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‘Maybe she was a client.’ Ellie turned away and looked out the window. They were not far from home and the bush flashed past as she tried to calm herself.

Dru was right.

‘It’s not our business, and I could be way off the mark, so please don’t say anything to Dru.’ Kane’s voice held concern.

‘She already suspects he’s seeing someone else. I shouldn’t tell you, but you had an idea too, so it’s okay.’

They were quiet for a while, and Kane reached for her hand again. ‘You okay?’

She nodded.

‘I’m not going to be much help to you when we get home. Cy texted me; he’s arrived and he’s having a wander around the trees.’

‘Oh, I thought he was coming tomorrow. I guess I’d better cook a decent meal tonight.’

‘No, Els. He won’t expect it. He’s here as an employee and as much as he’s connected to the family, you don’t have to entertain him. We’ve got to make a start on the packing tonight.’

‘I know, or we’re going to miss the plane. Did you organise with Jeremy to drive us to the airport on Monday morning?’

‘I did. All you have to worry about is what clothes you need to pack for you and the kids.’

‘And get the house clean for the horticultural lady.’

‘I’m sure she’ll understand if she has to throw sheets on her bed on Monday.’

‘It was such bad timing, wasn’t it?’

‘It was, but we can’t pass up an opportunity like that. Having Tarni Morgan work on the hybrids is a coup. It’s just a pain that her availability coincided with our trip to Mexico.’

‘It’ll all work out. I haven’t even had time to ask you what exactly we’ll be doing there yet.’

Kane’s smile was slow and Ellie felt that familiar tug of love in her tummy.

‘I’ve booked us into a swish hotel, and you and the kids will be relaxing every day. There’s a children’s playground, six swimming pools, four restaurants, room service and a laundry service. So, make sure you pack a book to read for when I’m out touring the farms.’

‘Ha, ha. I don’t think I’ve read a book since before James was born.’

‘So, it’s time to start.’

‘I’ll buy one at the airport but I’ll bet you it comes home unread.’

Ellie was still amazed that they were flying overseas on Monday. She had been shocked a few months ago when Kane had come into the kitchen one night. ‘How would you like a trip overseas?’

She’d replied jokingly, ‘To Bali?’

‘No, Mexico. It’s a combination of a course and a tour for growers worldwide. They’re doing so well in Mexico. The second biggest exporter of fruit in the world after Thailand now. It’s a perfect time. It’s the quiet time of our growing season, and we could make it a family holiday and take the kids, but it’s also a business trip and I could claim it on tax.’

‘Always thinking, Kane McLaren.’

‘That’s me,’ he’d said, twirling her around in the kitchen. ‘I thought we could take the kids to Disneyland in LA on the way home.’

‘Let’s do it!’ Ellie said.

‘And not only will we have a great time, but I’ll also learn more about hopefully improving the hybrid fruit I’ve been working on. I’ve been reading these articles about developing and evaluating breeding systems in Mexicofor the last couple of months and it sounds really good. It seems to address all the problems we have here with the hybrid. Reading about it and going to conferences isn’t good enough. When I saw this tour, it fitted what we need. I can go out to the plantations and see what they’re doing firsthand.’

‘It sounds perfect. Yes, let’s do it.’ Ellie had put the tea towel down and slipped her arms around his neck. ‘Wow, we’re going on a trip!’

‘We are.’ He grinned back at her, and slipped his warm hands beneath her loose T-shirt, and then put his lips against hers.