Page 78 of The Knitting Club at Wagtail Ridge

‘You don’t have to, Mother. An associate will be more than able to deal with this.’

‘Yes, they would. But I have heard stories about this solicitor. I think he needs to know we are not going to back down on this, and then maybe he’ll have second thoughts. Having a name partner on the case should give him pause. Are you sure there is nothing else here—no other claims or evidence he can produce?’

‘Matt says there isn’t.’

‘Then I think the best plan is to send another letter—from me this time, as senior partner. Make it clear to this man that his case has no merit and we are willing to put the full force of the firm behind defending Matt and the child—’

‘Vicki.’

‘Yes, Vicki. Thank you. I suspect that if we make it clear we’re willing to fight this all the way, this solicitor will step away and advise Sally to do the same. He must know he’s no match for us.’

‘Thank you. Both of you.’ Bree was unexpectedly moved by her parents’ support.

Her mother brushed the words away with a wave of her hand. ‘Now, how long are you in town? You’ll join us for dinner tonight? And you are very welcome to stay with us.’

‘That’s kind, but I have to get back to The Gums this afternoon. I have animals to take care of.’ Maggie could have taken care of them, but Bree hadn’t expected the invitation and hadn’t made plans to stay.

‘Next time.’ Her father sounded disappointed. ‘Or perhaps we can come to visit you.’

Bree decided not to mention all the many times she’d asked and they had said yes, but somehow never actually made it to the Ridge. ‘Yes. I’d love you to visit. Any time at all.’

‘Well, your grandmother seems very enamoured of the place,’ Margaret said. ‘She tells me she’s thinking of investing in your project. And helping with setting up some sort of shop.’

‘Yes. We’ve talked about it. She does seem to enjoy coming up, and she has found a lot of new friends in the knitting club.’ Bree didn’t think it would be wise to mention Mike, or Rose’s decision to move to Wagtail Ridge permanently.

‘Good. Good.’ Gary nodded enthusiastically. ‘She’s alone too much, I think.’

An hour later, Bree relayed the conversation to her grandmother as they shared a quick lunch in Rose’s apartment.

‘He’s right. That’s why …’ Rose waved an arm to indicate the cardboard boxes on the floor and the shelves almost empty of contents.

‘You’re not wasting any time,’ Bree said.

Rose winked. ‘At my age, girl, I can’t afford to.’

‘And how is Mike?’

‘He’s fine. We talk most days. He’s going to come and help me move in.’

‘And you’re sure this is the right thing for you?’

‘What? Mike or moving?’ Rose chuckled. ‘Yes to both. I feel more alive now, Bree, than I have since your grandfather died.’

‘And if things with Mike don’t—well, you know. You rushed into it fairly fast.’

‘Then I’ll be sad, but still happy to be living my life how I choose to live it. And I’ll still be pleased to be working with you—that’s assuming you still want me.’

‘Always, Nan. Always.’

‘And what about you and Matt?’

‘Nan, his grief over Kim is still so raw. I don’t know if he’ll ever get over it. In the meantime, if I can help with this lawsuit, I’ll gladly do that. Or rather, get Mother to do it.’

‘I feel sorry for Sally in a way. The thought of losing a child …’ Rose shook her head slowly. ‘I can’t imagine the pain she has suffered.’

‘I think she needs help, Nan. But until she gets it—and unless she does—I don’t think Matt has any choice but to keep her away from Vicki.’

‘Has she got a chance of winning? Getting custody or maybe even visiting rights?’

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