Olive gave Natalie the briefest of nods and moved on to her son, who lowered his cheek so she could kiss it.

“And Kate?” Natalie looked to her oldest daughter, who was being helped to her feet by Graeme.

“I’m okay. Felt a bit woozy over Bree’s blood.”

“She should have a cup of sweet tea.” Olive turned to Milt. “Laura’s going to drive Bree into town in her car. I’ll meet them at the hospital. Bree can tell you all about it when she gets back.” She glanced at Natalie. “I’ll leave the food for the workers in your hands. I might make it back to town in time to help pack up the trading table. You should have said you were too busy to bake, I would have understood.”

Natalie resisted the urge to look heavenward.

Milt nodded at Bree. “I’ll help you out to the car.”

Kate moved up beside Natalie and slipped an arm around her mother’s waist. Her pale face crinkled in a half-hearted smile. “Hi, Mum. Welcome home.”

Natalie kissed her daughter’s cheek. “Where did you spring from?”

“Surprise visit,” she said in a pathetic voice.

“Lucky you’re here,” Milt said. “We’ll need your help with the mustering.”

“I don’t think she should—” Olive gave a shake of her head.

“I’m feeling okay now, Granny.”

Milt turned to Graeme. “Help me get Bree to the car then I’ll get changed and we’ll head out to the paddock before we lose any more of the day.”

Milt and Graeme lifted Bree in a fireman’s hold and Olive strode out ahead of them. “I’ll get the doors.”

Apart from the reference to the trading table she’d hardly acknowledged Natalie. Her nose was out of joint but that was nothing new. Natalie and Olive had had their moments – hardly a surprise with two women living under the same roof for many years. It was the tone of her voice and the stiffness of her stance that Natalie recognised so well. Olive was miffed, no doubt because Natalie hadn’t done the required baking.

“Hi, Mum.” Laura kissed her cheek. “Bye, Mum.”

Natalie looked sideways at her youngest. Her hair was swept up under a ridiculous green hat and escaping from the bottom were strands of bright pink, blue and green. Laura hurried to the door. A slurping, sticking sound accompanied her. Natalie looked down at the mucky footprints across the linoleum.

“Kate, get the old ute out. I’ll take my bike.” Milt was still giving orders.

Kate made a mock salute to his back then she gave Natalie an apologetic look as she realised she’d been sprung. “I’ll see you later, Mum.” And then she was gone too.