Page 2

‘He’s always at work, and as soon as he gets home, he has to go out and see someone. Ruby’s probably forgotten what he looks because he’s gone when we wake up, and then she might see him for five minutes at teatime before he goes out again if she’s lucky.’

‘Have you talked to him about it?’

‘I tried early on, but you know me. I can shut down too when I’m cross or worried.’

‘That’s the worst thing you can do. If he’s shut down and you’ve shut down, you won’t sort anything out.’

Dru lifted her head and dug in her pocket. She pulled a tissue out and dabbed at her eyes. When she finally held Ellie’s gaze, the uncertainty and fear on her face were something Ellie hadn’t seen for a long time. Dru had healed since they’d discovered the truth behind their father’s death. And since she and Connor had met and married, she’d been a different person. Happy and open, the suffering she had carried within for many years had been replaced by happiness. The final step for each of the three sisters in getting over their father’s death had been seeing Mum’s happiness when she’d married Graysen.

‘What are you worried about?’

Dru’s voice trembled. ‘I’m worried that if I probe too deep for the truth, I’m going to find out a truth that I don’t want to hear.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I mean, I think . . . I’m wondering if he’s met someone else. If he’s seeing someone else.’

‘No way! That is not Connor at all. Connor is straight and true and upright, you know that.’

‘I thought I did know that.’

‘You need to talk to him, Dru. You’ve got to get to the bottom of this. You can’t keep worrying. It’s not good for you or Ruby or the baby. I wish we weren’t going away next week, now that you’ve told me. Have you talked to Emma? Or Mum?’

‘Shit, no. I’m sorry I lost it. I shouldn’t have told you either, Ellie. I don’t want you worrying, and please don’t say a word to Mum or Emma or Dee. Please?’

‘You can’t carry this by yourself.’

‘I know. It’s been about three months now. That’s why I broke just now. I’ll talk to Connor. I suppose if there is someone else, I need to know.’

‘Don’t say that, Dru.’ Ellie shook her head again. ‘No, I just can’t imagine that. That is so totally not Connor. He adores you. And Ruby. You can see it every minute he’s with you.’

‘I think you’ll find many women who could say the same about their relationships and husbands. And be stunned when the truth hits.’

‘No, I still can’t believe it.’ The first tinge of doubt rippled through Ellie. Even though she was reluctant to believe it, there was obviously something wrong. Dru’s usual inner strength was no longer there. ‘I know. How about I get Kane to have a word with Connor? Go out for a beer, not be obvious.’

Dru pulled a face. ‘No, Ellie, I’ll handle this myself. Promise me you won’t say anything to anyone. Okay?’

‘Okay,’ Ellie said reluctantly. ‘But you know I’m here if you need to talk to me. You call me if you need me and I’ll come

to Darwin. Or when we’re away, we can FaceTime privately. Gosh, I wish we weren’t going away now.’

‘Don’t be silly,’ Dru said. ‘It’s probably just a rough patch, and he and Greg are really busy. They’ve had a lot of work on.’

‘I still wish I was here for you, or that you would tell Emma.’

‘Ellie, this opportunity that you and Kane have been offered is incredible, and it’s got the potential to put your mango farm on the international map.’

‘I know, but—’

‘No buts.’ Dru leaned over the sofa, picked Matilda up, and kissed her cheek. ‘Goodbye, sweet Tilly. It’s time I was going.’ She passed her across to Ellie. ‘Have you heard from that girl who’s coming to do that research?’

‘Yes, Tarni Morgan. She was surprised when we told her about the opportunity Kane’s been offered and that we’d be away for quite a while, but she was quite happy to house-sit while she does the research.’

‘That worked out well. She can look after the animals for you.’

‘It did work out, but there’s been a bit of a complication.’

‘Complication?’ Dru picked up her bag and took her car keys out. ‘What sort of complication?’