“What about the two weeks at the beach each January?”

“We didn’t get there this year.”

“And when your girls were younger you took them to the Gold Coast.”

Natalie thought back to that. They’d had a couple of excellent years on the property and Clem had pushed them to take a break. It was two years after Connie’s family trip to America and Natalie hadn’t been slow in saying yes. Even Milt hadn’t taken much convincing. It wasn’t much but she conceded in comparison to her sister she had notched up more holiday time.

“This isn’t about our families. It’s about us. What do you think?”

Bronwyn’s dark eyes met hers across the table. “No offence, Nat, but if I could afford a holiday I’d be going with Karl.” She took a big slurp of her coffee. “Speaking of whom, I must get back. I said I’d only be gone for half an hour. What are your plans?”

“I don’t know.” Natalie was still feeling a little stung at Bronwyn’s rejection of her idea of a holiday together. But, to be fair, a week ago her response would probably have been the same. If she was taking a holiday somewhere she wanted it to be with Milt but what if he wouldn’t go? And, she was shaken by her next thought…what if she didn’t want him to?

“You don’t have to stay on, you know. Mum and Dad will be fine. I just panicked when they were both acting a bit clueless.”

Natalie shrugged. “I don’t think they want me here anyway. Mum seems to have no adverse effects from her fall apart from a couple of bruises. Must have strong bones. And Dad’s picked up since she’s come out of hospital.”

“I’m sure it’s because you were there.” Bronwyn grinned. “And your good cooking.”

Natalie smiled at that. “I’m not allowed in the kitchen now that Mum’s home.”

“You can come and cook dinner for me!”

“Really?”

“Well, not tonight. Everyone’s got basketball so it will be pizza on the run.”