“Do whatever you like. I’ll get out of your way.”

“That’s okay. I’m just double checking. I’ve never done any catering on such a large scale as this before.”

Keely had thrown herself into the preparations for the weekend with enthusiasm and Flynn found himself wishing it was more than those preparations that kept her here. He’d been pleased to hear she was staying another week so she could help out at the school. Not that she’d mentioned it to him. She’d remained tight-lipped about her visit to see Ken until after they’d eaten the night before, when Flynn had heard her quietly ask Euan if it would be okay to stay on a bit longer.

“Lucky Maggie’s here to help. I’m sure the food will all be fine.” He picked up his cap, disappointed that Keely was busy looking in containers, and didn’t say any more. He hovered for a minute. Her long dark hair fell like a silky veil down her back and he had the urge to caress it with his fingers. Instead he shoved his hands firmly in his pockets. “She’s out in the cellar door. I’d better see if she approves of my arrangements.”

“I’m here.” Maggie came through from the front of the house. “And of course I approve of what you’ve done…both of you.”

She gave Flynn a look and nudged him as she went past.

“Isn’t it wonderful of Keely to take on the food side of things? She’s done such a good job of the menu,” Maggie said. “You just tell me when you need help, Keely. I am at your service. Is there anything else that you need?”

Keely gave his aunt a shy smile. Flynn felt a sudden flood of remorse. Maggie was right. It was a huge job Keely was doing for them and he kept expecting her to do more.

“We’re using bamboo plates for the pork rolls and the pavlovas,” Keely said. “But I’d like something sturdier…more elegant perhaps, for the Margaret River charcuterie boards.”

“I’ll leave you to it, then.” Flynn edged towards the door.

“Flynn, you can’t go.” Maggie gave him that look again and started opening cupboards. “I’m sure Lucy had an assortment of suitable platters. Do you still have them?”

Euan stuck his head in the door. “Flynn, you’d better come and look at the sign I’ve put up at the front gate. I think it looks okay but you might have other ideas.”

Before anyone could answer, Euan had gone. Flynn clenched his fingers. Why couldn’t his father just make a decision, like he did for most things that went on at Levallier Dell?

“I’d better have a look at this board,” Flynn said. “If it’s not right, we may not get many customers anyway.”