“No problem.” Owen looked back at Bree who was standing where he’d left her, hands on hips. “That lasagne’s big enough for four, isn’t it, Bree?”

Laura assumed he’d turned his charming smile on her sister because Bree’s rigid jaw softened. “Of course. It was just a surprise to see you both.” She went to the drawer and took out more cutlery. “Mum didn’t mention you were coming home.”

“I definitely told her.” Laura sat at one of the fresh settings Bree put out. “She said she’d cook lasagne for me.”

“Sorry, baby sis, but I took this one from the freezer this afternoon, long after Mum and Dad left.” Bree set the lasagne she’d taken from the oven on a mat on the table.

“Maybe she thought I was coming tomorrow.” Laura removed her cap.

“What have you done to your hair?” Bree frowned.

Kate laughed. “You’re right, Laura. No-one could miss that.”

Bree turned her appalled look on Kate. “You knew she’d done this to herself?”

“It’s only hair dye. She hasn’t got a tattoo or slashed her wrists.”

Laura swallowed and ducked her head. There was no hiding the hair but the other…well, best if she didn’t mention that.

“I like it.” They all looked at Owen who’d taken a seat at the head of the table. Once more his smile was wide. “All the women in the local hairdressers have their hair done in the same boring way.”

Laura stared at him and knew her sisters were doing the same.

“It’s a point of difference.” He shrugged and took a swig from his beer. “In business you need that.”

Laura decided she liked him.

Bree ignored him and focused on Laura. “When did you get here anyway? I didn’t see your car.”

“It was late afternoon. I unpacked and put the car in the back shed.” She did her best not to falter under her sister’s piercing look. “I did tell Mum I was coming.”

“I, on the other hand, didn’t tell anyone I was coming.” Kate sat between Laura and Owen. “Glad I didn’t interrupt anything more than dinner.” She grinned.

Bree plonked a tossed salad on the table in front of her. “You could have rocked up to an empty house if I’d gone in to Owen’s place instead of him coming here.”

“Where are Mum and Dad anyway?” Kate looked around as if they might suddenly appear.

“In Adelaide. They weren’t sure if they’d stop overnight when they left this morning. Dad sent me a text earlier to let me know they were staying.”

“Leaving the house empty for you two.” Once more Kate’s eyebrows arched.

“I’ve heard about you, Owen,” Laura intervened, knowing Kate’s teasing would stir Bree’s temper further. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Likewise.”