Connor draped a casual arm over his wife’s shoulder. “We wanted to call in and say hello, once we heard on the grapevine that you were back.”

He chuckled, and Pam shook her head. They were a friendly couple. Keely already felt relaxed with them in the short time she’d known them.

“We thought we might have a barbecue this weekend. Can you come?” Pam asked. “All of you, of course.” She nodded at Keely.

“That’s a great idea,” Euan said. “But why don’t we have it here? Keely hasn’t met many of the locals yet and it’s Flynn’s birthday. I’d better organise something to mark his thirty-three years. How about Sunday night?”

Keely walked with Euan to see them off. Perhaps when she spoke to her mum next she could tell her about Jack and Pam and Connor. It would give them something else to focus on and make a change from questions about the Levalliers and possible work as a relief teacher. The latter only made her feel anxious.

Connor tooted the horn. Keely smiled and waved. She was determined to stay and enjoy the carefree days at Levallier Dell, just a little longer.

Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

The phone rang in the kitchen. Keely pushed back the covers, shivered and pulled on the jacket she had been using as a dressing gown. She was getting used to the early mornings. In South Australia, they would have changed the clocks to daylight saving hours by now, but Western Australians still kept the same hours regardless of how early the sun rose. Here it was seven o’clock, and she was still in bed. Euan and Flynn got up at six, so she didn’t join them for breakfast. The early mornings were still cool but this morning was particularly chilly and not as light as usual. Maybe the murkiness of the day before was still about.

The phone stopped ringing and she heard the murmur of a voice. Euan or Flynn must still be inside. She pulled back the curtain and looked down the slope to the river. The day was very grey and she could barely see the trees. She closed her eyes, breathed deeply then turned and looked at the wall hanging. There was certainly something therapeutic about this place. She could almost feel herself healing. She hummed as she crossed the room to the bathroom. She wasn’t going to let the grey spoil her day. It was full of promise.

When she finally stepped out into the family room, she was surprised to see Flynn sitting at the table. Lined up in front of him were three bottles of wine and his head was bent over a pad of paper. Outside, she could see the roses blowing in the wind and a light shower of rain dampened the path.

“Good morning,” Keely said.