Flynn had been oblivious to his surroundings. The early-morning confrontation with his father was still playing over in his mind. Sean’s question and the gentle thump on his shoulder that went with it brought him back to the bustle of the McPhersons’ kitchen. He picked up the half-eaten apple and cinnamon muffin from the plate and took another bite.

“Pretty darn good.” He acknowledged the young man watching him closely across the table, before taking another sip of his coffee. “With the choice of your mother’s scones or your muffins, no wonder you’ve been busy.” Flynn nodded towards the doorway where they could hear the sounds of Anna McPherson and her daughter, Megan, serving customers in the little cafe. It was only nine o’clock but they opened at eight and already they’d had a constant stream of clientele, drawn in by the enticing smells from Anna’s Kitchen.

“We’ve been flat out.” Sean beamed. “The tourists have come in their droves these holidays.”

“You’ll be glad to get back to school for a rest.”

“He’s nearly finished, then it’s me who will be getting the rest.” Anna buzzed through the door from the shop and turned her quick eyes to the huge oven. “Are you watching those pies, Sean?”

“They’re fine, Mum. Sit down and drink your tea with Flynn. I’m off to the supermarket for the supplies and Megan can mind the shop.”

“Yes, sir.” Anna gave a mock salute but she sat down all the same and watched her youngest brush himself off and head out the back door.

“He’s a good cook, Anna,” Flynn said, picking up the last piece of muffin.

“I don’t know what I’d do without him, especially these last few years. And he wants to continue with it. All of my children have been capable in the kitchen but Sean has his heart set on training as a chef.”

Flynn noted the glowing look on Anna’s face. She was proud of all five of her offspring. Sean, the youngest, had been a baby when her husband had died in a car accident. Anna was a good cook and had used her talents to make enough money to raise her children. Eventually, she’d turned the front of her cottage into a cafe located just off the main drag, and it was popular with the tourists as well as the locals.

“Will that mean going to Perth?”

“Probably.”

“You’ll miss him.”

“That I will but he’ll be back regularly. He has grand plans for our little cafe.” Anna arched her back and rubbed her strong hands across her neck. “I’d be glad if one of my children wanted to take over.”