‘Right. Congratulations,’ said Darla, feeling that she probably didn’t sound as enthusiastic for his news as she should have, but it was hard when her world was imploding.

‘I’m keeping the farm. Lee is going to be a tenant farmer so I can dabble if I want to, but it won’t be my full-time job.’

‘Great.’ Darla tried hard to find a smile.

‘Oh, and I’ve missed the really important bit. I’m buying The Brambles.’

It took a moment for what he said to register. ‘It’s you who’s kicking me out?’

‘Or you could stay . . .’

Darla was very confused. ‘You want me to house-sit for you?’

‘No, I want you to move in with me.’ He wobbled his head. ‘I guess technically I’d be moving in with you but you get what I mean. Sorry I didn’t tell you before; it’s taken a while to work all the finances out and then it all happened quite fast and I hadn’t factored on word getting through to you so quickly.’

Darla blew her nose. ‘Then I’m not homeless. And you want us to live together?’

‘Beautifully summarised. Assuming you want to do that too?’ He suddenly looked unsure, which was odd because right at that moment Darla had never been more certain of anything in her life. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

They were interrupted by mewing outside and the sound of paws on the back door. They sprung apart. ‘Winston!’ they both said together as they leapt to their feet. They dashed for the back door. Darla got there first but she was surprised by what she saw as she opened it.

Winston was there but he wasn’t alone. There was also a very pretty pale ginger striped cat and four kittens. Two with the same pretty pale ginger colouring as the new feline and two mini versions of Winston. Darla started to cry all over again.

Chapter Forty

It was a couple of days after the party and Ros was feeling apprehensive. The paella was almost ready but her guests hadn’t arrived. When the entry buzzer sounded she was relieved and let them in. First to arrive was her dad and Gazza. As she hugged Barry, Gazza did his now usual lap of the apartment in search of Cameron. Ros put some water down for him and offered him a chew stick she’d bought specially. Gazza grabbed the treat and trotted off to eat it under the table. The buzzer went again and she let in her second guest. Darla tentatively put her head around the door before coming inside.

‘Darla, hello. I didn’t know you’d been summoned too,’ said Barry.

‘Hi, Barry.’ Darla gave him a hug.

Ros waited until they parted and both looked at her expectantly. ‘I asked you here because I thought it best to explain that—’

‘Is this a farewell dinner?’ asked Darla, putting her hands on her hips.

Barry’s expression was tense.

Ros shook her head. ‘No, I’m not taking the overseas job.’

‘Thank heavens for that!’ Darla wrapped her in a big hug and squeezed her tight. ‘I’m over the flipping moon. I’ve tried to stay mad at you but it’s really hard. And I proper missed you.’

‘It’s only been two days.’

‘Still two days too long,’ said Darla, giving her friend another hug. ‘And now you can help me with my business and it won’t fail. Hurray!’

‘I’ll do my best.’ Ros was already feeling that she’d definitely made the right choice.

Barry waited his turn. ‘I’m pleased you’re staying. But only if you’re sure it’s what you want to do.’ He watched closely for her response. The parallel to her mother’s life choices had not passed Ros by. The thought that she was about to repeat her mother’s mistake had been the cold hard reality check she’d needed.

‘I decided I wanted to be around both of you more than I wanted to get away from . . . everything else. You are the most important things in my life and I’m sorry it took all of this for me to see that.’

‘Don’t beat yourself up,’ said Barry.

‘The universe works in mysterious ways,’ added Darla with a wise nod.

‘I’ve already contacted the other company who were lovely about it and said if things change I should get in touch. And then my boss called me in, said he’d heard rumours that I’d been head-hunted. I confirmed that was true and he offered me a pay rise and a bigger remit.’

‘So it’s all worked out for the best,’ said Barry. ‘I am pleased.’

‘Yes,’ said Ros. Although it didn’t feel that way. She missed Cameron. There was a big Cameron-shaped hole in her life – he was going to take a lot to get over.

‘Brilliant, what’s for dinner?’ asked Darla.

‘I’m making paella. And there’s fizz chilling in the fridge.’

‘Lovely,’ said Barry.

‘Hang on. Is this Cameron’s famous recipe?’ asked Darla.

Ros nodded.

Darla smiled at her. ‘Then we’re in for a treat.’

***

Barry popped the cork of the champagne, which made Gazza bark and while Ros was serving up Darla tried to encourage Barry onto the balcony. ‘Come and look at the view,’ she said.

‘I know. I have been here before,’ he said with a laugh.

‘Barry,’ she hissed as she grabbed his arm. ‘Come outside.’ Sometimes men needed the unsubtle approach.

‘Oh, okay.’ Barry followed her onto the balcony and Darla pulled the door to. As soon as she had done that Gazza came to paw on the other side. ‘For goodness’ sake,’ she said, letting him join them.

‘Is everything all right?’ asked Barry.

‘I don’t think so but I don’t know how to fix it,’ she said in hushed tones. ‘I was hoping you could help.’

‘What’s wrong?’ he asked.

‘I think Ros and Cameron like each other for real but he’s gone home to ask some girl he’s not dated for years to marry him. And Ros is here, moping.’

‘I know,’ said Barry. ‘Those two were made for each other. They need their heads banging together.’ Darla and Barry both peered through the glass door to see Ros watching them with a furrowed brow. They both grinned at her and turned away quickly.

Darla pointed excitedly at the boats in the marina so that Ros wouldn’t be too suspicious. ‘I just think maybe there’s something we can do.’

‘Great. Then we should do it,’ said Barry.

‘Okay. What is it that we’re doing?’ asked Darla.