“So lets go back to Carolina – we can talk “

“You “ Sarah said with a note of finality in her voice “Will go back to Carolina. Finn has spoken to your parents – they will take you in and find you some farm work. I a due to fly back in two days – I intend to stay here for those two days and be with Tina and Finn and Bette. When I get home I will come and see you – we will talk – no lawyers and none of our children around to listen to their parents dirty linen. We will sort out the farm and everything but we both need to start again “

“But “

“No but “ Sarah said standing up “I am sorry that your time off together has been spoilt by your silly squabbling parents “

“Its okay “ Tina said looking at Bette. That really seemed to be it – Niall looked like he had no fight left in him.

“Maybe Finn can drive me to the airport “ Niall said

“When is your flight ?”

Niall got up and ambled into the spare room. Sarah looked upset – Bette went across and put a supportive hand on her shoulder

“Thank you “

“Well it seems that you two are not going to make the mistakes that Niall and I did. And I remember how much I hated being dragged into family feuds when I wanted to be alone with him. You two must just want to be alone together “

“We do “ Tina said “ I have a wonderful woman as my partner and I don’t want her looking at anyone else “

“That would never happen “ Bette said

“I know – I just want to keep the odds as long as they are right now” Tina said

Bette felt sorry for Niall when he came out of the room clutching the ticket

“Its not until Friday “

“Give it to me – I will get it changed “ Bette took the ticket and went off to the kitchen. She quickly changed the ticket and upgraded it to first class – something she would keep to herself. When she returned Sarah had gone and Tina was outside with her father. She put the ticket down on the table with the new details and went off to order some flowers for her mother…