Bree took another sip of her coffee. This was the perfect time to tell her mother about her plans. Then they could talk to Milt together. Natalie would smooth over any objections he raised.

“Would you mind if we put it off for a bit longer?”

“Why?”

“I’m thinking of trying something different.”

“Different in what way? We’ve got the best software there is, according to the accountant.”

“I don’t mean with the books, I mean different as in work…off the property…for a while.”

Natalie was quiet for a moment then she placed her cup carefully on the table. “When did you decide this?”

“I’ve been thinking about it for a bit.”

“Have you?” Natalie studied her with a concerned frown then rose and took her cup to the sink. She turned and shook her head. “It’s just that I was hoping to get your dad away from the place for a few weeks. We haven’t had a proper holiday in ages and…well, our wedding anniversary is coming up and I thought we could go soon.”

“It’s not a special anniversary is it?” Kate was the one who kept up-to-date on those things and she hadn’t mentioned it.

“No, but we didn’t get away for our thirtieth…or for any anniversary for that matter. I’ve decided we need a break.”

Bree sunk lower in her chair. “You could go when I get back. Take some leave from school.” She’d hoped for empathy from her mother, not opposition.

“How long will you be gone?”

“It would only be for a couple of months.”

“Months!” Natalie’s eyebrows rose. “Where?”

“Marla…with Owen.”

“I see.” Her mother swung back, put her cup in the dishwasher and shut the door with a thud.

“I’ll wait till after tailing, and Laura will be here.”

“What do you mean Laura will be here?”

Blast. Bree had thought Laura had talked to her mum. On the way back from the hospital yesterday that had been her plan, to chat while everyone else was out. “She’s quit her job.” Bree winced at both the worry on her mother’s face and the pain in her leg as she straightened up.

“Why?” Natalie shook her head.

“It’s complicated.”

“It always is with Laura.”

It was unlike her mum to be grumpy. Bree felt her own annoyance rise again. Laura had had plenty of time to tell their parents she was staying. “I thought she’d told you. She’d planned to.”

Natalie sighed. “Well, I’ve got accounting to do.”