“You know if it was anything else, an illness, a financial blow, I could have talked to a girlfriend. Brenda and I shared so much but you can’t even tell your best friend that your husband’s had a fling with his tennis partner. Once you cross that line there’d be no keeping it a secret.”

Milt nodded. “I don’t know how it did stay a secret. As it turns out my parents both knew but they obviously kept it to themselves. Veronica told Bob something plausible that made it possible for us to be neighbours but never socialise again. It’s amazing there’s never been a hint of a murmur when usually everyone knows everyone’s business in the district.” He reached out his hand and took hers, gave it a gentle squeeze. “Thank you.”

She looked at him, puzzled.

“It’s been a huge burden I’ve put on you,” he said. “Thank you for not telling anyone…our daughters. Thank you for staying true to me when I tested your love in the worst possible way. Thank you for trusting me like I trust you.”

His gaze was steady. It bored through her but she didn’t flinch away. She gave a brief thought to Gabe. Was imagining a kiss the same as actually doing it? She’d known deep down there was nothing more than friendship with Gabe but she had been tempted. A long time ago Milt had taken temptation too far but he’d paid a price for it already. She had to either forgive him and stay or walk away.

“Are we going to be okay?” he asked.

She stood and wrapped herself around him, felt the comfort of his arms around her. “Yes.”

They clung to each other then Natalie felt the rumble of Milt’s stomach against hers.

He pulled back. “Sorry, I haven’t had much to eat today. Do you fancy continuing our discussion over dinner?”

Natalie gave the cosy furniture and the big bed another look. “Let’s just order room service and stay in.”

Back at the farm Laura was sitting at Paul’s feet, her head on his knee, enjoying the reassuring feel of his hand stroking her hair. He’d heard about Kate’s trip to Adelaide on the town grapevine and had tried to call Laura, knowing she hated to be out at the farm alone. When she didn’t answer he’d driven out but the house was locked up and he couldn’t make her hear him so he’d kept calling, knocking on the door and finally on the den window, when she heard him.

Once she’d recovered from her fright she’d made them a pot of tea and they’d settled in the warm den.

“I can stay the night if you like.”

Laura sat back. “Would you?”

“As long as you’ve got a spare bed.”