Chapter 81

Jodi's alarm went off and she groaned. "Morning already? I just laid down," she grumbled.

"Go back to sleep, Baby. It's not your breakfast day," Matt mumbled, half asleep.

"I told Tess I would switch with her," explained Jodi.

"Why would you do that?"

"Because Tess is falling in love with Finn. She is going to tell Claire they were on a date last night and that she really likes him this morning."

"In love? Already?" asked Matt.

"She won't say that word, and she is honestly pretty terrified about how strong and quickly the feelings are coming, but I recognize the signs. She was glowing last night. She is falling hard and fast for him," said Jodi, feeling happy for her sister.

"Well, I mean, that's great, but I hope he doesn't hurt our girl," worried Matt, remembering how devastated Tess had been when she returned from Argentina..

"Me too. But we will get her through it again if we have to. I'm proud of her for putting herself out there. It took her a long time to be ready to try love again. She used the word fireworks last night."

"Fireworks. Wow. Finn O'Hara is a lucky bloke. He's got the second most beautiful woman in Gungellan," teased Matt.

"Also, we are going to ask to be taken out of the running for the Blue Apron contracts. Tess is a little spooked about it, as am I. Mixing romantic relationships and business partnerships doesn't usually go well. I remember how the shit hit the fan with Peter Johnson and Australian Bloodlines with Claire. AB almost took Drovers when Claire and Peter broke up. Peter lied about Claire fulfilling her contractual obligations to get back at her for breaking his heart. It's a hit to not get the contract, but we can survive without it. I'd rather Tess take her chance at love without any financial or business obligations to him," said Jodi.

"I reckon that's the right move if Tess really does want to pursue this relationship. We can find other contracts. Tess can't just replace someone she is falling in love with," said Matt as he smiled for his sister-in-law.

"That's what we decided last night as well. She is calling Finn today anyway. She can tell him then that it was a united decision from all three of us to bow out of the running," said Jodi.

Tess woke up nervous. She knew she needed to tell Claire what was happening with Finn, but she wasn't sure how she would react. Claire had tried to set them up so, hopefully, she'd be happy about it.

"Claire, honey? Wake up," said Tess.

"I'm up. What time is it? " replied Claire.

"It's morning. I want to talk to you about something."

"Okay. I'm up. I'm listening. Is everything okay?' asked Claire.

"Yes. Everything is okay. I wanted to tell you that I spoke with Finn and apologized about the whole awkward dinner thing," said Tess.

"Oh. I don't even want to remember that," said Claire, feeling embarrassed.

"Well, the truth is, Claire, you were right," admitted Tess.

"Right about what?" asked Claire.

"Thinking that Finn was interested in dating me. He is."

"Ha! I knew it!" said Claire triumphantly.

"Well, after I apologized, he confessed that he liked me, and he asked me to dinner, and I went. I had a good time. That was the day of the ring search. I got a flat on the way to town and Finn happened to drive by. He helped me change the tire," said Tess.

"Why didn't you tell me that sooner?"

"Well, it's only been a couple days, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue to see him, and I didn't want to get your hopes up if I decided not to," explained Tess.

"Okay. I get it. You are allowed to keep your love life private," said Claire.

"Well, I went out for dinner with him again last night. That's where I was all last evening. I got home after you were asleep. The truth is, Claire, I want to continue to see him. I like him a lot. Your matchmaking instincts were good. It's just your execution that was off. I probably would not have agreed to the first date if we hadn't had our talk before. So, thank you, because he is making me happy right now, and you helped to make that happen," said Tess.

"Yes! I knew it. I knew you would be good together. Are you going to marry him?"asked Claire.

"Claire, I have been on two dates with a nice man. There will be no talk of marriage right now. Okay?"

"Okay. But I'm glad you like him."

"I haven't really told anyone about what happened. Only Aunt Jodi and Uncle Matt know that I have been out with him. I didn't want to keep any big secrets from you, but please respect my privacy by not talking about it with anyone else. It's very new and I'm not ready to talk about it very much yet."

"I get it, Mom, but can I ask you just a couple questions," asked Claire.

"I guess that's fair. What's up?"

"Did you kiss him?" asked Claire.

Tess blushed. "Yes. But you don't get to ask anymore questions about that part of the relationship," she declared.

"I never get to ask the good stuff. I'm glad you kissed him. Is he a good kisser?"

Tess blushed even redder. "Yes. Now, no more questions. You're still my daughter and I'm not going to give you a breakdown of all of my dates. I will keep you aware of any important developments that occur, but don't ask me how each date went or anything like that. I want to keep this relationship private. Now go get ready for the day. We're mustering sheep. It's all hands on deck," said Tess.

"Sure, Mom. I'm glad you like Finn. You deserve to have someone nice," said Claire.