Page 220 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

Inside the house, Georg and Merry heard a knock on the office door. ‘Come on in!’ replied the lawyer. Maia poked her head in. ‘Sorry, I’m not interrupting, am I?’

‘Not at all, my love,’ said Merry.

‘I was just wondering if I could borrow Georg for a moment?’

‘Of course you can!’ cried Merry. ‘I’m about ready for another glass of champagne anyway. We’ll continue our chat later, Georg.’ She crossed the room and gave Maia a gentle kiss on the cheek. ‘I’ll see you in a little while.’

‘Thanks, Merry,’ Maia said, gently shutting the door behind her. ‘So.’ She smoothed her dress. ‘Has there been any progress?’

Georg nodded. ‘I was going to speak to you later. I know this is a very emotional day...’

‘It’s okay, Georg. What’s the news?’

‘I’ve received a response from the parents. I’m glad to say that it is what you were hoping for. The mother and father have indeed told their son – your son – that he is adopted.’

A flutter of nerves danced through Maia’s stomach. ‘All right.’

‘But,’ Georg continued, ‘they told me that they wish for him to decide if he wants your details on the occasion of his eighteenth birthday, or thereafter. He has not yet shown an interest in his birth mother, and they wisely do not want to unsettle him.’

Maia nodded. ‘That sounds very sensible indeed.’

Georg put a comforting hand on Maia’s shoulder. ‘You are being as sagacious and cautious as he always was. He would be full of pride.’

Maia’s eyes glistened. ‘I hope so, Georg. I’ve decided that I’m going to write him a letter – when he turns eighteen – and give him the choice about whether or not he wishes to know about his past. Just like Pa did for all of us.’

‘And rest assured, when you do, I will be your faithful messenger.’

‘Thank you, Georg.’ She wrapped her arms around him.

Two floors above them, in Ally’s childhood bedroom, Dr Charlie Kinnaird looked down at the small device he had brought with him from the surgery on Ally’s request.

‘All done,’ he confirmed.

Jack sat with Ally on the bed, squeezing her hand tightly. ‘So? What do you reckon, doc?’

Charlie smiled. ‘I just need a moment to know for sure.’

Ally leant her head onto Jack’s shoulder. ‘How’s that white stag of yours doing, Charlie?’ she asked.

‘We rarely see him, but when we do... it’s always spine-tingling. Our groundskeeper, Cal, wanted to put a tracker on the fellow, but...’ – Charlie shrugged – ‘I thought it would ruin the magic somewhat.’ The doctor recognised the nervouslook in the couple’s eyes. It was something he had witnessed many times before. ‘How are the grapes, Jack?’

‘It was a pretty good yield this year, I reckon,’ he replied. ‘We’re due to travel back next month to take a look at the new buds.’

Charlie smiled. ‘A life split between Norway and New Zealand... I’m terribly jealous!’

‘We have MK to thank, really,’ Ally explained. ‘She does such a wonderful job of overseeing things in the winter.’ She looked at Charlie in anticipation. He took the device to the window to confirm the result in the light.

‘Well, it’s official. Congratulations to both of you.’ Jack and Ally burst out laughing, and hugged one another.

‘Oh, thank you, Charlie! Thank you!’ Ally stood up and crossed the room to give him a kiss.

‘No need to thank me! This is wonderful news. I know how thrilled they’ll all be downstairs.’

‘I hope so. I wonder if...’ Ally’s sentence was cut short as the sound of an outboard motor approached on the lake outside.

Charlie turned around to look. ‘Seems as though we have a visitor,’ he said.

‘Who is that?’ Ally asked as she watched the little boat grow closer and closer to the jetty. Jack joined them at the window. On the lawn below, everyone was gathering to greet the mysterious arrival. As the boat docked, the driver came into view. ‘Oh no,’ Ally whispered.