Chapter 83

"As you know, I am a marine biologist, what you may not know is that I've expressed an inherent desire to discover evidence of the magical of this world in the past. In the past I actively investigated the existence of mermaids," Denman said. "Today, a man named Hunter Tasman came to me with proof of such," There was silence at the other end of the phone.

"By your silence, would I be right in assuming that you know exactly what this is about?" Denman asked tentatively. She heard a sigh.

"Yes," Jessie replied.

"He showed me photos of your transformation, and offered to sell them to me,"

"What are you going to do with them? With me?" Jessie asked in a shaky voice.

"Don't worry, I will not do anything without your permission. I will buy the photos. Alan has said he will pay me back. He would do anything to protect you, and I love him too much to hurt him by exploiting you. He loves you,"

"I know," Jessie said with a small smile.

"I'll get my lawyer to draw up a confidential, fool proof contract so that Hunter can never harm you again without serious losses on his part,"

"Thank you," Jessie said, relief evident in her voice. "You don't know how important this is to me,"

"I will buy the photos, but…" Denman began. She paused, not quite sure of how to word it. "There is something I'd like to ask you. I was wondering if, with your permission, I could study you, for research only. I would exclude your name from the reports of course but…I am a scientist so forgive me for asking."

"I…" Jessie began, "I don't know how studying me would benefit anyone,"

"It would benefit the scientific community…"

"…It would get more crackpots looking for mermaids, bad scientists testing without a moral standpoint," Jessie interrupted. 'I'm sorry, I know you mean well, but it's just too dangerous. There is a reason we desperately want to keep this secret."

"You're right, you're right. I'm sorry. I just had to ask," Denman backtracked. She understood where Jessie was coming from, but that did not mean that her hunger for knowledge would be sated.

"It's okay, I understand," Jessie replied.

"Would you be willing to let me test you if I never published my work? Just for my own scientific understanding?"

"I'm sorry, Linda," Jessie said.

"Have you never been curious as to how your genetics work? How you transform?"

"Yes. But I'm happy with writing it down to magic,"

"Okay, it was worth a try," Denman said. "Did you want me to give you the copies of the pictures when the deal goes through? Or did you want me to sort them out?"

"Can you give them to me?" Jessie asked, "It will give this some kind of finality – I guess,"

"Okay. Hopefully this all works out, so that you can have a relaxing New Year,"

"Thanks, I appreciate it," Jessie said before handing the phone back to Alan.

OoOoO

Jessie and Alan spent Christmas lunch over on Mako and dinner with Jessie's parents. Despite the festive season and the smiles on everyone's faces, there was a Hunter-sized shadow hanging over the celebrations. By dinner, Alan actively put it out of his mind, he wanted to forget Hunter for the day – he had a much more pressing issue to deal with. Almost on par with the mermaid scare – not really, but Alan was very nervous; He was about to ask his girlfriend's father for her hand in marriage. He knew it was traditional but he wanted to do right by his, with any luck, future father-in-law. Jessie described her family members and the typical Mills' Christmas as he drove them down to Brisbane.

Luke Mills, Jessie's elder brother, was grilling the steaks on the barbecue, along with his father, Greg and his cousin Bruce when Alan and Jessie arrived. Aunt Vivian was tossing the salad in the kitchen, talking to Sheryl, Jessie's mother. This was the first Christmas Alan would be spending with the Jessie's family, but he knew it would not be the last. Jessie's other cousin, Leah, greeted them when they arrived. Leah hugged Jessie.

"Hey, Jess, it's great to see you!" the bubbly younger woman said. "And you must be Alan! I've heard so much about you," Leah shook the hand that Alan offered.

"Good things I hope,"

"Of course," Leah smiled. Alan was introduced to the few members of the family that he didn't know. He already knew Jessie's parents, Sheryl and Greg, and her brother, Luke, and had met Jessie's only surviving Grandmother, Shirley, once before. It was a relaxed and casual affair and Alan thoroughly enjoyed himself. Alan thought about how to get to talk to Greg alone. After the presents and dinner, Greg was outside cleaning the grill of the barbecue. Jessie was helping her cousins with the dishes. This was his moment.

"Hey Greg," Alan began.

"Alan," he was greeted cheerily. "What can I do for you, son?"

"I was hoping to talk to you about something important," Alan replied. "Ah..." He felt nerves overcoming him. He needed to get this over with before he chickened out. Alan looked around checking if anyone else was in earshot. The family members were all either in loud conversation or busy undertaking a task. "I wanted to ask your permission to marry Jessie," he blurted. Alan criticised himself. That certainly could have come out better.

Greg looked surprised.

"Let me get this straight. You are asking for my permission, so that you can marry my daughter,"

"Yes," Alan was finding his shoes very interesting.

"I…see," Greg said lamely. "And you haven't asked her yet?"

"Well, no…I wanted to make sure it was okay with you first," Alan said, looking him in the eyes.

"Right," Greg said. Alan could see him trying to come up with something to say. "You have truly thought this through? You are sure you are ready? Not taking this a bit fast? This is a big step," Greg said.

"I know. We've been dating for over a year now and that is enough time for me to know that I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I love your daughter, sir,"

That logic sounded sound to Greg. He knew that his daughter was old enough to consider marriage. He just did not think that he would have to give away his daughter so quickly. Alan was a good man and a friend. He knew that Jessie was and would be happy with him.

"Well, in that case, I give you my blessing. It will be great to welcome you to the family, Alan,"

"Thanks, Greg," Alan began, "It means a lot." There was a comfortable pause. It was perfect timing. The family was once again moving outside.

Jessie came and stood next to Alan, taking his hand gently.

"What are you so happy about?" she asked, taking in the grin on his face.

"Everything is perfect," he said leaning down and kissing her cheek. "Thanks for inviting me,"

"Always," Jessie said. "You're a part of my family now. Merry Christmas,"

A/N: Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I was feeling generous...and was procrastinating, and wrote this chapter...I should be studying :P I have had two exams, two to go! After that I may be able to update more frequently - no promises though :P

Since the last update I have had numerous assignments, exams, and my 19th Birthday! I still feel exactly the same but am richer in lollies :P

Tell me what you like about the story line, chapter or anything else! All reviews and support welcome! I really appreciate you guys.

I know it probably seems weird to drop Christmas into the chapter so suddenly, but I found out that on my timeline that it is Christmas! So I hope you enjoyed that addition. Denman and Hunter's meeting it scheduled for the week when work is back on after Christmas.

Again, Mermaids Forever, thanks for the review, it got me to get my fingers into gear and get this chapter typed up. It helps that I had an exam this morning and wanted to have a break from study :P

Thanks so much guys for the support and the waiting - I'm sorry it takes me so long to update, I hope its worth the wait.

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