Chapter 184

Tess was finishing her lunch when the phone rang. It was Finn.

"Hey Tess, I just wanted to tell you that I signed a lease. I've got my own place and I don't have to keep staying at the pub much longer. I'm going to set down some roots here in Gungellan."

"That's great, where's your flat?"

"I'm renting a cottage from George Roop. It's perfect. I have my own little place with space for a few instruments, and eventually, I should be able to board a horse there too. It's only a twenty minute drive from you. I'm going to have to drive a lot for work to visit all of our suppliers, so as long as I'm in South Australia, it doesn't really matter where I live exactly. I've found several suppliers in this district, so it shouldn't be too bad."

"I love that commute. George is a good man, I reckon he'll be a good landlord. I'm glad you're putting a few roots down. I can't wait to see your new place."

"Well you'll have to wait a little bit longer, because I'm on my way to Fisher to buy some furniture. I've got a bed, but I still need a few things, including a TV. It's football season and If I wake up early enough, I should be able to watch the Seahawks play live for most of the games before I go to work on Mondays. I miss them. It's going to take me a little time until I'm ready to host you. I need some time to get everything settled, but I'd love to cook dinner for you soon,"

"I think that sounds great. I'll hang up so you can drive safely now. I love you," said Tess as she walked back into the kitchen.

"So I was hoping to talk to the two of you alone after lunch if that's cool." Charlotte said to Jodi and Tess as she hung up the phone.

"Of course, is everything okay?" asked Jodi.

"Yeah, everything is okay, I just want to have a private conversation with the two of you, before I head back to Fisher."

"You're heading out already?" Tess sounded disappointed.

"I thought I'd stay tonight and then head back tomorrow morning, but I wanted to discuss some official Drovers business as a partner before that." Charlotte explained.

"Oh, well I'm about done eating, Jodi are you? Let's just go into the office now then."

"Yeah, I'm finished." agreed Jodi

The three women left the rest of the family in the kitchen and headed into the office.

"So what's up, Charlotte? What official business did you wish to discuss?" asked Tess.

"Well, over the last few days, I've realized a few things. The first of them is that I really don't feel ready to take on a role as an owner and partner of Drovers. I don't know very much about farming, and I don't think I would know what's best for the station. You have both done such a great job with Drovers, and for now, I'd like you to continue playing the role of the decision makers and as the faces of Drovers without me."

"Okay Charlotte. I understand you don't feel ready." said Jodi.

"I'd like to learn what I need to know to become a good owner of Drovers Run. I will be majoring in Agricultural Sciences at Higgins, and I intend to do the working farm experience program as a way to learn what I need to know. I want to help care for Drovers and to honor it's tradition, and I think going to uni will help me get there. It's especially exciting since Kate Manfredi would be my mentor on the farm, and she is already such an important person in your lives," said Charlotte.

"I think that's great Charlotte. You won't get a better teacher than Kate Manfredi." Jodi said.

"Well, that's the final thing I wanted to talk about. The Higgins program won't be starting for a year or so. I can go as a traditional student for a year and take traditional classroom based classes, before starting that program in my second year. This was always my plan, but recently, I figured out that I could learn more from both of you, and from Matt, than I could in a traditional classroom. I was thinking that maybe once I finish high school in a few weeks, I could take a gap year and work here, as a farm hand. I reckon I could learn from two of the greatest teachers I know. The truth is, I've never felt more connected to my mother than I have in the last few days. I am so happy I came here, and that I came on the trail ride. I feel closer to all of you and I want to continue that. I've started to understand what it means to be a McLeod, and I realized I belong here. I'm a McLeod, and if you'll have me, I want to be with all of you," said Charlotte.

"Charlotte, are you sure? I want this to be completely your decision. You don't owe us anything," said Tess.

"I'm sure. I've thought a lot about it. This is the first truly adult decision I'm making for my future."

"Charlotte, this is wonderful news. You can live in the shearer's quarters if you want some privacy or if you prefer the chaos, you can have a room in the big house. It's your choice," offered Jodi.

"I think I'd like to try the shearer's quarters. It seems like some phenomenal women have gone through those rooms. I also think it would be good for me to live on my own, at least sort of. I know you would both be close by, but still in my own building. I think it's fitting as I'm an adult and making my own choices on things. I'd like to still do meals with all of you though," said Charlotte.

"I think this is wonderful Charlotte. You are so welcome here," said Tess.

"So that was my official business. I know I have a lot to learn, but I'm ready to learn and I'm looking forward to this next part of my life. Thank you for giving me this path as an option, and for letting me find my own way to it. I love you both so much."

"We love you too, Charlotte." Jodi and Tess gave Charlotte a big hug.

"So can we tell the rest of the gang the plan?" asked Jodi. "I know of at least a few other people who are going to be very happy about your choice."

"We might as well tell them now," said Charlotte, smiling.

The three of them walked back out to the kitchen where Matt, Claire, Meggie, Katie, Meg, and Terry were sitting.

"I'm moving to Drovers!" Charlotte announced.

Claire jumped out of her seat and wrapped her arms around her cousin. "I'm so glad you're staying!"

"Well I'm going to finish high school first. I still have two more weeks of classes, and I want to spend some time with my sisters and my friends from high school, but I'll be coming back after that. I'll be back in time for Christmas."

"Congratulations on making a decision Charlotte, we are very happy to have you," Matt said.

"I'm really happy you're coming back, Charlotte. I'd like to be better friends with you." Meggie spoke up.

"I'd like to be better friends with you as well, Meggie and we will get that opportunity when I live here." Charlotte replied. "I want to get to know all of you better.

"Hey guys, what is all the excitement about?" Kate asked as she and Russell walked into the kitchen. "We took our drone tour of Kinsella's and I feel very optimistic that it's going to work well for the program!"

"That's great news Kate, because I can't wait to be one of your first students! I've decided to live and work at Drovers until your program starts, and then I'll hopefully be moving to your property to learn from you." Charlotte announced.

Tess's phone rang. It was Grace.

"Hey Grace, we've got some news here at Drovers Run, you guys should come by this evening," said Tess.

"Well actually, Regan and Dylan would like to come over right now to share some news of their own. We are all already in the car. Stevie and Xander are meeting us at your place. We have big news! We will be there in a few," said Grace as she hung up the phone.

"Well that was Grace, apparently Regan and Dylan have some news of their own and are coming to us right now, with Stevie and Xander."