Flynn watched her swallow some of her tea. His mother, Lucy, and Anna had been good friends and the McPherson children had been like Flynn’s brothers and sisters. They’d all gone to school together, played together, got into mischief together. Flynn had spent a lot of time in this kitchen. Over the years it had been modified to make it into a working cafe kitchen but the big wooden table of his childhood still remained the focal point. There had been many meals and cuppas and chats around this table.

The McPhersons had remained the constant for Flynn after the devastation of his mother’s death. Euan had withdrawn from the world and it had been Anna McPherson who had made sure that the teenage Flynn had what he needed for school, provided their food and even cleaned the house for a while.

The older McPherson children had all moved away for uni and work, around the same time as Flynn. Megan, who was a bit older than him, had returned and married a local dairy farmer but the only one of Anna’s offspring living at home now was Sean, who was still at school.

Anna put down her cup. “What’s happening your way? You mentioned Euan’s home and he’s brought a guest. You should all come over for a meal.”

“I don’t know about…I don’t know how long she’s staying.” Flynn studied the dregs in his coffee cup.

“She! Don’t tell me your father has found himself a decent woman at last—”

“She’s not that kind of woman,” Flynn cut in.

Anna raised her eyebrows.

“I’ve only met her once.” He frowned as he recalled the sight of the young woman in his father’s bed. “I think she’s a tourist.”

“That’d be Euan. He often collects strays.”

“He said she’s been sick or something. Just staying to recuperate. I’m not sure…”

Anna studied him closely. “Oh, well. It doesn’t matter. Any excuse for a get-together. How about Sunday night? We’ll have a roast. You and Euan come and if his lady friend is still there she’s welcome.” The bell rang from the shop. Anna groaned and rose to her feet. “Megan must be busy again. Tourists get about earlier and earlier these days and they’re always hungry for good home cooking.” She washed her hands and pointed to the plate on the table. “You help yourself to another cuppa and some muffins.”

“I’d better get back to work. I can’t avoid it forever.”

Once more Anna’s look was intense. She patted Flynn’s shoulder. “You and Euan will have lots to talk about. He’s probably done lots of thinking while he’s been away. He might need time to settle back in. You bring him over for Sunday-night roast and we’ll have a good catch-up.”

* * *