the garden path. It had been a long time since the sandwich she’d eaten for lunch. It had also been a long time since she’d eaten a roast. Earlier in her pregnancy the smell of meat cooking was another thing that had made her nauseous. As her mouth watered she realised that was no longer the case.

“Hello, Paula.” Rowena greeted her at the door. “I thought I heard the truck. I didn’t realise you were with Dan.”

“He needed someone to steer the truck while he loaded the hay. Now he’s putting it in the shed.”

“Can you come in for a minute? Would you like a drink? You’re looking a bit tired.”

“Thanks, Rowena but we need to get home for dinner. I wondered if you might have some eggs.”

“Of course, come in.”

Paula followed Rowena into her cosy kitchen. The smell of the meat was overpowering and she suddenly felt light-headed.