“Can it wait?” Flynn dropped his pack by the couch. “I don’t want to argue but I would like a coffee. I’ve got some good news.”

Euan reached for another cup. It hurt to think that Flynn naturally assumed he was looking for an argument. He cleared his throat. “What is it?” He kept his tone light and interested and he made eye contact with Flynn.

“Theo’s selling that piece of land we wanted.”

“Why would he do that?” Euan leaned forward. Flynn had his attention.

“From what I can gather, he’s overextended.”

“He’ll want a lot of money for it.”

“Yes and no.”

“What do you mean? Do you know what he’s asking?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.” Flynn looked over the kitchen bench. “How’s that coffee coming along?”

Euan took the cup from under the machine and passed it to Flynn. “Do I have to beat it out of you?” He picked up his own cup and went round to sit at the table. “How much?” He was already mentally checking their current overheads. Things were fairly tight, the new vehicle had been an unexpected expense, but they might be able to borrow enough money, if the price was right.

“Theo’s price is more than reasonable and he’s given me first chance but—”

“You’re kidding!” Euan slapped his hand on the table.

“There is a ‘but’. Theo has two stipulations.”

“What are they? He’ll probably want a quick settlement if he’s got cashflow problems.” Euan frowned. He hoped Kat wasn’t somehow one of the conditions.

“Yes, he wants to settle as soon as possible but the other thing is, if we buy, the land has to be in my name.”

“Why?”

“Come off it, Euan. You and Theo aren’t exactly the best of friends. It must have dented his pride to have to sell and he knew you’d want the land. I’ve already spoken to Maggie. Between us, we can come up with the money.”

“Sounds like you’ve got it all organised.” Euan was disappointed Flynn had gone to Maggie instead of him with the planning of this deal. He would have to work hard to repair the damage to their confidence in each other.

“We had to act fast. It’s a great opportunity.”

“I’m amazed that Theo offered it to you. Perhaps Kat influenced him. There are others around he could have sold it to.”

“It turns out it was his idea. Evidently, he quite likes me.” Flynn gave a soft snort. “I think he had plans for me to marry Kat.”

“I told you he was up to something, that wily old bugger.” Euan blew out a quiet breath, glad that hadn’t been a condition of the sale. “Mind you, he didn’t have to drag you. You fell for his plan, hook, line and sinker.”

“What do you mean?”

“You and Kat.”