Milt nodded and they followed the highway on past their driveway. Twenty minutes later they were pulling up outside an old stone home, not as big as the Kings’ but in much better condition and surrounded by manicured gardens. Natalie took it all in with a mix of amazement and envy. She hadn’t been to the Halbots’ place since Kate was a toddler and Bree a baby in her arms. Back then Bob and Veronica had only lived on the property for a few years. The house had been in need of repairs and paint, and the grounds had been almost barren. So different now. Natalie drank it all in, thinking of her simple garden, geraniums and gerberas the only colour.

A brown kelpie bounded over to Milt’s door as he opened it, and wagged its tail as he patted its head.

“Hello, Buster.”

Natalie got out of her side, her heart beating a little faster. Milt even knew the name of their dog. How often had he come here and when? She’d never given a thought to what he did while she was at school. They always talked about their day over dinner and not once had he mentioned coming to the Halbots’ and yet here he was greeting their dog.

Milt waited for her and led the way through the back gate, past a neatly clipped rosemary hedge and herb garden to the back verandah. Three pairs of boots were lined up side by side at the back door; two sets large and well worn, the third petite and gleaming with polish.

“Anyone home?” Milt rapped on the wooden frame of the screen door. “Jack?”

“Hello,” a voice responded then the screen pushed open. A tall young man smiled at Milt and stepped out in socked feet.

“You remember my wife?”

“Yes.” Jack held out his hand. “Hello, Mrs King.” His sad eyes were a pearly blue like Milt’s.

She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Please call me Natalie.”

“You’ve been with Mum?” Jack’s face crumpled.

Without hesitation Milt drew him into a hug. Natalie stiffened. A pain stabbed through her as sharp as any knife. They were a similar height and Jack had fair hair like Milt’s had been at his age, and waves like Milt’s had sprung into when it grew too long. Even Jack’s fingers were long and thin like Milt’s.

Jack stood back, struggled and won against tears. Natalie was silent while Milt provided the platitudes. The cancer had been found early, Veronica was strong, much better treatment these days, she’d recover. Jack nodded with each of Milt’s offerings like a parched man sipping a drink. He offered a cup of tea and Milt gently refused as they edged their way back towards the gate.

Jack stopped there, his feet still bootless.

“Why don’t you come over for dinner tonight?”

Natalie heard Milt say the words and held her breath.