“It must have been a shock,” Bree said.

“Why?” Laura looked from one to the other.

“Sean and I both have problems…health issues that…nothing serious but…” Kate sniffed. “We didn’t think we’d ever be able to conceive naturally.”

Bree squeezed her shoulders then let her go. “I’ll make you a fresh tea.”

Kate gave her a grateful smile. She’d forgotten the heart-to-heart they’d had one Christmas several years ago. Everyone else had gone to bed but Bree and Kate had stayed up drinking. It wasn’t long after Kate and Sean had agreed no IVF and no babies for them. Kate had told Bree about it and Bree had supported her decision. All on practical grounds, of course. She was of the theory that assisted pregnancies weakened the gene pool, survival of the fittest, she’d said.

Kate looked at Laura who was still watching her, eyes wide with worry. “I know it seems weird to some people but I’ve never wanted to be a mother.”

Laura twirled one lock of purple hair in her fingers. “What about some toast?” Her look was so hopeful Kate nodded.

While they were busy behind her she took some deep breaths, wiped her face again, pulled herself together. Now that she didn’t have to try to hide how she felt, some of the tension that had gripped her since her visit to Dr Strauss abated. Her shoulders relaxed. Bree came back with another cup of tea and coffees for her and Laura. Laura brought assorted condiments and a plate piled high with toast. Kate had a sudden desire for toast smothered in butter and some of her mother’s apricot jam.

“What’s Dad doing out there anyway?” Laura asked.

“I don’t know,” Kate said through a mouthful of toast. “He didn’t say.”

“Tractor’s stopped.” Bree leaned back, listening, and the other two did the same. The back door banged.

“Hell’s teeth.”

They all grinned at each other as their dad burst through the kitchen door. He stopped mid-stride. “What’s going on here?”

“Breakfast,” Laura said. “Want some?”

“It’s nearly morning tea time.” He looked pointedly at his watch.

“It’s Saturday morning,” Bree said. “What’s the rush?”

He paused then held up his muddy hands. “I’ll wash then come and join you for a quick cuppa but you’ll all have to get your skates on. There’s bookwork needs doing this weekend and then we’ve got a tennis court to build.”

He clattered back through the kitchen door, banging it shut behind him, leaving his daughters to gape at each other in surprise.

Natalie leaned on the kitchen bench and peered out the window at the bright day. It was the first windy day since she’d arrived and she knew the red dirt would be creeping its way inside. It did most days anyway but today it had help.