Drovers Empire

by M. M. O'Reilly

It's October of 2020, but the wildfires and worldwide pandemic never happened. We return to Gungellan for a modern reboot of our beloved McLeod's Daughters. The cattle stations of Drovers Run and Killarney are still working farms, and Wilgul has found a new life. Time has passed, but the love flowing around Drovers Run has never faltered.

139. Chapter 139

Chapter 139

Stevie had completely lost track of time. She had enjoyed herself at the party, but she was distracted with her text conversation with James. She liked sending him silly pictures and random thoughts. She had started looking forward to her phone vibrating. It was a weird feeling. She noticed the time and realized she should have taken Xander home long before now.

"Hey Xander, are you ready to go?"

"Yes, finally. I was wondering when you were going to be ready. Claire is being weird."

"No I'm not!" Claire responded defensively.

"I'll say goodbye and we can get out of here." Stevie said as she walked over to the group.

"Stevie, how's James doing?" Tess teased.

"Stevie blushed, "He's good. Xander and I are going to head out and head home. Happy Birthday Charlotte!"

"Good night Stevie" echoed from the group.

"Stevie, do you have a quick minute?" Charlotte asked.

'Umm, sure what do you need?" asked Stevie.

Charlotte got up and walked over to Stevie and they both walked away from the group.

"I just wanted to thank you for what you did. You were incredibly generous, especially because you don't even know me very well. I'll do my best to honor Drovers and live up to it as you and my mom did."

"Charlotte, I should never have owned a share of Drovers, it was always supposed to be Claire's and yours, I was just giving it back to its rightful owner. Don't beat yourself up over living up to it or being as good as your mom. Just be kind, help where you can, and be good to your aunts and cousins. Visit them regularly. Jodi and Tess and many of us have worked very hard to get Drovers Run to where it is now. Just do what you can to keep it safe and allow your family to be part of your life, whatever path you choose. Jodi and Tess are two of the finest people I've ever met. You are lucky to have them looking out for you," said Stevie.

"I know I am. I'm lucky to have you too. Thank you Stevie." said Charlotte.

"Okay Xander, let's head out." said Stevie

The two of them walked to the car and headed back to Killarney. Stevie put the ute in park and Xander jumped out of the back seat.

"I'm exhausted. You guys stay up too late for me." said Xander as he ran up to his bedroom.