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‘Well, I guess that’s better than how she was after Dad died, and we couldn’t get her out of bed or motivated about anything. Good to see a bit of life in the old girl,’ Ellie said.

‘For goodness’ sake, don’t let her hear you call her that. Mum’s suddenly got this thing about age. Last time I talked to her, she asked me all sorts of questions. I was worried she was sick and not saying, but she assured me she was fine.’ Emma lowered her voice as they reached the kitchen, but it was empty. ‘Actually, I’ve been a bit slack. I haven’t called her for a couple of weeks. I’ve been a bit . . . a bit busy.’

Dru frowned. ‘Me either. I’ve been flat chat at work, and we’ve been eating out most nights visiting all our favourite restaurants before the tourists hit town. What about you, Ellie?’

A surge of guilt ran through Ellie. ‘Me either. We called in to her apartment to tell her our baby news a couple of weeks ago, but that’s the last time we talked. Now that James goes to pre-school, she doesn’t need to mind him while we both work, and Kane goes into town to pick him up in the afternoons if I’m not home. Do you think she’s feeling a bit neglected? Maybe that’s what prompted the aged care comment.’

‘Maybe. I’ll take this out to Dee.’ Emma took the pashmina from Ellie. ‘And Mum’s way too young to be talking about osteoporosis, so don’t you dare say anything like that to her.’

‘I don’t even know what that is, Dr Langford,’ Ellie teased.

Emma pulled a face at her. ‘Maybe she’s been spending time at Dee and Ryan’s property. I know she offered to help Dee in the house.’

‘Hope so. God, Mum’s closer to fifty than sixty, isn’t she? I lose track. I don’t know where that aged care comment came from,’ Ellie said crossing to the oven. ‘Dru, can you grab the salads out of the fridge and I’ll carry the potato bake out.’

By the time the girls had the salads on the table, and Ryan had helped Dee up from the papasan chair and settled her at the end of the twelve-seater outdoor table, Kane and Connor had filled a tray with cooked steak, sausages and onions.

‘That smells great,’ Jeremy said as he walked up the stairs to the veranda with Sandra and James beside him.

Soon they were all sitting around the table. The three sisters beside their husbands, Ellie with Kane, Emma with Jeremy, and Dru with Connor. Their half-brother, Ryan was beside his wife, Dee. James, Ellie and Kane’s four-year-old son sat beside his nan, Sandra.

‘Well, how nice is this?’ Sandra said with a wide smile. ‘It seems like months since we were all together.’

‘I know,’ Ellie said as she passed the bowl of green salad to Kane to serve out a portion for James. ‘Dru and Emma and I were just talking about that in the kitchen, and how we need to get together more often.’

‘That would be nice,’ Sandra said. ‘Thanks, Ryan, just a small piece of steak. No potatoes for me either.’

‘I hope you’re not on a diet, Mum,’ Emma said.

‘No, but I’ve been going to the gym, and doing lots of walking. Just eating sensibly. At my age, you can’t afford to put on weight.’

Jeremy chuckled. ‘At your age, Sandra? You’re still a spring chicken.’

‘Thank you, Jeremy. I’m feeling good. Keeping myself busy.’

Emma and Ellie exchanged a glance.

‘How long have you been going to the gym, Mum? Which one do you go to?’ Dru asked.

‘The one right in the city. I’ve made some new friends in the classes.’

‘That’s great,’ Ellie said. ‘We were worried that we were all too busy, but it sounds like you have been too.’

‘I know you all are. I’m proud of how independent I’m getting.’

‘And you’re looking really well, Sandra,’ Dee chipped in. ‘I might drive into Darwin and come to the gym with you after this pair are born.’ She put her hand on her stomach.

‘I hope you don’t go too early, Dee. I’ll be away for the first two weeks in June. I’d like to be close when the babies arrive, so I can help you out, if you need me, although I’m sure Catherine will be up here too.’

‘Yes, Mum’s coming up about that time, but I won’t knock back any offers of help, Sandra. I’d love you to come and stay. There’s plenty of room at Wilderness Station, and you and Mum get on so well.’

Ellie frowned and put her fork down. ‘Away, Mum? First we’ve heard of that.’

‘Exactly, Ellie. I’m your mum. I don’t have to report in with all my activities, do I?’

Ellie froze and stared at Sandra, holding back the quick retort that came to her lips. She had always been the fiery one of the three sisters, and this wasn’t the time or place to cause a fight. ‘Of course you don’t.’ Ellie focused on keeping her voice even as she picked up her fork and paid attention to her meal as she spoke. ‘So where are you off to?’

‘I’m going for a walk.’