Next to Laura’s she adjusted Paul’s place card, never imagining he’d be sitting at her Christmas dinner table. She smiled as she thought of Laura and Paul. The stiff young principal had loosened up and Laura had blossomed. They were so sweet together.

And then there were Bree and Owen’s names. They’d travelled back from Marla a week ago, visited Kate and the baby and had Christmas with Owen’s family in Adelaide. They’d arrived home last night and were out with Milt now looking at the new tennis court. Owen would go back to Marla for a month or so in the new year but then he’d be back for good. He and Bree were busy planning how they were going to manage her work on the property and his taking over the garage in town.

Natalie had placed Olive’s name next to her mother’s. Althea and Ray were arriving today for a few days and they were bringing Lina and the twins with them. Marcus and the staff were looking after the shop in Victor and Bron and Karl were having a short holiday. Natalie was so pleased for them.

She cast another look around the table. They wouldn’t dine in here till tonight. Lunch would be eaten under the side verandah next to her garden, which was beginning to take shape even though the plants still had a lot of growing to do. Veronica had helped her with the planning and once her treatment had finished and she was feeling stronger she’d helped Natalie do some planting. She’d lost her hair but it was already growing back and it was quite wavy. “I used to have curls when I was younger,” she’d said, “but I hated them then.”

“Mum! Kate and Sean are here.” Laura’s voice was full of excitement.

Natalie gave her dining room one last glance and went out to join her family.

The conversation after lunch was punctuated by the thuds of tennis balls and the laughter of the players. Laura and Lina had teamed up against Paul and Owen, and the twins were being ball boys. The rest of the family were spread out in the scattered shade. The day was getting warmer but there was a bit of a breeze. Natalie had said they’d go inside if it got too hot but everyone seemed happy. Olive and Althea had hardly stopped talking since they sat down and Ray was dozing in his chair. Bree was nursing Olivia and Sean and Kate were looking on with the tired, spaced-out gaze of new parents.

“You know, Natalie, I’ve just remembered that book again.” Olive leaned forward in her chair. “You should pass it on to Kate now.”

“What book, Granny?” Kate asked.