“I’ll make sure everything is ready outside.” Euan snatched up his cap.

They left the kitchen in opposite directions and in the ensuing silence Keely switched on the kettle. Maggie was right about one thing, she thought. It’s going to be a very long day.

* * *

“He’s got to have bypass surgery.” Kat’s voice croaked and she looked exhausted, propped in the hospital waiting-room chair, her face nearly as pale as the white wall behind her. Flynn put an arm around her shoulders.

“When?”

“They’ll move him to Perth today.”

Flynn glanced up as more of Theo’s family arrived and another babble of explanation took place.

“Will you close River Dynasty for today?”

Kat shook her head. “Pappou’s had a heart attack but he’s still giving orders. Uncle Tony will take Yia-yia to Perth and the rest of us will make sure the business goes on.”

There was a loud wailing sound from one of Kat’s aunts.

Flynn looked around. “Has something more happened?”

Kat sighed. “No, my aunt reacts that way to everything.”

“How about we get some fresh air?”

“I’d love a decent coffee.” Kat gave him a little smile.

“Anna will make us one.”

Flynn stood back while Kat told her family she was leaving. The night of the River Dynasty party, he’d been envious of her big family. He thought again of the scene he’d had with his own little family that morning.

He’d already been on edge, waiting for Keely to appear at the door and wondering how she would treat him after his bungled attempt at a kiss. The night before he’d wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her properly and he’d got the sense that she wanted that too but he’d read it wrong again. As soon as he’d got close to her she’d bolted. He shook his head. He had no luck with women but his ageing father had no trouble catching them.

Euan had casually mentioned at breakfast that Dianna was coming to stay for a few weeks and something in Flynn had snapped. All the good work of the day before vanished. He was tired of trying to work out where he fitted and what Euan wanted from him. With Dianna in the house, Flynn was convinced that he wouldn’t be comfortable. He’d flung in the suggestion of the job in South Australia, to try to force Euan’s hand, but it didn’t work. It took Euan by surprise but, as usual, he evaded the discussion and then Kat had called.

Her tired face appeared before him, interrupting his thoughts. “I’m ready.”