Jock’s brows lowered, his chin went up and he gave Zac the once-over that said, You’d better be careful with my sister. She glanced at the man beside her but he didn’t seem to mind. He just smiled at her brother’s protectiveness.

‘Zac,’ Ava said, pretending she was oblivious to the glare shooting past her, ‘this is my brother, Jock. Jock, Zac. We worked together in Alice.’ She let go of his hand and Zac reached out and took Jock’s grudging one aimed his way. They shook firmly. Maybe a little too firmly. Ava hid a smile.

‘Zac or Jock. I need someone with height. Have you got a minute?’ Mim called out, and Ava caught Zac’s questioning look that said he didn’t mind the diversion.

‘Coming!’ he called to Mim with a wave. ‘It’ll give Ava and you some space to talk. Good to meet you, Jock. I hope I get a chance to sit down with you and hear more about the running of the station when you get time.’

She saw the flick of Jock’s brows as he nodded. ‘Sure thing.’

‘Better go then,’ Zac said.

Chapter Thirty

Stella

Stella watched her daughter and son from the window in the sitting room as they talked outside. Something was going on. She’d seen Zac and Ava arrive from the river holding hands and she suppressed a sigh.

She watched as Hana refitted the bobbin in Granny Mim’s sewing machine. Hana hadn’t run away. Hana hadn’t dragged Jock back to New Zealand. And she and Jock seemed happy. But this was only their first child. Would they remain happy as their family grew larger?

‘Phew.’ Hana stood awkwardly and shifted her belly around a small table. ‘Got it. I think that’s fixed it. She had a ball of old cotton catching on it.’

‘Thank you.’ Stella put her hand out to stop her. ‘How are you and how’s that grandchild of mine? Moving well?’

Hana glanced at her in surprise. ‘We’re great. Everything is going well and the midwives are happy with me.’

‘Are you happy? You and Jock?’ The words were out before she could stop them.

Hana froze and straightened, and Stella flushed. She’d been abrupt. She deserved it if her daughter-in-law snapped at her.

Hana’s face softened and she touched Stella’s hand gently. ‘We are very happy,’ she enunciated slowly and with definite emphasis. ‘I’m fine. Jock’s fine. The baby’s fine. Poddy and I both love being here. It will be even better when the baby arrives.’ She peered at her. ‘Okay?’

The girl was perceptive, she’d give her that. Stella’s spirits lifted. ‘I have to admit, the idea of a child in the house is very exciting.’ Actually it gave her joy, something in short supply lately with her disordered emotions. ‘I can’t wait.’