Stella hadn’t said he was gorgeous. ‘The doctor says the child will recover well.’ She gestured to the house. ‘Stella’s daughter is a midwife and her doctor friend is with her. We’re fine, but you’re welcome to come in.’

How fascinating that this lovely man had rushed over to see if Stella was okay. Hana had been intrigued by the way Stella had brushed off Mim’s and Hana’s questions about him last week, and they both wanted to meet him. Mim had been dying to, actually. She could see now why Stella had been flustered. He was a middle-aged hunk. ‘Come in. Stella will be pleased to see you.’

Lorenzo shook his head. ‘No. No. There are enough people if another family is involved. As long as all is well.’

As long as Stella is well, you mean? This good-looking man had been worried about Stella. And he had such a commanding stance. That thick head of hair, greying at the temples in just the right amount, made him extremely distinguished.

Hana wasn’t letting him get away that easily. Mim would kill her if she did. ‘Then come tomorrow for morning tea. Ten o’clock. Stella can tell you all about it. It’s good for us to have visitors.’

Lorenzo nodded and smiled, and Hana wanted to grab Ava and whisper the news to her, but Ava and Stella would be busy with the child and his mother until they were transferred. She smiled as she watched him stride with that particular European elegance back to his expensive car.

She couldn’t wait to tell Ava. She might leave Jock to find out a little later. He could be a little over-protective.

Chapter Thirty-five

Ava

The next morning, Zac and Jock went off to ‘check the bores and fences’ just before ten, and Ava watched them go with a small frown because she hadn’t been invited.

Hana waggled her brows. ‘I’ve been wanting to catch you alone. They’ll be fine. Jock likes him and Zac understands about life and death with humans so he can listen to Jock’s heartbreak with the animals. He took me aside and said he’d talk to Jock about the mood changes and suggest that he make an appointment with a psychologist next time we’re in Alice. I almost threw my arms around him. It’s a big ask for a man who’s really a guest.’

Ava touched Hana’s shoulder in sympathy. ‘I’m glad. He’ll be good.’

Hana lifted her chin, and if her smile was a little forced then Ava was still happy to see it. ‘In lighter news, I want you here and Jock out of the way for our visitor this morning.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘My darling husband can be a bit off-putting until he gets to know people.’