Right As Rain by Tricia Stringer

heels and had only put them on to dress up a bit for dinner. Now her legs ached.
    In the background she could hear the sound of dishes and laughter. Mackenna and Hugh were getting along okay in the kitchen. She’d watched them during the meal and they’d hardly spoken to each other. Hugh had been through some tough times but he had always seemed dependable to Louise. He came from a good local family. Allan McDonald had some different views on things and was often vocal about them but he was basically a good bloke. There had been talk in the past about Hugh settling back in the area and being part of the family business. Maybe that was still on the cards. Mackenna would be a good partner for a man like him.
    They returned to the dining room and shared out the plates of cheesecake. Everyone complimented Louise on her cooking. It was rather good even if she did say so herself. The cheesecake baked with berry juice swirled through it and topped with whole berries was a golden oldie recipe she hadn’t used for a long time. It didn’t hurt that Mackenna had made some kind of sauce with the extra berries and drizzled that over the ice-cream. Louise considered herself a good cook but her daughter created more interesting food. She’d learnt so much during her years as a chef. If only she’d gone on with that instead of burying herself in the farm. Still, she’d never lost her talent and she’d make someone a good wife.
    Mackenna laughed at something Hugh said and gave him a playful tap on the shoulder. Louise focused on the conversation and in particular on the body language of her daughter and her childhood friend.
    Lyle raised his near empty glass. “Thanks everyone for all your help over the last few months.”
    â€œHere’s to you feeling much better, Dad,” Mackenna added.
    â€œI’m feeling no pain at the moment.” Lyle drained his glass and grinned down the table at Louise.
    He might not be so chipper in the morning but she was pleased to see him relaxed and enjoying himself.
    â€œYou’ve been a big help with our worm problems, Hugh,” Lyle said. “Following up that faeces test promptly, I really appreciate that.”
    â€œGlad we all know what you’re talking about, Dad.” Mackenna chuckled.
    â€œDo we have to discuss it over the dinner table?” Louise asked.
    â€œSheep are our bread and butter, Lou. They’ve got to be in good condition.”
    â€œYou’ve made some improvements since you took on the stud,” Hugh said.
    Louise was thankful for his attempt to divert the conversation.
    â€œThat’s Mackenna’s influence.” Lyle smiled at his daughter and Louise flicked a glance in Patrick’s direction. She could see no sign of annoyance on his face. She knew Mackenna deserved her father’s praise but somehow Patrick needed to be included.
    â€œShe’s put a lot of time into the research,” Lyle continued, “and we’ve started seeing the rewards. Healthy animals are our aim. That’s why this barber’s pole worm outbreak with the rams has been such a blow.”
    â€œFrom what I’ve seen, I’d say it’s only a hiccup,” Hugh said. “We’ll keep an eye on them.”
    Lyle winced. “I thought we were managing our animals well.”
    â€œYou are, but you could do more.”
    Hugh looked set to go on and Louise thought it was time to change the subject.
    â€œThey’re already spending so much time managing the sheep,” she said. “Anyone for tea or coffee?”
    â€œYes, thanks, Mrs Birch,” Hugh said then continued the conversation with Lyle. “You already document growth rate and fertility, you could add in resistance to worms.”
    â€œI talked to you about it before I went on holiday, Dad,” Mackenna said.
    â€œDon’t tell me you’d have to do daily sheep poo checks.” Patrick groaned.
    â€œNot quite